bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DV‐ICE, intensive induction and early transplantation for adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a phase II study
Authors: Dudler Christine , Bargetzi Mario , Tichelli André , Gratwohl Alois , Passweg Jakob R. , Wernli Martin 
Published: July 2009

AbstractObjectives:  Eighty percent of adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) achieve a complete remission (CR) but only 30–40% are long term survivors. Best treatment strategies remain to be defined. The role of induction intensity, first remission hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and maintenance chemotherapy continues to be discussed. We tested a strategy of high intensity treatment of short duration followed by HSCT.Patients and methods:  This prospective phase II study used induction with DV‐ICE followed by immediate allogeneic or autologous HSCT (depending on donor availability) without additional consolidation or maintenance treatment. DV‐ICE consisted of dexamethasone, vincristine, idarubicin, etoposide, and conventional dose cytosine arabinoside; HSCT was planned immediately if CR was achieved or after an additional course of intermediate high dose cytosine arabinoside and etoposide for patients with induction failure. A total of 42 consecutive patients between 17 and 67 yr of age (median 43 yr) were enrolled. Of the 42 patients, 57% were male, 76% had B‐lineage ALL, 19% T‐lineage ALL and two patients biphenotypic ALL. 29% were Ph+; 7% had 11q23 and 45% had a normal karyotype. CNS involvement was found in three patients.Results:  Thirty‐three patients (79%) achieved a CR, 24 patients after induction I or II and nine patients after rescue HSCT. 31 patients received a HSCT (seven autologous and 24 allogeneic). 11 patients did not receive a HSCT because of early death in nine (treatment toxicity in five, refractory disease in four), one patient refused transplantation, one patient was not suitable. Disease‐free survival (DFS) of the entire cohort was 46% (95% CI ±16%) at 1 yr and 16% (±13%) at 5 yr. Overall survival (OS) was 63% (±15%) at 1 yr and 23% (±15%) at 5 yr, with a median follow‐up of surviving patients of 55 (4–136) months. Neither disease subtype, cytogenetic abnormalities nor patient age or gender was significantly associated with survival.Conclusions:  Intensive induction using DV‐ICE followed by early transplantation without treatment beyond 4 months failed to improve outcome compared with standard treatment.
MAP17 is associated with the T‐helper cell cytokine‐induced down‐regulation of filaggrin transcription in human keratinocytes
Authors: Noh Minsoo , Yeo Hyeonju , Ko Jaeyoung , Kim Han Kon , Lee Chang‐Hoon 
Published: July 2009

Please cite this paper as: MAP17 is associated with the T‐helper cell cytokine‐induced down‐regulation of filaggrin transcription in human keratinocytes. Experimental Dermatology 2009.Abstract:  In the meta‐analysis of public microarray databases for different skin diseases, we revealed seven commonly up‐regulated genes, DSG3, KRT6, MAP17, PLSCR1, RPM2, SOD2 and SPRR2B. We postulated that the genes selected from the meta‐analysis may be potentially associated with the abnormal keratinocyte differentiation. To demonstrate this postulation, we alternatively evaluated whether the genes of interest in the meta‐analysis can be regulated by T‐helper (Th) cell cytokines in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK). We found that MAP17 was significantly up‐regulated in response to interferon‐γ, interleukin 4 (IL‐4), IL‐6, IL‐17A or IL‐22 in NHEK. Interestingly, MAP17 was originally reported to interact with PDZK1; in turn, the PDZK1 gene is localized within the atopic dermatitis‐linked region on human chromosome 1q21. In an attempt to evaluate whether MAP17 regulates the expression of cornified envelope‐associated genes at the 1q21 locus, such as filaggrin, loricrin and involucrin, we found that the over‐expression of MAP17 in HaCaT keratinocytes significantly decreased the expression of filaggrin. Taken together, the Th cell cytokine‐induced up‐regulation of MAP17 expression may be linked to the down‐regulation of filaggrin in NHEK, which may be associated with the abnormal epidermal differentiation observed in the dermatological diseases.
Reduction of syndecan‐1 expression during lip carcinogenesis
Authors: Martínez A. , Spencer M. L. , Brethauer U. , Grez P. , Marchesani F. J. , Rojas I. G. 
Published: July 2009

Background:  Actinic cheilitis (AC) is an oral pre‐cancerous lesion that sometimes develops into lip squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Syndecan‐1, a transmembrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan, modulates cell‐proliferation, adhesion, migration and angiogenesis. Malignant epithelial cells often down‐regulate their own syndecan‐1 production, and are capable of inducing aberrant syndecan‐1 expression in stromal cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the variations in syndecan‐1 expression during lip carcinogenesis, in normal lip (NL), AC and well‐differentiated lip SCC.Methods:  Biopsies of NL vermillion (n = 19), AC (n = 23) and lip SCC (n = 24) were stained immunohistochemically for syndecan‐1.Results:  Syndecan‐1 expression was significantly reduced in AC and lip SCC as compared to NL (P < 0.05), with a significant reduction in lip SCC as compared to AC (P < 0.0001). In lip SCC lesions, syndecan‐1 expression at the epithelium overlying the tumor was increased when compared to the tumor itself (P < 0.03), but was significantly reduced as compared to AC and NL (P < 0.001).Conclusion:  The results showed that epithelial syndecan‐1 expression is reduced as lip carcinogenesis progresses (NL>AC>lip SCC), suggesting that syndecan‐1 could be a useful marker of malignant transformation in the lip.
Role of TP53 in the progression of pre‐malignant and malignant oral mucosal lesions. A follow‐up study of 144 patients
Authors: Ögmundsdóttir H. M. , Björnsson J. , Holbrook W. P. 
Published: July 2009

Background:  Prediction of progression from pre‐malignant oral mucosal lesions to malignancy, or recurrence of an existing oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), is an important clinical problem in oral medicine.Methods:  This study presents a follow‐up of a study published in 2002. Samples from 54 patients with OSCC, 45 with oral lichen planus (OLP) and 45 with hyperkeratosis (clinically leukoplakia), diagnosed between 1987 and 1996, were analysed for TP53 protein expression and TP53 mutation. Follow‐up was 11–17 years for OSCC (mean 13.3), 12–22 years for OLP (mean 15.9) and 12–17 years for hyperkeratosis (mean 14.5).Results:  Of the 54 OSCC patients, 28 experienced recurrent disease, 21 died of OSCC, 22 died of other causes. Of the 14 OSCC patients with mutated TP53 (n = 11), the cancer recurred in eight (57%) and in 20/39 (51%) without mutation. Expression of TP53 protein was significantly associated with reduced overall survival. Among OLP patients, nine were TP53‐mutated out of 31 tested. One TP53‐mutated OLP patient developed OSCC in a different site. Of the hyperkeratosis patients, three were mutated of 22 tested. One hyperkeratosis patient (non‐mutated) developed OSCC in the same site.Conclusion:  TP53 mutations can exist in benign oral mucosal lesions for many years without progression to malignancy. No association was found between TP53 protein expression or TP53 mutation and recurrence of OSCC or disease‐related survival. Overall survival was reduced in patients with positive TP53 protein expression.
Smokeless tobacco use among men in the United States, 2000 and 2005
Authors: Rodu Brad , Cole Philip 
Published: July 2009

Background:  Compared with smoking, there is much less information about smokeless tobacco (ST) use in the United States. The purpose of this study is to characterize and compare ST use among American men in 2000 and 2005.Methods:  We used US National Health Interview Surveys from 2000 and 2005 to estimate the prevalence of ST use, describe the demographic and socioeconomic profile of ST users and evaluate ST use according to product type and with respect to smoking.Results:  The prevalence of ST use among American men was 4.4% in 2000 and 4.3% in 2005. Almost all ST users were white, about half were 25–44 years old and 80% lived in the South or Midwest, commonly in small metropolitan and rural areas. Educational and income levels of ST users were lower than those of never users of tobacco. One‐third of ST users also smoked; cigarette consumption was lower among dual users than among exclusive smokers. In 2005, 1.3 million current ST users were former smokers but 3.2 million smokers were former ST users. ST users were evenly distributed between snuff (43%) and chewing tobacco (44%) in 2000 and 13% used both products. By 2005 snuff use was clearly dominant.Conclusions:  The prevalence of ST use among men is low but stable; dual use of cigarettes and ST is common, and snuff has become the dominant ST product.
Expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐1, matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and extracellular metalloproteinase inducer in human periodontal ligament cells stimulated with interleukin‐1beta
Authors: Xiang J. , Li C. , Dong W. , Cao Z. , Liu L. 
Published: July 2009

Background and Objectives: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), produced by both infiltrating and resident cells of the periodontium, play important roles in physiologic and pathologic events. Both interleukin‐1beta and extracellular MMP inducer can stimulate the expression of MMPs, which in turn leads to breakdown of the periodontium. However, it is currently unknown whether interleukin‐1beta up‐regulates MMPs through stimulating the expression of extracellular MMP inducer. The aims of this study were to investigate the effect of interleukin‐1beta on the expression of MMP‐1, MMP‐2 and extracellular MMP inducer in human periodontal ligament cells and to evaluate whether the regulation of MMP‐1 and MMP‐2 by this cytokine occurred through an effect on extracellular MMP inducer expression.Material and Methods: Cultured human periodontal ligament cells were treated with varying concentrations (0.01–10 ng/mL) of interleukin‐1beta at for 6, 12 and 24 h. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, gelatin zymography and western blotting were performed to measure the mRNA and protein levels of MMP‐1, MMP‐2 and extracellular MMP inducer.Results: Basal levels of mRNA and protein for MMP‐1, MMP‐2 and extracellular MMP inducer were detected in untreated human periodontal ligament cells. Interleukin‐1beta significantly up‐regulated the expression of MMP‐1 and MMP‐2 mRNA and protein (p < 0.05); however, the levels of mRNA and protein for extracellular MMP inducer were not significantly different (p > 0.05). In the culture medium, the concentration of MMP‐1 was also increased significantly, but the concentration of MMP‐1 was not related to the concentration of extracellular MMP inducer (R2 = 0.2538, p > 0.05).Conclusion:   Interleukin‐1beta up‐regulated the levels of MMP‐1 and MMP‐2, but it did not alter the expression of extracellular MMP inducer. Expression of MMP‐1 and MMP‐2 might be elevated by interleukin‐1beta and extracellular MMP inducer via two different signal pathways.
Quality of life assessment and disease experience of patient members of a web‐based hydroa vacciniforme support group
Authors: Huggins Richard H. , Leithauser Laurel A. , Eide Melody J. , Hexsel Camile L. , Jacobsen Gordon , Lim Henry W. 
Published: July 2009

Background/Purpose: Hydroa vacciniforme (HV) is a rare photodermatosis that primarily affects children. It is characterized by photodistributed vesicles that heal with scarring. The purposes of this study are to perform the initial investigation into the effect of HV on quality of life (QoL) and gain insight into disease diagnosis and management.Methods: Using the listserv from a web‐based, international HV support group, either the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) or the Children's DLQI (CDLQI), and an HV‐specific questionnaire were administered.Results: Fifteen HV patients participated, nine (60%) males and six (40%) females. Median age at onset was 7 years, and 11/15 (73%) were younger than 18 years. The majority of patients were Caucasian (73%). Children cited life quality as being negatively impacted by an inability to play outdoors while adults noted QoL influences due to limitations on clothing choices. The mean CLDLQI and DLQI scores, 12.1 and 8.5, respectively, suggest a higher negative QoL impact than previously reported indices for generalized eczema, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis.Conclusion: When compared with other dermatoses, HV appears to have an equal or greater impact on patients' QoL. Dermatologists should be aware of the psychosociologic impact of this disease, especially on young HV patients.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Expression of Autotaxin, an Ectoenzyme that Produces Lysophosphatidic Acid, in Human Placenta
Authors: Iwasawa Yuki , Fujii Tomoyuki , Nagamatsu Takeshi , Kawana Kei , Okudaira Shinichi , Miura Shiho , Matsumoto Junko , Tomio Ayako , Hyodo Hironobu , Yamashita Takahiro , Oda Katsutoshi , Kozuma Shiro , Aoki Junken , Yatomi Yutaka , Taketani Yuji 
Published: July 2009

Problem  Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive lipid mediator and thought to play an important role in pregnancy. Plasma LPA is produced by autotaxin (ATX), and ATX activity in plasma increases during pregnancy paralleled with gestational weeks and decreases to near the non‐pregnant level soon after delivery. However, the source of increased ATX during pregnancy is still uncertain. We hypothesized that the source of increased ATX might be placenta.Method of study  We investigated the protein and mRNA expression of ATX in human placenta using immunohistochemistry and RT‐PCR, respectively.Results  At all 3 gestational trimesters, immunohistochemical staining for placenta tissues revealed the most marked positive staining of ATX protein in trophoblasts. Real‐time PCR revealed that mRNA amounts of ATX in placenta tissues paralleled with gestational weeks, i.e. ATX level in plasma.Conclusion  These findings suggest that trophoblasts might produce ATX and its bioactive resultant substance, LPA, paralleled with gestational weeks.
Botulinum Toxin Type A—A Novel Treatment for Provoked Vestibulodynia? Results from a Randomized, Placebo Controlled, Double Blinded Study
Authors: Petersen Christina Damsted , Giraldi Annamaria , Lundvall Lene , Kristensen Ellids 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Vestibulodynia is an increasingly recognized problem among women and is often difficult to treat.

Aim
This randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Botox in the treatment of vestibulodynia.

Methods
Sixty-four women were randomized to receive Botox (N = 32) or saline placebo (N = 32). Botulinum toxin A (20 I.E.) diluted in 0.5 mL saline or 0.5 mL saline was injected in the musculus bulbospongiosus at baseline.

Main Outcome Measures
Pain was measured monthly on a visual analog scale (VAS) Likert scale. Sexual function was measured using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Female Sexual Distress Scale at baseline and at 3 and 6 months follow up. Quality of life was measured using the 36-item short-form (SF-36).

Results
Sixty women (94%) completed the 6 months follow up. Both Botox and placebo produced significantly pain reduction (P &lt; 0.001). There was no significant difference in the median VAS score between the groups at 6 months follow up (P = 0.984). An improvement on the FSFI full score from baseline until 6 months was not significantly different between the groups (P = 0.635).
In the placebo group a statistical significant larger reduction in sexual distress was observed from baseline until 6 months follow up compared to the Botox group (P = 0.044). No statistical significant differences were observed between the B- and P-groups in regard to the SF-36 scores.

Conclusion
Injection of 20 I.E. Botox in the vestibule of women diagnosed with vestibulodynia does not reduce pain, improve sexual functioning, or impact the quality of life compared to placebo and evaluated at 3 and 6 moths follow up. Both the Botox group and the placebo groups experienced a reduction in pain on the VAS Likert scale at 6 months follow up. Women with vestibulodynia have difficulty with sexual function and present with sexual distress, which has to be addressed in conjunction with pain to eliminate the disorder.
A Report from a Single Institute’s 14-Year Experience in Treatment of Male-to-Female Transsexuals
Authors: Imbimbo Ciro , Verze Paolo , Palmieri Alessandro , Longo Nicola , Fusco Ferdinando , Arcaniolo Davide , Mirone Vincenzo 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Gender identity disorder or transsexualism is a complex clinical condition, and prevailing social context strongly impacts the form of its manifestations. Sex reassignment surgery (SRS) is the crucial step of a long and complex therapeutic process starting with preliminary psychiatric evaluation and culminating in definitive gender identity conversion.

Aim
The aim of our study is to arrive at a clinical and psychosocial profile of male-to-female transsexuals in Italy through analysis of their personal and clinical experience and evaluation of their postsurgical satisfaction levels SRS.

Methods
From January 1992 to September 2006, 163 male patients who had undergone gender-transforming surgery at our institution were requested to complete a patient satisfaction questionnaire.

Main Outcome Measures
The questionnaire consisted of 38 questions covering nine main topics: general data, employment status, family status, personal relationships, social and cultural aspects, presurgical preparation, surgical procedure, and postsurgical sex life and overall satisfaction.

Results
Average age was 31 years old. Seventy-two percent had a high educational level, and 63% were steadily employed. Half of the patients had contemplated suicide at some time in their lives before surgery and 4% had actually attempted suicide. Family and colleague emotional support levels were satisfactory. All patients had been adequately informed of surgical procedure beforehand. Eighty-nine percent engaged in postsurgical sexual activities. Seventy-five percent had a more satisfactory sex life after SRS, with main complications being pain during intercourse and lack of lubrication. Seventy-eight percent were satisfied with their neovagina’s esthetic appearance, whereas only 56% were satisfied with depth. Almost all of the patients were satisfied with their new sexual status and expressed no regrets.

Conclusions
Our patients’ high level of satisfaction was due to a combination of a well-conducted preoperative preparation program, competent surgical skills, and consistent postoperative follow-up.
A Randomized Trial of Oral DHEA Treatment for Sexual Function, Well-Being, and Menopausal Symptoms in Postmenopausal Women with Low Libido
Authors: Panjari Mary , Bell Robin J. , Jane Fiona , Wolfe Rory , Adams Jenny , Morrow Corallee , Davis Susan R. 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate DHEAS, which are the most abundant steroids in women, decline with age. We have shown association between low sexual function and low circulating DHEAS levels in women.

Aim
The aim of this study was to evaluate whether restoration of circulating DHEA levels in postmenopausal women to the levels seen in young individuals improves sexual function.

Methods
Ninety-three postmenopausal women not using concurrent estrogen therapy were enrolled in a 52-week randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial and received either DHEA 50 mg or placebo (PL) daily.

Main Outcome Measures
Efficacy was assessed through 26 weeks. The main outcome measures were the change in total satisfying sexual events (SSE) and the change in the Sabbatsberg Sexual Self-Rating Scale (SSS) total score. Secondary measures were the Psychological General Well-Being Questionnaire (PGWB), and the Menopause—Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL). Hormonal levels, adverse events (AEs), serious adverse events (SAEs) and clinical labs were evaluated over 52 weeks.

Results
Eighty-five participants (91%) were included in the 26-week efficacy analysis. There were no significant differences between the DHEA and PL groups in the change in total SSE per month or the SSS, PGWB, and MENQOL change scores. Overall AE reports and number of withdrawals as a result of AEs were similar in both groups; however more women in the DHEA group experienced androgenic effects of acne and increased hair growth.

Conclusions
In this study treatment of postmenopausal women with low sexual desire with 50 mg/day DHEA resulted in no significant improvements in sexual function over PL therapy over 26 weeks.
Canopy Herbivory and Insect Herbivore Diversity in a Dry Forest–Savanna Transition in Brazil
Authors: Neves Frederico S. , Araújo Lucimar S. , Espírito‐Santo Mário M. , Fagundes Marcílio , Fernandes G. Wilson , Sanchez‐Azofeifa G. Arturo , Quesada Mauricio 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to compare canopy herbivore diversity and resultant insect damage to vegetation in two distinct and adjacent ecosystems, specifically a dry forest ecosystem and a cerrado (savanna) ecosystem that occur together in an abrupt transition zone in southeastern Brazil. In the dry forest, the canopy was reached using a single rope climbing technique, whereas the shorter canopy of the cerrado was assessed using a 7 m ladder. Insect specimens were collected by beating the foliage, and 20 representative leaves were collected to calculate the specific leaf mass (SLM) and leaf area loss through herbivory. Also, we collected ten soil samples from each habitat to determine soil nutrient content. We sampled 118 herbivorous insects from ten families, mostly in dry forest trees (96 individuals belonging to 31 species). A higher abundance of chewing and sap‐sucking insects were observed in dry forest trees than in cerrado trees. The same pattern was observed for the richness of chewers, with a higher degree of diversity of chewers found in dry forest trees than in cerrado trees. Herbivorous insects were not affected by SLM regardless of guild and habitat. However, we observed a negative correlation between the herbivory rate and the specific leaf mass (SLM). The cerrado trees showed a higher SLM and lower herbivory rates than trees occurring in the dry forest. These results suggest that herbivory rates in the transition dry forest–cerrado may be driven by soil nutrient content, which is thought to influence leaf sclerophylly.
Correlation of black hole–bulge masses by AGN jets
Authors: Soker Noam 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
I propose a feedback model to explain the correlation between the supermassive black hole (SMBH) mass and the host galaxy bulge mass. The feedback is based on narrow jets that are launched by the central SMBH, and expel large amounts of mass to large distances. The condition is that the jets do not penetrate through the inflowing gas, such that they can deposit their energy in the inner region where the bulge is formed. For that to occur, the SMBH must move relative to the inflowing gas, such that the jets continuously encounter fresh gas. Taking into account the relative motion of the SMBH and the inflowing gas I derive a relation between the mass accreted by the SMBH and the mass that is not expelled, and is assumed to form the bulge. This relation is not linear, but rather the SMBH to bulge mass ratio increases slowly with mass. The same mechanism was applied to suppress star formation in cooling flow clusters, making a tighter connection between the feedback in galaxy formation and cooling flows.