bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Selection of housekeeping genes for gene expression studies in human reticulocytes using real-time PCR
Authors: Silver Nicholas , Best Steve , Jiang Jie , Thein Swee Lay 
Published: October 2006

Abstract

Background
Control genes, which are often referred to as housekeeping genes, are frequently used to normalise mRNA levels between different samples. However, the expression level of these genes may vary among tissues or cells and may change under certain circumstances. Thus, the selection of housekeeping genes is critical for gene expression studies. To address this issue, 7 candidate housekeeping genes including several commonly used ones were investigated in isolated human reticulocytes. For this, a simple ΔCt approach was employed by comparing relative expression of 'pairs of genes' within each sample. On this basis, stability of the candidate housekeeping genes was ranked according to repeatability of the gene expression differences among 31 samples.

Results
Initial screening of the expression pattern demonstrated that 1 of the 7 genes was expressed at very low levels in reticulocytes and was excluded from further analysis. The range of expression stability of the other 6 genes was (from most stable to least stable): GAPDH (glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase), SDHA (succinate dehydrogenase), HPRT1 (hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl transferase 1), HBS1L (HBS1-like protein) and AHSP (alpha haemoglobin stabilising protein), followed by B2M (beta-2-microglobulin).

Conclusion
Using this simple approach, GAPDH was found to be the most suitable housekeeping gene for expression studies in reticulocytes while the commonly used B2M should be avoided.
Effects of THBS3, SPARC and SPP1 expression on biological behavior and survival in patients with osteosarcoma
Authors: Dalla-Torre Cristiane A , Yoshimoto Maisa , Lee Chung-Hae , Joshua Anthony M , de Toledo Silvia RC , Petrilli Antônio S , Andrade Joyce AD , Chilton-MacNeill Susan , Zielenska Maria , Squire Jeremy A 
Published: October 2006

Abstract

Background
Osteosarcoma is a very aggressive tumor with a propensity to metastasize and invade surrounding tissue. Identification of the molecular determinants of invasion and metastatic potential may guide the development of a rational strategy for devising specific therapies that target the pathways leading to osteosarcoma.

Methods
In this study, we used pathway-focused low density expression cDNA arrays to screen for candidate genes related to tumor progression. Expression patterns of the selected genes were validated by real time PCR on osteosarcoma patient tumor samples and correlated with clinical and pathological data.

Results

THBS3, SPARC and SPP1 were identified as genes differentially expressed in osteosarcoma. In particular, THBS3 was expressed at significantly high levels (p = 0.0001) in biopsies from patients with metastasis at diagnosis, which is a predictor of worse overall survival, event-free survival and relapse free survival at diagnosis. After chemotherapy, patients with tumors over-expressing THBS3 have worse relapse free survival. High SPARC expression was found in 51/55 (96.3%) osteosarcoma samples derived from 43 patients, and correlated with the worst event-free survival (p = 0.03) and relapse free survival (p = 0.07). Overexpression of SPP1 was found in 47 of 53 (89%) osteosarcomas correlating with better overall survival, event-free survival and relapse free survival at diagnosis.

Conclusion
In this study three genes were identified with pattern of differential gene expression associated with a phenotypic role in metastasis and invasion. Interestingly all encode for proteins involved in extracellular remodeling suggesting potential roles in osteosarcoma progression. This is the first report on the THBS3 gene working as a stimulator of tumor progression. Higher levels of THBS3 maintain the capacity of angiogenesis. High levels of SPARC are not required for tumor progression but are necessary for tumor growth and maintenance. SPP1 is not necessary for tumor progression in osteosarcoma and may be associated with inflammatory response and bone remodeling, functioning as a good biomarker.
Internal medicine specialists' attitudes towards working part-time: a comparison between 1996 and 2004
Authors: Lugtenberg Marjolein , Heiligers Phil JM , de Jong Judith D , Hingstman Lammert 
Published: October 2006

Abstract

Background
Although medical specialists traditionally hold negative views towards working part-time, the practice of medicine has evolved. Given the trend towards more part-time work and that there is no evidence that it compromises the quality of care, attitudes towards part-time work may have changed as well in recent years. The aim of this paper was to examine the possible changes in attitudes towards part-time work among specialists in internal medicine between 1996 and 2004. Moreover, we wanted to determine whether these attitudes were associated with individual characteristics (age, gender, investments in work) and whether attitudes of specialists within a partnership showed more resemblance than specialists' attitudes from different partnerships.

Methods
Two samples were used in this study: data of a survey conducted in 1996 and in 2004. After selecting internal medicine specialists working in general hospitals in The Netherlands, the sample consisted of 219 specialists in 1996 and 363 specialists in 2004. They were sent a questionnaire, including topics on the attitudes towards part-time work.

Results
Internal medicine specialists' attitudes towards working part-time became slightly more positive between 1996 and 2004. Full-time working specialists in 2004 still expressed concerns regarding the investments of part-timers in overhead tasks, the flexibility of task division, efficiency, communication and continuity of care. In 1996 gender was the only predictor of the attitude, in 2004 being a full- or a part-timer, age and the time invested in work were associated with this attitude. Furthermore, specialists' attitudes were not found to cluster much within partnerships.

Conclusion
In spite of the increasing number of specialists working or preferring to work part-time, part-time practice among internal medicine specialists seems not to be fully accepted. The results indicate that the attitudes are no longer gender based, but are associated with age and work aspects such as the number of hours worked. Though there is little evidence to support them, negative ideas about the consequences of part-time work for the quality of care still exist. Policy should be aimed at removing the organisational difficulties related to part-time work and create a system in which part-time practice is fully integrated and accepted.
The difficult doctor? Characteristics of physicians who report frustration with patients: an analysis of survey data
Authors: Krebs Erin E , Garrett Joanne M , Konrad Thomas R 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Background
Literature on difficult doctor-patient relationships has focused on the "difficult patient." Our objective was to determine physician and practice characteristics associated with greater physician-reported frustration with patients.

Methods
We conducted a secondary analysis of the Physicians Worklife Survey, which surveyed a random national sample of physicians. Participants were 1391 family medicine, general internal medicine, and medicine subspecialty physicians. The survey assessed physician and practice characteristics, including stress, depression and anxiety symptoms, practice setting, work hours, case-mix, and control over administrative and clinical practice. Physicians estimated the percentage of their patients who were "generally frustrating to deal with." We categorized physicians by quartile of reported frustrating patients and compared characteristics of physicians in the top quartile to those in the other three quartiles. We used logistic regression to model physician characteristics associated with greater frustration.

Results
In unadjusted analyses, physicians who reported high frustration with patients were younger (p < 0.001); worked more hours per week (p = 0.041); and had more symptoms of depression, stress, and anxiety (p < 0.004 for all). In the final model, factors independently associated with high frustration included age < 40 years, work hours > 55 per week, higher stress, practice in a medicine subspeciality, and greater number of patients with psychosocial problems or substance abuse.

Conclusion
Personal and practice characteristics of physicians who report high frustration with patients differ from those of other physicians. Understanding factors contributing to physician frustration with patients may allow us to improve the quality of patient-physician relationships.
Validation of the Provincial Transfer Authorization Centre database: a comprehensive database containing records of all inter-facility patient transfers in the province of Ontario
Authors: Robinson Victoria A , MacDonald Russell D , Manuel Doug , Goel Vivek 
Published: October 2006

Abstract

Background
The Provincial Transfer Authorization Centre (PTAC) was established as a part of the emergency response in Ontario, Canada to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak in 2003. Prior to 2003, data relating to inter-facility patient transfers were not collected in a systematic manner. Then, in an emergency setting, a comprehensive database with a complex data collection process was established. For the first time in Ontario, population-based data for patient movement between healthcare facilities for a population of twelve million are available. The PTAC database stores all patient transfer data in a large database. There are few population-based patient transfer databases and the PTAC database is believed to be the largest example to house this novel dataset. A patient transfer database has also never been validated. This paper presents the validation of the PTAC database.

Methods
A random sample of 100 patient inter-facility transfer records was compared to the corresponding institutional patient records from the sending healthcare facilities. Measures of agreement, including sensitivity, were calculated for the 12 common data variables.

Results
Of the 100 randomly selected patient transfer records, 95 (95%) of the corresponding institutional patient records were located. Data variables in the categories patient demographics, facility identification and timing of transfer and reason and urgency of transfer had strong agreement levels. The 10 most commonly used data variables had accuracy rates that ranged from 85.3% to 100% and error rates ranging from 0 to 12.6%. These same variables had sensitivity values ranging from 0.87 to 1.0.

Conclusion
The very high level of agreement between institutional patient records and the PTAC data for fields compared in this study supports the validity of the PTAC database. For the first time, a population-based patient transfer database has been established. Although it was created during an emergency situation and data collection is dependent on front-line medical workers, the PTAC data has achieved a high level of validity, perhaps even higher than many purpose built databases created during non-emergency settings.
Evaluation of the acquired immune responses to Plasmodium vivax VIR variant antigens in individuals living in malaria-endemic areas of Brazil
Authors: Oliveira Tatiane R , Fernandez-Becerra Carmen , Jimenez Maria Carolina S , Del Portillo Hernando A , Soares Irene S 
Published: October 2006

Abstract

Background
The naturally-acquired immune response to Plasmodium vivax variant antigens (VIR) was evaluated in individuals exposed to malaria and living in different endemic areas for malaria in the north of Brazil.

Methods
Seven recombinant proteins representing four vir subfamilies (A, B, C, and E) obtained from a single patient from the Amazon Region were expressed in Escherichia coli as soluble glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins. The different recombinant proteins were compared by ELISA with regard to the recognition by IgM, IgG, and IgG subclass of antibodies from 200 individuals with patent infection.

Results
The frequency of individuals that presented antibodies anti-VIR (IgM plus IgG) during the infection was 49%. The frequencies of individuals that presented IgM or IgG antibodies anti-VIR were 29.6% or 26.0%, respectively. The prevalence of IgG antibodies against recombinant VIR proteins was significantly lower than the prevalence of antibodies against the recombinant proteins representing two surface antigens of merozoites of P. vivax: AMA-1 and MSP119 (57.0% and 90.5%, respectively). The cellular immune response to VIR antigens was evaluated by in vitro proliferative assays in mononuclear cells of the individuals recently exposed to P. vivax. No significant proliferative response to these antigens was observed when comparing malaria-exposed to non-exposed individuals.

Conclusion
This study provides evidence that there is a low frequency of individuals responding to each VIR antigens in endemic areas of Brazil. This fact may explain the host susceptibility to new episodes of the disease.
Ultrasound absorption and entropy production in biological tissue: a novel approach to anticancer therapy
Authors: Luo Liaofu , Molnar Joseph , Ding Hui , Lv Xiaogui , Spengler Gabriella 
Published: October 2006

Abstract

Abstract
The entropy production of tumorous cells is higher than that of normal cells, and entropy flow is therefore directed from tumorous toward healthy cells. This results in information concerning the cancer propagating into the surrounding normal tissue. However, ultrasound absorption results in additional entropy production in tissues. The entropy mechanism possibly provides a basis for a novel approach to anticancer therapy through the use of ultrasound irradiation.

Methods
Through the calculation of ultrasound-induced entropy production and comparison of the theoretical results with the experimental data on ultrasound absorption in biological tissues, we have demonstrated that ultrasound absorption will increase the entropy in normal tissue more efficiently than in tumorous tissue due to the more acidic nature of the latter. Consequently, the direction of entropy flow between these two kinds of cells may be reversed on exposure to ultrasound.

Conclusion
The higher entropy accumulation of normal cells during ultrasound irradiation may possibly lead to a change in the original direction of entropy flow and avoid the propagation of information on the cancer into the normal tissues. We suggest that low-intensity, low-frequency ultrasound irradiation may be an efficient tool for the therapy of solid tumors.
Double valve replacement for acute spontaneous left chordal rupture secondary to chronic aortic incompetence
Authors: Agarwala Sandeep , Kumar Sanjay , Berridge John , McLenachan Jim , O'Regan David J 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
A 54 years old male with undiagnosed chronic calcific degenerative aortic valve incompetence presented with acute left anterior chordae tendinae rupture resulting in severe left heart failure and cardiogenic shock. He was successfully treated with emergency double valve replacement using mechanical valves. The pathogenesis of acute rupture of the anterior chordae tendinae, without any evidence of infective endocarditis or ischemic heart disease seems to have been attrition of the subvalvular mitral apparatus by the chronic regurgitant jet of aortic incompetence with chronic volume overload. We review the literature with specific focus on the occurrence of this unusual event.
A study on the hot tearing in AL-1% Sn cast alloys
Authors: Datta G L , Karunakar D B 
Published: October 2006

Hot tearing in certain cast metals continues to bother metal casters. A number of casting parameters such as pouring temperature and extent of grain refinement affect the susceptibility to hot tearing. Published literature seems to be incomplete or conflicting in this regard. The present work involves experimental investigations with an objective of determining conditions under which hot tearing can be eliminated. Experiments were conducted on Al-1% Sn alloys. Al-1% Sn is a high-freezing-range alloy known to be extremely prone to hot tear cracking. Effects of pouring temperature, grain refinement, and presence of Fe and Ni have been investigated by making use of a ring type casting with a steel core. Al-5Ti-1B was used as the grain refiner. Optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used in the study. The results showed that contrary to some published work, grain refinement alone could not eliminate hot tearing. Average hot tear length decreased with increased grain refinement and the minimum achieved was at 5 per cent by weight of Al-5Ti-1B addition. Both Fe and Ni have positive effects in minimizing hot tear formation. However, no correlation could be noted between secondary dendritic arm spacing and hot tearing tendency. SEM studies have shown that with Fe there is an Al-Sn-Fe-rich phase in the form of a leaf-like structure, which is believed to provide anchorage to the adjacent grains and thus overcome hot tear.
New mechanical treatment for chemical pulp
Authors: Kang T , Paulapuro H 
Published: October 2006

This study presents a new method to modify chemical pulp mechanically using an ultra-fine friction grinder, which works in a different way compared with conventional refiners. It consists of two grinding stones: a lower rotating one and an upper stationary one. The pulp passing through the gap between the stone plates is subjected to compressive and shear forces. The results showed that the gap clearance of the grinder plays an important role in controlling the fibrillation of fibres and the specific energy. External fibrillation became a dominant effect at a larger gap, whereas internal fibrillation developed faster at a smaller gap. Fibres were modified mostly into fibrils at a much smaller gap. Scott bond strength of pulps treated in the grinder was better than that of Valley-beaten pulps. Pulp properties can be varied by adjusting the pulp consistency, rotating speed, grit size, the dullness of the plate surface, and the number of pulp recirculations.
Iatrogenic facial nerve injury during otologic surgery
Authors: Green J. Douglas , Shelton Clough , Brackmann Derald E. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractPerhaps the most devastating complication in otologic surgery is that of inadvertent injury to the facial nerve. A review of 22 patients who had sustained an iatrogenic facial nerve injury was conducted. Although the most common procedure being performed during the injury was mastoidectomy (55%), a surprising number of patients had injury during tympanoplasty (14%) or during removal of exostoses (14%). The most common area of injury to the facial nerve in this series was in the tympanic segment. In 79% of the patients, the facial nerve injury was not detected at the time of surgery. All patients underwent surgical exploration of the facial nerve. Otologic surgeons are cautioned to be familiar with the normal course of the facial nerve and to be aware of the potential for facial nerve injury when performing transcanal surgery.
Toxic shock syndrome after functional endonasal sinus surgery: An all or none phenomenon?
Authors: Abram Adam C. , Bellian Kenneth T. , Giles William J. , Gross Charles W. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractReported cases of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) following nasal surgery or functional endonasal sinus surgery (FESS) are uncommon. Classic TSS is a serious multisystem disorder resulting from Staphylococcus aureus phage I toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST‐1), and it is characterized by fever, rash, hypotension, mucosal hyperemia, vomiting, diarrhea, and laboratory evidence of multisystem organ dysfunction. TSS cases following nasal surgery have been associated with nasal packing, mucosal barrier violation, prior S aureus phage I colonization, as well as low antitoxin antibody levels.1Of the 1700 FESS procedures performed at our institution, 3 cases were complicated by classic TSS, with 2 additional patients having a postsurgical course compromised by a milder degree of TSS. Diagnostic criteria, clinical presentation, management, and etiology are discussed, and the possibility of a continuum from mild‐to‐classic TSS is addressed.
Phenytoin for motion sickness: Clinical evaluation
Authors: Knox Glenn W. , Woodard Daniel , Chelen William , Ferguson Robin , Johnson Linda 
Published: October 2006

AbstractPhenytoin has previously been shown to protect against motion sickness induced by Coriolis stimulation. The purpose of our series of investigations was to investigate further the efficacy of phenytoin for motion sickness prophylaxis and to gain insight into its mechanism of action. We tested participants with electronystagmography, off‐vertical rotation, sea travel, and parabolic flight after they received phenytoin or placebo. Blood levels of at least 9 μg/mL were found to protect against motion sickness. Electronystagmography showed significant decreases in the gain of the vestibuloocular reflex in participants receiving phenytoin. Few side effects were seen with drug levels in the 9 to 15 μg/mL range. Phenytoin is an effective motion sickness countermeasure that may exert its effect through a combination of central nervous system and peripheral vestibular effects.
Factors affecting survival of patients with tumors of the anterior skull base
Authors: Mccaffrey Thomas V. , Olsen Kerry D. , Yohanan James M. , Lewis Jean E. , Ebersold Michael J. , Piepgras David G. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractFifty‐four patients with primary neoplasms of the anterior skull base were treated by craniofacial resection with curative intent. The most common tumor was esthesioneuroblastoma (24), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (10). The overall 2‐year and 5‐year survivals were 75% and 49%, respectively. High‐grade tumors, grades 3 and 4, had a poorer prognosis. Tumor size, dural involvement, sphenoid sinus involvement, age, and sex had no significant influence on survival when examined by multivariate survival analysis. Sixteen complications were noted in the postoperative period. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in 2 patients and loss of frontal bone occurred in 4. There were no operative or perioperative deaths. Craniofacial resection permits surgical resection of the majority of anterior skull base tumors with acceptable morbidity.
Evaluation of four new carbocyanine dyes for photodynamic therapy with lasers
Authors: Lipshutz Gerald S. , Castro Dan J. , Saxton Romaine E. , Haugland Richard P. , Soudant Jacque 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe search for improved photosensitizers for laser phototherapy of malignancies has led to the examination of a new group of carbocyanine dyes as effective fluorochromes. In this study, four carbocyanine dyes with different absorption maxima of 483 nm [DiOC6(3)], 545.5 nm (DiIC5(3)], 556.6 nm [DiSC5(3)], and 651.0 nm [DiSC3(5)] were tested in vitro. The kinetics of uptake and toxicity of these four dyes were assessed for P3 human squamous cell carcinoma, HT29 colon carcinoma, M26 melanoma, and TE671 fibrosarcoma cell lines at 15, 30, 45, 60, and 180 minutes after exposure with each dye. After sensitization with DiOC6(3), the P3 and M26 cell lines were also tested for phototherapy by treatment with 488‐nm light from an argon laser. The results showed that these four carbocyanine dyes had rapid and significant uptake by the carcinoma cell lines with no toxicity at concentrations <0.1 μg/mL. Nontoxic DiOC6(3) levels in sensitized tumor cells after laser phototherapy resulted in ∼85% inhibition of P3 and ∼95% inhibition of M26 cell lines by MTT assays. The results suggest that these carbocyanine dyes can be used for tumor photosensitization and wavelength‐matched laser photodynamic therapy. Further in vivo studies will be necessary to define the clinical potential of carbocyanine dyes as tumor‐targeting agents for phototherapy of cancer.