bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hydration, sporoderm breaking and germination of Cupressus arizonica pollen
Authors: Chichiriccò G. , Spanò L. , Torraca G. , Tartarini A. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractIn vitro and in vivo rehydration and germination in Cupressus arizonica pollen were examined using light and scanning electron microscopy. Shed pollen has 12.6% water content, which reduced to 8.2% after dispersal, and this latter pollen survived for some months at room temperature and for years at −10 °C. Rehydration requires breaking of the sporoderm walls and depends on the composition and pH of the rehydration medium. Acidity restrains the breakage, while alkalinity promotes it. Pollen division follows exine shedding and requires the persistence of the mucilaginous layer; hence, pH values countering these outcomes prevent division. Division results in a large and a small cell separated by a callosic wall. A pollen tube develops from the innermost intine of the large cell, which is callosic, and extends into the mucilaginous middle intine. The percentage germination never exceeded 17% in all tested media. In vivo, pollen rehydrates and casts off the exine in the micropylar drop. Drop withdrawal brings pollen to the apical nucellar cells that degenerate in the meantime, and it leaves a deposit on the surface of the micropylar canal. After contaction of the nucellar cells, the pollen flattens and its mucilaginous layer shrinks and disappears. This occurs simultaneously with sealing of the micropylar canal. During this time, pollen divides asymmetrically without the callosic wall, and the larger cell develops a tube in the interface with the nucellus. Only some pollen grains accomplish adhesion to the nucellus and germinate. The in vitro and in vivo developmental stages are discussed.
Differential expression of microRNA species in human gastric cancer versus non‐tumorous tissues
Authors: Guo Junming , Miao Ying , Xiao Bingxiu , Huan Rong , Jiang Zhen , Meng Dan , Wang Yanjun 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in carcinogenesis. The global miRNA expression profile of gastric cancer has not been reported. The purpose of the present study was to determine the miRNA expression profile of gastric cancer.Methods:  Total RNA were first extracted from primary gastric cancer tissues and adjacent non‐tumorous tissues and then small isolated RNAs (< 300 nt) were 3′‐extended with a poly(A) tail. Hybridization was carried out on a μParaflo™ microfluidic chip (LC Sciences, Houston, TX, USA). After hybridization detection by fluorescence labeling using tag‐specific Cy3 and Cy5 dyes, hybridization images were collected using a laser scanner and digitized using Array‐Pro image analysis software (Media Cybernetics, Silver Spring, MD, USA). To validate the results and investigate the biological meaning of differential expressed miRNAs, immunohistochemistry was used to detect the differential expression of target genes.Results:  The most highly expressed miRNAs in non‐tumorous tissues were miR‐768‐3p, miR‐139‐5p, miR‐378, miR‐31, miR‐195, miR‐497 and miR‐133b. Three of them, miR‐139‐5p, miR‐497 and miR‐768‐3p, were first found in non‐tumorous tissues. The most highly expressed miRNAs in gastric cancer tissues were miR‐20b, miR‐20a, miR‐17, miR‐106a, miR‐18a, miR‐21, miR‐106b, miR‐18b, miR‐421, miR‐340*, miR‐19a and miR‐658. Among them, miR‐340*, miR‐421 and miR‐658 were first found highly expressed in cancer cells. The expression of some target genes (such as Rb and PTEN) in cancer tissues was found to be decreased.Conclusion:  To our knowledge, this is the first report about these miRNAs associated with gastric cancer. This new information may suggest the potential roles of these miRNAs in the diagnosis of gastric cancer.
Expression of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)‐1 or ICAM‐2 is critical in determining sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to cytolysis by human γδ‐T cells: Implications in the design of γδ‐T‐cell‐based immunotherapies for pancreatic cancer
Authors: Liu Zhiyong , Guo Ben , Lopez Richard D 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground and Aims:  γδ‐T cells can recognize and kill malignant cells, particularly those of epithelial origin, through mechanisms which do not require the recognition of tumor‐specific antigens (innate immune response). This natural ability of γδ‐T cells to kill tumor cells in a tumor antigen‐independent manner provides a strong rationale for developing clinical trials designed to exploit the innate antitumor properties of γδ‐T cells.Methods:  In vitro studies were carried out to asses the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells (MIA PaCa2, BxPC‐3, PANC‐1) to killing by ex vivo expanded human γδ‐T cells.Results:  The capacity of γδ‐T cells to bind to as well as to kill pancreatic cancer cells correlated with the degree of surface expression of key intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAM) present on pancreatic cancer cells. Moreover, pancreatic cancer cells expressing neither ICAM‐1 nor ICAM‐2 were bound poorly by γδ‐T cells and were found to be resistant to γδ‐T‐cell killing. However, upon transfection of resistant cells with ICAM‐1 or ICAM‐2, γδ‐T cells were then able to bind to and subsequently kill these cells.Conclusion:  In vitro, the expression of ICAM‐1 or ICAM‐2 on human pancreatic cancer cells is critically important in determining the extent to which these cells are sensitive to killing by human γδ‐T cells. Accordingly, in ongoing and future clinical studies using γδ‐T cells for the treatment of a variety of epithelial‐derived solid tumors—including pancreatic cancer—interventions intended to modulate ICAM expression on tumor cells may become important adjuncts to γδ‐T‐cell‐based immunotherapies.
SRD5B1 gene analysis needed for the accurate diagnosis of primary 3‐oxo‐Δ4‐steroid 5β‐reductase deficiency
Authors: Ueki Isao , Kimura Akihiko , Chen Huey‐Ling , Yorifuji Tohru , Mori Jun , Itoh Susumu , Maruyama Kenichi , Ishige Takashi , Takei Hajime , Nittono Hiroshi , Kurosawa Takao , Kage Masayoshi , Matsuishi Toyojiro 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  We encounter hyper‐3‐oxo‐Δ4 bile aciduria in patients with severe cholestatic liver disease or fulminant liver failure during the neonatal period. However, simply by bile acid analysis, it is difficult to distinguish hyper‐3‐oxo‐Δ4 bile aciduria from primary 3‐oxo‐Δ4‐steroid 5β‐reductase deficiency.Methods:  To determine whether 3‐oxo‐Δ4‐steroid 5β‐reductase (SRD5B1) gene analysis is required for the accurate diagnosis of 3‐oxo‐Δ4‐steroid 5β‐reductase deficiency, we evaluated the laboratory data, bile acid analysis and SRD5B1 gene analysis from six patients with hyper‐3‐oxo‐Δ4 bile aciduria.Results:  Based upon the results, four patients who had developed neonatal liver failure were diagnosed as having neonatal hemochromatosis. Two patients with chronic cholestasis were diagnosed as having primary 3‐oxo‐Δ4‐steroid 5β‐reductase deficiency by SRD5B1 gene analysis. The SRD5B1 gene in these two patients had a heterozygous mutation, G737A (Gly 223 Glu) in one patient and C217T (Arg 50 stop) in the other.Conclusions:  Based upon our limited data, we conclude that SDR5B1 gene analysis is required for the accurate diagnosis of 3‐oxo‐Δ4‐steroid 5β‐reductase deficiency. Moreover, we think that it is important to elucidate whether there is a heterozygous or a compound heterozygous mutation of the SRD5B1 gene in our two patients.
Unclassified mucin phenotype of gastric adenocarcinoma exhibits the highest invasiveness
Authors: Han Hye S , Lee Sun‐Young , Lee Kyung Y , Hong Sung N , Kim Jeong H , Sung In‐Kyung , Park Hyung S , Jin Choon J , Min Young I 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Gastric cancers present with distinctive carcinogenesis pathways that vary with the mucin phenotypes. We attempted to elucidate the relations between the characteristics of the mucin phenotypes of gastric cancer and the tumor invasiveness.Methods:  Gastric adenocarcinomas that were resected surgically between August 2005 and April 2007 were included in the present study. The gastric cancers were subclassified into gastric and intestinal mucin phenotypes if more than 10% of cancer cells exhibited gastric (MUC5AC and/or MUC6) and intestinal (MUC2 or CD10) markers, respectively.Results:  The mucin phenotypes of 123 gastric cancers were gastric (n = 31), intestinal (n = 43), mixed (n = 28) and unclassified (n = 21). The mucin phenotype was related to histological type (P < 0.001), Lauren's classification (P = 0.001) and size (P = 0.014) of the gastric adenocarcinoma, but not to its location or to the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection. The unclassified mucin phenotype exhibited the largest number of lymph node metastases (P = 0.007), lymphatic invasions (P < 0.001) and neural invasions (P = 0.026), whereas the intestinal mucin phenotype exhibited the lowest invasiveness.Conclusion:  The mucin phenotype reflects the biological behavior of gastric cancer, with the intestinal and unclassified mucin phenotypes exhibiting the lowest and highest invasiveness, respectively.
Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies
Authors: Limaye V. S. , Blumbergs P. , Roberts‐Thomson P. J. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe idiopathic inflammatory myopathies are a group of systemic autoimmune syndromes characterized by striated muscle inflammation. Here, we discuss the clinical features of this group of cond2itions and review the recent developments in the understanding of the pathogenesis and immunogenetics of the idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. The role of myositis‐specific autoantibodies and their clinical significance and an overview of management are also provided.
Osteonecrosis of the jaw complicating bisphosphonate treatment for bone disease in multiple myeloma: an overview with recommendations for prevention and treatment
Authors: Dickinson M. , Prince H. M. , Kirsa S. , Zannettino A. , Gibbs S. D. J. , Mileshkin L. , O'Grady J. , Seymour J. F. , Szer J. , Horvath N. , Joshua D. E. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractOsteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ) is a recently recognised and potentially highly morbid complication of bisphosphonate therapy in the setting of metastatic malignancy, including myeloma. Members of the Medical and Scientific Advisory Group of the Myeloma Foundation of Australia formulated guidelines for the management of bisphosphonates around the issue of ONJ, based on the best available evidence in June 2008. Prior to commencement of therapy, patients should have an oral health assessment and be educated about the risks of ONJ. Dental assessment should occur 6 monthly during therapy. If tooth extraction is required, sufficient time should be allowed for complete healing to occur prior to commencement of bisphosphonate. As the risk of ONJ increases with duration of bisphosphonate therapy, we recommend annual assessment of dose with modification to 3 monthly i.v. therapy or to oral therapy with clodronate for those with all but the highest risk of skeletal‐related event. Established ONJ should be managed conservatively; a bisphosphonate “drug holiday” is usually indicated and invasive surgery should generally be avoided. These recommendations will assist with clinical decision making for myeloma patients who are at risk of bisphosphonate‐associated ONJ.
Single versus double unrelated umbilical cord blood units for allogeneic transplantation in adults with advanced haematological malignancies: a retrospective comparison of outcomes
Authors: Bradstock K. , Hertzberg M. , Kerridge I. , Svennilson J. , George B. , McGurgan M. , Huang G. , Antonenas V. , Gottlieb D. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground: Unrelated umbilical cord blood has emerged as an alternative stem cell source for allogeneic transplantation for patients with haematological malignancies, but in adults is limited by the low number of stem cells present in banked cord blood units. We report our experience with double cord blood transplants for adult patients. The aim of the study was to compare the outcomes of double unrelated cord blood transplants in adults with poor prognosis haematological diseases with single cord blood transplants.Methods: Eleven patients, median age 27 years and median weight 69 kg, received transplants of two partially matched unrelated cord blood units after myeloablative conditioning therapy.Results: Neutrophil recovery to 0.5 × 109/L was seen by median day 32 (18–53), and platelet recovery to 50 × 109/L by day 91 (56–381). These results were not significantly different from those reported in patients receiving single cord blood transplants. Acute graft‐versus‐host disease of grades II–IV was seen in four patients, but no chronic graft‐versus‐host disease occurred. Transplant‐related complications were responsible for the deaths of five patients in the first 3 months post‐transplant, whereas two patients died of relapse of their haematological malignancy. Four patients survive, disease free, 17–33 months post‐transplant.Conclusion: Transplantation using two partially matched unrelated cord blood units did not appear to result in improvements either in engraftment or survival, as compared with a previous cohort of patients receiving single cord blood units. Further strategies appear to be needed to reduce the duration of severe neutropenia and reduce the high transplant‐related mortality in these patients.
Validation of a portable recording device (ApneaLink) for identifying patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome
Authors: Ng S. S. S. , Chan T.‐O. , To K.‐W. , Ngai J. , Tung A. , Ko F. W. S. , Hui D. S. C. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground: Polysomnography (PSG) is currently the standard diagnostic procedure for sleep apnoea. This study evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of a portable recording device, ApneaLink (AL; ResMed, Poway, CA, USA) for detection of sleep apnoea in comparisons against PSG.Methods: The AL device is a three‐channel screening tool that measures airflow through a nasal pressure transducer, oximetry and pulse, providing an apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) based on recording time. Nocturnal PSG (Alice 4; Healthdyne, Atlanta, GA, USA), with airflow measured by a nasal pressure transducer (ProTech PTAF2; ProTech, Woodinville, WA, USA) and AL recordings were carried out simultaneously in consecutive patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS). The PSG recordings were analysed manually by a blinded investigator. The oxygen desaturation index of AL was also compared against the AHI based on PSG.Results: Fifty consecutive subjects with symptoms of OSAS were recruited with mean age of 50 years and body mass index of 27.9 kg/m2. The AHI obtained by the AL device correlated closely to that obtained by PSG (Pearson correlation, r= 0.978, P < 0.001), whereas the correlation between PSG AHI and oxygen desaturation index by AL was also strong (r= 0.895, P < 0.001). Comparison of AHI based on the AL against the PSG demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity at AHI ≥10/h (sensitivity 0.977 and specificity 1.0) and at AHI ≥20/h (sensitivity 0.969 and specificity 1.0).Conclusion: The AL portable monitoring device is highly sensitive and specific in quantifying the apnoea–hypopnoea index when compared against hospital based polysomnography in patients with suspected OSAS. The simple device may be useful for screening and diagnostic purpose when access to PSG is limited.
Audit of anticoagulant thromboprophylaxis in hospitalized oncology patients
Authors: Chin P. K. L. , Beckert L. E. L. , Gunningham S. , Edwards A. L. , Robinson B. A. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground:  Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant problem in oncology patients. VTE prophylaxis is underutilized in hospitalized medical patients, but there are few data for the appropriateness and frequency of its use in the oncology subgroup. We aimed to document local practice.Methods:  A cross‐sectional chart review of all hospitalized patients cared for by the Christchurch Hospital Oncology Service was carried out during two defined 4‐week periods. Assessment for indications and contraindications to prophylactic anticoagulation was based on the 2004 American College of Chest Physicians evidence‐based consensus guidelines.Results:  Of 113 admissions to the oncology service, 38 (33.6%) had indications for prophylactic anticoagulation. However, 23 of these also had contraindications, leaving only 15 (13%) admissions where prophylactic anticoagulation was deemed appropriate. Only one was appropriately given prophylactic anticoagulation.Conclusion:  Only a minority of hospitalized oncology patients are appropriate for prophylactic anticoagulation. Where it is suitable, however, it is poorly utilized locally. Local promotion of VTE prophylaxis and further study of this subgroup of hospitalized medical patients may improve uptake of this practice and attenuate morbidity from VTE.
Interactive and cumulative effects of multiple human stressors in marine systems
Authors: Crain Caitlin Mullan , Kroeker Kristy , Halpern Benjamin S. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractHumans impact natural systems in a multitude of ways, yet the cumulative effect of multiple stressors on ecological communities remains largely unknown. Here we synthesized 171 studies that manipulated two or more stressors in marine and coastal systems and found that cumulative effects in individual studies were additive (26%), synergistic (36%), and antagonistic (38%). The overall interaction effect across all studies was synergistic, but interaction type varied by response level (community: antagonistic, population: synergistic), trophic level (autotrophs: antagonistic, heterotrophs: synergistic), and specific stressor pair (seven pairs additive, three pairs each synergistic and antagonistic). Addition of a third stressor changed interaction effects significantly in two‐thirds of all cases and doubled the number of synergistic interactions. Given that most studies were performed in laboratories where stressor effects can be carefully isolated, these three‐stressor results suggest that synergies may be quite common in nature where more than two stressors almost always coexist. While significant gaps exist in multiple stressor research, our results suggest an immediate need to account for stressor interactions in ecological studies and conservation planning.
Blood pressure control and awareness among patients with diabetes and hypertension attending a tertiary ophthalmic clinic
Authors: Wong N. , Wang S. S. , Lamoureux E. , Wong T. Y. , Tikellis G. , Harper A. , Wang J. J. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractAims  To assess the proportion of patients who had diabetes and hypertension with optimal blood pressure (BP) control and to describe patients’ awareness of the importance of BP control.Methods  A cross‐sectional survey of out‐patients with diabetes who attended the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (Melbourne, Australia) was conducted between October 2006 and February 2007. Of 245 patients invited, 220 (90%) participated. Optimal BP control was defined as BP < 130/80 mmHg recorded at the latest visit; proportions of patients with awareness of BP control were defined non‐exclusively by: (i) ability to recall a previous BP record and rate the appropriateness of that BP level; (ii) ability to recall the recommended optimal BP control level by current diabetes management guidelines; (iii) knowledge that optimal BP control is important to diabetes management; and (iv) knowledge that optimal BP control is important to eye health.Results  Of the 220 patients, 176 had both diabetes and hypertension. Of these, 49 of 176 (28%) had BP controlled optimally, and 30 of 176 (17%) recalled and rated a previous recorded BP level appropriately. Fewer than one in four (22%) acknowledged the recommended optimum BP level of < 130/80 mmHg, fewer than one in two (48%) rated BP as important to diabetes management, and one in three (35%) rated BP control as important to eye health.Conclusions  In this sample of patients with diabetes and hypertension, fewer than one‐third achieved the BP level recommended by clinical guidelines, and fewer than half were aware of the importance of BP control.
Mechanism of disopyramide‐induced hypoglycaemia in a patient with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Negishi M. , Shimomura K. , Proks P. , Mori M. , Shimomura Y. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground  Disopyramide, an antiarrhythmia drug, has been reported to cause hypoglycaemia. Pre‐existing factors that increase the concentration of the drug in the blood increase the risk of hypoglycaemia. Furthermore, other factors can also increase the risk of hypoglycaemia even when disopyramide levels are in the therapeutic range. It has been proposed that disopyramide‐induced hypoglycaemia is caused by inhibition of the pancreatic B‐cell KATP channels.Case report  We report a case of severe disopyramide‐induced hypoglycaemia in a 62‐year‐old woman with Type 2 diabetes taking low‐dose glimepiride treatment. She had not experienced hypoglycaemia prior to the start of disopyramide therapy. No further hypoglycaemic episodes occurred following withdrawal of disopyramide therapy.Functional study  Current recordings of KATP channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes showed that at their estimated therapeutic concentrations, disopyramide and glimepiride inhibited KATP channels by about 50–60%. However, when both drugs were applied together, KATP channels were almost completely closed (~95%). Such dramatic inhibition of KATP channels is sufficient to cause B‐cell membrane depolarization and stimulate insulin secretion.Conclusions  Disopyramide therapy is not recommended for patients treated with KATP channel inhibitors.
Biomedical, lifestyle and psychosocial characteristics of people newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes: baseline data from the DESMOND randomized controlled trial
Authors: Khunti K. , Skinner T. C. , Heller S , Carey M. E , Dallosso H. M. , Davies M. J ,   on behalf of the DESMOND Collaborative
Published: November 2008

AbstractAims  To describe the characteristics of newly diagnosed people with Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and compare these with published studies.Methods  Baseline data of participants recruited to the DESMOND randomized controlled trial conducted in 13 sites across England and Scotland were used. Biomedical measures and questionnaires on psychological characteristics were collected within 4 weeks of diagnosis.Results  Of 1109 participants referred, 824 consented to participate (74.3%). Mean (± sd) age was 59.5 ± 12 years and 54.9% were male. Mean HbA1c was 8.1 ± 2.1% and did not differ by gender. Mean body mass index (BMI) was significantly higher in women (33.7 vs. 31.3 kg/m2; P < 0.001); 69% of women and 54% of men were obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2). Total cholesterol was significantly higher in women (5.6 vs. 5.2 mmol/l; P < 0.001). Overall, 14.7% reported smoking. Percentages reporting recommended levels of vigorous activity (≥ 3 times/week) and moderate activity (≥ 5 times/week) were 10.6 and 16.0%, respectively, and were lower in women. Specific illness beliefs included 73% being unclear about symptoms and only 54% believing diabetes is a serious condition. Symptoms indicative of depression were reported by significantly more women than men (16.1% vs. 8.2%; P = 0.001).Conclusion  Data from this large and representative cohort of newly diagnosed people with T2DM show that many have modifiable cardiovascular risk factors. Comparison with the literature suggests that the profile of the newly diagnosed may be changing, with lower HbA1c and higher prevalence of obesity. Many expressed beliefs about and poor understanding of their diabetes that need to be addressed in order for them to engage in effective self‐management.