bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hemangiopericytoma in the sacrococcygeal space: a case report
Authors: Kitahata Yuji , Yokoyama Shozo , Takifuji Katsunari , Hotta Tsukasa , Matsuda Kenji , Tominaga Toshiji , Oku Yoshimasa , Watanabe Takashi , Ieda Junji , Yamaue Hiroki 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Introduction
A hemangiopericytoma is a rare, soft-tissue tumor of vascular origin derived from a pericyte of Zimmerman, which is a modified smooth muscle cell that surrounds the small blood vessels. Hemangiopericytomas can occur wherever there are vascular capillaries. However, there are no previous reports of a hemangiopericytoma in the sacrococcygeal space.

Case presentation
We describe the first reported case of a hemangiopericytoma found in the sacrococcygeal space. A 47-year-old Japanese woman presented with a palpable tumor on the left side of her anus. Preoperative imaging indicated that the tumor was in the sacrococcygeal space without invasion of other organs. A complete resection was performed via a parasacral incision. The histological and immunohistochemical staining patterns supported the diagnosis of a hemangiopericytoma.

Conclusion
A complete resection without piecemeal excision is the best way to treat a hemangiopericytoma. Recognizing the presence of a hemangiopericytoma in the sacrococcygeal space requires appropriate surgery.
Transcription-dependent silencing of inducible convergent transgenes in transgenic mice
Authors: Calero-Nieto Fernando J , Bert Andrew G , Cockerill Peter N 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
Silencing of transgenes in mice is a common phenomenon typically associated with short multi-copy transgenes. We have investigated the regulation of the highly inducible human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating-factor gene (Csf2) in transgenic mice.

Results
In the absence of any previous history of transcriptional activation, this transgene was expressed in T lineage cells at the correct inducible level in all lines of mice tested. In contrast, the transgene was silenced in a specific subset of lines in T cells that had encountered a previous episode of activation. Transgene silencing appeared to be both transcription-dependent and mediated by epigenetic mechanisms. Silencing was accompanied by loss of DNase I hypersensitive sites and inability to recruit RNA polymerase II upon stimulation. This pattern of silencing was reflected by increased methylation and decreased acetylation of histone H3 K9 in the transgene. We found that silenced lines were specifically associated with a single pair of tail-to-tail inverted repeated copies of the transgene embedded within a multi-copy array.

Conclusions
Our study suggests that epigenetic transgene silencing can result from convergent transcription of inverted repeats which can lead to silencing of an entire multi-copy transgene array. This mechanism may account for a significant proportion of the reported cases of transgene inactivation in mice.
Evaluation of myosin VI, E-cadherin and beta-catenin immunostaining in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Ronkainen Hanna , Kauppila Saila , Hirvikoski Pasi , Vaarala Markku H 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a cancer of increasing incidence and mortality. Currently, there are no immunohistochemical prognostic markers for RCCs in routine use. The aim of this study was to examine for the first time the immunostaining of myosin VI in RCCs as well as its association with E-cadherin and beta-catenin immunostaining and the prognostic significance of these markers in RCCs.

Methods
Our study population consisted of 152 patients who underwent surgery for RCCs between 1990 and 1999. The tumours were examined with three immunohistochemical markers: myosin VI, E-cadherin and beta-catenin.

Results
The immunostaining for cytoplasmic myosin VI was common (72%). One-third of the tumours were immunopositive for nuclear myosin VI. Cytoplasmic myosin VI immunopositivity and nuclear beta-catenin immunostaining were associated with lower Fuhrman grades (p = 0.04 and p = 0.005, respectively), but not stages. There was no significant association between myosin VI immunostaining and the histological subtype of RCC. Nuclear myosin VI was associated with the nuclear expression of beta-catenin. A direct association could also be proven between membranous E-cadherin and cytoplasmic beta-catenin. Cytoplasmic myosin VI immunostaining was a marker of poorer prognosis in multivariate Cox regression model adjusted with stage and Fuhrman grade with hazard ratio 2.4 (95% confidence interval 1.1 to 5.0 with p = 0.024).

Conclusions
Cytoplasmic myosin VI immunopositivity and nuclear beta-catenin immunostaining were associated with lower Fuhrman grades, and there was a strong positive relationship between E-cadherin immunostaining and beta-catenin immunostaining in RCCs. Cytoplasmic myosin VI immunostaining was associated with poorer prognosis in RCCs.
Adenovirus-mediated delivery of bFGF small interfering RNA increases levels of connexin 43 in the glioma cell line, U251
Authors: Zhang Biao , Feng Xuequan , Wang Jinhuan , Xu Xinnu , Liu Hongsheng , Lin Na 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
bFGF is an important growth factor for glioma cell proliferation and invasion, while connexin 43 is implicated in the suppression of glioma growth. Correspondingly, gliomas have been shown to have reduced, or compromised, connexin 43 expression.

Methods
In this study, a bFGF-targeted siRNA was delivered to the glioma cell line, U251, using adenovirus (Ad-bFGF-siRNA) and the expression of connexin 43 and its phosphorylation state were evaluated. U251 cells were infected with Ad-bFGF-siRNA (100, 50, or 25 MOI), and infection with adenovirus expressing green fluorescent protein (Ad-GFP) at 100 MOI served as a control. Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression levels, phosphorylation, and localization of connexin 43 in U251 cells infected, and not infected, with Ad-bFGF-siRNA.

Results
Significantly higher levels of connexin 43 were detected in U251 cells infected with Ad-bFGF-siRNA at 100 and 50 MOI than in cells infected with Ad-GFP, and the same amount of connexin 43 was detected in Ad-GFP-infected and uninfected U251 cells. Connexin 43 phosphorylation did not differ between Ad-bFGF-siRNA-infected and uninfected U251 cells. However, the ratio of phosphorylated to unphosphorylated connexin 43 in Ad-bFGF-siRNA cells was lower, and connexin 43 was predominantly localized to the cytoplasm. Using a scrape loading dye transfer assay, more Lucifer Yellow was transferred to neighboring cells in the Ad-bFGF-siRNA treated group than in the control group.

Conclusion
To our knowledge, this is the first description of a role for connexin 43 in the inhibition of U251 growth using Ad-bFGF-siRNA.
Synchronous testicular liposarcoma and prostate adenocarcinoma: a case report
Authors: Demirci Umut , Buyukberber Suleyman , Cakir Asli , Ozturk Banu , Akyurek Nalan , Unver Basak , Baykara Meltem , Benekli Mustafa , Coskun Ugur 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Prostate adenocarcinoma is the most common malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in men. Testicular liposarcomas are uncommon soft tissue neoplasms. We report coexistence of prostate cancer and testicular liposarcoma in a 69 year-old-man because while orchiectomy endications are decreasing day by day, these second malignancies should not be missed.
Development of bone marrow lesions is associated with adverse effects on knee cartilage while resolution is associated with improvement - a potential target for prevention of knee osteoarthritis: a longitudinal study
Authors: Davies-Tuck Miranda L , Wluka Anita E , Forbes Andrew , Wang Yuanyuan , English Dallas R , Giles Graham G , O'Sullivan Richard , Cicuttini Flavia M 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Introduction
To examine the relationship between development or resolution of bone marrow lesions (BMLs) and knee cartilage properties in a 2 year prospective study of asymptomatic middle-aged adults.

Methods
271 adults recruited from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study, underwent a magnetic resonance imaging scan (MRI) of their dominant knee at baseline and again approximately 2 years later. Cartilage volume, cartilage defects and BMLs were determined at both time points.

Results
Among 234 subjects free of BMLs at baseline, 33 developed BMLs over 2 years. The incidence of BMLs was associated with progression of tibiofemoral cartilage defects (OR 2.63 (95% CI 0.93, 7.44), P = 0.07 for medial compartment; OR 3.13 (95% CI 1.01, 9.68), P = 0.048 for lateral compartment). Among 37 subjects with BMLs at baseline, 17 resolved. Resolution of BMLs was associated with reduced annual loss of medial tibial cartilage volume (regression coefficient -35.9 (95%CI -65, -6.82), P = 0.02) and a trend for reduced progression of medial tibiofemoral cartilage defects (OR 0.2 (95% CI 0.04, 1.09), P = 0.06).

Conclusions
In this cohort study of asymptomatic middle-aged adults the development of new BMLs was associated with progressive knee cartilage pathology while resolution of BMLs prevalent at baseline was associated with reduced progression of cartilage pathology. Further work examining the relationship between changes and BML and cartilage may provide another important target for the prevention of knee osteoarthritis.
Conversion of metaplastic Barrett’s epithelium into post-mitotic goblet cells by γ-secretase inhibition
Authors: Menke Vivianda , van Es Johan H. , de Lau Wim , van den Born Maaike , Kuipers Ernst J. , Siersema Peter D. , de Bruin Ron W. F. , Kusters Johannes G. , Clevers Hans 
Published: January 2010

SUMMARYBarrett’s esophagus (BE) affects approximately 2% of the Western population and progresses to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) in 0.5% of these patients each year. In BE, the stratified epithelium is replaced by an intestinal-type epithelium owing to chronic gastroduodenal reflux. Since self-renewal of intestinal crypts is driven by Notch signaling, we investigated whether this pathway was active in the proliferative crypts of BE. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of an intact and activated Notch signaling pathway in metaplastic BE epithelium, but not in the normal human esophagus. Similar observations were made in two well-known human Barrett’s-derived EAC cell lines, OE33 and SKGT-5. We then sought to investigate the effects of Notch inhibition by systemic treatment with a γ-secretase inhibitor in a well-validated rodent model for BE. As we have shown previously in normal intestinal epithelium, Notch inhibition converted the proliferative Barrett’s epithelial cells into terminally differentiated goblet cells, whereas the squamous epithelium remained intact. These data imply that local application of γ-secretase inhibitors may present a simple therapeutic strategy for this increasingly common pre-malignant condition.
Narrative Review of the Uk Patient Safety Research Portfolio
Authors: Waring Justin , Rowley Emma , Dingwall Robert , Palmer Cecily , Murcott Toby 
Published: January 2010

Objectives The UK Patient Safety Research Portfolio (PSRP) commissioned 38 studies investigating the threats to patient safety in various clinical settings and evaluating safety-related service interventions. This paper reviews 27 of these studies, drawing out emergent and cross-cutting themes in terms of theory, research methods and thematic findings. Methods Given the diversity of PSRP studies, the paper takes a narrative approach that allows for qualitative description, interpretation and synthesis of the studies and their findings. Results The theoretical review shows the majority of PSRP studies draw upon a patient safety ‘orthodoxy’, developed from the concepts and models associated with the human factors approach. The methodological review shows that a diverse range of research designs and techniques have been utilized. Although many follow in the ‘scientific’ tradition, interpretative, mixed and innovative methods have been integral to research. The thematic review of findings highlights significant contributions to knowledge in the areas of ‘people’, ‘organizations’, and ‘technology’. As well as identifying the various sources of risk in the organization and delivery of patient care, the studies also evaluate and make recommendations about service change and improvement. Conclusions The PSRP has provided the foundations for significant theoretical, methodological and empirical advances in the area of patient safety. The findings and recommendations make important contributions to policy formulation and implementation as well as professional and managerial practice. Through this body of research the PSRP has supported the formation and growth of a thriving research community across academic, policy and professional communities.
Inter-Rater Reliability in the Evaluation of a Thrombosis Risk Assessment Tool
Authors: Nygaard Angela , Nelson Anne Stoysich , Pick Amy , Danekas Paula L. , Massoomi Fred , Thielen Jackie , Ryschon Kay M. 
Published: January 2010

Introduction Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a health concern that is common among hospitalized patients. There are more than 200,000 new VTE events that occur annually. The majority of VTE cases are asymptomatic, and 70% to 80% of fatal pulmonary embolisms (PE) in the hospital are not predictable. The ENDORSE study evaluated more than 35,000 patients and reported that only 58% of surgical and 39% of medical patients at risk for VTE received American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) recommended VTE prophylaxis. 1 Nebraska Methodist Hospital evaluated and revised the thrombosis risk assessment tool published by Motykie et al 3 for use with the institution's medical and surgical patients. Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability of the thrombosis risk assessment tool. Secondary end points were to determine if patients were treated with the appropriate therapy based on their total risk score, to assess if therapy was appropriately adjusted after pharmacist intervention, and to determine the incidence of VTE. Methods Three evaluators completed a thrombosis risk assessment of 100 patients chosen randomly upon hospital admission during a 1-month period. Pearson's correlation coefficients were determined to assess reliability. Patient medication profiles were evaluated for the proper prophylaxis regimen and interventions were made as needed. Quality control provided data on the incidence of thromboembolic events. Results The thrombosis risk assessment tool was shown to have good clinical reliability. Seventy percent of patients were treated appropriately. Interventions were generally accepted after pharmacist intervention unless patients were soon to be discharged. The incidence of deep vein thrombosis in surgical and medical patients and pulmonary embolism in surgical patients was decreased after implementation of the thrombosis risk assessment tool. However, the impact of the thrombosis risk assessment tool on the incidence of pulmonary embolism in the medical patients could not be determined.
Fidaxomicin: A Macrocyclic Antibiotic for the Management of Clostridium difficile Infection
Authors: Sullivan Karyn M , Spooner Linda M 
Published: January 2010

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of fidaxomicin for the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection. Data Sources: Literature retrieval was accessed through MEDLINE (1966–January 2010) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–January 2010) using the terms OPT-80, difimicin, PAR-101, fidaxomicin, tiacumicin, lipiarmycin, and Clostridium difficile. In addition, reference citations from publications identified were reviewed. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All articles published in English that were identified from the data sources were evaluated and pertinent information was included. Data Synthesis: Fidaxomicin is an 18-membered macrocyclic antibiotic with activity against gram-positive aerobes and anaerobes, including C. difficile. Microbiologic studies comparing in vitro activity of fidaxomicin with that of metronidazole and vancomycin have shown good activity against all strains of C. difficile tested; however, minimum inhibitory concentrations were consistently lower for fidaxomicin. Studies showed that fidaxomicin lacks activity against gram-negative pathogens, thereby preserving normal gastrointestinal flora. Small pharmacokinetic trials have shown that fidaxomicin administration leads to low concentrations in plasma, high concentrations in stool, and a postantibiotic effect of greater than 24 hours, all of which are potentially advantageous characteristics for treating C. difficile infection. Data from 2 Phase 2A trials and 1 Phase 3 (multicenter, randomized, double-blind) trial suggest that fidaxomicin is effective for the treatment of mild-to-moderate C. difficile infection at a dose of 200 mg orally every 12 hours. Limited early results from the Phase 3 trial showed favorable outcomes for fidaxomicin when compared to oral vancomycin. Overall, fidaxomicin has been well tolerated to date. Conclusions: The activity of fidaxomicin and limited clinical data suggest that it may have a future role in the treatment of mild-to-moderate C. difficile infection. The complete pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profile, safety, and place in therapy have yet to be determined as trials comparing this agent to vancomycin are forthcoming.
Removal of Fe From Kaolin by Chemical Leaching and Bioleaching
Authors: Arslan Volkan , Bayat Oktay 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe use of microorganisms to remove Fe (oxyhydr)oxides from kaolins has the potential to be an effective method for upgrading the whiteness and brightness, and therefore the commercial value, of the kaolin. The purpose of the present study was to compare kaolin products obtained by currently used chemical leaching methods with a bioleaching treatment using Aspergillus niger in order to remove Fe from kaolin (from Canakkale, Turkey). The effects of pulp density, temperature, and oxalic acid concentration on the chemical leaching experiments were investigated using the ANOVA-Yates test. The greatest degree of removal of Fe from the kaolin sample (at 15% w/v pulp density, temperature of 80°C, oxalic acid concentration of 0.2 M, and a particle size of <63 µm) was found to be 94.89% in 120 min of leaching. The Fe content decreased from 1.723%) Fe2O3 to 0.088% Fe2O3. In a shake flask, bioleaching of kaolin by Aspergillus niger resulted in removal of 77.13% of the total Fe, suggesting that this strain is effective at removing Fe impurities from kaolin. The removal efficiency generally decreased with increased pulp density. The Fe content of the kaolin decreased from 1.723% Fe2O3 to 0.394% Fe2O3 (at 1% w/v pulp density, temperature of 25°C, Aspergillus niger 3 × 107 spores, and particle size of <63 µm) after 21 days of bioleaching.
Carbonate-Induced Structural Perturbation of Al Hydroxides
Authors: Zhang G. Y. , Hu Y. F. , Xu R. K. , Dynes J. J. , Blyth R. I. R. , Kozak L. M. , Huang P. M. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe chemistry of Al transformation has been well documented, though little is known about the mechanisms of structural perturbation of Al precipitates by carbonates at a molecular level. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the structural perturbation of Al precipitates formed under the influence of carbonates. Initial carbonate/Al molar ratios (MRs) used were 0, 0.1, and 0.5 after aging for 32 days, then the samples were analyzed by X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy (XANES), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared absorption spectroscopy (FTIR), and chemical analysis. The XRD data were in accord with the FTIR results, which revealed that as the carbonate/Al MR was increased from 0 to 0.1, carbonate preferentially retarded the formation of gibbsite and had relatively little effect on the formation of bayerite. As the carbonate/Al MR was increased to 0.5, however, the crystallization of both gibbsite and bayerite was completely inhibited. The impact of carbonate on the nature of Al precipitates was also evident in the increase of adsorbed water and inorganic C contents with increasing carbonate/Al MR. The Al K- and L- edge XANES data provide the first evidence illustrating the change in the coordination number of Al from 6-fold to mixed 6- and 4-fold coordination in the structural network of short-range ordered (SRO) Al precipitates formed under the increasing perturbation of carbonate. The fluorescence yield spectra of the O K-edge show that the intensity of the peak at 534.5 eV assigned to σ* transitions of Al-O and O-H bonding decreased with increasing carbonate/Al MR. The XANES data, along with the evidence from XRD, FTIR, and chemical analysis showed clearly that carbonate caused the alteration of the coordination nature of the Al-O bonding through perturbation of the atomic bonding and structural configuration of Al hydroxides by complexation with Al in the SRO network of Al precipitates. The surface reactivity of an Al-O bond is related to its covalency and coordination geometry. The present findings were, therefore, of fundamental significance in understanding the low-temperature geochemistry of Al and its impacts on the transformation, transport, and fate of nutrients and pollutants in the ecosystem.
Removal of a Binary Dye Mixture of Congo Red and Malachite Green From Aqueous Solutions Using a Bentonite Adsorbent
Authors: Özdemir Abdil , Keskin Can Serkan 
Published: January 2010

AbstractAn important application of clay is as a solid adsorbent for industrial dyes. The aim of the present work was to carry out an experimental—theoretical study of the adsorption of dye mixtures, namely malachite green (MG) and Congo red (CR), by bentonite. Adsorption studies were conducted after evaluation of the impact of several parameters, including pH, adsorbate dose, and contact time, on the removal of MG and CR. The pH of the dye solution is strongly affected by the chemistry of both the dye molecules and of the adsorbent in an aqueous solution. Where both dye molecules exist in solution, the optimum pH was found to be 8.2 in order to achieve the maximum adsorption of both MG and CR. Preliminary studies showed that 60 min of contact time is sufficient to reach adsorption equilibrium. The adsorption studies were carried out using 1.0 g samples of bentonite. The amount of dye adsorbed was found by application of classical least squares to the synthetic dye mixtures. Data from equilibrium adsorption on bentonite were analyzed by Freundlich, Langmuir, Redlich-Peterson, and Temkin isotherm equations using regression analysis for non-linear forms of those equations. For binary-mixture analysis, isotherm parameters were determined from single-component adsorption studies and the theoretical amount of dye adsorbed was calculated using an extended Langmuir isotherm. Non-linear error analysis showed that the Temkin and Redlich-Peterson isotherms gave the best fits to the equilibrium data for adsorptive removal of MG and CR by bentonite.