bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retrospective analysis of prognostic factors for angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma: a multicenter cooperative study in Japan
Authors: Tokunaga Takashi , Shimada Kazuyuki , Yamamoto Kazuhito , Chihara Dai , Ichihashi Takuji , Oshima Rika , Tanimoto Mitsune , Iwasaki Toshihiro , Isoda Atsushi , Sakai Akira , Kobayashi Hikaru , Kitamura Kunio , Matsue Kosei , Taniwaki Masafumi , Tamashima Sadahiro , Saburi Yoshio , Masunari Taro , Naoe Tomoki , Nakamura Shigeo , Kinoshita Tomohiro 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) is a major type of peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). To elucidate the clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis of AITL in Japan, we retrospectively analyzed 207 patients with AITL. The median patient age was 67 years (range, 34-91 years), with 73% of patients older than 60 years. With a median follow-up of 42 months in surviving patients, 3-year overall survival (OS) was 54% and progression-free survival (PFS) was 38%. The International Prognostic Index (IPI) and the prognostic index for PTCL, not otherwise specified (PIT) were predictive for OS in this analysis. Multivariate analysis found that age older than 60 years, elevated white blood cell (WBC) and IgA levels, the presence of anemia and thrombocytopenia, and extranodal involvement at > 1 site were significant prognostic factors for OS, and IgA, anemia, and mediastinal lymphadenopathy were significant prognostic factors for PFS. A novel prognostic model consisting of the prognostic factors for OS was successfully constructed. In conclusion, IPI and PIT were still useful for prognostication of AITL, and other factors, including those not used in IPI, such as IgA, anemia, WBC count, thrombocytopenia, and mediastinal lymphadenopathy, also significantly affected prognosis. Future investigations for IgA as a unique prognostic factor are warranted.
Axillary node metastasis from differentiated thyroid carcinoma with hürthle and signet ring cell differentiation. A case of disseminated thyroid cancer with peculiar histologic findings
Authors: Chiofalo Maria Grazia , Losito Nunzia Simona , Fulciniti Franco , Setola Sergio Venanzio , Tommaselli Antonio , Marone Ugo , Di Cecilia Maria Luisa , Pezzullo Luciano 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
Differentiated thyroid cancer is usually associated with an excellent prognosis and indolent course. Distant metastases are rare events at the onset of thyroid cancer. Among these presentations, metastasis to the axillary lymph nodes is even more unusual: only few cases were previously reported in the literature; there has been no report of axillary lymph node metastasis from follicular thyroid carcinoma. Axillary lymph node metastasis generally arises in the context of disseminated disease and carries an ominous prognosis.

Case presentation
Here we present a case of axillary lymph node metastasis in the context of disseminated differentiated thyroid cancer. The patient underwent near total thyroidectomy and neck and axillary lymph node dissection. A histopathological diagnosis of poorly differentiated follicular carcinoma with "signet ring cells" and Hürthle cell features was established. The patient received radioactive iodine therapy and TSH suppression therapy. Subsequently his serum thyroglobulin level decreased to 44.000 ng/ml from over 100.000 ng/ml.

Discussion and Conclusion
Currently there are only few reported cases of axillary node metastases from thyroid cancer, and to our knowledge, this is the first report on axillary lymph node metastasis from follicular thyroid carcinoma. "Signet ring cell" is a morphologic feature shared by both benign and, more rarely, malignant follicular thyroid neoplasm, and it generally correlates with an arrest in folliculogenesis. Our case is one of the rare "signet ring cells" carcinomas so far described.
Suppressive effects of liquid crystal compounds on the growth of U937 human leukemic monocyte lymphoma cells
Authors: Ishikawa Junya , Takahashi Yuuka , Hazawa Masaharu , Fukushi Yukako , Yoshizawa Atsushi , Kashiwakura Ikuo 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological and pharmaceutical activities of 14 amphiphilic liquid-crystalline compounds (LCs), i.e, phenylpyrimidine derivatives possessing D-glucamine and cyanobiphenyl derivatives with a terminal hydroxyl unit.

Results
The cytotoxic properties of the LCs on the cell growth, cell cycle distribution, and cell signaling pathway of U937 human leukemic monocyte lymphoma cells were assessed by flow cytometry and western blot analysis. Some LCs showed cytostatic effects, suppressing cell growth via S-phase arrest and without apoptosis in U937 cells. To investigate the mechanisms of the LC-induced S-phase arrest, proteins relevant to cell cycle regulation were investigated by western blot analysis. The rate of LC-induced S-phase arrest was congruent with the decreased expression of MCM2, cyclin A, cyclin B, CDK2, phospho-CDK1 and Cdc25C. Observed changes in cell cycle distribution by LC treated might be caused by insufficient preparation for G2/M transition. Considering the structure of the LCs, the rod-like molecules displaying cytotoxicity against U937 cells possessed flexible spacers with no bulky polar group attached via the flexible spacer.

Conclusions
Our results revealed that some LCs showed cytotoxic properties against non-solid type tumor human leukemic cells via LC-induced S-phase arrest and decreasing expression of several cell cycle related proteins.
Enhancement of anti-murine colon cancer immunity by fusion of a SARS fragment to a low-immunogenic carcinoembryonic antigen
Authors: Lin Chen-Si , Kao Shih-Han , Chen Yu-Cheng , Li Chi-Han , Hsieh Yuan-Ting , Yang Shang-Chih , Wu Chang-Jer , Lee Ru-Ping , Liao Kuang-Wen 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
It is widely understood that tumor cells express tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), of which many are usually in low immunogenicity; for example, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is specifically expressed on human colon cancer cells and is viewed as a low-immunogenic TAA. How to activate host immunity against specific TAAs and to suppress tumor growth therefore becomes important in cancer therapy development.

Results
To enhance the immune efficiency of CEA in mice that received, we fused a partial CEA gene with exogenous SARS-CoV fragments. Oral vaccination of an attenuated Salmonella typhimurium strain transformed with plasmids encoding CEA-SARS-CoV fusion gene into BALB/c mice elicited significant increases in TNF-α and IL-10 in the serum. In addition, a smaller tumor volume was observed in CT26/CEA-bearing mice who received CEA-SARS-CoV gene therapy in comparison with those administered CEA alone.

Conclusion
The administration of fusing CEA-SARS-CoV fragments may provide a promising strategy for strengthening the anti-tumor efficacy against low-immunogenic endogenous tumor antigens.
Phenylketonuria: nutritional advances and challenges
Authors: Giovannini Marcello , Verduci Elvira , Salvatici Elisabetta , Paci Sabrina , Riva Enrica 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Despite the appearance of new treatment, dietary approach remains the mainstay of PKU therapy. The nutritional management has become complex to optimize PKU patients' growth, development and diet compliance. This paper review critically new advances and challenges that have recently focused attention on potential relevant of LCPUFA supplementation, progress in protein substitutes and new protein sources, large neutral amino acids and sapropterin. Given the functional effects, DHA is conditionally essential substrates that should be supplied with PKU diet in infancy but even beyond. An European Commission Programme is going on to establish quantitative DHA requirements in this population. Improvements in the palatability, presentation, convenience and nutritional composition of protein substitutes have helped to improve long-term compliance with PKU diet, although it can be expected for further improvement in this area. Glycomacropeptide, a new protein source, may help to support dietary compliance of PKU subject but further studies are needed to evaluate this metabolic and nutritional issues. The PKU diet is difficult to maintain in adolescence and adult life. Treatment with large neutral amino acids or sapropterin in selected cases can be helpful. However, more studies are necessary to investigate the potential role, dose, and composition of large neutral amino acids in PKU treatment and to show long-term efficacy and tolerance. Ideally treatment with sapropterin would lead to acceptable blood Phe control without dietary treatment but this is uncommon and sapropterin will usually be given in combination with dietary treatment, but clinical protocol evaluating adjustment of PKU diet and sapropterin dosage are needed.
In conclusion PKU diet and the new existing treatments, that need to be optimized, may be a complete and combined strategy possibly positive impacting on the psychological, social, and neurocognitive life of PKU patients.
Comparison of cement pressurisation in flanged and unflanged acetabular cups
Authors: Bhattacharya Rajarshi , Attar Fahad G , Green Sarah , Port Andrew 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundThis biomechanical study examined difference in cement pressures generated by flanged and unflanged acetabular cups in hip arthroplasty.MethodUsing a model acetabulum, cement was inserted and pressurised followed by cup insertion and pressurisation. Pressures were recorded using transducers in the acetabulum. We compared Charnley Ogee (flanged), Exeter contemporary (flanged) and Exeter low profile (unflanged) cups using Simplex and CMW1 cements in turn.ResultsUsing Simplex, Charnley Ogee cup generated highest initial peak pressure and overall mean pressure. Exeter unflanged cup generated higher initial and mean pressures compared to Exeter flanged cup. With CMW, there was no significant difference between the pressures generated by the cups.ConclusionsOur experiment suggests that flanged cups do not consistently generate significantly higher cement pressures compared to unflanged cups.
Chondroitin sulfates in the developing rat hindbrain confine commissural projections of vestibular nuclear neurons
Authors: Kwok Jessica CF , Yuen Ying-Lai , Lau Wai-Kit , Zhang Fu-Xing , Fawcett James W , Chan Ying-Shing , Shum Daisy KY 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
Establishing correct neuronal circuitry is crucial to proper function of the vertebrate nervous system. The abundance of chondroitin sulfate (CS) proteoglycans in embryonic neural environments suggests that matrix proteoglycans regulate axonal projections when fiber tracts have not yet formed. Among the early-born neurons, the vestibular nucleus (VN) neurons initiate commissural projections soon after generation at E12.5 and reach the contralateral target by E15.5 in the rat hindbrain. We therefore exploited 24-hour cultures (1 day in vitro (DIV)) of the rat embryos and chondroitinase ABC treatment of the hindbrain matrix to reveal the role of CS moieties in axonal initiation and projection in the early hindbrain.

Results
DiI tracing from the VN at E12.5(+1 DIV) showed contralaterally projecting fibers assuming fascicles that hardly reached the midline in the controls. In the enzyme-treated embryos, the majority of fibers were unfasciculated as they crossed the midline at 90°. At E13.5(+1 DIV), the commissural projections formed fascicles and crossed the midline in the controls. Enzyme treatment apparently did not affect the pioneer axons that had advanced as thick fascicles normal to the midline and beyond, towards the contralateral VN. Later projections, however, traversed the enzyme-treated matrix as unfasciculated fibers, deviated from the normal course crossing the midline at various angles and extending beyond the contralateral VN. This suggests that CSs also limit the course of the later projections, which otherwise would be attracted to alternative targets.

Conclusions
CS moieties in the early hindbrain therefore control the course and fasciculation of axonal projections and the timing of axonal arrival at the target.
Development and characterization of highly polymorphic long TC repeat microsatellite markers for genetic analysis of peanut
Authors: Macedo Selma E , Moretzsohn Márcio C , M Leal-Bertioli Soraya C , Alves Dione MT , Gouvea Ediene G , Azevedo Vânia CR , Bertioli David J 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a crop of economic and social importance, mainly in tropical areas, and developing countries. Its molecular breeding has been hindered by a shortage of polymorphic genetic markers due to a very narrow genetic base. Microsatellites (SSRs) are markers of choice in peanut because they are co-dominant, highly transferrable between species and easily applicable in the allotetraploid genome. In spite of substantial effort over the last few years by a number of research groups, the number of SSRs that are polymorphic for A. hypogaea is still limiting for routine application, creating the demand for the discovery of more markers polymorphic within cultivated germplasm.

Findings
A plasmid genomic library enriched for TC/AG repeats was constructed and 1401 clones sequenced. From the sequences obtained 146 primer pairs flanking mostly TC microsatellites were developed. The average number of repeat motifs amplified was 23. These 146 markers were characterized on 22 genotypes of cultivated peanut. In total 78 of the markers were polymorphic within cultivated germplasm. Most of those 78 markers were highly informative with an average of 5.4 alleles per locus being amplified. Average gene diversity index (GD) was 0.6, and 66 markers showed a GD of more than 0.5. Genetic relationship analysis was performed and corroborated the current taxonomical classification of A. hypogaea subspecies and varieties.

Conclusions
The microsatellite markers described here are a useful resource for genetics and genomics in Arachis. In particular, the 66 markers that are highly polymorphic in cultivated peanut are a significant step towards routine genetic mapping and marker-assisted selection for the crop.
Use of glucocorticoids and risk of breast cancer: a Danish population-based case-control study
Authors: Sørensen Gitte Vrelits , Cronin-Fenton Deirdre P , Sørensen Henrik Toft , Ulrichsen Sinna Pilgaard , Pedersen Lars , Lash Timothy L 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Glucocorticoids are widely prescribed drugs. In the human body, glucocorticoid is the main stress hormone and controls a variety of physiological and cellular processes, including metabolism and immune response. It belongs to the same steroid superfamily as estrogens, which are known to play a role in breast cancer. However, the effect of glucocorticoid use on the risk of breast cancer is not clear.

Methods
We conducted a case-control study using population-based medical databases from Northern Denmark (1.8 million inhabitants) to investigate the association between glucocorticoid prescriptions and breast cancer risk. The study included 9,488 incident breast cancer cases diagnosed between 1994 and 2008 and 94,876 population controls. We estimated the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) associating glucocorticoid use with breast cancer occurrence, controlling for prescriptions of postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy, anti-diabetics, immunosuppressive drugs, and hospital diagnosis of obesity, diabetes, chronic pulmonary diseases and autoimmune diseases.

Results
We found no effect on breast cancer risk in ever users (> 2 prescriptions) of any glucocorticoids (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.0; 95% CI: 0.96, 1.1), systemic glucocorticoids (aOR = 1.0; 95% CI: 0.96, 1.1), or inhaled glucocorticoids (aOR = 1.0; 95% CI: 0.95, 1.1), each compared to never users of any glucocorticoids. Associations for recent use (preceding two years) and former use (more than two years earlier) were near null in all dose categories (low, medium and high number of prescriptions). Intensity of systemic glucocorticoid use (cumulative prednisolone equivalent doses), regardless of duration (< 1, 1 to 5, 5+ years), was also not associated with breast cancer risk.

Conclusions
Overall, our study provides no evidence that glucocorticoid use affects the risk of breast cancer.
Comparison of reproductive traits of regular and irradiated male desert locust Schistocerca gregaria (Orthoptera: Acrididae): Evidence of last-male sperm precedence
Authors: Dushimirimana Severin , Hance Thierry , Damiens David 
Published: February 2012

Summary
The sterile insect technique (SIT) is increasingly used to control pest insect populations. The success of SIT control programs depends on the ability to release sterile males and on the capacity of sterile males to compete with wild males to inseminate wild females. In this study, we evaluated the mating performance of Schistocerca gregaria (Försk.) males irradiated with 4 Gray. We compared reproductive traits, such as duration of precopulation time, mating duration, quantity of sperm stored by females after copulation, number of females mated successively and postmating competition of irradiated males with non-irradiated males. Irradiated males were able to mate but the resulting number of offspring was dramatically reduced compared to the average number of offspring observed during a regular mating. During a single copulation, irradiated males transferred fewer sperm than regular males but, theoretically, this quantity is enough to fertilize all the eggs produced by a female during its reproductive life. Irradiated males also had the ability to remove sperm from a previous mating with unirraditated males. This new information on the mating strategies helps explain the post-copulation guarding behaviour of S. gregaria.
Screening for metabolic vitamin B12 deficiency by holotranscobalamin in patients suspected of vitamin B12 deficiency: a multicentre study
Authors: Heil Sandra G , de Jonge Robert , de Rotte Maurits C F J , van Wijnen Merel , Heiner-Fokkema Rebecca M R , Kobold Anneke C Muller , Pekelharing J Maurits M , Adriaansen Henk J , Sanders Edward , Trienekens Paul H , Rammeloo Ton , Lindemans Jan 
Published: February 2012

Background Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs frequently, especially among the elderly. However, screening for vitamin B12 deficiency is hampered by poor sensitivity of the existing total vitamin B12 assay. Methylmalonic acid (MMA) is considered as the most representative indicator of metabolic vitamin B12 deficiency and is used as such in this study. The aim of this study was to validate the clinical usefulness of holotranscobalamin (holoTC) as an initial screening assay for metabolic vitamin B12 deficiency in a mixed patient population. Methods Three hundred and sixty blood samples were collected by five Dutch hospitals. Vitamin B12 and holoTC in serum were measured (AxSYM; Abbott). MMA in serum was measured by tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis demonstrated a greater area under the curve (AUC) for holoTC than for vitamin B12 in detecting vitamin B12 deficiency characterized by three predefined cut-off levels of MMA. A cut-off value of 32 pmol/L of holoTC resulted in the highest sensitivity (83%) with acceptable specificity (60%) in detecting MMA concentrations above 0.45 μmol/L. The combination of vitamin B12 and holoTC did not improve diagnostic accuracy at this cut-off level. Conclusions HoloTC has a better diagnostic accuracy than vitamin B12 and can replace the existing vitamin B12 assay as a primary screening test in patients suspected of vitamin B12 deficiency. Critical evaluation of cut-off values of holoTC indicated that a cut-off value of 32 pmol/L can be considered in screening for metabolic vitamin B12 deficiency (defined by MMA > 0.45 μmol/L) in a mixed patient population.
Bioinformatic software for cerebrospinal fluid spectrophotometry in suspected subarachnoid haemorrhage
Authors: Collet Nicolas , Garcelon Nicolas , Robbe Valentin , Lucas-Clerc Catherine , Cuggia Marc , Bendavid Claude 
Published: February 2012

Background Diagnosis of subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is firstly based on imaging and secondly on spectrophotometry. Bilirubin may be detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for up to two weeks after SAH. CSF pigment analysis is commonly performed according to the Chalmers manual technique but may be prone to operator error. We propose an online software solution, based on the United Kingdom National External Quality Assessment Service (UKNEQAS) recommendations, to support the interpretation of CSF pigment analysis. Methods Based on the manual Chalmers technique, we have developed a web application (in Personal Home Page language including JpGraph module and an Oracle database®) that enables the calculation of net oxyhaemoglobin absorbance and net bilirubin absorbance. It uses data from the CSF spectrophotometry, CSF and serum protein concentrations, and serum bilirubin concentration to provide an interpretation based on the NEQAS decision tree. The application was retrospectively validated using the spectra from 350 patients, previously analysed by the manual method. Results In total, 91.1% interpretations from spectra analysed with the web application were in accordance with the results obtained manually. The 8.9% discordant results were mostly related to an incorrect interpretation using the manual technique. Conclusions The software developed in our laboratory to interpret CSF pigment analysis results is a precise, robust and useful tool that allows reproducible conclusions to be drawn. This software is available through a web interface.
Successful reduction of clinical relevant neovascularization with a modified crossectomy combined with a barrier technique after 10-year follow-up
Authors: Schnyder S , Gabler S , Meier T O , Thalhammer C , Magnetti F , Spring S , Amann-Vesti B R 
Published: February 2012

Objective The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the long-term results of stripping the insufficient great saphenous vein (GSV) with stump coagulation, closure of the cribriform fascia and some additional measures, which will be described in detail. Methods Patients treated from 1998 to 1999 for varicose veins had been invited in 2009 for follow-up colour-coded duplex sonography and had been asked to answer a quality-of-life questionnaire. In 2009, the examinations for the study were conducted at a clinic of angiology by an independent and experienced sonographer. Results From a total of 165 patients, 91 (136 limbs) had been willing to participate in the study. Duplex ultrasound after a mean follow-up of 10.7 years revealed only clinically non-relevant (Ø < 0.3 cm) neovascularizations in 1.5% of all treated legs. No clinical relevant varicosities from the groin had developed. Conclusion The crossectomy combined with stump coagulation and suture of the fossa ovalis, completed with some additional measures, is a successful method to reduce neovascularization and recurrent varicosities, even for redo-crossectomies, without increasing the risk of perioperative complications.