bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The hepatocyte nuclear factor 6 (HNF6) and FOXA2 are key regulators in colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Lehner F. , Kulik U. , Klempnauer J. , Borlak J. 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTThe molecular causes leading to secondary liver malignancies are unknown. Here we report regulation of major hepatic nuclear factors in human colorectal liver metastases and primary colonic cancer. Notably, the genes coding for HNF6, HNF1β, and C/EBPγ were selectively regulated in liver metastases. We therefore studied protein expression of regulated transcription factors and found unacetylated HNF6 to be a hallmark of colorectal liver metastases. For its known interaction with HNF6, we investigated expression of FOXA2, which we found to be specifically induced in colorectal liver metastases. By electromobility shift assay, we examined DNA binding of disease regulated transcription factors. Essentially, no HNF6 DNA binding was observed. We also searched for sequence variations in the DNA binding domains of HNF6, but did not identify any mutation. Furthermore, we probed for expression of 28 genes targeted by HNF6. Mostly transcript expression was repressed except for tumor growth. In conclusion, we show HNF6 protein expression to be driven by the hepatic environment. Its expression is not observed in healthy colon or primary colonic cancer. HNF6 DNA binding is selectively abrogated through lack of post‐translational modification and interaction with FOXA2. Targeting of FOXA2 and HNF6 may therefore enable mechanism‐based therapy for colorectal liver metastases.—Lehner, F., Kulik, U., Klempnauer, J., Borlak, J. The hepatocyte nuclear factor 6 (HNF6) and FOXA2 are key regulators in colorectal liver metastases. FASEB J. 21, 1445–1462 (2007)
The effect of educational intervention on the adoption of nickel–titanium rotary instrumentation in a Public Dental Service
Authors: Reit C. , Bergenholtz G. , Caplan D. , Molander A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAim  To study the influence of two educational programmes on the adoption of nickel–titanium rotary instrumentation (NTRI) amongst general dental practitioners in a short‐term as well as a long‐term perspective.Methodology  All dentists employed in the Gothenburg Dental service (n = 148) were enrolled in the study. The clinics in the organization were randomly assigned to one of two educational programmes. In the first programme a 4‐h lecture on root canal instrumentation was given. In the second programme the lecture course was supplemented by a 6‐h hands‐on training session. The short‐term effect was measured by a questionnaire distributed 6 months after completed education. The long‐term effect was evaluated 4 years later.Results  The overall utilization rate of NTRI increased from 4% to 73%. However, lectures in combination with hands‐on training resulted in a better short‐term acceptance rate (94%) than if teaching was given only in lecture‐format (53%) (P = 0.000). As a consequence, all staff were offered hands‐on training. The long‐term adoption rate was 88%. Reasons for accepting the new technology usually were found within the ‘relative advantage’ category. Common reasons for dentists not to adopt NTRI were that they could not get started or that they found no advantage over the old technology.Conclusions  The short‐term adoption of a new technology might be influenced by the design of an introductory educational programme. For clinical procedures, such as root canal instrumentation, the inclusion of hands‐on training sessions seems to be important to reach a high acceptance rate.
The effect of chemical inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases on the size of experimentally induced apical periodontitis
Authors: Tjäderhane L. , Hotakainen T. , Kinnunen S. , Ahonen M. , Salo T. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAim To determine the effect of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibition on periapical lesion formation in a rat model.Methodology The pulp chambers of mandibular fist molars of adult SD rats were exposed to be infected by oral microbes. The experimental group was fed 20 mg kg−1MMP‐inhibitor chemically modified tetracycline‐3 (CMT‐3) daily in an oral gavage and the controls were fed the vehicle. After 2 and 4 weeks, the mandibles (n = 10 in both groups at both times) were radiographed, decalcified and subjected to histological analysis. Extension of necrosis in first molar distal root canals was measured from the histological sections, and periapical lesion sizes in the same roots were determined from radiographs and histological sections. Mann–WhitneyU‐test was used for the statistical analysis.Results There was a statistically significant difference in the extension of necrosis in root canals between 2 and 4 weeks in the control group (P < 0.05), but not with MMP inhibition. Radiographically, MMP inhibition increased the periapical lesion size by 70% and 34% after 2 and 4 weeks respectively (P < 0.05 in after 2 weeks). In histological measurements, lesion size increased with MMP inhibition by 26% and 8% after 2 and 4 weeks respectively.Conclusions MMP inhibition affects pulpal and periapical inflammation, increasing the rate of spreading of necrosis in root canals and the rate of periapical lesion formation.
Safety of selective cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitors and a basic non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) in Japanese patients with NSAID‐induced urticaria and/or angioedema: Comparison of meloxicam, etodolac and tiaramide
Authors: INOMATA Naoko , OSUNA Hiroyuki , YAMAGUCHI Junko , ONODA Masahito , TAKESHITA Yoshihiro , CHIBA Yoshiyuki , KAMBARA Takeshi , IKEZAWA Zenro 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTThe identification of a safe and reliable alternative for patients with non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID)‐induced urticaria/angioedema is a frequent problem for dermatologists and other practitioners. Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) inhibitors have been reported to be safe for NSAID‐intolerant patients from the US and Europe but not all of them have yet been approved for use in Japan. It was our objective to investigate the clinical manifestations of oral NSAID challenges in Japanese patients with histories of urticaria and/or angioedema after the intake of NSAIDs and to find safe alternative drugs, including COX‐2 inhibitors and a basic anti‐inflammatory drug. Twenty subjects suspected NSAID‐induced urticaria/angioedema from histories were included in a double‐blind or single‐blind, placebo‐controlled oral challenge protocol using NSAIDs. Skin prick tests using NSAIDs, which were dissolved in saline, were conducted. The mean age of the patients was 37.3 years; 14 patients were female. The results of other challenge tests showed that the most frequently intolerated drugs was loxoprofen (100%), followed by acetyl salicylic (94.4%), etodolac (53.3%), dicrofenac (50%), acetaminophen (38.5%), meloxicam (33%), and tiaramide (21.4%). Urticaria and angioedema were induced after aspirin intake in 83.3% and 22.2% of patients, respectively, whereas an asthmatic response was seen in 5.6%. Skin prick tests with NSAIDs were 100% negative. This study showed that among the NSAIDs that are available in Japan and that were investigated in this study, tiaramide, which does not inhibit COX, is the relatively safe alternative drug for Japanese patients with NSAID‐induced urtiacaria and/or angioedema. Furthermore, meloxicam seems to be better tolerated than etodolac between two selective COX‐2 inhibitors.
Case of skin necrosis due to arginine monohydrochloride extravasation
Authors: BASSI Elisa , LONATI Davide , PANDOLFI Roberta , GATTI Marco , JOLLIFFE Victoria M.L. , FORNO Corrado Del 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTA 10‐month‐old child presented with an ulcerated lesion on his right arm. The lesion was caused by arginine monohydrochloride extravasation during growth hormone testing, performed 2 months before. On physical examination, there was a 3 cm × 4 cm oval sore, with a thick fibrous base and turgid, violaceous, raised edges on the dorsal aspect of the child's right hand and wrist. Conservative management with local medications led to complete resolution within 2 months.
Effectiveness of a multi‐disciplinary standardized management model in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in drug addicts engaged in detoxification programmes
Authors: Guadagnino Vincenzo , Trotta Maria Paola , Montesano Franco , Babudieri Sergio , Caroleo Benedetto , Armignacco Orlando , Carioti Jessica , Maio Giuseppe , Monarca Roberto , Antinori Andrea ,   Nocchiero Study Group
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTAim To evaluate the effect of a multi‐disciplinary standardized management model on the efficacy of pegylated (Peg)‐interferon α‐2b plus ribavirin treatment of chronic hepatitis C in drug addicts undergoing substitutive or antagonist therapy.Design Observational prospective multi‐centre study.Setting Six clinical infectious disease centres in collaboration with 11 drug dependency units (DDU) in five Italian regions.Participants Intravenous drug users affected by chronic hepatitis C engaged in detoxification programmes.Methods Application of a multi‐disciplinary standardized management model for HCV treatment involving DDU operators, psychologists or psychiatrists and infectious disease specialists.Measurements Very early, early, end‐of‐treatment and sustained virological response to Peg‐interferon α‐2b plus ribavirin.Findings Fifty‐three subjects were studied [43.4% with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 1 or 4]. Intent‐to‐treat analysis showed an end‐of‐treatment virological response in 58.5% of patients (39.1% genotypes 1 or 4; 73.4% genotype 3) and a sustained virological response in 54.7% (34.8% genotypes 1 or 4; 70.0% genotype 3). There were 19 (35.8%) dropouts and three (5.7%) non‐responders: one genotype 1 and two genotype 4. Two (3.8%) patients relapsed: genotypes 1 and 3. On‐treatment analysis showed negative HCV‐RNA in 40 (93.1%) of 43 subjects who completed the first 12 treatment weeks and in 35 who completed the first 24 treatment weeks. All subjects with an end‐of‐treatment response, except one with genotype 3 infection, had a sustained response.Conclusions Our data show that antiviral treatment in the context of a multi‐disciplinary standardized management model helps many HCV‐positive drug addicts achieve a good virological response.
Spatial and non‐spatial risk factors associated with cage‐level distribution of infectious salmon anaemia at three Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., farms in Maine, USA
Authors: Gustafson L , Ellis S , Robinson T , Marenghi F , Merrill P , Hawkins L , Giray C , Wagner B 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe distribution of infectious salmon anaemia (ISA) was examined among 80 cages from three Atlantic salmon grow‐out farms in Maine, USA that were stocked with smolts from a single hatchery. Cage‐level disease was broadly defined as one or more moribund fish testing positive for infectious salmon anaemia virus (ISAV) by RT‐PCR and a second confirmatory test (IFAT, culture or genotype sequence). Spatio‐temporal and cage‐level risks were explored using logistic regression and survival analysis. Non‐spatial risk factors associated with ISA, or shortened survival time to disease, included increased predation, trucking company choice for smolt transfers, a finely‐sedimented benthic substrate, and smaller average size of smolts at stocking. Univariable analysis identified the time‐dependent spatial factor ‘adjacency to newly infected cages’ to be predictive of new infection in neighbouring cages 11–12 weeks later. However, none of the spatial factors, or their lags retained relevance in multiple‐variable models. The results suggest a diffuse distribution of virus exposure throughout infected sites, with host‐susceptibility factors probably influencing disease manifestation in individual cages. The narrow focus of the current study may limit application of the findings to other sites and year‐classes. However, these data support the relevance of husbandry efforts to optimize fish health in regions affected by ISAV.
Geographical variation in the prevalence of positive skin tests to environmental aeroallergens in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey I
Authors: Bousquet P.‐J. , Chinn S. , Janson C. , Kogevinas M. , Burney P. , Jarvis D. 
Published: February 2007

Background:  Many studies have reported the prevalence of sensitization using skin prick tests. However, comparisons between studies and between regions are difficult because the number and the type of allergens tested vary widely. Using the European Community Health Respiratory Survey I data, the geographical variation of sensitization to environmental allergen as measured by skin tests was established.Methods:  Adults aged 20–44 years, living in 35 centres in 15 developed countries, underwent skin tests for allergy to nine common aeroallergens: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, timothy grass, cat, Cladosporium herbarium, Alternaria alternata, birch, Olea europea, common ragweed and Parietaria judaica. The age–sex standardized prevalence of sensitization was determined and centres with high (95% confidence interval above and excluding study median) and low prevalence (95% confidence interval below and excluding study median) of sensitization to each allergen and to any of the nine allergens were identified.Results:  There was substantial geographical variation in the prevalence of sensitization to each of the nine allergens tested and in the prevalence of sensitization to any allergen (lowest 17.1%, median 36.8% and highest 54.8%). Sensitization to D. pteronyssinus, grass pollen and cat were usually the most prevalent (median between centre 21.7%, 16.9% and 8.8%, respectively). Timothy grass sensitization was higher than that for any other pollen species.Conclusions:  As expected, geographical variations of sensitization to environmental allergen were observed across centres. These findings were compatible for those observed with serum‐specific IgE. Skin tests can be used to assess the geographical distribution of allergens in a multicentric epidemiological survey.
Air Contact Influences the pH of Extended Porcine Semen
Authors: Vyt P , Maes D , Sys SU , Rijsselaere T , Van Soom A 
Published: February 2007

ContentsIn this study, the pH‐rise during storage of extended porcine semen was examined. This pH‐rise was found to be caused by CO2‐loss from the buffering system in the extender and was more pronounced with increasing air volume in the recipient. An influence on sperm motility parameters was observed between semen samples stored in the presence of different amounts of ambient air in the recipient. Velocity parameters and percentage motile spermatozoa were significantly lower for semen stored in recipients with higher air volume and elevated pH. Adjusting extender preparation by avoiding air contact in commercial AI‐centres may minimize the pH‐rise and its influence on sperm motility.
Clinical and pathological characteristics and outcomes of Chinese patients with primary anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies‐associated systemic vasculitis with immune complex deposition in kidney
Authors: YU FENG , CHEN MIN , WANG SU‐XIA , ZOU WAN‐ZHONG , ZHAO MING‐HUI , WANG HAI‐YAN 
Published: February 2007

SUMMARY:Aim: To analyse the clinical and pathological characteristics of Chinese patients with immune complex deposition in kidney in anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)‐positive vasculitis.Methods: Enrolled in this study are patients with immune complex deposition in kidney in ANCA‐positive vasculitis diagnosed in Peking University First Hospital. Their clinical and pathological data were collected and analysed.Results: Twenty‐three patients were eligible. Fifteen patients were with microscopic polyangiitis and eight patients were with Wegener's granulomatosis. The mean age was 48.8 years and with a male/female ratio of 10/13. The interval, between onset of disease and the diagnosis of disease, was 429.6 ± 693.3 days. All patients had clinical evidence of renal involvement. The major immunoglobulin deposited was IgM and the main locations were mesangial and sub‐epithelial area. Four patients also presented features of membranous nephropathy and six patients presented features of IgA nephropathy. About 52.2% of patients had hypocomplementaemia. All patients received immunosuppressive therapy and all of them achieved clinical remission. Patients were followed for about 28.8 ± 25.3 months. Nine patients kept clinical remission, nine patients progressed to end‐stage renal disease and five patients died. When these patients are compared with patients who had classical pauci‐immune vasculitis, they had greater proteinuria (P < 0.05), higher prevalence of hypocomplementaemia (P < 0.05) and greater glomerular cellularity (P < 0.05).Conclusion: The present study showed that the features of patients with ANCA‐associated vasculitis with immune complex deposition in kidney were similar with classical ‘pauci‐immune’ vasculitis except for more proteinuria, more hypocomplementaemia and greater glomerular hypercellularity.
Effects of interleukin 18 on injury and activation of human proximal tubular epithelial cells
Authors: LIANG DONG , LIU HUA‐FENG , YAO CUI‐WEI , LIU HAI‐YAN , HUANG‐FU CHANG‐MEI , CHEN XIANG‐WEN , DU SHEN‐HUA , CHEN XIAO‐WEN 
Published: February 2007

SUMMARY:Background/Aims:  Injury and activation of tubular proximal epithelial cells (TEC) play central roles in renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF), but its mechanisms remain obscure. Interleukin 18 (IL‐18) is overproduced during chronic kidney diseases (CKD), but how IL‐18 affects the biological behaviour of TEC is not clear. The aim of the present study is to reveal the role of IL‐18 in renal TIF.Methods:  The expressions of IL‐18 and IL‐18 receptor in TEC were detected by immunohistochemical staining in vivo and by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) in vitro. TEC line (HK‐2 cells) were incubated without or with IL‐18. Cell proliferation and cell cycle were evaluated by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay and flow cytometric analysis, respectively. Cell apoptosis was assessed by Hoechst 33258 staining. Expression of α‐smooth muscle actin was evaluated by RT‐PCR, immunocytochemical staining and flow cytometric analysis, respectively. Type I collagen, fibronectin, MCP‐1 and RANTES in cultured supernatants were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Results:  IL‐18 expression in TEC increased significantly in CKD state. IL‐18 receptor was constitutively expressed in normal proximal TEC, and its expression increased strongly in CKD state. Proliferation and cell cycle of HK‐2 cells were not affected by IL‐18. Cell apoptosis, α‐smooth muscle actin expression, type I collagen and fibronectin production as well as MCP‐1 secretion were promoted by IL‐18 in dosage‐ and/or time‐dependent manners, but RANTES secretion was not affected.Conclusion:  IL‐18 may play a crucial role in the process of TIF by promoting TEC injury and activation, and could be a target of the therapeutic approaches against TIF.
Darbepoetin alfa administered monthly maintains haemoglobin concentrations in patients with chronic kidney disease not receiving dialysis: A multicentre, open‐label, Australian study
Authors: DISNEY ALEX , JERSEY PETER DE , KIRKLAND GEOFF , MANTHA MURTY , CHARLESWORTH JOHN A , GALLAGHER MARTIN , HARRIS DAVID , GOCK HILTON , MANGOS GEORGE J , MACMILLAN JAMIE , LIU WEI , VISWALINGAM AJIT 
Published: February 2007

SUMMARY:Aim:  Darbepoetin alfa, an erythropoiesis‐stimulating protein, has a longer serum half‐life than recombinant human erythropoietin, allowing less‐frequent administration. This study aimed to demonstrate that once‐monthly (QM) darbepoetin alfa administration would maintain haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations in subjects with chronic kidney disease (CKD) not receiving dialysis who had previously been administered darbepoetin alfa every 2 weeks (Q2W).Methods:  This was a multicentre study in which subjects with CKD receiving stable Q2W darbepoetin alfa doses and with stable Hb (100–130 g/L) were started on QM darbepoetin alfa dosing. The initial QM darbepoetin alfa dose was equivalent to the cumulative darbepoetin alfa dose administered during the month preceding enrolment. Darbepoetin alfa doses were titrated to maintain Hb concentrations between 100 and 130 g/L. The primary endpoint was the proportion of subjects maintaining mean Hb 0e; 100 g/L during the evaluation period (weeks 21–33).Results:  Sixty‐six subjects were enrolled in the study and all received at least one dose of darbepoetin alfa; 55 (83%) had mean Hb 0e; 100 g/L during evaluation. Mean (SD) Hb concentrations at baseline and during the evaluation period were 119 (8.7) g/L and 114 (9.8) g/L, respectively. The median QM darbepoetin alfa dose at baseline and during the evaluation period was 80 μg. Darbepoetin alfa was considered to be well‐tolerated.Conclusion:  Patients with CKD not receiving dialysis who are receiving darbepoetin alfa Q2W can be safely and effectively extended to darbepoetin alfa QM. Dosing QM may simplify anaemia management for patients and health‐care providers.
Ultrastructure and large subunit rDNA sequences ofLepidodinium viridereveal a close relationship toLepidodinium chlorophorumcomb. nov. (=Gymnodinium chlorophorum)
Authors: Hansen Gert , Botes Lizeth , De Salas Miguel 
Published: February 2007

SUMMARYThe ultrastructure of the green dinoflagellateLepididodinium virideM. M. Watanabe, S. Suda, I. Inouye Sawaguchi et Chihara was studied in detail. The nuclear envelope possessed numerous chambers each furnished with a nuclear pore, a similar arrangement to that found in other gymnodinioids. The flagellar apparatus was essentially identical toGymnodinium chlorophorumElbrächter et Schnepf, a species also containing chloroplasts of chlorophyte origin. Of particular interest was the connection of the flagellar apparatus to the nuclear envelope by means of both a fiber and a microtubular extension of the R3 flagellar root. This feature has not been found in other dinoflagellates and suggests a close relationship between these two species. This was confirmed by phylogenetic analysis based on partial sequences of the large subunit (LSU) rDNA gene ofL. viride, G. chlorophorumand 16 other unarmoured dinoflagellates, including both the ‘type’ culture and a new Tasmanian isolate ofG. chlorophorum. These two isolates had identical sequences and differed fromL. virideby only 3.75% of their partial LSU sequences, considerably less than the difference between otherGymnodiniumspecies. Therefore, based on ultrastructure, pigments and partial LSU rDNA sequences, the genusLepidodiniumwas emended to encompassL. chlorophorumcomb. nov.