bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antinuclear and antiphospholipid antibodies in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Szmyrka-Kaczmarek M , Pokryszko-Dragan A , Pawlik B , Gruszka E , Korman L , Podemski R , Wiland P , Szechinski J 
Published: November 2011

The prevalence of autoantibodies in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and their clinical associations differ between various studies. This study investigated antiphospholipid and antinuclear antibodies in 85 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) with regard to their association with demographic features, MS specific clinical features and symptoms of connective tissue diseases. Autoantibodies tested included antinuclear antibodies (ANA) with their specificities and anticardiolipin (aCL) and anti-beta-2-glycoprotein I (anti-β2GPI) antibodies. Antinuclear antibodies were more prevalent in MS patients than in controls (63.5% vs. 3.3%; p < 0.01) and in 19% of patients specific antinuclear antibodies were detected. Anti-β2GPI IgM antibodies were more frequent in MS patients than in the control group (20% vs. 3.3%; p < 0.05). The frequency of anticardiolipin antibodies did not differ between MS patients and controls. MS patients seropositive for ANA and extractable nuclear antigens (ENA) had significantly shorter disease duration than seronegative patients ( p < 0.05) and a lower disability score (Expanded Disability Status Score; EDSS) ( p < 0.05). Anti-β2GPI antibodies were more frequent in patients with secondary progressive MS (SP-MS) and specific ANA antibodies were more frequent in patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) ( p < 0.05). The presence of autoantibodies was not associated with the predominant site of neurological involvement or the clinical features of connective tissue diseases.
Influence of ramiprilat and losartan on ischemia reperfusion injury in rat hearts
Authors: Safari Fatemeh , Hajizadeh Sohrab , Shekarforoush Shahnaz , Bayat Gholamreza , Foadoddini Mohsen , Khoshbaten Ali 
Published: November 2011

Hypothesis/introduction: Our aim was to investigate whether a non-hypotensive dose of ramiprilat and losartan has myocardial protective effects during myocardial ischemia/reperfusion in vivo. Materials and methods: Three groups of rats were given 10 mg/kg per day of losartan for one (L-1W), four (L-4W) or 10 (L-10W) weeks. Another three groups were given 50 µg/kg per day of ramiprilat for one (R-1W), four (R-4W) or 10 (R-10W) weeks. The animals underwent 30 min of left anterior descending artery occlusion and subsequent reperfusion for 120 min. Results: Myocardial infarct size (IS) was reduced in R-1W (28.4 ± 6.3%, p < 0.001), R-4W (27.8 ± 7.4, p < 0.001), L-4W (31.8 ± 6%, p < 0.05) and L-10W (25.3 ± 5.7, p < 0.001) groups compared with a saline group (48.3 ± 7.8%). A significant reduction in the number of ventricular ectopic beats (VEBs) was noted in groups R-1W (209 ± 41, p < 0.01), R-4W (176 ± 39, p < 0.01), L-4W (215 ± 52, p < 0.05) and L-10W (191 ± 61, p < 0.01 vs. saline 329 ± 48). The incidence of irreversible ventricular fibrillation (VF) and mortality were decreased significantly only in L-10W group. There were no significant decreases in episodes of VT, the incidence of irreversible VF and mortality in all of the groups treated with ramiprilat. Conclusion: These data indicate that losartan and ramiprilat protect the heart against ischemia/reperfusion injury independently of their hemodynamic effects but in a time-dependent manner.
Design-optimized and operational features to improve the economic results of fishing vessels
Authors: Martínez-López Alba , Míguez-González Marcos , Díaz-Casás Vicente , Fariñas-Alvariño Pablo 
Published: November 2011

The main objectives of this paper are to define the design parameters and operational features for new fishing vessels in order to increase their economic profitability. Thus, an economic model of their activity has been developed by taking into account the activity of the Galician fleet (Spain) for the last 7 years. Subsequently, the influence of each variable has been evaluated through the application of Monte Carlo simulation for each type of fishing vessel. Once the controllable and market variables in the model have been identified, the quantification of their influence on the economic result has been carried out. From data provided by the shipowners using the Port of Celeiro, this study also identifies a large oversize both in the hold and in the fuel capacity of the current fleet. According to the results obtained, new main dimensions and operational features for the vessels are proposed, with the objective of improving the economic feasibility of these vessels. The analysis shows the great importance of the market parameters and the initial investment in the final economic results. The longliner is the vessel that is the most sensitive to the solutions proposed, obtaining the largest improvements through smaller vessels operating at a lower speed during the trip.
Stage IV sarcoidosis: comparison of survival with the general population and causes of death
Authors: Nardi A. , Brillet P-Y. , Letoumelin P. , Girard F. , Brauner M. , Uzunhan Y. , Naccache J-M. , Valeyre D. , Nunes H. 
Published: November 2011

The objectives of this study were to compare the survival of sarcoid patients with pulmonary fibrosis with that of the general population and to determine the causes of death and the incidence of evolutive complications.This retrospective cohort included 142 sarcoid patients in radiographic stage IV (74 males; mean±sdage 48.1±12 yrs). Their survival was compared with that of the general French population, matched for the year and age at diagnosis of stage IV disease, sex and length of follow-up. Expected survival probabilities were calculated year-by-year on the basis of probabilities provided by official demographic data for France. Survival curves were based on the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using the log-rank test.During the follow-up period (7.1±4.8 yrs), pulmonary hypertension (PH) was observed in 29.7% of cases and aspergilloma in 11.3%. Long-term oxygen therapy was required in 12%. Survival was 84.1% at 10 yrs, which was worse than for the general population (p=0.013). 16 (11.3%) patients died from the following causes: refractory PH (n=5), chronic respiratory insufficiency (n=4), acute respiratory insufficiency (n=2), haemoptysis due to aspergilloma (n=1), heart sarcoidosis (n=1), nocardiosis (n=1) and unknown causes (n=2).Survival is significantly decreased in stage IV patients. 75% of fatalities are directly attributable to respiratory causes.
Community-associated Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureusBacteremia and Endocarditis among HIV Patients: A cohort study
Authors: Furuno Jon P , Johnson Jennifer K , Schweizer Marin L , Uche Anayochukwu , Stine Oscar C , Shurland Simone M , Forrest Graeme N 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackgroundHIV patients are at increased risk of development of infections and infection-associated poor health outcomes. We aimed to 1) assess the prevalence of USA300 community-associated methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(CA-MRSA) among HIV-infected patients withS. aureusbloodstream infections and. 2) determine risk factors for infective endocarditis and in-hospital mortality among patients in this population.MethodsAll adult HIV-infected patients with documentedS. aureusbacteremia admitted to the University of Maryland Medical Center between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2005 were included. CA-MRSA was defined as a USA300 MRSA isolate with the MBQBLO spa-type motif and positive for both the arginine catabolic mobile element and Panton-Valentin Leukocidin. Risk factors forS. aureus-associated infective endocarditis and mortality were determined using logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Potential risk factors included demographic variables, comorbid illnesses, and intravenous drug use.ResultsAmong 131 episodes ofS. aureusbacteremia, 85 (66%) were MRSA of which 47 (54%) were CA-MRSA. Sixty-three patients (48%) developed endocarditis and 10 patients (8%) died in the hospital on the index admission Patients with CA-MRSA were significantly more likely to develop endocarditis (OR = 2.73, 95% CI = 1.30, 5.71). No other variables including comorbid conditions, current receipt of antiretroviral therapy, pre-culture severity of illness, or CD4 count were significantly associated with endocarditis and none were associated with in-hospital mortality.ConclusionsCA-MRSA was significantly associated with an increased incidence of endocarditis in this cohort of HIV patients with MRSA bacteremia. In populations such as these, in which the prevalence of intravenous drug use and probability of endocarditis are both high, efforts must be made for early detection, which may improve treatment outcomes.
Clinical implication of HLA class I expression in breast cancer
Authors: Kaneko Koichi , Ishigami Sumiya , Kijima Yuko , Funasako Yawara , Hirata Munetsugu , Okumura Hiroshi , Shinchi Hiroyuki , Koriyama Chihaya , Ueno Shinichi , Yoshinaka Heiji , Natsugoe Shoji 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-class I molecules on tumor cells have been regarded as crucial sites where cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) can recognize tumor-specific antigens and are strongly associated with anti-tumor activity. However, the clinical impact of HLA class I expression in breast cancer has not been clarified.

Methods
A total of 212 breast cancer patients who received curative surgery from 1993 to 2003 were enrolled in the current study. HLA class I expression was examined immunohistochemically using an anti-HLA class I monoclonal antibody. The correlation between HLA class I positivity and clinical factors was analyzed.

Results
The downregulation of HLA class I expression in breast cancer was observed in 69 patients (32.5%). HLA class I downregulation was significantly associated with nodal involvement (p < 0.05), TNM stage (p < 0.05), lymphatic invasion (p < 0.01), and venous invasion (p < 0.05). Patients with preserved HLA class I had significantly better disease-free interval (DFI) than those with loss of HLA class I (p < 0.05). However, in multivariable analysis, HLA class I was not selected as one of the independent prognostic factors of disease-free interval.

Conclusion
The examination of HLA class I expression is useful for the prediction of tumor progression and recurrent risk of breast cancer via the antitumor immune system.
Problematic Internet use in Chinese adolescents and its relation to psychosomatic symptoms and life satisfaction
Authors: Cao Hui , Sun Ying , Wan Yuhui , Hao Jiahu , Tao Fangbiao 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Problematic Internet use (PIU) is a growing problem in Chinese adolescents. Little is known about associations of PIU with physical and psychological health. This study was designed to investigate the prevalence of PIU and to test the relationships between PIU and psychosomatic symptoms and life satisfaction among adolescents in mainland China.

Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted comprising a large representative sample of 17 599 students in eight cities of China. PIU was assessed by the 20-item Young Internet Addiction Test (YIAT). The Multidimensional Sub-health Questionnaire of Adolescents and the Multidimensional Students' Life Satisfaction Scale were administered to obtain information on psychosomatic symptoms and life satisfaction. Demographics and Internet usage patterns were also collected. Logistic regression was used to assess the effects of PIU on psychosomatic symptoms and life satisfaction.

Results
Approximately 8.1% of subjects showed PIU. Adolescents with PIU were associated with males, high school students, urban, eastern and western areas, upper self-report family economy, service type mostly used for entertainment and relieving loneliness and more frequency of Internet use. Compared with normal Internet users, adolescents with PIU were more likely to suffer from psychosomatic symptoms (P < 0.001), including lack of physical energy (P < 0.001), physiological dysfunction (P < 0.001), weakened immunity (P < 0.001), emotional symptoms (P < 0.001), behavioural symptoms (P < 0.001) and social adaptation problems (P < 0.001). Adolescents with PIU had lower scores on total and all dimensions of life satisfaction (all P < 0.001). Adjusted for the demographic and Internet-related factors, there was positive significant relationship between PIU and psychosomatic symptoms, but negatively related to life satisfaction.

Conclusions
PIU is common among Chinese students, and PIU was significantly associated with psychosomatic symptoms and life satisfaction. Effective measures are needed to prevent the spread of this problem and interventions to prevent the effects of PIU on psychosomatic symptoms and life satisfaction should be conducted as early as possible.
Ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase 1 (UCHL1) is a potential tumour suppressor in prostate cancer and is frequently silenced by promoter methylation
Authors: Ummanni Ramesh , Jost Edgar , Braig Melanie , Lohmann Frithjof , Mundt Frederike , Barett Christine , Schlomm Thorsten , Sauter Guido , Senff Tina , Bokemeyer Carsten , Sültmann Holger , Meyer-Schwesinger Catherine , Brümmendorf Tim H , Balabanov Stefan 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
We have previously reported significant downregulation of ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase 1 (UCHL1) in prostate cancer (PCa) compared to the surrounding benign tissue. UCHL1 plays an important role in ubiquitin system and different cellular processes such as cell proliferation and differentiation. We now show that the underlying mechanism of UCHL1 downregulation in PCa is linked to its promoter hypermethylation. Furthermore, we present evidences that UCHL1 expression can affect the behavior of prostate cancer cells in different ways.

Results
Methylation specific PCR analysis results showed a highly methylated promoter region for UCHL1 in 90% (18/20) of tumor tissue compared to 15% (3/20) of normal tissues from PCa patients. Pyrosequencing results confirmed a mean methylation of 41.4% in PCa whereas only 8.6% in normal tissues. To conduct functional analysis of UCHL1 in PCa, UCHL1 is overexpressed in LNCaP cells whose UCHL1 expression is normally suppressed by promoter methylation and found that UCHL1 has the ability to decrease the rate of cell proliferation and suppresses anchorage-independent growth of these cells. In further analysis, we found evidence that exogenous expression of UCHL1 suppress LNCaP cells growth probably via p53-mediated inhibition of Akt/PKB phosphorylation and also via accumulation of p27kip1 a cyclin dependant kinase inhibitor of cell cycle regulating proteins. Notably, we also observed that exogenous expression of UCHL1 induced a senescent phenotype that was detected by using the SA-ß-gal assay and might be due to increased p14ARF, p53, p27kip1 and decreased MDM2.

Conclusion
From these results, we propose that UCHL1 downregulation via promoter hypermethylation plays an important role in various molecular aspects of PCa biology, such as morphological diversification and regulation of proliferation.
Comparison of nanoparticle-mediated transfection methods for DNA expression plasmids: efficiency and cytotoxicity
Authors: Durán María Carolina , Willenbrock Saskia , Barchanski Annette , Müller Jessika-M V , Maiolini Arianna , Soller Jan T , Barcikowski Stephan , Nolte Ingo , Feige Karsten , Murua Escobar Hugo 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackgroundReproducibly high transfection rates with low methodology-induced cytotoxic side effects are essential to attain the required effect on targeted cells when exogenous DNA is transfected. Different approaches and modifications such as the use of nanoparticles (NPs) are being evaluated to increase transfection efficiencies. Several studies have focused on the attained transfection efficiency after NP-mediated approaches. However, data comparing toxicity of these novel approaches with conventional methods is still rare.Transfection efficiency and methodology-induced cytotoxicity were analysed after transfection with different NP-mediated and conventional approaches. Two eukaryotic DNA-expression-plasmids were used to transfect the mammalian cell line MTH53A applying six different transfection protocols: conventional transfection reagent (FuGENE HD, FHD), FHD in combination with two different sizes of stabilizer-free laser-generated AuNPs (PLAL-AuNPs_S1,_S2), FHD and commercially available AuNPs (Plano-AuNP), and two magnetic transfection protocols. 24 h post transfection efficiency of each protocol was analysed using fluorescence microscopy and GFP-based flow cytometry. Toxicity was assessed measuring cell proliferation and percentage of propidium iodide (PI%) positive cells. Expression of the respective recombinant proteins was evaluated by immunofluorescence.ResultsThe addition of AuNPs to the transfection protocols significantly increased transfection efficiency in the pIRES-hrGFPII-eIL-12transfections (FHD: 16%; AuNPs mean: 28%), whereas the magnet-assisted protocols did not increase efficiency. Ligand-free PLAL-AuNPs had no significant cytotoxic effect, while the ligand-stabilized Plano-AuNPs induced a significant increase in the PI% and lower cell proliferation. For pIRES-hrGFPII-rHMGB1transfections significantly higher transfection efficiency was observed with PLAL-AuNPs (FHD: 31%; PLAL-AuNPs_S1: 46%; PLAL-AuNPs_S2: 50%), while the magnet-assisted transfection led to significantly lower efficiencies than the FHD protocol. With PLAL-AuNPs_S1 and _S2 the PI% was significantly higher, yet no consistent effect of these NPs on cell proliferation was observed. The magnet-assisted protocols were least effective, but did result in the lowest cytotoxic effect.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that transfection efficiency of DNA-expression-plasmids was significantly improved by the addition of AuNPs. In some combinations the respective cytotoxicity was increased depending on the type of the applied AuNPs and the transfected DNA construct. Consequently, our results indicate that for routine use of these AuNPs the specific nanoparticle formulation and DNA construct combination has to be considered.
Approximating fixed points for nonself mappings in CAT(0) spaces
Authors: Razani Abdolrahman , Shabani Saeed 
Published: November 2011

AbstractSuppose K is a nonempty closed convex subset of a complete CAT(0) space X with the nearest point projection P from X onto K. Let T : K → X be a nonself mapping, satisfying Condition (E) with F(T): = {x ∈ K : Tx = x} ≠ ∅. Suppose {x
n
} is generated iteratively by x1 ∈ K, x
n
+1 = P ((1 - α
n
)x
n
⊕ α
n
TP [(1 - β
n
)x
n
⊕ β
n
Tx
n
]),n ≥ 1, where {α
n
} and {β
n
} are real sequences in [ε, 1 - ε] for some ε ∈ (0, 1). Then, {x
n
} Δ-converges to some point x⋆ in F(T). This extends a result of Laowang and Panyanak [Fixed Point Theory Appl. 367274, 11 (2010)] for nonself mappings satisfying Condition (E).
Phase-Specific Plasticity of Synaptic Structures in the Somatosensory Cortex of Living Mice during Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Kim Sun Kwang , Kato Go , Ishikawa Tatsuya , Nabekura Junichi 
Published: November 2011

Background: Postsynaptic dendritic spines in the cortex are highly dynamic, showing rapid morphological changes including elongation/retraction and formation/elimination in response to altered sensory input or neuronal activity, which achieves experience/activity-dependent cortical circuit rewiring. Our previous long-term in vivo two-photon imaging study revealed that spine turnover in the mouse primary somatosensory (S1) cortex markedly increased in an early development phase of neuropathic pain, but was restored in a late maintenance phase of neuropathic pain. However, it remains unknown how spine morphology is altered preceding turnover change and whether gain and loss of presynaptic boutons are changed during neuropathic pain. Findings: Here we used short-term (2-hour) and long-term (2-week) time-lapse in vivo two-photon imaging of individual spines and boutons in the S1 cortical layer 1 of the transgenic mice expressing GFP in pyramidal neurons following partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSL). We found in the short-term imaging that spine motility (A length per 30 min) significantly increased in the development phase of neuropathic pain, but returned to the baseline in the maintenance phase. Moreover, the proportion of immature (thin) and mature (mushroom) spines increased and decreased, respectively, only in the development phase. Long-term imaging data showed that formation and elimination of boutons moderately increased and decreased, respectively, during the first 3 days following PSL and was subsequently restored. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the S1 synaptic structures are rapidly destabilized and rearranged following PSL and subsequently stabilized in the maintenance phase of neuropathic pain, suggesting a novel therapeutic target in intractable chronic pain.
Mucins Differently Expressed in Various Ampullary Adenocarcinomas
Authors: Wang Tao , Liang Ye M , Hu Peng , Cheng Yu F 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
We investigated the occurrence and clinical significance of mucin expression in ampullary adenocarcinoma.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed clinical, pathological, and survival data from 74 ampullary adenocarcinoma patients who received radical operation from January 2004 to November 2006.

Results
The tumors were located in the lower end of the common bile duct (46%), papillary duodenum (42%), and ampullary duodenum (12%), and expressed MUC1 (72%), MUC2 (20%), MUC5AC (43%), and MUC6 (27%). Expression of MUC1 was associated with tumor differentiation (OR: 4.71, 95% CI: 1.26, 17.66, P = 0.021). Expression of MUC5AC was associated with age (OR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.14, P = 0.026) and less vessel invasion(OR: 0.14, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.72, P = 0.019). The survival rates were not significantly different when patients had or had no expression of MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC, or MUC6 in tumor. Patients with tumors positive for MUC5AC in the papillary duodenum had worse survival than those with tumors negative for MUC5AC (P = 0.044).

Conclusions
Expression of MUC1 was high (72%) in ampullary adenocarcinoma, while expressions of MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC6 were lower. Mucins are useful markers to diagnose and identify ampullary adenocarcinoma, particularly in determining the degree of malignancy of ampullary adenocarcinoma.