bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Re-organisation of oesophago-gastric cancer care in England: progress and remaining challenges
Authors: Palser Thomas R , Cromwell David A , Hardwick Richard H , Riley Stuart A , Greenaway Kimberley , Allum William , van der Meulen Jan HP 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Background
Oesophago-gastric cancer services in England have been extensively reorganised since 2001 to deliver a centralised, specialist-led service. Our aim was to assess how well the National Health Service (NHS) in England met organisational standards for oesophago-gastric cancer care.

Methods
Questionnaires that asked about the provision of staging investigations, curative and palliative treatments and key personnel were sent in September 2007 to the lead clinician for oesophago-gastric cancer at all 30 cancer networks and 156 NHS acute trusts in England.

Results
Responses were received from all networks and 81% of NHS trusts. All networks provided essential staging investigations and a range of endoscopic palliative therapies. Only 16 of the 30 cancer networks discussed all patients at the specialist multi-disciplinary team meeting and 11 networks had not fully centralised curative surgery. There was also variation between NHS trusts in the integration of the palliative care team, the availability of nurse specialists and the use of dieticians to provide nutritional support.

Conclusion
There has been considerable progress in reforming oesophago-gastric cancer services but the process of reorganisation is still incomplete and regional differences in service provision exist that may lead to variation in patient outcomes.
A genome-wide synthetic dosage lethality screen reveals multiple pathways that require the functioning of ubiquitin-binding proteins Rad23 and Dsk2
Authors: Liu Chang , van Dyk Dewald , Li Yue , Andrews Brenda , Rao Hai 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Background

Ubiquitin regulates a myriad of important cellular processes through covalent attachment to its substrates. A classic role for ubiquitin is to flag proteins for destruction by the proteasome. Recent studies indicate that ubiquitin-binding proteins (e.g. Rad23, Dsk2, Rpn10) play a pivotal role in transferring ubiquitylated proteins to the proteasome. However, the specific role of these ubiquitin receptors remains poorly defined. A key to unraveling the functions of these ubiquitin receptors is to identify their cellular substrates and biological circuits they are involved in. Although many strategies have been developed for substrate isolation, the identification of physiological targets of proteolytic pathways has proven to be quite challenging.

Results

Using a genome-wide functional screen, we have identified 11 yeast genes that cause slower growth upon their overexpression in cells lacking two ubiquitin-binding proteins Rad23 and Dsk2. Our results suggest that proper functioning of Rad23 and Dsk2 is required for efficient pheromone response, transcription, amino acid metabolism, and DNA damage response. Two proteins identified by the screen are shown to be proteolytic substrates of Dsk2, validating the large scale synthetic dosage lethality screen as a new strategy for identifying substrates of a specific degradation pathway.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as proof-of-concept, we show that a synthetic dosage lethality screen, which is based on the toxicity induced by gene overexpression, offers an effective, complementary method to elucidating biological functions of proteolytic pathways.
Evaluation of the psychometric properties of a modified version of the Social Phobia Screening Questionnaire for use in adolescents
Authors: Gren-Landell Malin , Björklind Andreas , Tillfors Maria , Furmark Tomas , Svedin Carl Göran , Andersson Gerhard 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Background
Social phobia (social anxiety disorder - SAD) is a rather common but often undetected and undertreated psychiatric condition in youths. Screening of SAD in young individuals in community samples is thus important in preventing negative outcomes. The present study is the first report on the psychometric properties of the Social Phobia Screening Questionnaire for Children and adolescents (SPSQ-C).

Methods
The SPSQ-C was administered to a community sample of high-school students. Test-retest reliability over three weeks was evaluated (n = 127) and internal consistency was calculated for items measuring level of fear in eight social situations. To measure concurrent validity, subjects who reported SAD on at least one occasion and randomly selected non-cases were blindly interviewed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis-I disorders (SCID-I), as gold standard (n = 51).

Results
A moderate test-retest reliability, r = .60 (P < .01), and a satisfactory alpha coefficient of .78 was found. Values of sensitivity and specificity were 71% and 86% respectively, and area under the curve (AUC) was .79. Positive likelihood ratio (LR+) showed that a positive screening result was five times more likely to be correct than to reflect a non-case. Negative likelihood ratio (LR -) was .34. In addition, positive predictive value was 45% and negative predictive value was 95%. The prevalence of self-reported SAD was found to be 7.2% at the first assessment.

Conclusion
The SPSQ-C is a short and psychometrically sound questionnaire for screening of SAD in adolescents, with the advantage of being based on the DSM-IV criteria.
The occurrence and management of fluid retention associated with TKI therapy in CML, with a focus on dasatinib
Authors: Masiello David , Gorospe Gerry , Yang Allen S 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) like dasatinib and nilotinib are indicated as second-line treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia resistant or intolerant to the current first-line TKI imatinib. These are agents are well tolerated, but potent and as such should be monitored for potentially serious side-effects like fluid retention and pleural effusions. Here we present key clinical trial data and safety considerations for all FDA approved TKIs in context for effective management of fluid retention and pleural effusions. Altering the dasatinib regimen from 70 mg twice daily to 100 mg daily reduces the risk of pleural effusion for patients taking dasatinib. Should pleural effusion develop, dasatinib should be interrupted until the condition resolves. Patients with a history of pleural effusion risk factors should be monitored closely while taking dasatinib. Patients receiving imatinib and nilotinib are not without risk of fluid retention. All patients should also be educated to recognize and report key symptoms of fluid retention or pleural effusion. Pleural effusions are generally managed by dose interruption/reduction and other supportive measures in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia receiving dasatinib therapy.
Pelvic mass in von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis: diagnostic issues: a case report
Authors: Kluger Nicolas , Perrochia Hélène , Guillot Bernard 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Background
Leiomyomas are benign smooth muscle cell tumours. They are the most common uterine neoplasms, although they may also occur elsewhere, such as in the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts. Leiomyomas are uncommon in von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis (NF1). However, the literature suggests that the association of NF1 and leiomyomas or leiomyosarcoma is not entirely coincidental.

Case Report
We report here the unusual case of a 47-year-old woman with NF1 who presented menorrhagias and a hard, tender pelvic mass composed of uterine leiomyomas. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography disclosed an area of increased 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in the upper right part of the mass that raised the suspicion of malignancy. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed numerous intramural leiomyomas ranging from 1 to 6 cm, including a 6-cm submucosal leiomyoma that had abundant cellularity, matching FDG uptake. Abdominal hysterectomy was performed and microscopic examination confirmed the diagnosis of multiple benign smooth muscle tumours (uterine leiomyomatosis).

Conclusion
Our case illustrates several diagnostic issues that arose while exploring this pelvic mass. Moreover, the association of uterine leiomyoma and NF1 may not be fortuitous.
Rapid and sustained improvements in health-related quality of life, fatigue, and other patient-reported outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with certolizumab pegol plus methotrexate over 1 year: results from the RAPID 1 randomized controlled trial
Authors: Strand Vibeke , Mease Philip , Burmester Gerd R , Nikaï Enkeleida , Coteur Geoffroy , van Vollenhoven Ronald , Combe Bernard , Keystone Edward C , Kavanaugh Arthur 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Introduction
The objective of this study was to assess the impact of certolizumab pegol (CZP) treatment on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), fatigue and other patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods
Patients with active RA (N = 982) were randomized 2:2:1 to subcutaneous CZP (400 mg at weeks 0, 2 and 4; followed by CZP 200 mg or 400 mg) plus methotrexate (MTX) every other week, or placebo (PBO) plus MTX. PRO assessments included HRQoL, fatigue, physical function, arthritis pain and disease activity. Adjusted mean changes from baseline in all PROs were obtained using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) applying last observation carried forward (LOCF) imputation. The proportion of patients achieving clinically meaningful improvements in each PRO was obtained using logistic regression and by applying non-responder imputation to missing values after rescue medication or withdrawal. The correlations between PRO responses and clinical responses were also assessed by tetrachoric correlation using non-responder imputation.

Results
Patients treated with CZP plus MTX reported significant (P < 0.001), clinically meaningful improvements in HRQoL at the first assessment (week 12); reductions in fatigue, disease activity and pain and improvements in physical function were reported at week 1. In particular, CZP-treated patients reported improvements in mental health. Mean changes from baseline in the SF-36 Mental Component Summary (MCS) at week 52 for CZP 200 mg and 400 mg plus MTX, and PBO plus MTX were 6.4, 6.4 and 2.1, respectively (P < 0.001). In addition, mental health and vitality scores in CZP-treated patients approached age- and gender-adjusted US population norms. Improvements in all PROs were sustained. Similar benefits were reported with both CZP doses. Changes in SF-36 MCS scores had the lowest correlation with disease activity scores (DAS28) and American College of Rheumatology 20% improvement (ACR20) response rates, while improvements in pain showed the highest correlation.

Conclusions
Treatment with CZP plus MTX resulted in rapid and sustained improvements in all PROs, indicating that the benefits of CZP extend beyond clinical efficacy endpoints into areas that are more relevant and meaningful for patients on a daily basis.

Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00152386.
Lysophosphatidic Acid Up-Regulates Expression of Growth-Regulated Oncogene-α, Interleukin-8, and Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 in Human First-Trimester Trophoblasts: Possible Roles in Angiogenesis and Immune Regulation
Authors: Chen Shee-Uan , Chou Chia-Hung , Chao Kuang-Han , Lee Hsinyu , Lin Chung-Wu , Lu Hsin-Fen , Yang Yu-Shih 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe serum lysophospholipase D activity and production of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) increase in women with pregnancy. The effects of LPA on human placenta tissue remained unclear. We investigate the expression of LPA receptors and function of LPA in human first-trimester trophoblasts. Normal villous trophoblasts were obtained from termination of first-trimester gestation. We examined the expression of LPA receptors in primary culture of trophoblasts and the tissue. The effects of LPA on the expressions of chemokines of trophoblasts were examined using RT-PCR and enzyme immunoassay. We delineate signal pathways of LPA-inducing relevant chemokines in trophoblasts. The secretory chemokines were tested for angiogenic function using human endometrial microvascular endothelial cells and for immunological chemotaxis using decidual natural killer cells and THP-1 monocytes. The results revealed the expression of LPA1 receptors in trophoblast cells. LPA enhanced growth-regulated oncogene (GRO)-α, IL-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 expressions in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Mechanistic dissection disclosed that LPA functioned mainly via the LPA1 receptor, Gi protein, various signal mediators of ERK, protein kinase C, p38, Akt, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and nuclear factor-κB pathways to secrete these chemokines. LPA-induced IL-8 protein secretion of trophoblasts enhanced permeability, migration, proliferation, and capillary tube formation of human endometrial microvascular endothelial cells. LPA-induced GRO-α and MCP-1 incited chemotaxis of natural killer cells and monocytes. We demonstrate that LPA mediates trophoblast cells to produce GRO-α, IL-8, and MCP-1 via LPA1 receptors and nuclear factor-κB-dependent signal pathways. Through LPA-induced chemokine production, human first-trimester trophoblast cells may regulate angiogenesis and innate immune system in early pregnancy.
Matric Suction Measurement in Stress Path Cyclic Triaxial Testing of Unbound Granular Base Materials
Authors: Craciun Ovidiu , Lo Sik-Cheung Robert 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Unbound granular base (UGB) materials are commonly placed as part of pavement foundations. These materials are generally designed to be in an unsaturated state in order to resist the dominantly cyclic loading. Therefore, the response of UGB materials under cyclic loading needs to be studied using the framework of unsaturated soil mechanics. This requires the measurement of matric suction evolution during cyclic loading, which is a major experimental challenge to be resolved. This paper presents the development of a cyclic triaxial testing system and associated experimental techniques that meet the challenges of testing UGB materials as unsaturated soils. The testing system enables the initializing of matric suction of a specimen and facilitates direct measurement of its evolution during cyclic loading. Two types of cyclic loading could be imposed: with constant cell pressure and with cyclic cell pressure. Selected test results of both types of cyclic loading were presented to demonstrate satisfactory performance of the proposed methodology. Furthermore, a detailed analysis of these selected test results was also undertaken to show the importance of matric suction for understanding the behavior of UGB materials under cyclic loading.
Selective Review of Weathering Tests for Sealants and Thoughts on the Development of Novel Test Concept Based on Simultaneous Weathering and Movement
Authors: Klosowski Jerome M. , Gorman Patrick D. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
This paper reviews sealant weathering test methods developed during the past 40 years and highlights the fact that repeated movement cycles were shown to be important to reproduce some of the damage seen on real buildings. The studies reviewed further demonstrate that water, sunlight (especially the UV portion), and heat are important degradation factors that act on real buildings.
Investigational Use of Metomidate Hydrochloride as a Shipping Additive for Two Ornamental Fishes
Authors: Kilgore Kathy Heym , Hill Jeffrey E. , Powell James F. F. , Watson Craig A. , Yanong Roy P. E. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
During shipping, ornamental fish can be stressed due to handling, high stocking densities, and deteriorating water quality. Adding sedatives, such as metomidate hydrochloride, to shipping water may improve fish survival rates and the percentage of fish in saleable condition. Although the effects of metomidate hydrochloride on the stress response in fish have been studied, its application as a shipping additive has not been well investigated, particularly for tropical ornamental fishes shipped under industry conditions. Convict cichlids Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum and black mollies Poecilia sphenops were evaluated for 7 d after a 24-h period of exposure (including ground and air transport) to one of four metomidate hydrochloride concentrations: 0.0, 0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/L. Immediate posttransport and cumulative mortality data, as well as 12-h and 7-d posttransport appearance and behavior scores, were generated. In convict cichlids, the highest dose of metomidate hydrochloride (1.0 mg/L) reduced mortality (0% compared with cumulative means of 5.5–9.2% in other groups) and increased the percentage of saleable fish (91.7% were immediately saleable compared with 12.5–50% in other groups). No effect was detected in black mollies at any concentration tested. Metomidate hydrochloride showed promise as a shipping additive for convict cichlids, but further studies are warranted to evaluate species-specific responses in other ornamental species.
Studies on the Possibility of Vertical Transmission of Norwegian Salmonid Alphavirus in Production of Atlantic Salmon in Norway
Authors: Bratland André , Nylund Are 
Published: November 2009

AbstractDisease associated with salmonid Alphavirus (SAV) infection is a significant problem for farm production of salmonids in Europe. The SAV subtype 3 (SAV3) is a Norwegian subtype present exclusively in production systems for Atlantic salmon Salmo salar and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss in western Norway. It has been suggested that SAV3 is transmitted through smolt transport from the main area for SAV disease in western Norway to as far as northern Norway. One explanation for this type of spread is that SAV is present at freshwater production sites for Atlantic salmon smolts. The present study confirms this, showing that SAV3 is present at smolt production sites in Norway. At two sites in northern Norway that had received eggs from broodfish companies in Hordaland County, western Norway, 2–4-g fry were positive for SAV3. Hence, it cannot be excluded that vertical transmission could have contributed to the presence of SAV3 in northern Norway. In the present study, we followed the normal production cycle for Atlantic salmon in a fish farming company in Hordaland County. Twelve of 353 broodfish in study 1 and 28 of 31 broodfish in study 2 were found to be carriers of SAV3. In the same two studies, SAV was also detected in eggs (1 of 220), eyed eggs (3 of 270), and fry (6 of 600). The SAV was not detected in parr, smolts, or postsmolts, but after a year at sea the fish developed SAV disease. Given the difficulties in tracing the virus through the production cycle until development of SAV disease in the marine farm, we cannot draw any firm conclusions about whether vertical transmission occurs in Norwegian salmon production, and we cannot exclude the possibility that the development of SAV after 1 year at sea was caused by horizontal transmission rather than vertical transmission.
Attenuation of the Fish Pathogen Francisella sp. by Mutation of the iglC* Gene
Authors: Soto Esteban , Fernandez Denise , Hawke John P. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Fish francisellosis is an emergent disease caused by gram-negative facultative intracellular bacteria of the genus Francisella. Different strains of the bacterium have caused high mortalities in warmwater and coldwater fish species. Francisella sp. isolates from fish have been found to share more than 97% identity to the human pathogen Francisella tularensis upon 16S ribosomal RNA sequence comparison. Homologue genes of the F. tularensis intracellular growth locus (iglA*, iglB*, iglC*, and iglD*) were identified from LADL 07-285A, a clinical isolate obtained from diseased Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. The iglABCD operon DNA sequence comparison revealed that Francisella LADL 07-285A had 94% identity with F. philomiragia subsp. philomiragia and 83% identity with F. tularensis subsp. novicida U112. The functions of the conserved proteins corresponding to the genes are elusive but appear to be essential for the ability of Francisella sp. to survive within macrophages and cause disease. An insertion mutation was made in the iglC* gene of LADL 07-285A by allelic exchange, and the iglC* mutant was found to be attenuated after intraperitoneal and immersion challenges in Nile tilapia. Laboratory challenge methods for inducing francisellosis in Nile tilapia were evaluated by intraperitoneal injection and immersion with serial dilutions of Francisella LADL 07-285A. The dose lethal to 50% of test fish at 40 d postchallenge was 10−5.3 (about 1.2 × 103 colony-forming units/fish) by intraperitoneal injection and was 10−1 (2.3 × 107 colony-forming units/mL of tank water) by immersion.
Occurrence of Glugea pimephales in Planktonic Larvae of Fathead Minnow in Algonquin Park, Ontario
Authors: Forest Jonathon J. H. , King Stanley D. , Cone David K. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
The microsporidian Glugea pimephales was found parasitizing larval fathead minnow Pimephales promelas in Scott Lake, Algonquin Park, Ontario. These fish were estimated to be 2–3 weeks posthatch and, given the development time of the parasite, must have acquired infection soon after commencement of exogenous feeding. Histological sections revealed that the parasite typically developed in loose connective tissue between the peritoneum and the dermis of the abdominal cavity, with protruding xenomas of up to 2.6 mm in diameter forming near the vent. Prevalence was estimated at 1% by divers performing snorkel surveys along the lake shoreline. Divers following schools of fathead minnow consistently reported that larvae with the obvious cysts wobbled during swimming and that infected fish were typically located at the back of the dispersing school. This case history joins a growing list of studies suggesting that fish can become infected with parasites soon after hatch, the potential importance of which has not been critically studied.
Identification of Vibrio harveyi Isolated from Diseased Asian Seabass Lates calcarifer by Use of 16S Ribosomal DNA Sequencing
Authors: Ransangan Julian , Mustafa Saleem 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
The grow out of Asian seabass Lates calcarifer in marine net-cages is a popular aquaculture activity in Malaysia. Production of this species is greatly affected by the occurrence of vibriosis, which causes heavy mortality. Generally, young fish are more susceptible; they exhibit anorexia and skin darkening, followed by heavy mortality. The acutely affected older fish may also exhibit bloody lesions around the anus and the base of the fins. Twenty-one bacterial isolates obtained from internal organs (kidney, heart, spleen and liver) of the affected specimens were subjected to phenotypic characterization, testing for antibiotic susceptibility, and 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing. The sequencing result showed that all of the bacterial isolates belonged to Vibrio harveyi. The phenotypic characterization, however, identified 4 of the bacterial isolates as V. harveyi, 16 as V. parahaemolyticus, and 1 as V. alginolyticus. These findings suggest that biochemical features alone cannot be reliably used to identify bacterial pathogens, including V. harveyi, in aquaculture. Antibiotic susceptibility assays showed that some antibiotics, including oxytetracycline, nitrofurantoin, furazolidone, streptomycin, sulfamethoxazole, chloramphenicol, nalidixic acid, and oxolinic acid were effective against V. harveyi. Considering the side effects of these antibiotics, however, their use is not recommended in the aquaculture of Asian seabass.