bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study of TLR3, TLR4 and TLR9 in breast carcinomas and their association with metastasis
Authors: González-Reyes Salomé , Marín Laura , González Lucía , González Luis O , del Casar José M , Lamelas Maria L , González-Quintana José M , Vizoso Francisco J 
Published: December 2010

Abstract

Background
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have garnered an extraordinary amount of interest in cancer research due to their role in tumor progression. By activating the production of several biological factors, TLRs induce type I interferons and other cytokines, which drive an inflammatory response and activate the adaptive immune system. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and clinical relevance of TLR3, 4 and 9 in breast cancer.

Methods
The expression levels of TLR3, TLR4 and TLR9 were analyzed on tumors from 74 patients with breast cancer. The analysis was performed by immunohistochemistry.

Results
Samples of carcinomas with recurrence exhibited a significant increase in the mRNA levels of TLR3, TLR4 and TLR9. Tumors showed high expression of TLRs expression levels by cancer cells, especially TLR4 and 9. Nevertheless, a significant percentage of tumors also showed TLR4 expression by mononuclear inflammatory cells (21.6%) and TLR9 expression by fibroblast-like cells (57.5%). Tumors with high TLR3 expression by tumor cell or with high TLR4 expression by mononuclear inflammatory cells were significantly associated with higher probability of metastasis. However, tumours with high TLR9 expression by fibroblast-like cells were associated with low probability of metastasis.

Conclusions
The expression levels of TLR3, TLR4 and TLR9 have clinical interest as indicators of tumor aggressiveness in breast cancer. TLRs may represent therapeutic targets in breast cancer.
Impact of maximum Standardized Uptake Value (SUVmax) evaluated by 18-Fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT) on survival for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma: a preliminary report
Authors: Namura Kazuhiro , Minamimoto Ryogo , Yao Masahiro , Makiyama Kazuhide , Murakami Takayuki , Sano Futoshi , Hayashi Narihiko , Tateishi Ukihide , Ishigaki Hanako , Kishida Takeshi , Miura Takeshi , Kobayashi Kazuki , Noguchi Sumio , Inoue Tomio , Kubota Yoshinobu , Nakaigawa Noboru 
Published: December 2010

Abstract

Background
In this era of molecular targeting therapy when various systematic treatments can be selected, prognostic biomarkers are required for the purpose of risk-directed therapy selection. Numerous reports of various malignancies have revealed that 18-Fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (18F-FDG) accumulation, as evaluated by positron emission tomography, can be used to predict the prognosis of patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) from 18-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) on survival for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Methods
A total of 26 patients with advanced or metastatic RCC were enrolled in this study. The FDG uptake of all RCC lesions diagnosed by conventional CT was evaluated by 18F-FDG PET/CT. The impact of SUVmax on patient survival was analyzed prospectively.

Results
FDG uptake was detected in 230 of 243 lesions (94.7%) excluding lung or liver metastases with diameters of less than 1 cm. The SUVmax of 26 patients ranged between 1.4 and 16.6 (mean 8.8 ± 4.0). The patients with RCC tumors showing high SUVmax demonstrated poor prognosis (P = 0.005 hazard ratio 1.326, 95% CI 1.089-1.614). The survival between patients with SUVmax equal to the mean of SUVmax, 8.8 or more and patients with SUVmax less than 8.8 were statistically different (P = 0.0012). This is the first report to evaluate the impact of SUVmax on advanced RCC patient survival. However, the number of patients and the follow-up period were still not extensive enough to settle this important question conclusively.

Conclusions
The survival of patients with advanced RCC can be predicted by evaluating their SUVmax using 18F-FDG-PET/CT. 18F-FDG-PET/CT has potency as an "imaging biomarker" to provide helpful information for the clinical decision-making.
1,1-Bis(3'-indolyl)-1-(p-substituted phenyl)methanes induce autophagic cell death in estrogen receptor negative breast cancer
Authors: Vanderlaag Kathy , Su Yunpeng , Frankel Arthur E , Burghardt Robert C , Barhoumi Rola , Chadalapaka Gayathri , Jutooru Indira , Safe Stephen 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBackgroundA novel series of methylene-substituted DIMs (C-DIMs), namely 1,1-bis(3'-indolyl)-1-(p-substituted phenyl)methanes containing t-butyl (DIM-C-pPhtBu) and phenyl (DIM-C-pPhC6H5) groups inhibit proliferation of invasive estrogen receptor-negative MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-453 human breast cancer cell lines with IC50 values between 1-5 uM. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the pathways of C-DIM-induced cell death.MethodsThe effects of the C-DIMs on apoptotic, necrotic and autophagic cell death were determined using caspase inhibitors, measurement of lactate dehydrogenase release, and several markers of autophagy including Beclin and light chain associated protein 3 expression (LC3).ResultsThe C-DIM compounds did not induce apoptosis and only DIM-C-pPhCF3exhibited necrotic effects. However, treatment of MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-453 cells with C-DIMs resulted in accumulation of LC3-II compared to LC3-I protein, a characteristic marker of autophagy, and transient transfection of green fluorescent protein-LC3 also revealed that treatment with C-DIMs induced a redistribution of LC3 to autophagosomes after C-DIM treatment. In addition, the autofluorescent drug monodansylcadaverine (MDC), a specific autophagolysosome marker, accumulated in vacuoles after C-DIM treatment, and western blot analysis of lysates from cells treated with C-DIMs showed that the Beclin 1/Bcl-2 protein ratio increased.ConclusionThe results suggest that C-DIM compounds may represent a new mechanism-based agent for treating drug-resistant ER-negative breast tumors through induction of autophagy.
The influence of persistent pathogens on circulating levels of inflammatory markers: a cross-sectional analysis from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Nazmi Aydin , Diez-Roux Ana V , Jenny Nancy S , Tsai Michael Y , Szklo Moyses , Aiello Allison E 
Published: December 2010

Abstract

Background
Systemic inflammation is linked to cardiovascular risk, but the influence of persistent pathogens, which are conventionally dichotomously categorized, on circulating levels of inflammatory markers is not clear. Antibody levels of pathogens have not been examined in relation to inflammation.

Methods
Using data from a subsample of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, we examined circulating levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen in relation to five common persistent pathogens: cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus-1, Hepatitis A virus, Helicobacter pylori and Chlamydia pneumoniae. We tested the hypothesis that the number of seropositive pathogens (based on conventional cut-off points) would not be as sensitive a marker of inflammation as immune response measured by antibody levels to pathogens.

Results
High antibody response to multiple pathogens showed graded and significant associations with IL-6 (p < 0.001), CRP (p = 0.04) and fibrinogen (p = 0.001), whereas seropositive pathogen burden did not. In multiple linear regression models, high antibody response to multiple pathogens maintained a positive association only with IL-6 (4.4% per pathogen exhibiting high antibody response, 95% CI 0.0-8.9).

Conclusions
High antibody response to pathogens was a more consistent marker of inflammatory outcomes compared to seropositivity alone and high antibody response to multiple pathogens was a stronger marker compared to any single pathogen.
Perceptions and attitudes of clinicians in Spain toward clinical practice guidelines and grading systems: a protocol for a qualitative study and a national survey
Authors: Kotzeva Anna , Solà Ivan , Carrasco José Miguel , del Campo Petra Díaz , Gracia Francisco Javier , Calderón Enrique , de Gaminde Idoia , Estrada Maria Dolors , Martínez Flora , Orrego Carola , Rotaeche Rafael , Salcedo Flavia , Velázquez Paola , Alonso-Coello Pablo 
Published: December 2010

Abstract

Background
Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have become a very popular tool for decision making in healthcare. While there is some evidence that CPGs improve outcomes, there are numerous factors that influence their acceptability and use by healthcare providers. While evidence of clinicians' knowledge, perceptions and attitudes toward CPGs is extensive, results are still disperse and not conclusive. Our study will evaluate these issues in a large and representative sample of clinicians in Spain.

Methods/Design
A mixed-method design combining qualitative and quantitative research techniques will evaluate general practitioners (GPs) and hospital-based specialists in Spain with the objective of exploring attitudes and perceptions about CPGs and evidence grading systems. The project will consist of two phases: during the first phase, group discussions will be carried out to gain insight into perceptions and attitudes of the participants, and during the second phase, this information will be completed by means of a survey, reaching a greater number of clinicians. We will explore these issues in GPs and hospital-based practitioners, with or without previous experience in guideline development.

Discussion
Our study will identify and gain insight into the perceived problems and barriers of Spanish practitioners in relation to guideline knowledge and use. The study will also explore beliefs and attitudes of clinicians towards CPGs and evidence grading systems used to rate the quality of the evidence and the strength of recommendations. Our results will provide guidance to healthcare researchers and healthcare decision makers to improve the use of guidelines in Spain and elsewhere.
Human papillomavirus infection in women with and without cervical cancer in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Okolo Clement , Franceschi Silvia , Adewole Isaac , Thomas Jaiye O , Follen Michele , Snijders Peter JF , Meijer Chris JLM , Clifford Gary M 
Published: December 2010

Abstract

Background
Concerns have been raised that the proportion of cervical cancer preventable by human papillomavirus (HPV) 16/18 vaccines might be lower in sub-Saharan Africa than elsewhere.

Method
In order to study the relative carcinogenicity of HPV types in Nigeria, as well as to estimate the vaccine-preventable proportion of invasive cervical cancer (ICC) in the Country, we compared HPV type prevalence among 932 women from the general population of Ibadan, Nigeria, with that among a series of 75 ICC cases diagnosed in the same city. For all samples, a GP5+/6+ PCR based assay was used for the detection of 44 genital HPV types.

Results
In the general population, 245 (26.3%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 23.5% - 29.2%) women were HPV-positive, among whom the prevalence of HPV35 and HPV16 were equally frequent (12.2%, 95% CI 8.4% - 17.0%). In ICC, however, HPV16 predominated strongly (67.6% of 68 HPV-positive cases), with the next most common types being 18 (10.3%, 95% CI 4.2% - 20.1%), 35, 45 and 56 (each 5.9%, 95% CI 1.6% - 14.4%). Comparing among HPV-positive women only, HPV16 and 18 were over-represented in ICC versus the general population (prevalence ratios 5.52, 95% CI 3.7 - 8.3 and 1.4, 95% CI 0.6 - 3.3, respectively). Other high-risk HPV types, as well as low-risk and multiple HPV infections were less common in HPV-positive women with ICC than from the general population.

Conclusions
Our study confirms that in Nigeria, as elsewhere, women infected with HPV16 and 18 are at higher risk of developing ICC than those infected with other high-risk types, and that current HPV16/18 vaccines have enormous potential to reduce cervical cancer in the region.
The revised Bethesda guidelines: extent of utilization in a university hospital medical center with a cancer genetics program
Authors: Mukherjee Aparna , McGarrity Thomas J , Ruggiero Francesca , Koltun Walter , McKenna Kevin , Poritz Lisa , Baker Maria J 
Published: December 2010

Abstract

Background
In 1996, the National Cancer Institute hosted an international workshop to develop criteria to identify patients with colorectal cancer who should be offered microsatellite instability (MSI) testing due to an increased risk for Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC). These criteria were further modified in 2004 and became known as the revised Bethesda Guidelines. Our study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the percentage of patients diagnosed with HNPCC tumors in 2004 who met revised Bethesda criteria for MSI testing, who were referred for genetic counseling within our institution.

Methods
All HNPCC tumors diagnosed in 2004 were identified by accessing CoPath, an internal database. Both the Tumor Registry and patients' electronic medical records were accessed to collect all relevant family history information. The list of patients who met at least one of the revised Bethesda criteria, who were candidates for MSI testing, was then cross-referenced with the database of patients referred for genetic counseling within our institution.

Results
A total of 380 HNPCC-associated tumors were diagnosed at our institution during 2004 of which 41 (10.7%) met at least one of the revised Bethesda criteria. Eight (19.5%) of these patients were referred for cancer genetic counseling of which 2 (25%) were seen by a genetics professional. Ultimately, only 4.9% of patients eligible for MSI testing in 2004 were seen for genetic counseling.

Conclusion
This retrospective study identified a number of barriers, both internal and external, which hindered the identification of individuals with HNPCC, thus limiting the ability to appropriately manage these high risk families.
Global Fears, Local Anxiety: Policing, Counterterrorism and Moral Panic Over ‘Bikie Gang Wars’ in New South Wales
Authors: Morgan George , Dagistanli Selda , Martin Greg 
Published: December 2010

This article proceeds in three main parts. First, it provides an account of a moral panic that unfolded during a short period in the Australian state of New South Wales over warring motorbike or ‘bikie’ gangs. Second, it sketches a recent history of laws in New South Wales that have expanded police powers, including ‘anti-bikie’ gang laws. The article shows how policing and crime control has become politicised since 9/11 and, accordingly, the extension of police powers has entailed the blurring of the functions of police and security services. This, in turn, raises serious concerns about civil liberties and the rule of law. Third, the article interprets the events surrounding the ‘bikie gang wars’ using classic and more recent moral panic theory as well as ideas around the ‘new penology’. The article concludes by considering the utility of applying the concept of moral panic to the bikie case.
Hydride Platelet Reorientation in Zircaloy Studied with Synchrotron Radiation Diffraction
Authors: Colas Kimberly B. , Motta Arthur T. , Daymond Mark R. , Kerr Matthew , Almer Jonathan D. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Hydrogen ingress into zirconium alloy fuel cladding in light water reactors can degrade cladding performance as a result of the formation of brittle hydrides. In service, hydrides normally precipitate in the circumferential direction and are homogeneously distributed through the cladding thickness in ideal cases. However, temperature and stress gradients in the cladding can promote hydrogen redistribution. This hydrogen redistribution is responsible for the formation of hydride rims, dissolution, and reorientation of hydride precipitates and for the formation of brittle hydrides at stress concentration locations, all of which can reduce cladding resistance to failure. Thus, it is crucial to understand the kinetics of hydride dissolution and precipitation under load and at temperature. Studies of hydrogen behavior in zirconium alloys are normally performed post facto, which causes them to suffer both from a scarcity of data points and from the confounding effects of studying hydrides at room temperature that might be dissolved at higher temperature. In the current study, we have used synchrotron radiation diffraction to study the kinetics of hydride precipitation and dissolution in situ (under load and at temperature). Samples of hydrided Zircaloy-4 were examined in transmission by using 80 keV synchrotron radiation while undergoing heating and cooling in a furnace. Temperatures ranged from 20 to 550°C, and loads from 75 to 100 MPa were applied. The hydrides dissolved and reprecipitated in a different orientation when sufficiently high loads were applied. Through careful study of the intensities and full-width half maxima of the diffraction peaks as a function of time, load, and temperature, it was possible to identify the characteristic diffraction patterns for the reoriented hydrides so that the kinetics of dissolution, reprecipitation, and orientation of the hydrides could be followed. The analysis of the diffraction patterns allowed a detailed understanding of the kinetics of hydride evolution under temperature and stress, as presented in this work.
Der angebliche Bericht über die Umschiffung Afrikas. Eine wissenschaftsgeschichtliche Einordnung
Authors: Gertzen Thomas L. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Based on the examination of archival material from the Erman correspondence, stored at the State and University Library Bremen and the Royal Museums of Art and History in Brussels, as well as on contemporary and recent publications, this article is to present the affair of the forged scarabs of Necho relating to the alleged circumnavigation of Africa, discredited by the representatives of the 'Berlin School′, on the basis of a thorough linguistic analysis and thereby constituting a 'paradigm′ in Egyptology.
Comparison of the 5‐Fluorouracil‐Warfarin and Capecitabine‐Warfarin Drug Interactions
Authors: Shah Sachin R. , Martin Randall , Dowell Jonathan E. , Ussery Sarah M. Gressett 
Published: December 2010

Study Objective. To compare the differences between the 5‐fluorouracil‐warfarin and capecitabine‐warfarin drug interactions in patients receiving therapeutic dosesofwarfarin.Design. Retrospective medical record review.Setting. Large academic Veterans Affairs health care system.Patients. Twenty‐four patients who received concomitant therapeutic doses of warfarin and at least one dose of a fluoropyrimidine—5‐fluorouracil or capecitabine—between January 2004 and May 2008.Measurements and Main Results. The primary outcome was mean change in international normalized ratio (INR) from baseline to end of 90‐day study period. Only patients who were taking warfarin before starting either fluoropyrimidine‐based chemotherapy were included in the primary analysis. Of the 24 eligible patients, 15 (9 receiving 5‐fluorouracil, 6 receiving capecitabine) were taking warfarin before receiving either fluoropyrimidine. No significant differences were noted in the average weekly warfarin dose or baseline INR between the 5‐fluorouracil and capecitabine groups. The mean change in INR for patients taking warfarin before fluoropyrimidine use was 4.62 in the 5‐fluorouracil group compared with 5.11 in the capecitabine group (p=0.87). The capecitabine group had a similar proportion of patients achieving an INR above 9 while taking warfarin compared with the 5‐fluorouracil group (17% vs 22%). In those patients who required a warfarin dosage reduction, the dose was reduced by 38% and 41% in the 5‐fluorouracil and capecitabine groups, respectively. No significant differences in bleeding events were reported within 90 days of concurrent use of either fluoropyrimidine with warfarin.Conclusion. Our study suggests that in patients receiving concomitant warfarin and a fluoropyrimidine, no significant differences in INR elevation or bleeding events were noted with 5‐fluorouracil compared with capecitabine.
End-Stage Renal Disease Status and Critical Illness in the Elderly
Authors: Sood Manish M. , Roberts Dan , Komenda Paul , Bueti Joe , Reslerova Martina , Mojica Julie , Rigatto Claudio 
Published: December 2010

Summary

Background and objectives
Elderly patients (>65 years old) are a rapidly growing demographic in the ESRD and intensive care unit (ICU) populations, yet the effect of ESRD status on critical illness in elderly patients remains unknown. Reliable estimates of prognosis would help to inform care and management of this frail and vulnerable population.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
The effect of ESRD status on survival and readmission rates was examined in a retrospective cohort of 14,650 elderly patients (>65 years old) admitted to 11 ICUs in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada between 2000 and 2006. Logistic regression models were used to adjust odds of mortality and readmission to ICU for baseline case mix and illness severity.

Results
Elderly ESRD patients had twofold higher crude in-hospital mortality (22% versus 13%, P < 0.0001) and readmission rate (6.4 versus 2.7%, P = 0.001). After adjustment for illness severity alone or illness severity and case mix, the odds ratio for mortality decreased to 0.85 (95% CI: 0.57 to 1.25) and 0.82 (95% CI: 0.55 to 1.23), respectively. In contrast, ESRD status remained significantly associated with readmission to ICU after adjustment for other risk factors (OR 2.06 [95% CI: 1.32, 3.22]).

Conclusions
Illness severity on admission, rather than ESRD status per se, appears to be the main driver of in-hospital mortality in elderly patients. However, ESRD status is an independent risk factor for early and late readmission, suggesting that this population might benefit from alternative strategies for ICU discharge.
Flood hazard in Hungary: a re-assessment
Authors: Lóczy Dénes 
Published: December 2010

AbstractSome decades ago the concept of flood hazard in the Carpathian Basin was interpreted solely as riverine flood hazard, mostly restricted to the Tisza and Danube Rivers, and was closely associated with the impacts of river flow regulation in the second half of the 19th century. Recent assessments, however, allow us to outline a more diverse picture. Climate change is predicted to bring about both an increase in the frequency of droughts and excessive rainfall events, resulting in irregulaties in the water regimes of rivers in Hungary. Excess water hazard from raised groundwater levels is found to affect much larger areas than previously thought. Recent strongly localized cloudbursts, point to the increasing significance of flash floods.Riverine flooding and excess water hazard are more common in lowlands, whereas flash flood hazards are primarily, but not exclusively, affect the mountainous and hilly regions of the country. This paper intends to assess the relative importance of the three types of inundation hazard analyzed and to illustrate their overall spatial occurrences by microregions on a map series.