bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ovarian cancer survival population differences: a "high resolution study" comparing Philippine residents, and Filipino-Americans and Caucasians living in the US
Authors: Redaniel Maria Theresa M , Laudico Adriano , Mirasol-Lumague Maria Rica , Gondos Adam , Uy Gemma Leonora , Toral Jean Ann , Benavides Doris , Brenner Hermann 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background
In contrast to most other forms of cancer, data from some developing and developed countries show surprisingly similar survival rates for ovarian cancer. We aimed to compare ovarian cancer survival in Philippine residents, Filipino-Americans and Caucasians living in the US, using a high resolution approach, taking potential differences in prognostic factors into account.

Methods
Using databases from the SEER 13 and from the Manila and Rizal Cancer Registries, age-adjusted five-year absolute and relative survival estimates were computed using the period analysis method and compared between Filipino-American ovarian cancer patients with cancer patients from the Philippines and Caucasians in the US. Cox proportional hazards modelling was used to determine factors affecting survival differences.

Results
Despite more favorable distribution of age and cancer morphology and similar stage distribution, 5-year absolute and relative survival were lower in Philippine residents (Absolute survival, AS, 44%, Standard Error, SE, 2.9 and Relative survival, RS, 49.7%, SE, 3.7) than in Filipino-Americans (AS, 51.3%, SE, 3.1 and RS, 54.1%, SE, 3.4). After adjustment for these and additional covariates, strong excess risk of death for Philippine residents was found (Relative Risk, RR, 2.45, 95% confidence interval, 95% CI, 1.99-3.01). In contrast, no significant differences were found between Filipino-Americans and Caucasians living in the US.

Conclusion
Multivariate analyses disclosed strong survival disadvantages of Philippine residents compared to Filipino-American patients, for which differences in access to health care might have played an important role. Survival is no worse among Filipino-Americans than among Caucasians living in the US.
Site-specific relapse pattern of the triple negative tumors in Chinese breast cancer patients
Authors: Lin Yanping , Yin Wenjin , Yan Tingting , Zhou Liheng , Di Genhong , Wu Jiong , Shen Zhenzhou , Shao Zhimin , Lu Jinsong 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background
It has been reported that triple negative phenotype is characterized by aggressive clinical history in Western breast cancer patients, however its pattern of metastatic spread had never been reported in the Chinese population. Considering racial disparities, we sought to analyze the spread pattern for different sites of first recurrence in Chinese triple negative breast cancers.

Methods
A retrospective study of 1662 patients was carried out from a large database of breast cancer patients undergoing surgery between January 1, 2000 and March 31, 2004 at the Cancer Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. Survival curves were generated using the Kaplan-Meier method and annual relapse hazards were estimated by the hazard function.

Results
We found a statistically significant difference in relapse-free survival (RFS) for locoregional and visceral recurrence (P = 0.007 and P = 0.025, respectively) among the triple negative, ERBB2+ and HR+/ERBB2- subgroups in univariate analysis. In the multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, RFS for either locoregional or visceral relapse in the triple negative category was inferior to that in HR+/ERBB2- patients (P = 0.027 and P = 0.005, respectively), but comparable to that in ERBB2+ women (both P > 0.05). Furthermore, the early relapse peak appeared later in the triple negative group than that in the ERBB2+ counterpart for both locoregional and visceral relapse. On the other hand, when compared with triple negative breast cancers, a significantly lower risk of developing bone relapse was discerned for ERBB2+ women (P = 0.048; HR = 0.384, 95% CI 0.148-0.991), with the borderline significance for HR+/ERBB2- breast cancers (P = 0.058; HR = 0.479, 95% CI 0.224-1.025). In terms of bone metastasis, the hazard rate remained higher for the triple negative category than that for the ERBB2+ subtype.

Conclusion
Based on the site-specific spread pattern in different subgroups, the triple negative category of breast cancers in the Chinese population exhibits a different pattern of relapse, which indicates that different organotropism may be due to the different intrinsic subtypes. A better knowledge of the triple negative category is warranted for efficacious systemic regimens to decrease and/or delay the relapse hazard.
Both ischemic preconditioning and ghrelin administration protect hippocampus from ischemia/reperfusion and upregulate uncoupling protein-2
Authors: Liu Yajun , Chen Lianbi , Xu Xiaoqun , Vicaut Eric , Sercombe Richard 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background
A major endogenous protective mechanism in many organs against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is ischemic preconditioning (IPC). By moderately uncoupling the mitochondrial respiratory chain and decreasing production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), IPC reduces apoptosis induced by I/R by reducing cytochrome c release from the mitochondria. One element believed to contribute to reduce ROS production is the uncoupling protein UCP2 (and UCP3 in the heart). Although its implication in IPC in the brain has been shown in vitro, no in vivo study of protein has shown its upregulation. Our first goal was to determine in rat hippocampus whether UCP2 protein upregulation was associated with IPC-induced protection and increased ROS production. The second goal was to determine whether the peptide ghrelin, which possesses anti-oxidant and protective properties, alters UCP2 mRNA levels in the same way as IPC during protection.

Results
After global forebrain ischemia (15 min) with 72 h reperfusion (I/R group), we found important neuronal lesion in the rat hippocampal CA1 region, which was reduced by a preceding 3-min preconditioning ischemia (IPC+I/R group), whereas the preconditioning stimulus alone (IPC group) had no effect. Compared to control, UCP2 protein labelling increased moderately in the I/R (+39%, NS) and IPC+I/R (+28%, NS) groups, and substantially in the IPC group (+339%, P < 0.05). Treatment with superoxide dismutase (10000 U/kg ip) at the time of a preconditioning ischemia greatly attenuated (-73%, P < 0.001) the increase in UCP2 staining at 72 h, implying a role of oxygen radicals in UCP2 induction.
Hippocampal UCP2 mRNA showed a moderate increase in I/R (+33%, P < 0.05) and IPC+I/R (+40%, P < 0.05) groups versus control, and a large increase in the IPC group (+333%, P < 0.001). In ghrelin experiments, the I/R+ghrelin group (3 daily administrations) showed considerable protection of CA1 neurons versus I/R animals, and increased hippocampal UCP2 mRNA (+151%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion
We confirm that IPC causes increased expression of UCP2 protein in vivo, at a moment appropriate for protection against I/R in the hippocampus. The two dissimilar protective strategies, IPC and ghrelin administration, were both associated with upregulated UCP2, suggesting that UCP2 may often represent a final common pathway in protection from I/R.
A comparison of classification methods for predicting Chronic Fatigue Syndrome based on genetic data
Authors: Huang Lung-Cheng , Hsu Sen-Yen , Lin Eugene 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background
In the studies of genomics, it is essential to select a small number of genes that are more significant than the others for the association studies of disease susceptibility. In this work, our goal was to compare computational tools with and without feature selection for predicting chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) using genetic factors such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).

Methods
We employed the dataset that was original to the previous study by the CDC Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research Group. To uncover relationships between CFS and SNPs, we applied three classification algorithms including naive Bayes, the support vector machine algorithm, and the C4.5 decision tree algorithm. Furthermore, we utilized feature selection methods to identify a subset of influential SNPs. One was the hybrid feature selection approach combining the chi-squared and information-gain methods. The other was the wrapper-based feature selection method.

Results
The naive Bayes model with the wrapper-based approach performed maximally among predictive models to infer the disease susceptibility dealing with the complex relationship between CFS and SNPs.

Conclusion
We demonstrated that our approach is a promising method to assess the associations between CFS and SNPs.
Who uses firearms as a means of suicide? A population study exploring firearm accessibility and method choice
Authors: Klieve Helen , Sveticic Jerneja , De Leo Diego 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe 1996 Australian National Firearms Agreement introduced strict access limitations. However, reports on the effectiveness of the new legislation are conflicting. This study, accessing all cases of suicide 1997-2004, explores factors which may impact on the choice of firearms as a suicide method, including current licence possession and previous history of legal access.MethodsDetailed information on all Queensland suicides (1997-2004) was obtained from the Queensland Suicide Register, with additional details of firearm licence history accessed from the Firearm Registry (Queensland Police Service). Cases were compared against licence history and method choice (firearms or other method). Odds ratios (OR) assessed the risk of firearms suicide and suicide by any method against licence history. A logistic regression was undertaken identifying factors significant in those most likely to use firearms in suicide.ResultsThe rate of suicide using firearms in those with a current license (10.92 per 100,000) far exceeded the rate in those with no license history (1.03 per 100,000). Those with a license history had a far higher rate of suicide (30.41 per 100,000) compared to that of all suicides (15.39 per 100,000). Additionally, a history of firearms licence (current or present) was found to more than double the risk of suicide by any means (OR = 2.09,P< 0.001). The group with the highest risk of selecting firearms to suicide were older males from rural locations.ConclusionAccessibility and familiarity with firearms represent critical elements in determining the choice of method. Further licensing restrictions and the implementation of more stringent secure storage requirements are likely to reduce the overall familiarity with firearms in the community and contribute to reductions in rates of suicide.
Unintended spread of a biosafety level 2 recombinant retrovirus
Authors: Stang Alexander , Petrasch-Parwez Elisabeth , Brandt Sabine , Dermietzel Rolf , Meyer Helmut E , Stühler Kai , Liffers Sven-T , Überla Klaus , Grunwald Thomas 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background
Contamination of vertebrate cell lines with animal retroviruses has been documented repeatedly before. Although such viral contaminants can be easily identified with high sensitivity by PCR, it is impossible to screen for all potential contaminants. Therefore, we explored two novel methods to identify viral contaminations in cell lines without prior knowledge of the kind of contaminant.

Results
The first hint for the presence of contaminating retroviruses in one of our cell lines was obtained by electron microscopy of exosome-like vesicles released from the supernatants of transfected 293T cells. Random amplification of particle associated RNAs (PAN-PCR) from supernatant of contaminated 293T cells and sequencing of the amplicons revealed several nucleotide sequences showing highest similarity to either murine leukemia virus (MuLV) or squirrel monkey retrovirus (SMRV). Subsequent mass spectrometry analysis confirmed our findings, since we could identify several peptide sequences originating from monkey and murine retroviral proteins. Quantitative PCRs were established for both viruses to test currently cultured cell lines as well as liquid nitrogen frozen cell stocks. Gene fragments for both viruses could be detected in a broad range of permissive cell lines from multiple species. Furthermore, experimental infections of cells negative for these viruses showed that both viruses replicate rapidly to high loads. We decided to further analyze the genomic sequence of the MuLV-like contaminant virus. Surprisingly it was neither identical to MuLV nor to the novel xenotropic MuLV related retrovirus (XMRV) but showed 99% identity to a synthetic retrovirus which was engineered in the 1980s.

Conclusion
The high degree of nucleotide identity suggests unintended spread of a biosafety level 2 recombinant virus, which could also affect the risk assessment of gene-modified organisms released from contaminated cell cultures. The study further indicates that both mass spectrometry and PAN-PCR are powerful methods to identify viral contaminations in cell lines without prior knowledge of the kind of contaminant. Both methods might be useful tools for testing cell lines before using them for critical purposes.
Inhibition of the NMDA receptor/Nitric Oxide pathway in the dorsolateral periaqueductal gray causes anxiolytic-like effects in rats submitted to the Vogel conflict test
Authors: Tonetto Lucas LM , Terzian Ana L , Del Bel Elaine A , Guimarães Francisco S , Resstel Leonardo BM 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background
Several studies had demonstrated the involvement of the dorsolateral portion of periaqueductal grey matter (dlPAG) in defensive responses. This region contains a significant number of neurons containing the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and previous studies showed that non-selective NOS inhibition or glutamate NMDA-receptor antagonism in the dlPAG caused anxiolytic-like effects in the elevated plus maze.

Methods
In the present study we verified if the NMDA/NO pathway in the dlPAG would also involve in the behavioral suppression observed in rats submitted to the Vogel conflict test. In addition, the involvement of this pathway was investigated by using a selective nNOS inhibitor, Nω-propyl-L-arginine (N-Propyl, 0.08 nmol/200 nL), a NO scavenger, carboxy-PTIO (c-PTIO, 2 nmol/200 nL) and a specific NMDA receptor antagonist, LY235959 (4 nmol/200 nL).

Results
Intra-dlPAG microinjection of these drugs increased the number of punished licks without changing the number of unpunished licks or nociceptive threshold, as measure by the tail flick test.

Conclusion
The results indicate that activation of NMDA receptors and increased production of NO in the dlPAG are involved in the anxiety behavior displayed by rats in the VCT.
The expression of PLK-1 in cervical carcinoma: a possible target for enhancing chemosensitivity
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Liu Yu , Yang Yuan-Xian , Xia Jia-Hong , Zhang Hong-Xiu , Li Hua-Bin , Yu Chun-Zhao 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background
Polo-like kinase-1 (PLK-1) is reported to be upregulated in a variety of human tumors and is implicated in cell proliferation and survival. However, its importance in cervical carcinoma has not yet been fully elucidated.

Methods
We examined PLK-1 expression in cervical carcinoma tissues using immunohistochemical staining. Furthermore, we blocked PLK-1 expression in HeLa cells using specific siRNA and detected the cell cycle, cell proliferation and chemosensitivity using western blotting, MTT and flow cytometry.

Results
We provide evidence that expression of PLK-1 exists in human cervical carcinoma tissues and establish an association with tumor size. Furthermore, we show that PLK-1 knockdown by transfection of siRNA induces accumulation of HeLa cells in the G2/M cell cycle phase and enhances cisplatin-induced apoptosis.

Conclusion
Our results indicate that PLK-1 production in HeLa cells might be critical in determining whether cells survive or undergo apoptosis. Therefore, targeting PLK-1 might be a promising strategy for enhancing sensitivity to chemotherapeutic reagents in cervical carcinoma.
A new integrative weaning index of discontinuation from mechanical ventilation
Authors: Nemer Sergio N , Barbas Carmen SV , Caldeira Jefferson B , Cárias Thiago C , Santos Ricardo G , Almeida Luiz C , Azeredo Leandro M , Noé Rosângela A , Guimarães Bruno S , Souza Paulo C 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Indexes predicting weaning outcome are frequently inaccurate. We developed a new integrative weaning index aimed at improving the accuracy of the traditional indexes.

Methods
Three hundred and thirty-one patients mechanically-ventilated for more than 24 hours were evaluated. Initially, the threshold values of each index that best discriminate between a successful and an unsuccessful weaning outcome were determined in 115 patients. In the second phase, the predictive performance of these values was tested prospectively in the other 216 patients. Frequency/tidal volume ratio (f/Vt ratio), tidal volume (Vt), tracheal airway occlusion pressure 0.1 s (P 0.1), the product of P 0.1 and f/Vt (P 0.1 × f/Vt), respiratory rate (f), static compliance of the respiratory system (Cst,rs), ratio of arterial oxygen tension to fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2 ratio) and the new integrative weaning index IWI (Cst,rs × arterial oxygen saturation/f/Vt ratio) were evaluated in all patients. The readiness for weaning and the decision to return to mechanical ventilation was made by the physician in charge, based on the signs of poor tolerance. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated in order to evaluate the predictive performance of each index. The Bayes' theorem was used to assess the probability of each test of predicting weaning.

Results
In the prospective-validation set, successful weaning was observed in 183 patients (84.7%) and weaning failure in 33 (15.27%). IWI presented the highest accuracy, with the area under the ROC curves larger than that under the curves for the f/Vt ratio (0.96 × 0.85 respectively; P = 0.003), and also larger than that under the curves for the other indexes. IWI presented a higher probability of successful weaning when the test was positive (0.99) and a lower probability when the test was negative (0.14). Measurement of Cst,rs during the weaning process was considered one of the study limitations.

Conclusions
IWI was the best predictive performance index of weaning outcome and can be used in the intensive care unit setting.

Trial Registration
controlled-trials.com ISRCTN92117906
Characteristics and outcomes of trauma patients with ICU lengths of stay 30 days and greater: a seven-year retrospective study
Authors: Ong Adrian W , Omert Laurel A , Vido Diane , Goodman Brian M , Protetch Jack , Rodriguez Aurelio , Jeremitsky Elan 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Prolonged intensive care unit lengths of stay (ICU LOS) for critical illness can have acceptable mortality rates and quality of life despite significant costs. Only a few studies have specifically addressed prolonged ICU LOS after trauma. Our goals were to examine characteristics and outcomes of trauma patients with LOS ≥ 30 days, predictors of prolonged stay and mortality.

Methods
All trauma ICU admissions over a seven-year period in a level 1 trauma center were analyzed. Admission characteristics, pre-existing conditions and acquired complications in the ICU were recorded. Logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of prolonged LOS and predictors of mortality among those with prolonged LOS after univariate analyses.

Results
Of 4920 ICU admissions, 205 (4%) had ICU LOS >30 days. These patients were older and more severely injured. Age and injury severity score (ISS) were associated with prolonged LOS. After logistic regression analysis, sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and several infectious complications were important independent predictors of prolonged LOS. Within the group with ICU LOS >30 days, predictors of mortality were age, pre-existing renal disease as well as the development of renal failure requiring dialysis. Overall mortality was 12%.

Conclusions
The majority of patients with ICU LOS ≥ 30 days will survive their hospitalization. Infectious and pulmonary complications were predictors of prolonged stay. Further efforts targeting prevention of these complications are warranted.
Mountain, Become a Volcano: The Image of the Volcano in the Rhetoric of the French Revolution
Authors: Miller Mary Ashburn 
Published: September 2009

This article establishes a relationship between the language of natural history and the political rhetoric of the French Revolution by tracing the iconography of the volcano throughout the revolutionary period. The volcano's connotations transformed with specific changes in the political realm. During the early years of the Revolution, it symbolized the potential for unbridled force and destruction. Yet for a brief period that began with the call for terror as the order of the day, the volcano became a positive symbol of revolutionary transformation, emblematic of patriotic passion and republican virtue.
En analysant l'iconographie du volcan pendant l'époque révolutionnaire, cet article établit l'existence d'un lien entre le langage de l'histoire naturelle et la rhétorique politique de la Révolution française. Les variations au milieu politique ont provoqué des variations dans les connotations du « volcan », un symbole équivoque pendant les premières années de la Révolution. A cette époque-là, le volcan symbolisait les forces débridées et la destruction potentielle. Néanmoins, pendant une courte période qui a commencé au moment où on instaure la Terreur à l'ordre du jour, le volcan est devenu un symbole à connotations positives, qui représentait la transformation révolutionnaire, les passions patriotiques et la vertu républicaine.
Fluorescence Chemosensor with Specific Response for Mg2+
Authors: Kim Jeongsik , Morozumi Tatsuya , Nakamura Hiroshi 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
A fluorescent chemosensor AP1 showed specific selectivity for Mg2+. Fluorescence characteristics of AP1 for Mg2+ are distinguished in comparison to those of Ca2+, Sr2+, and Ba2+ by three components: a high fluorescence intensity ratio (nine times), peak wavelength shift (30 nm), and monomer emission shape.
A New Synthetic Method for Para Alkylation of Benzoic Acids Using Metallic Strontium and Alkyl Iodide
Authors: Miyoshi Norikazu , Matsuo Tsuyoshi , Mori Mariko , Matsui Aki , Kikuchi Makoto , Wada Makoto , Hayashi Masahiko 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Aromatic carboxylic acids reacted with metallic strontium and alkyl iodides to give para alkylated products preferentially in moderate to good yields.
Stepwise Vapochromism Observed for a Simple Terpyridine–Platinum(II) Complex with a Thiocyanato Ligand
Authors: Kobayashi Atsushi , Fukuzawa Yuki , Noro Shin-ichiro , Nakamura Takayoshi , Kato Masako 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
A simple PtII–terpyridine complex [Pt(NCS)(tpy)](SCN) (tpy = 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine) shows distinct two-step vapochromism from red to yellow through dark red in response to methanol vapor. The adsorption isotherm for methanol vapor reveals that the two-step vapochromic behavior originates from breathing-like structural transformations.
Aspects of Sulfate Attack on Concrete
Authors: de Sousa Coutinho A 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
This paper discusses three aspects of sulfate attack on concrete that are important in understanding the development of sulfate-resisting concretes. These are: the importance of a precipitated layer of reaction products at the surface of the concrete, the role of aggregate type in the formation of ettringite, and the importance of the alkalinity of the medium in which the ettringite is formed. It is shown that alumina of kaolinized feldspar react with sulfates in a supersaturated lime medium, giving rise to expansive ettringite. It is also shown that lowering the concentration of lime in the medium inhibits expansion; this is accomplished by replacing 40% or more of the cement with pozzolan.