bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implications of immunosuppressive agents in cardiovascular risks and carotid intima media thickness among lupus nephritis patients
Authors: Sazliyana S , Mohd Shahrir MS , Kong CT Norella , Tan HJ , Hamidon BB , Azmi MT 
Published: August 2011

Introduction: Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, particularly with lupus nephritis (LN), are at risk of premature cardiovascular (CV) disease. Objective: To determine the association between immunosuppressive medications, traditional CV risk factors and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) among patients with LN. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study in which consecutive LN patients attending the Nephrology/SLE Clinic were evaluated for traditional CV risk factors. Detailed information on their treatment was obtained from their medical records. CIMT, an excellent marker of subclinical atherosclerosis, was measured by B Mode carotid ultrasound. Results: A total of 82 patients with LN with a mean age of 33.9 ± 9.8 years were recruited. More than half had hypertension ( n = 55, 67.1%) and dyslipidemia ( n = 43, 52.4%) as traditional CV risks. Longer history and higher cumulative dose of corticosteroids were associated with hypertension, but use of intravenous methylprednisolone was associated with lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure and lower serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels ( p < 0.05 each). Hydroxychloroquine use was associated with lower total serum cholesterol and serum low-density lipoprotein levels ( p < 0.05). Although the use of cyclosporine A (CyA) was associated with hypertension ( p < 0.05), those who received a lower cumulative dose of CyA had thicker CIMT ( rs = -0.33, p =0.01) and CyA use remained an independent predictor of CIMT during linear regression analysis. There were no associations between CIMT and cumulative dose and duration of steroids, hydroxychloroquine, azathioprine, mycophenolic acid and cyclophosphamide. Conclusion: Aggressive treatment of severe LN and the use of CyA as a steroid-sparing agent may have protective effects against premature atherosclerosis.
No increase in cancer incidence detected after cyclophosphamide in a French cohort of patients with progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Le Bouc R , Zéphir H , Majed B , Vérier A , Marcel M , Vermersch P 
Published: August 2011

Background: Cyclophosphamide is still used in progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in view of its suggested efficacy and safety in the short term. No data exist on its long-term safety in MS, particularly on the risk of malignancy. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate cancer incidence in MS after cyclophosphamide treatment. Methods: We performed a historical prospective study in a cohort of MS patients treated with cyclophosphamide. We collected demographic data and medical history from medical databases and patient interviews. Reported cancers were histologically confirmed. Cancer incidence was compared with the incidence in the general population by estimating standardized incidence ratios (SIRs). Results: We included 354 patients, with a median follow-up of 5 years (range 2–15) after cyclophosphamide treatment. Fifteen patients developed a solid cancer, which occurred at a median of 3 years (range 0.5–14) after cyclophosphamide introduction. The cumulative incidence of cancer after cyclophosphamide was 3.1% at 5 years and 5.9% at 8 years. We found no increase in cancer incidence after cyclophosphamide treatment in men (SIR = 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.30–1.82), women (SIR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.43–1.95), or men and women combined (SIR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.50–1.54). Conclusion: We found no evidence of an increased risk of cancer associated with cyclophosphamide treatment in MS patients.
Fatigue and its relationships with cognitive functioning and depression in paediatric multiple sclerosis
Authors: Goretti B , Portaccio E , Ghezzi A , Lori S , Moiola L , Falautano M , Viterbo R , Patti F , Vecchio R , Pozzilli C , Bianchi V , Cappiello S , Comi G , Trojano M , Amato MP ,   for the Multiple Sclerosis Study Group of the Italian Neurological Society
Published: August 2011

Background: There is limited information on fatigue and its clinical and psychosocial correlates in children and adolescents with multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: To assess the relationships between fatigue, cognitive functioning and depression in paediatric MS. Methods: The study cohort consisted of patients with MS recruited for an Italian collaborative study on cognitive and psychosocial functioning in paediatric MS. The present assessment included evaluation of fatigue on the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory-Multidimensional Fatigue Scale, cognitive functioning on an extensive neuropsychological battery and depression on the Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI). A psychiatric interview through the Kiddie-SADS-Present and Lifetime Version was also administered. Results: In total, 57 patients with relapsing–remitting MS were compared with 70 healthy controls. Percentages of fatigued patients ranged from 9% to 14% according to self-reports, and from 23% to 39% according to parent reports. Fatigue was significantly related with higher scores on the CDI ( p < 0.03). Higher levels of self-reported cognitive fatigue were associated with impaired performance on a problem-solving test, whereas higher levels of parent-reported cognitive fatigue were associated with impairment on tests of verbal learning, processing speed, complex attention and verbal comprehension. Conclusions: Our data show that fatigue can affect a sizeable proportion of paediatric MS patients, and confirm the association between fatigue and depressive symptoms in MS. They also highlight the difficulties of fatigue assessment in the paediatric population and provide a few clues to further research in the field.
SET oncoprotein overexpression in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a predictor of aggressive disease and a new treatment target
Authors: Christensen Dale J. , Chen Youwei , Oddo Jessica , Matta Karen M. , Neil Jessica , Davis Evan D. , Volkheimer Alicia D. , Lanasa Mark C. , Friedman Daphne R. , Goodman Barbara K. , Gockerman Jon P. , Diehl Louis F. , de Castro Carlos M. , Moore Joseph O. , Vitek Michael P. , Weinberg J. Brice 
Published: August 2011

AbstractB-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), an incurable leukemia, is characterized by defective apoptosis. We found that the SET oncoprotein, a potent inhibitor of the protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) tumor suppressor, is overexpressed in primary CLL cells and B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) cell line cells. In CLL, increased levels of SET correlated significantly with disease severity (shorter time to treatment and overall survival). We developed SET antagonist peptides that bound SET, increased cellular PP2A activity, decreased Mcl-1 expression, and displayed selective cytotoxicity for CLL and NHL cells in vitro. In addition, shRNA for SET was cytotoxic for NHL cells in vitro. The SET antagonist peptide COG449 inhibited growth of NHL tumor xenografts in mice. These data demonstrate that SET is a new treatment target in B-cell malignancies and that SET antagonists represent novel agents for treatment of CLL and NHL.
Intratracheal transplantation of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells attenuates Escherichia coli-induced acute lung injury in mice
Authors: Kim Eun Sun , Chang Yun Sil , Choi Soo Jin , Kim Jin Kyu , Yoo Hey Soo , Ahn So Yoon , Sung Dong Kyung , Kim Soo Yoon , Park Ye Rim , Park Won Soon 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
Human umbilical cord blood (UCB)-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) attenuate hyperoxic neonatal lung injury primarily through anti-inflammatory effects. We hypothesized that intratracheal transplantation of human UCB-derived MSCs could attenuate Escherichia coli (E. coli)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in mice by suppressing the inflammatory response.

Methods
Eight-week-old male ICR mice were randomized to control or ALI groups. ALI was induced by intratracheal E. coli instillation. Three-hours after E. coli instillation, MSCs, fibroblasts or phosphate-buffered saline were intratracheally administered randomly and survival was analyzed for 7 days post-injury. Lung histology including injury scores, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and protein levels of interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2 as well as the wet-dry lung ratio and bacterial counts from blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were evaluated at 1, 3, and 7 days post-injury. Levels of inflammatory cytokines in the lung were also profiled using protein macroarrays at day 3 post-injury which showed peak inflammation.

Results
MSC transplantation increased survival and attenuated lung injuries in ALI mice, as evidenced by decreased injury scores on day 3 post-injury and reduced lung inflammation including increased MPO activity and protein levels of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and MIP-2 on day 3 and 7 post-injury. Inflammatory cytokine profiles in the lungs at day 3 post-injury were attenuated by MSC transplantation. MSCs also reduced the elevated lung water content at day 3 post-injury and bacterial counts in blood and BAL on day 7 post-injury.

Conclusions
Intratracheal transplantation of UCB-derived MSCs attenuates E. coli-induced ALI primarily by down-modulating the inflammatory process and enhancing bacterial clearance.
The proteasome inhibitor MG132 reduces immobilization-induced skeletal muscle atrophy in mice
Authors: Caron Annabelle Z , Haroun Sonia , Leblanc Élisabeth , Trensz Frédéric , Guindi Chantal , Amrani Aziz , Grenier Guillaume 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
Skeletal muscle atrophy is a serious concern for the rehabilitation of patients afflicted by prolonged limb restriction. This debilitating condition is associated with a marked activation of NFκB activity. The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway degrades the NFκB inhibitor IκBα, enabling NFκB to translocate to the nucleus and bind to the target genes that promote muscle atrophy. Although several studies showed that proteasome inhibitors are efficient to reduce atrophy, no studies have demonstrated the ability of these inhibitors to preserve muscle function under catabolic condition.

Methods
We recently developed a new hindlimb immobilization procedure that induces significant skeletal muscle atrophy and used it to show that an inflammatory process characterized by the up-regulation of TNFα, a known activator of the canonical NFκB pathway, is associated with the atrophy. Here, we used this model to investigate the effect of in vivo proteasome inhibition on the muscle integrity by histological approach. TNFα, IL-1, IL-6, MuRF-1 and Atrogin/MAFbx mRNA level were determined by qPCR. Also, a functional measurement of locomotors activity was performed to determine if the treatment can shorten the rehabilitation period following immobilization.

Results
In the present study, we showed that the proteasome inhibitor MG132 significantly inhibited IκBα degradation thus preventing NFκB activation in vitro. MG132 preserved muscle and myofiber cross-sectional area by downregulating the muscle-specific ubiquitin ligases atrogin-1/MAFbx and MuRF-1 mRNA in vivo. This effect resulted in a diminished rehabilitation period.

Conclusion
These finding demonstrate that proteasome inhibitors show potential for the development of pharmacological therapies to prevent muscle atrophy and thus favor muscle rehabilitation.
Prognostic Factors Influencing Progression-Free Survival Determined From a Series of Sporadic Desmoid Tumors: A Wait-and-See Policy According to Tumor Presentation
Authors: Salas Sébastien , Dufresne Armelle , Bui Binh , Blay Jean-Yves , Terrier Philippe , Ranchere-Vince Dominique , Bonvalot Sylvie , Stoeckle Eberhard , Guillou Louis , Le Cesne Axel , Oberlin Odile , Brouste Véronique , Coindre Jean-Michel 
Published: August 2011

PurposeDesmoid tumors are mesenchymal fibroblastic/myofibroblastic proliferations with locoregional aggressiveness and high ability to recur after initial treatment. We present the results of the largest series of sporadic desmoid tumors ever published to determine the prognostic factors of these rare tumors.Patients and MethodsFour hundred twenty-six patients with a desmoid tumor at diagnosis were included, and the following parameters were studied: age, sex, delay between first symptoms and diagnosis, tumor size, tumor site, previous history of surgery or trauma in the area of the primary tumor, surgical margins, and context of abdominal wall desmoids in women of child-bearing age during or shortly after pregnancy. We performed univariate and multivariate analysis for progression-free survival (PFS).ResultsIn univariate analysis, age, tumor size, tumor site, and surgical margins (R2 v R0/R1) had a significant impact on PFS. PFS curves were not significantly different for microscopic assessment of surgical resection quality (R0 v R1). In multivariate analysis, age, tumor size, and tumor site had independent values. Three prognostic groups for PFS were defined on the basis of the number of independent unfavorable prognostic factors (0 or 1, 2, and 3).ConclusionThis study clearly demonstrates that there are different prognostic subgroups of desmoid tumors that could benefit from different therapeutic strategies, including a wait-and-see policy.
Comparison of increased venous contrast in ischemic stroke using phase-sensitive MR imaging with perfusion changes on flow-sensitive alternating inversion recovery at 3 Tesla
Authors: Yamashita Eijiro , Kanasaki Yoshiko , Fujii Shinya , Tanaka Takuro , Hirata Yoshiharu , Ogawa Toshihide 
Published: August 2011

Background Increased venous contrast in ischemic stroke using susceptibility-weighted imaging has been widely reported, although few reports have compared increased venous contrast areas with perfusion change areas. Purpose To compare venous contrast on phase-sensitive MR images (PSI) with perfusion change on flow-sensitive alternating inversion recovery (FAIR) images, and to discuss the clinical use of PSI in ischemic stroke. Material and Methods Thirty patients with clinically suspected acute infarction of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory within 7 days of onset were evaluated. Phase-sensitive imaging (PSI), flow-sensitive alternating inversion recovery (FAIR), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) were obtained using 3 Tesla scanner. Two neuroradiologists independently reviewed the MR images, as well as the PSI, DWI, and FAIR images. They were blinded to the clinical data and to each other's findings. The abnormal area of each image was ultimately identified after both neuroradiologists reached consensus. We analyzed areas of increased venous contrast on PSI, perfusion changes on FAIR images and signal changes on DWI for each case. Results Venous contrast increased on PSI and hypoperfusion was evident on FAIR images from 22 of the 30 patients (73%). The distribution of the increased venous contrast was the same as that of the hypoperfused areas on FAIR images in 16 of these 22. The extent of these lesions was larger than that of lesions visualized by on DWI in 18 of the 22 patients. Hypointense signals reflecting hemorrhage and no increased venous contrast on PSI and hyperperfusion on FAIR images were found in six of the remaining eight patients (20%). Findings on PSI were normal and hypoperfusion areas were absent on FAIR images of two patients (7%). Conclusion Increased venous contrast on PSI might serve as an index of misery perfusion and provide useful information.
An Assessment of the Usefulness of Immunohistochemical Stains in the Diagnosis of Hairy Cell Leukemia
Authors: Sherman Michael J. , Hanson Curtis A. , Hoyer James D. 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Annexin-1 and T-bet are recently described immunohistochemical stains that reportedly assist in the diagnosis of hairy cell leukemia (HCL). Our objective was to assess the sensitivity and specificity of a panel of immunohistochemical stains in distinguishing HCL from other B-cell neoplasms, particularly splenic and extranodal marginal zone lymphomas (SMZL and ENMZL, respectively). The study included 234 bone marrow biopsy specimens: 101 HCL, 13 SMZL, and 10 ENMZL cases were assessed with CD20, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), DBA.44, a-1, T-bet, and cyclin D1, and 110 control cases were assessed with annexin-1 and T-bet. Our study showed that annexin-1 is a specific and sensitive marker for HCL; however, interpretation is limited by positivity within myeloid precursors. T-bet, DBA.44, and TRAP immunohistochemical stains lack sufficient sensitivity and specificity to differentiate HCL from either form of marginal zone lymphoma. However, our data suggest that the addition cyclin D1 to the immunostaining panel will increase the sensitivity and specificity of HCL diagnosis.
Is Routine Contralateral Exploration Necessary while Doing Herniotomy for Unilateral Inguinal Hernia in Children?
Authors: Choudhury Kamal M , Jafor Md Abu , Haque Shafiqul 
Published: August 2011

Routine contralateral exploration in infants and children with unilateral inguinal hernia has been practiced by a number of paediatric surgeons based on a presumed high incidence of patent processus vaginalis. Our aim is to report the incidence of contralateral manifestations after repair of unilateral inguinal hernia. A total of 217 patients were regularly followed-up at the department of paediatric surgery in Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) from February 1995 to June 2001 in order to determine if contralateral hernia developed after unilateral herniotomy. The overall incidence of contralateral manifestations was 6.45%. The average incidence for contralateral hernia in infants upto 1 year was 11.68%. However, the incidence fell significantly in older children. With such low incidence of contralateral hernia after unilateral herniotomy, the authors do not feel to recommend contralateral exploration for unilateral inguinal hernia. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/taj.v14i2.8385 TAJ 2001; 14(2): 53-55
Effect of Oral Diazepam on Newborn as Premedicant: a Study of 100 Patients Undergone Caesarian Section
Authors: Rahman Md Latifur , Hossain Md Asgar , Akhtar Hasina , Rahman AKM Shafiqur 
Published: August 2011

Oral diazepam as premedicant is useful to keep the patient haemodynamically stable causing no harm to the baby. In obstetrics, benzodiazepines may be used as sedative, narcotics adjuvant, anticonvulsants and premedicants prior to Caesarian section. One hundred full-term pregnant women of ASA grade I and II were enrolled in this study. The study sample was divided into two groups. No premedication was given in group A. In group B, diazepam premedication, 0.2 rng/kg body weight orally was given 90 minutes before operation with the aim to see the effectiveness of diazepam on APGAR score as oral premedication. In both the group A and B there was no significant difference of APGAR score. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/taj.v14i2.8387 TAJ 2001; 14(2): 61-64
Occult Papillary Carcinoma of Thyroid with Postoperative Tuberculous Lymphadenitis
Authors: Nahar Begum SM Khodeza , Hannan ABMA , Islam Saiful , Uddin Dayem , Ekram ARM Saifuddin 
Published: August 2011

A 40-year-old female presented with tuberculous cervical lymphadenopathy developed within three months of total thyroidectomy operation. Her thyroid lesion was a nodular goiter harboring occult papillary carcinoma. Aspiration cytology and histopathology of lymph node revealed granulomatous lymphadenitis of tuberculous type. The patient was treated with conventional antituberculous four-drug regime for 6 months and was followed up for subsequent two years. Our country is considered as an endemic goiter area and Occult papillary carcinoma is therefore, not an uncommon disease here. Tuberculosis is a communicable disease also seen frequently here. But development of tuberculous lymphadenitis in a postoperative Thyroidectomy patient has not been reported before, as per authors knowledge goes. This case has therefore been reported here with a brief review of the literature. This is also emphasized here, that occult papillary carcinoma is possibly a nonlethal curable disease when treated by conservative surgery. Radical surgical or total thyroidectomy is unnecessary in the treatment of the disease. Postoperative nodal metastasis is also of very rare occurrence with these cases. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/taj.v14i2.8396 TAJ 2001; 14(2): 92-95
Epilepsy: A Review
Authors: Kabir Md Shahriar , Rahman Syed Wahidur , Ahmad Quamruddin 
Published: August 2011

Epilepsy is a neurological problem which is a cause of sufferings for the common people because of lack of proper scientific knowledge. The incidence of epilepsy is about 0.3 to 0.5% while the prevalence is about 5 to 10 people per 1000. Newer concepts about aetiopathogenesis, classification and treatment modalities are described in brief in this review article. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/taj.v14i2.8398 TAJ 2001; 14(2): 99-103
Predictors of Longterm Mortality in Patients with and without Systemic Lupus Erythematosus on Maintenance Dialysis: A Comparative Study
Authors: CHEN HUNG-AN , WANG JHI-JOUNG , CHOU CHUNG-TEI , CHIEN CHIH-CHIANG , CHU CHIN-CHEN , SHEU MING-JEN , LIN YEONG-JANG , CHEN PEI-CHIH , CHEN CHUN-HSIUNG 
Published: August 2011

Objective.To compare the prognosis of patients with and without systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on dialysis and to determine the factors that affect survival after dialysis.Methods.We used the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHRI-NHIRD-99182) and collected data on patients who started maintenance dialysis between 2001 and 2003. Patients were followed from the initiation of dialysis until death, discontinuation of dialysis, or the end of 2008. We did a Kaplan-Meier analysis of the cohort and used multivariate Cox regression analysis to identify significant predictors of survival.Results.Of the 22,394 dialysis patients studied, 303 (1.35%) had SLE. Hypertension and diabetes were the 2 most common comorbidities associated with dialysis for patients with and without SLE. After adjusting for age, sex, dialysis modality, and comorbidities, we found no significant survival difference between the 2 patient groups after 8 years of followup. Multivariate analysis showed that increased mortality in the patient group without SLE (p < 0.05) was associated with older age (≥ 45 years), male sex, initial choice of hemodialysis, diabetes mellitus, heart failure, coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, and malignancy. In the patient group with SLE, independent predictors of mortality (p < 0.05) were older age (≥ 65 years), male sex, and diabetes mellitus.Conclusion.The longterm survival outcome was similar between patients with and without SLE who were on dialysis. The factors affecting patient mortality were not identical in these 2 groups.