bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pilot case-control investigation of risk factors for hip fractures in the urban Indian population
Authors: Jha Ruchira M , Mithal Ambrish , Malhotra Nidhi , Brown Edward M 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Background
Despite the reported high prevalence of osteoporosis in India, there have been no previous studies examining the risk factors for hip fracture in the Indian population.

Methods
We carried out a case control investigation comprising 100 case subjects (57 women and 43 men) admitted with a first hip fracture into one of three hospitals across New Delhi. The 100 controls were age and sex matched subjects who were either healthy visitors not related to the case patients or hospital staff. Information from all subjects was obtained through a questionnaire based interview.

Results
There was a significant increase in the number of cases of hip fracture with increasing age. There were significantly more women (57%) than men (43%). Univariate analysis identified protective effects for increased activity, exercise, calcium and vitamin supplements, almonds, fish, paneer (cottage cheese), curd (plain yogurt), and milk. However, tea and other caffeinated beverages were significant risk factors. In women, hormone/estrogen therapy appeared to have a marginal protective effect. For all cases, decreased agility, visual impairment, long term medications, chronic illnesses increased the risk of hip fracture. The multivariate analysis confirmed a protective effect of increased activity and also showed a decrease in hip fracture risk with increasing body mass index (odds ratio (OR) 0.024, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.006-0.10 & OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.68-0.97 respectively). Individuals who take calcium supplements have a decreased risk of hip fracture (OR 0.076; CI 0.017-0.340), as do individuals who eat fish (OR 0.094; CI 0.020-0.431), and those who eat paneer (OR 0.152; 0.031-0.741). Tea drinkers have a higher risk of hip fracture (OR 22.8; 95% CI 3.73-139.43). Difficulty in getting up from a chair also appears to be an important risk factor for hip fractures (OR 14.53; 95% CI 3.86-54.23).

Conclusions
In the urban Indian population, dietary calcium, vitamin D, increased body mass index, and higher activity levels have a significant protective effect on hip fracture. On the other hand, caffeine intake and decreased agility increase the risk of hip fracture. Future studies should be done in order to direct primary preventive programs for hip fracture in India.
Pro-inflammatory cytokines play a key role in the development of radiotherapy-induced gastrointestinal mucositis
Authors: Ong Zhi Yi , Gibson Rachel J , Bowen Joanne M , Stringer Andrea M , Darby Jocelyn M , Logan Richard M , Yeoh Ann SJ , Keefe Dorothy M 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Background
Mucositis is a toxic side effect of anti-cancer treatments and is a major focus in cancer research. Pro-inflammatory cytokines have previously been implicated in the pathophysiology of chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal mucositis. However, whether they play a key role in the development of radiotherapy-induced gastrointestinal mucositis is still unknown. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to characterise the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the gastrointestinal tract using a rat model of fractionated radiotherapy-induced toxicity.

Methods
Thirty six female Dark Agouti rats were randomly assigned into groups and received 2.5 Gys abdominal radiotherapy three times a week over six weeks. Real time PCR was conducted to determine the relative change in mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF in the jejunum and colon. Protein expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF in the intestinal epithelium was investigated using qualitative immunohistochemistry.

Results
Radiotherapy-induced sub-acute damage was associated with significantly upregulated IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF mRNA levels in the jejunum and colon. The majority of pro-inflammatory cytokine protein expression in the jejunum and colon exhibited minimal change following fractionated radiotherapy.

Conclusions
Pro-inflammatory cytokines play a key role in radiotherapy-induced gastrointestinal mucositis in the sub-acute onset setting.
RNA isolation method for single embryo transcriptome analysis in zebrafish
Authors: de Jong Mark , Rauwerda Han , Bruning Oskar , Verkooijen Jurgo , Spaink Herman P , Breit Timo M 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Background
Transcriptome analysis during embryogenesis usually requires pooling of embryos to obtain sufficient RNA. Hence, the measured levels of gene-expression represent the average mRNA levels of pooled samples and the biological variation among individuals is confounded. This can irreversibly reduce the robustness, resolution, or expressiveness of the experiment. Therefore, we developed a robust method to isolate abundant high-quality RNA from individual embryos to perform single embryo transcriptome analyses using zebrafish as a model organism. Available methods for embryonic zebrafish RNA isolation minimally utilize ten embryos. Further downscaling of these methods to one embryo is practically not feasible.

Findings
We developed a single embryo RNA extraction method based on sample homogenization in liquid nitrogen, RNA extraction with phenol and column purification. Evaluation of this method showed that: the quality of the RNA was very good with an average RIN value of 8.3-8.9; the yield was always ≥ 200 ng RNA per embryo; the method was applicable to all stages of zebrafish embryogenesis; the success rate was almost 100%; and the extracted RNA performed excellent in microarray experiments in that the technical variation was much lower than the biological variation.

Conclusions
Presented is a high-quality, robust RNA isolation method. Obtaining sufficient RNA from single embryos eliminates the necessity of sample pooling and its associated drawbacks. Although our RNA isolation method has been setup for transcriptome analysis in zebrafish, it can also be used for other model systems and other applications like (q)PCR and transcriptome sequencing.
Scenario based outdoor simulation in pre-hospital trauma care using a simple mannequin model
Authors: Bredmose Per P , Habig Karel , Davies Gareth , Grier Gareth , Lockey David J 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Introduction
We describe a system of scenario-based training using simple mannequins under realistic circumstances for the training of pre-hospital care providers.

Methods
A simple intubatable mannequin or student volunteers are used together with a training version of the equipment used on a routine basis by the pre-hospital care team (doctor + paramedic).
Training is conducted outdoors at the base location all year round. The scenarios are led by scenario facilitators who are predominantly senior physicians. Their role is to brief the training team and guide the scenario, results of patient assessment and the simulated responses to interventions and treatment. Pilots, fire-fighters and medical students are utilised in scenarios to enhance realism by taking up roles as bystanders, additional ambulance staff and police. These scenario participants are briefed and introduced to the scene in a realistic manner. After completion of the scenario, the training team would usually be invited to prepare and deliver a hospital handover as they would in a real mission. A formal structured debrief then takes place.

Results
This training method technique has been used for the training of all London Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (London HEMS) doctors and paramedics over the last 24 months. Informal participant feedback suggests that this is a very useful teaching method, both for improving motor skills, critical decision-making, scene management and team interaction. Although formal assessment of this technique has not yet taken place we describe how this type of training is conducted in a busy operational pre-hospital trauma service.

Discussion
The teaching and maintenance of pre-hospital care skills is essential to an effective pre-hospital trauma care system. Simple mannequin based scenario training is feasible on a day-to-day basis and has the advantages of low cost, rapid set up and turn around. The scope of scenarios is limited only by the imagination of the trainers. Significant effort is made to put the participants into "the Zone" - the psychological mindset, where they believe they are in a realistic setting and treating a real patient, so that they gain the most from each teaching session. The method can be used for learning new skills, communication and leadership as well as maintaining existing skills.

Conclusion
The method described is a low technology, low cost alternative to high technology simulation which may provide a useful adjunct to delivering effective training when properly prepared and delivered. We find this useful for both induction and regular training of pre-hospital trauma care providers.
Effectiveness of adalimumab in treating patients with ankylosing spondylitis associated with enthesitis and peripheral arthritis
Authors: Rudwaleit Martin , Claudepierre Pascal , Kron Martina , Kary Sonja , Wong Robert , Kupper Hartmut 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Introduction
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of adalimumab in enthesitis and peripheral arthritis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods
Adults with active AS (Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index [BASDAI] ≥ 4) received adalimumab 40 mg every other week with standard antirheumatic therapies in a 12-week, open-label study. Effectiveness in enthesitis was assessed using the Maastricht ankylosing spondylitis enthesitis score (MASES, 0-13) and by examining the plantar fascia in patients with enthesitis (≥ 1 inflamed enthesis) at baseline; effectiveness in peripheral arthritis was evaluated using tender and swollen joint counts (TJC, 0-46; SJC, 0-44) in patients with peripheral arthritis (≥ 1 swollen joint) at baseline. Overall effectiveness measures included Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society 20% response (ASAS20).

Results
Of 1,250 patients enrolled, 686 had enthesitis and 281 had peripheral arthritis. In 667 patients with MASES ≥ 1 at baseline, the median MASES was reduced from 5 at baseline to 1 at week 12. At week 12, inflammation of the plantar fascia ceased in 122 of 173 patients with inflammation at baseline. The median TJC in 281 patients with SJC ≥ 1 at baseline was reduced from 5 at baseline to 1 at week 12; the median SJC improved from 2 to 0. ASAS20 responses were achieved by 70.5% of 457 patients with no enthesitis and no arthritis; 71.0% of 512 patients with only enthesitis; 68.0% of 107 patients with only arthritis; and 66.7% of 174 patients with both.

Conclusions
Treatment with adalimumab improved enthesitis and peripheral arthritis in patients with active AS.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00478660.
Switching of mesodermal and endodermal properties in hTERT-modified and expanded fetal human pancreatic progenitor cells
Authors: Cheng Kang , Follenzi Antonia , Surana Manju , Fleischer Norman , Gupta Sanjeev 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Introduction
The ability to expand organ-specific stem/progenitor cells is critical for translational applications, although uncertainties often arise in identifying the lineage of expanded cells. Therefore, superior insights into lineage maintenance mechanisms will be helpful for cell/gene therapy.

Methods
We studied epithelial cells isolated from fetal human pancreas to assess their proliferation potential, changes in lineage markers during culture, and capacity for generating insulin-expressing beta cells. Cells were isolated by immunomagnetic sorting for epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), and characterized for islet-associated transcription factors, hormones, and ductal markers. Further studies were performed after modification of cells with the catalytic subunit of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT).

Results
Fetal pancreatic progenitor cells efficiently formed primary cultures, although their replication capacity was limited. This was overcome by introduction and expression of hTERT with a retroviral vector, which greatly enhanced cellular replication in vitro. However, we found that during culture hTERT-modified pancreatic progenitor cells switched their phenotype with gain of additional mesodermal properties. This phenotypic switching was inhibited when a pancreas-duodenal homeobox (Pdx)-1 transgene was expressed in hTERT-modified cells with a lentiviral vector, along with inductive signaling through activin A and serum deprivation. This restored endocrine properties of hTERT-modified cells in vitro. Moreover, transplantation studies in immunodeficient mice verified the capacity of these cells for expressing insulin in vivo.

Conclusions
Limited replication capacity of pancreatic endocrine progenitor cells was overcome by the hTERT mechanism, which should facilitate further studies of such cells, although mechanisms regulating switches between meso-endodermal fates of expanded cells will need to be controlled for developing specific applications. The availability of hTERT-expanded fetal pancreatic endocrine progenitor cells will be helpful for studying and recapitulating stage-specific beta lineage advancement in pluripotent stem cells.
Gene Expression–Based Classification As an Independent Predictor of Clinical Outcome in Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia
Authors: Bresolin Silvia , Zecca Marco , Flotho Christian , Trentin Luca , Zangrando Andrea , Sainati Laura , Stary Jan , de Moerloose Barbara , Hasle Henrik , Niemeyer Charlotte M. , te Kronnie Geertruy , Locatelli Franco , Basso Giuseppe 
Published: March 2010

PurposeJuvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) is a rare early childhood myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative disorder characterized by an aggressive clinical course. Age and hemoglobin F percentage at diagnosis have been reported to predict both survival and outcome after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, no genetic markers with prognostic relevance have been identified so far. We applied gene expression–based classification to JMML samples in order to identify prognostic categories related to clinical outcome.Patients and MethodsSamples of 44 patients with JMML were available for microarray gene expression analysis. A diagnostic classification (DC) model developed for leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome classification was used to classify the specimens and identify prognostically relevant categories. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the prognostic value of the classification and the genes identifying prognostic categories were further analyzed through R software.ResultsThe samples could be divided into two major groups: 20 specimens were classified as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) –like and 20 samples as nonAML-like. Four patients could not be assigned to a unique class. The 10-year probability of survival after diagnosis of AML-like and nonAML-like patients was significantly different (7% v 74%; P = .0005). Similarly, the 10-year event-free survival after HSCT was 6% for AML-like and 63% for nonAML-like patients (P = .0010).ConclusionGene expression–based classification identifies two groups of patients with JMML with distinct prognosis outperforming all known clinical parameters in terms of prognostic relevance. Gene expression–based classification could thus be prospectively used to guide clinical/therapeutic decisions.
Prognostic Factors in Patients With Advanced Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Urothelial Tract Experiencing Treatment Failure With Platinum-Containing Regimens
Authors: Bellmunt Joaquim , Choueiri Toni K. , Fougeray Ronan , Schutz Fabio A.B. , Salhi Yacine , Winquist Eric , Culine Stéphane , von der Maase Hans , Vaughn David J. , Rosenberg Jonathan E. 
Published: March 2010

Purpose The present study sought to identify pretreatment prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) in patients with metastatic transitional cell carcinoma of the urothelial tract (TCCU) who experienced treatment failure with the first-line, platinum-based regimen included in the phase III vinflunine trial. Patients and Methods In total, 370 patients with platinum-refractory TCCU were included in this analysis. Potential prognostic factors were recorded prospectively. Univariate analysis was used to identify clinical and laboratory factors that significantly impact survival. Multivariate analysis was used to identify independent prognostic factors, and bootstrap analysis was performed for internal validation, forming a prognostic model. External validation was performed on the phase II vinflunine study CA183001. Results Multivariate analysis and the internal validation identified Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (PS) more than 0, hemoglobin level less than 10 g/dL, and the presence of liver metastasis as the main adverse prognostic factors for OS. External validation confirmed these prognostic factors. Four subgroups were formed based on the presence of zero, one, two, or three prognostic factors; the median OS times for these groups were 14.2, 7.3, 3.8, and 1.7 months (P < .001), respectively. Conclusion We identified and both internally and externally validated three adverse risk factors (PS, hemoglobin level, and liver metastasis) that predict for OS and developed a scoring system that classifies patients with platinum-refractory disease on second-line chemotherapy into four risk groups with different outcome. Similar to the first-line setting, the presence of visceral metastases and poor PS predict a worse prognosis. These factors, together with low hemoglobin, can be used for prognostication and future patient stratification in clinical trials.
Reference Process Modelling for Utility CompaniesReferenzprozessmodellierung für Unternehmen der Energiewirtschaft
Authors: Deindl Matthias , Naß Eric , Laing Peter , Stich Volker 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
The German energy industry is rapidly changing and especially small and mid-sized companies are facing various challenges. Currently, there is no structured method to support business process management of these companies by means of a business process reference model. Therefore, within the project “Smart Watts” such a model is being developed for municipal utilities processes with end customer interaction.
Development and Demonstration of Decentralised Power Systems Culminating in a Future E-Energy MarketplaceEntwicklung und Demonstration dezentral vernetzter Energiesysteme hin zum E-Energy-Marktplatz der Zukunft
Authors: Laskowski Michael , Franz Oliver , König Dieter , Rehtanz Christian 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
The introduction of smart meter solutions — especially within the residential and commercial customer segment — will lead to new opportunities for customer interaction with the energy market and for boosting consumer awareness for electricity consumption. Both of them help to increase end user energy efficiency. Within the BMWi project E-Energy the E-DeMa consortium with the members RWE, Siemens, ef.ruhr, Stadtwerke Krefeld, Miele and ProSyst draws on the capabilities of current smart meter solutions and extends them to a future marketplace for all services and products around demand side management, flexible tariff structures or network services. The subscriber as prosumer (simultaneously producer and consumer) develops to become an active market player. The aim of this project is to create conditions for the efficient handling of energy resources.
Endogenous hormones, androgen receptor CAG repeat length and fluid cognition in middle-aged and older men: results from the European Male Ageing Study
Authors: Lee David M , Ulubaev Aslan , Tajar Abdelouahid , Pye Stephen R , Pendleton Neil , Purandare Nitin , O'Neill Terence W , O'Connor Daryl B , Labrie Fernand , Platt Hazel , Payne Debbie , Bartfai Gyorgy , Boonen Steven , Casanueva Felipe F , Finn Joseph D , Forti Gianni , Giwercman Aleksander , Han Thang S , Huhtaniemi Ilpo T , Kula Krzysztof , Lean Michael E J , Punab Margus , Silman Alan J , Vanderschueren Dirk , Wu Frederick C W , _ _ 
Published: March 2010

ObjectiveData remain divergent regarding the activational effects of endogenous hormones on adult cognitive function. We examined the association between cognition, hormones and androgen receptor (AR) CAG repeat length in a large cohort of men.DesignCommunity-based, cross-sectional study of 3369 men aged 40–79 years.MethodsCognition tests were the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure, Camden Topographical Recognition Memory and Digit-Symbol Substitution. A fluid cognition (FC) z-score was computed from the individual tests. Testosterone, oestradiol (OE2) and 5α-dihydrotestosterone were measured by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry; DHEAS, LH, FSH and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) by electrochemiluminescence. Free testosterone and OE2 were calculated from total hormone, SHBG and albumin. CAG repeat lengths were assayed by PCR genotyping.ResultsTotal testosterone and free testosterone were associated with higher FC z-scores, LH and FSH with lower FC z-scores in age-adjusted linear regressions. After adjusting for health, lifestyle and centre, a modest association was only observed between DHEAS and a lower FC z-score (β=−0.011, P=0.02), although this was driven by subjects with DHEAS levels >10 μmol/l. Locally weighted plots revealed no threshold effects between hormones and FC. There was no association between CAG repeat length and FC z-score after adjustment for age and centre (β=−0.007, P=0.06), nor any interaction effect between CAG repeat length and hormones.ConclusionOur results suggest that endogenous hormones are not associated with a vision-based measure of FC among healthy, community-dwelling men. Further studies are warranted to determine whether ‘high’ DHEAS levels are associated with poorer performance on a broader range of neuropsychological tests.
MIB-1 labeling index correlated with magnetic resonance imaging detected tumor volume doubling time in pituitary adenoma
Authors: Hsu Chih-Yi , Guo Wan-Yuo , Chien Chen-Ping , Ho Donald Ming-Tak 
Published: March 2010

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate whether MIB-1 labeling index (LI) could be used to predict growth velocity of residual pituitary adenomas after surgery.Materials and methodsOne hundred and sixty pituitary adenomas which had not received other treatment modality except for surgery were collected. Each of them had at least two post-operative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies with an interval of at least 1 month apart. Tumor volume doubling time (TVDT) was calculated for those in which volume increased.ResultsPost-operative tumor progression was noted in 54 (33.8%) cases, of which 39 (72.2%) cases were non-functioning adenomas. The MIB-1 LIs of the functioning and non-functioning adenomas were not significantly different. The median TVDT of these 54 cases was 34.6 months. The mean and median MIB-1 LI were 2.7 and 1.1 respectively (range 0.4–20.6). The MIB-1 LI was significantly correlated with log2(TVDT) (r=−0.363,P=0.007); when LI was <0.8, the TVDT of 90.5% cases was ≥ 2 years.ConclusionsOnly one-third of the pituitary adenomas progressed after surgery, and their MIB-1 LIs were generally low. The MIB-1 LI was significantly correlated with the MRI detected TVDT of post-operative residual pituitary adenomas.