bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis associated with the use of temozolomide
Authors: Koschel D. , Handzhiev S. , Leucht V. , Holotiuk O. , Fisseler-Eckhoff A. , Höffken G. 
Published: March 2009

The aim of the present study was to investigate a case of hypersensitivity pneumonitis associated with the use of temozolomide in the treatment of gliosarcoma.A 54-yr-old female developed dyspnoea, cough and hypoxia after surgical resection for gliosarcoma and adjuvant radio- and chemotherapy with temozolomide. A high-resolution computed tomography scan of the thorax showed a bilateral ground-glass pattern. Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage and lung biopsies was performed.Bronchoalveolar lavage demonstrated significant lymphocytic alveolitis and transbronchial lung biopsies revealed lymphocytic infiltration with foamy macrophages, consistent with hypersensitivity pneumonitis. There was no evidence of other causes, including infections. After withdrawing temozolomide and initiating prednisolone therapy, the patient had no further pulmonary symptoms.To the present authors’ knowledge, this is the first definitively described case of temozolomide-associated hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Mimitin – a novel cytokine-regulated mitochondrial protein
Authors: Wegrzyn Paulina , Yarwood Stephen J , Fiegler Nathalie , Bzowska Monika , Koj Aleksander , Mizgalska Danuta , Malicki Stanisław , Pajak Magdalena , Kasza Aneta , Kachamakova-Trojanowska Neli , Bereta Joanna , Jura Jacek , Jura Jolanta 
Published: March 2009

Abstract

Background
The product of a novel cytokine-responsive gene discovered by differential display analysis in our earlier studies on HepG2 cells was identified as mimitin – a small mitochondrial protein. Since proinflammatory cytokines are known to affect components of the respiratory chain in mitochondria, and mimitin was reported as a possible chaperone for assembly of mitochondrial complex I, we looked for the effects of modulation of mimitin expression and for mimitin-binding partners.

Results
By blocking mimitin expression in HepG2 cells by siRNA we found that mimitin has no direct influence on caspase 3/7 activities implicated in apoptosis. However, when apoptosis was induced by TNF and cycloheximide, and mimitin expression blocked, the activities of these caspases were significantly increased. This was accompanied by a slight decrease in proliferation of HepG2 cells. Our observations suggest that mimitin may be involved in the control of apoptosis indirectly, through another protein, or proteins. Using the yeast two-hybrid system and coimmunoprecipitation we found MAP1S among proteins interacting with mimitin. MAP1S is a recently identified member of the microtubule-associated protein family and has been shown to interact with NADH dehydrogenase I and cytochrome oxidase I. Moreover, it was implicated in the process of mitochondrial aggregation and nuclear genome destruction. The expression of mimitin is stimulated more than 1.6-fold by IL-1 and by IL-6, with the maximum level of mimitin observed after 18–24 h exposure to these cytokines. We also found that the cytokine-induced signal leading to stimulation of mimitin synthesis utilizes the MAP kinase pathway.

Conclusion
Mimitin is a mitochondrial protein upregulated by proinflammatory cytokines at the transcriptional and protein levels, with MAP kinases involved in IL-1-dependent induction. Mimitin interacts with a microtubular protein (MAP1S), and some changes of mimitin gene expression modulate activity of apoptotic caspases 3/7, suggesting that this protein may indirectly participate in apoptosis.
Sequencing strategy for the whole mitochondrial genome resulting in high quality sequences
Authors: Fendt Liane , Zimmermann Bettina , Daniaux Martin , Parson Walther 
Published: March 2009

Abstract

Background
It has been demonstrated that a reliable and fail-safe sequencing strategy is mandatory for high-quality analysis of mitochondrial (mt) DNA, as the sequencing and base-calling process is prone to error. Here, we present a high quality, reliable and easy handling manual procedure for the sequencing of full mt genomes that is also appropriate for laboratories where fully automated processes are not available.

Results
We amplified whole mitochondrial genomes as two overlapping PCR-fragments comprising each about 8500 bases in length. We developed a set of 96 primers that can be applied to a (manual) 96 well-based technology, which resulted in at least double strand sequence coverage of the entire coding region (codR).

Conclusion
This elaborated sequencing strategy is straightforward and allows for an unambiguous sequence analysis and interpretation including sometimes challenging phenomena such as point and length heteroplasmy that are relevant for the investigation of forensic and clinical samples.
Adipogenic and energy metabolism gene networks in longissimus lumborum during rapid post-weaning growth in Angus and Angus × Simmental cattle fed high-starch or low-starch diets
Authors: Graugnard Daniel E , Piantoni Paola , Bionaz Massimo , Berger Larry L , Faulkner Dan B , Loor Juan J 
Published: March 2009

Abstract

Background
Transcriptional networks coordinate adipocyte differentiation and energy metabolism in rodents. The level of fiber and starch in diets with adequate energy content fed to young cattle has the potential to alter intramuscular adipose tissue development in skeletal muscle. Post-weaning alterations in gene expression networks driving adipogenesis, lipid filling, and intracellular energy metabolism provide a means to evaluate long-term effects of nutrition on longissimus muscle development across cattle types.

Results

Longissimus lumborum (LL) from Angus (n = 6) and Angus × Simmental (A × S; n = 6) steer calves (155 ± 10 days age) fed isonitrogenous high-starch (HiS; 1.43 Mcal/kg diet dry matter; n = 6) or low-starch (LoS; 1.19 Mcal/kg diet dry matter; n = 6) diets was biopsied at 0, 56, and 112 days of feeding for transcript profiling of 31 genes associated with aspects of adipogenesis and energy metabolism. Intake of dietary energy (9.44 ± 0.57 Mcal/d) across groups during the study did not differ but feed efficiency (weight gain/feed intake) during the first 56 days was greater for steers fed HiS. Expression of PPARG increased ca. 2-fold by day 56 primarily due to HiS in A × S steers. Several potential PPARG-target genes (e.g., ACACA, FASN, FABP4, SCD) increased 2.5-to-25-fold by day 56 across all groups, with responses (e.g., FASN, FABP4) being less pronounced in A × S steers fed LoS. This latter group of steers had markedly greater blood plasma glucose (0.99 vs. 0.79 g/L) and insulin (2.95 vs. 1.17 μg/L) by day 112, all of which were suggestive of insulin resistance. Interactions were observed for FABP4, FASN, GPAM, SCD, and DGAT2, such that feeding A × S steers high-starch and Angus steers low-starch resulted in greater fold-changes by day 56 or 112 (GPAM). Marked up-regulation of INSIG1 (4-to-8-fold) occurred throughout the study across all groups. SREBF1 expression, however, was only greater on day 112 namely due to LoS in A × S steers. The lipogenic transcription factor THRSP was 6-to-60-fold greater by day 56 primarily due to HiS in A × S steers, constituting the greatest response among all genes.

Conclusion
Results involving gene markers of mature adipocytes (e.g., PPARG, THRSP, SCD) provided evidence of intramuscular adipose tissue differentiation during the early portion of the growing phase. The resulting gene networks underscored a central role for PPARG in controlling transcription of genes which are known to co-ordinately regulate adipocyte differentiation and lipid filling in non-ruminants. Unlike rodents, INSIG1 appears to play an important role in cattle muscle adipogenesis. We propose that a network of transcription regulators and nuclear receptors including PPARG-target genes, INSIG1, and THRSP, coordinate activation of adipocyte differentiation and lipid filling at an early age.
Significant difference between three observers in the assessment of intraepidermal nerve fiber density in skin biopsy
Authors: Wöpking Sigrid , Scherens Andrea , Haußleiter Ida S , Richter Helmut , Schüning Julia , Klauenberg Sabrina , Maier Christoph 
Published: March 2009

Abstract

Background
The determination of Intraepidermal Nerve Fiber Density (IENFD) in skin biopsy is a useful method for the evaluation of different types of peripheral neuropathies. To allow a reliable use of the method it is necessary to determine interobserver reliability. Previous studies dealing with this topic used limited suitable statistical methods.

Methods
In the present study three observers determined the IENFD and estimated the staining quality of the basement membrane for an adequate quantity of 120 skin biopsies (stained with indirect immunofluorescence technique) from 68 patients. More adequate statistical methods like intraclass correlation coefficient and Bland Altman Plot were chosen to estimate interobserver reliability.

Results
We found an unexpected significant difference in IENFD between the observers (p < 0.05) and so the results of this study are not in line with the high interobserver reliability reported before (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.73). The Bland Altmann Plot showed a variance growing with rising mean. The difference in IENFD between the observers and the resulting low interobserver reliability is likely caused by different interpretations of the standard counting rules. There was no significant difference in IENFD between observers for biopsies with a well-defined basement membrane. Thus skin biopsies with an inexactly defined basement membrane should not be used diagnostically for the determination of IENFD.

Conclusion
These results emphasise that standardisation of the method is extremely important and at least two observers should analyse skin biopsies with critical IENFD near the cut-off values.
Anopheles pseudowillmori is the predominant malaria vector in Motuo County, Tibet Autonomous Region
Authors: Song Wu , Jia-Yun Pan , Xue-Zhong Wang , Shui-Sen Zhou , Guo-Qing Zhang , Qian Liu , Lin-Hua Tang 
Published: March 2009

Abstract

Background
Malaria is endemic in Linzhi Prefecture in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), but the vector for malaria transmission had never been identified.

Methods
Adult Anopheles spp. were collected in Motuo County, Linzhi Prefecture on the Sino-Indian border in July and August, 2007. Multiplex PCR was adopted for species identification, and a nested PCR approach was used to detect sporozoites in the salivary glands of the mosquitoes.

Results
3,675 mosquitoes of the Anopheles maculatus group were collected and processed for species identification. Among them, 3,602 (98.0%) were Anopheles pseudowillmori and 73 (2.0%) were Anopheles willmori. The Plasmodium vivax SSUrDNA fragment was amplified in two of 360 pooled An. pseudowillmori samples.

Conclusion
The local An. maculatus group comprises the species An. pseudowillmori and An. willmori. Anopheles pseudowillmori is considered the sole malaria vector in Motuo County in Linzhi Prefecture.
Multifactor dimensionality reduction analysis identifies specific nucleotide patterns promoting genetic polymorphisms
Authors: Arehart Eric , Gleim Scott , White Bill , Hwa John , Moore Jason H 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe fidelity of DNA replication serves as the nidus for both genetic evolution and genomic instability fostering disease. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) constitute greater than 80% of the genetic variation between individuals. A new theory regarding DNA replication fidelity has emerged in which selectivity is governed by base-pair geometry through interactions between the selected nucleotide, the complementary strand, and the polymerase active site. We hypothesize that specific nucleotide combinations in the flanking regions of SNP fragments are associated with mutation.ResultsWe modeled the relationship between DNA sequence and observed polymorphisms using the novel multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) approach. MDR was originally developed to detect synergistic interactions between multiple SNPs that are predictive of disease susceptibility. We initially assembled data from the Broad Institute as a pilot test for the hypothesis that flanking region patterns associate with mutagenesis (n = 2194). We then confirmed and expanded our inquiry with human SNPs within coding regions and their flanking sequences collected from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database (n = 29967) and a control set of sequences (coding region) not associated with SNP sites randomly selected from the NCBI database (n = 29967). We discovered seven flanking region pattern associations in the Broad dataset which reached a minimum significance level ofp≤ 0.05. Significant models (p<< 0.001) were detected for each SNP type examined in the larger NCBI dataset. Importantly, the flanking region models were elongated or truncated depending on the nucleotide change. Additionally, nucleotide distributions differed significantly at motif sites relative to the type of variation observed. The MDR approach effectively discerned specific sites within the flanking regions of observed SNPs and their respective identities, supporting the collective contribution of these sites to SNP genesis.ConclusionThe present study represents the first use of this computational methodology for modeling nonlinear patterns in molecular genetics. MDR was able to identify distinct nucleotide patterning around sites of mutations dependent upon the observed nucleotide change. We discovered one flanking region set that included five nucleotides clustered around a specific type of SNP site. Based on the strongly associated patterns identified in this study, it may become possible to scan genomic databases for such clustering of nucleotides in order to predict likely sites of future SNPs, and even the type of polymorphism most likely to occur.
Prevention of first-episode depression: progress and potential
Authors: Robinson Robert G. , Jorge Ricardo E. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryPreventive intervention for first-episode depression is an exciting, emerging field. Many questions remain, however. Should we target patients who have sub-syndromal symptom elevations (i.e. indicated intervention) or should we intervene in high-risk groups (i.e. selective intervention)? Furthermore, should primary outcomes be incident depressions or long-term decreases in morbidity or mortality?
A manualised in-patient programme for young people with anorexia based on NICE guidance
Authors: Rous Elizabeth , Ranote Sandeep , Elvins Rachel , Bhatt Asha 
Published: March 2009

Aims and MethodThe Rainbow programme was introduced in January 2004 as a structured in-patient treatment for anorexia. There were two strands to the programme evaluation: a notes review of a cohort of in-patients and a series of questionnaires to users, carers and staff.ResultsThere was an improvement in adherence to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines and 94% of staff responders found the Rainbow programme framework useful.Clinical ImplicationsThe Rainbow programme improved the level of care provided. There is scope for improvement in the distribution of the programme manual.
Use and perceived utility of structured violence risk assessments in English medium secure forensic units
Authors: Khiroya Reena , Weaver Tim , Maden Tony 
Published: March 2009

Aims and MethodWe surveyed the usage and perceived utility of standardised risk measures in 29 forensic medium secure units (a 62% response rate).ResultsThe most common instruments were Historical Clinical Risk–20 (HCR–20) and Psychopathy Checklist – revised (PCL–R); both were rated highly for utility. the Risk Matrix 2000 (RM2000), Sex Offender Risk Appraisal Guide (SORAG) and Static-99 were the most common sex offender assessments, but the Sexual Violence Risks–20 (SVR–20) was rated more positively for its use of dynamic factors and relevance to treatment.Clinical ImplicationsMost medium secure units use structured risk assessments and staff view them positively. As HCR–20 and PCL–R/PCL–SV (Psychopathy Checklist – Screening Version) are so widely used they should be the first choices considered by other services.
Multi-agency working: challenges in getting it right
Authors: Coccia Floriana , Robertson Kate 
Published: March 2009

Aims and MethodMultidisciplinary approaches to complex cases referred to child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) are both mandated and necessary. However, multidisciplinary working is time-consuming and resource-intensive, especially where processes are not functioning optimally. We describe a completed audit cycle: auditing the consultation and liaison service within a community CAMHS, introducing service modifications and repeating the audit 6 months later.ResultsDuring the first audit over 80% of data were lost; in the re-audit only 30% were lost. Audit results were successfully used to stimulate, design and implement change, with service improvement.Clinical ImplicationsAuditing the process of interdisciplinary consultations is challenging, but possible. Where staff seek service improvement, audit can result in positive change without alienating staff.
Cytokeratin-19 mRNA-Positive Circulating Tumor Cells After Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Patients With Early Breast Cancer
Authors: Xenidis Nikolaos , Ignatiadis Michail , Apostolaki Stella , Perraki Maria , Kalbakis Kostas , Agelaki Sofia , Stathopoulos Efstathios N. , Chlouverakis Grigorios , Lianidou Evi , Kakolyris Stylianos , Georgoulias Vassilis , Mavroudis Dimitris 
Published: March 2009

Purpose To evaluate the prognostic significance of cytokeratin-19 (CK-19) mRNA-positive circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in peripheral blood of women with early-stage breast cancer after the completion of adjuvant chemotherapy. Patients and Methods Blood was obtained from 437 patients with early breast cancer before the start and after the completion of adjuvant chemotherapy, and the presence of CK-19 mRNA-positive CTCs was assessed by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Interaction with known prognostic factors and association of CTCs with clinical outcome were investigated. Results CK-19 mRNA-positive CTCs were detected before chemotherapy in 179 patients (41.0%). After adjuvant chemotherapy, a significant change in CK-19 status was observed, as status for 51% of patients with initially CK-19 mRNA-positive disease turned negative, and status for 22% of patients with initially CK-19 mRNA-negative disease became positive (McNemar test P = .004). The detection of CK-19 mRNA-positive CTCs postchemotherapy was associated with involvement of more than three axillary lymph nodes (P = .026). Clinical relapses and disease-related deaths were significantly increased in patients with detectable postchemotherapy CK-19 mRNA-positive CTCs (both P < .001, respectively). Disease-free and overall survival were significantly reduced in patients with detectable CK-19 mRNA-positive CTCs postchemotherapy (P < .001 and P = .001, respectively). In multivariate analysis, the detection of CK-19 mRNA-positive CTCs before and after adjuvant chemotherapy was an independent factor associated with reduced disease-free survival (P < .001) and overall survival (P = .003). Conclusion The detection of CK-19 mRNA-positive CTCs in the blood after adjuvant chemotherapy is an independent risk factor indicating the presence of chemotherapy-resistant residual disease.
Design for Process Flexibility: Efficiency of the Long Chain and Sparse Structure
Authors: Chou Mabel C. , Chua Geoffrey A. , Teo Chung-Piaw , Zheng Huan 
Published: March 2009

The concept of chaining, or in more general terms, sparse process structure, has been extremely influential in the process flexibility area, with many large automakers already making this the cornerstone of their business strategies to remain competitive in the industry. The effectiveness of the process strategy, using chains or other sparse structures, has been validated in numerous empirical studies. However, to the best of our knowledge, there have been relatively few concrete analytical results on the performance of such strategies vis-á-vis the full flexibility system, especially when the system size is large or when the demand and supply are asymmetrical. This paper is an attempt to bridge this gap. We study the problem from two angles: (1) For the symmetrical system where the (mean) demand and plant capacity are balanced and identical, we utilize the concept of a generalized random walk to evaluate the asymptotic performance of the chaining structure in this environment. We show that a simple chaining structure performs surprisingly well for a variety of realistic demand distributions, even when the system size is large. (2) For the more general problem, we identify a class of conditions under which only a sparse flexible structure is needed so that the expected performance is already within ϵ optimality of the full flexibility system. Our approach provides a theoretical justification for the widely held maxim: In many practical situations, adding a small number of links to the process flexibility structure can significantly enhance the ability of the system to match (fixed) production capacity with (random) demand.
Is a valgus position of the femoral component in hip resurfacing protective against spontaneous fracture of the femoral neck?
Authors: Schnurr C. , Nessler J. , Meyer C. , Schild H. H. , Koebke J. , König D. P. 
Published: March 2009

The aim of our study was to investigate whether placing of the femoral component of a hip resurfacing in valgus protected against spontaneous fracture of the femoral neck.We performed a hip resurfacing in 20 pairs of embalmed femora. The femoral component was implanted at the natural neck-shaft angle in the left femur and with a 10° valgus angle on the right. The bone mineral density of each femur was measured and CT was performed. Each femur was evaluated in a materials testing machine using increasing cyclical loads.In specimens with good bone quality, the 10° valgus placement of the femoral component had a protective effect against fractures of the femoral neck. An adverse effect was detected in osteoporotic specimens.When resurfacing the hip a valgus position of the femoral component should be achieved in order to prevent fracture of the femoral neck. Patient selection remains absolutely imperative. In borderline cases, measurement of bone mineral density may be indicated.
Chronic diabetic ulcers under the first metatarsal head treated by staged tendon balancing
Authors: Dayer R. , Assal M. 
Published: March 2009

We studied a cohort of 26 diabetic patients with chronic ulceration under the first metatarsal head treated by a modified Jones extensor hallucis longus and a flexor hallucis longus transfer. If the first metatarsal was still plantar flexed following these two transfers, a peroneus longus to the peroneus brevis tendon transfer was also performed. Finally, if ankle dorsiflexion was < 5° with the knee extended, a Strayer-type gastrocnemius recession was performed.The mean duration of chronic ulceration despite a minimum of six months’ conservative care was 16.2 months (6 to 31). A total of 23 of the 26 patients were available for follow-up at a mean of 39.6 months (12 to 61) after surgery. All except one achieved complete ulcer healing at a mean of 4.4 weeks (2 to 8) after surgery, and there was no recurrence of ulceration under the first metatarsal.We believe that tendon balancing using modified Jones extensor hallucis longus and flexor hallucis longus transfers, associated in selected cases with a peroneus longus to brevis transfer and/or Strayer procedure, can promote rapid and sustained healing of chronic diabetic ulcers under the first metatarsal head.