bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined Gemcitabine and Carboplatin Therapy for Carcinomas in Dogs
Authors: Dominguez P.A. , Dervisis N.G. , Cadile C.D. , Sarbu L. , Kitchell B.E. 
Published: January 2009

Background: Response and adverse reactions to combined gemcitabine (GEM) and carboplatin (CARBO) therapy in dogs with carcinomas are not documented.Hypothesis: GEM and CARBO are safe for the treatment of dogs with carcinomas.Animals: Thirty‐seven dogs with histologically or cytologically confirmed carcinomas.Methods: Prospective clinical trial. Dogs were treated with GEM (2 mg/kg, 20–30‐minute infusion IV) on Days 1 and 8 and 4 hours later, CARBO (10 mg/kg IV) on Day 1. The cycle was repeated on Day 22.Results: Thirty‐seven dogs (29 with measurable tumor) received a median of 2 cycles (range 0.5–6) for a total of 101 cycles administered. Twelve dogs (32%) developed neutropenia (3 Grade 3, and 5 Grade 4) and 9 (24%) thrombocytopenia (2 Grade 3, and 1 Grade 4). Dogs >20 kg were twice as likely to develop thrombocytopenia (P= .023). Twenty‐seven dogs (73%) had evidence of gastrointestinal (GI) toxicosis, but most signs were of mild to moderate severity and self‐limiting. One dog died of treatment‐related complications. Overall tumor response rate was 13%. One dog with metastatic prostatic carcinoma achieved a complete remission and 1 dog with intestinal adenocarcinoma and 1 with tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma achieved partial remission. Twelve dogs achieved stable disease for a median of 72 days.Conclusion and Clinical Importance: GEM and CARBO combination causes mild to moderate hematologic and GI toxicosis in dogs with carcinoma. Response rate in this study was modest, and optimization of dosing of this combination is required.
Oral and Parenteral Therapeutic Options for Outpatient Urinary Infections Caused byEnterobacteriaceaeProducing CTX-M Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases
Authors: Prakash Vidhya , Lewis James S. , Herrera Monica L. , Wickes Brian L. , Jorgensen James H. 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTEffective therapeutic options are needed for community-onset urinary tract infections due toEscherichia colistrains that produce CTX-M extended-spectrum β-lactamases. We examined 46 urinary isolates producing CTX-M against several oral or long-acting parenteral antimicrobial agents. Approximately 90% were susceptible to fosfomycin and to a combination of cefdinir plus amoxicillin-clavulanate. All were susceptible to ertapenem.
Simple Adhesive-Tape-Based Sampling of Tomato Surfaces Combined with Rapid Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization for
Salmonella
Detection
Authors: Bisha Bledar , Brehm-Stecher Byron F. 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT

A simple adhesive-tape-based method for sampling of tomato surfaces was combined with fluorescence in situ hybridization for rapid culture-independent detection of
Salmonella
strains. Tapes could also be placed face-down on selective agar for on-tape enrichment of captured
Salmonella
cells. Overlay of cell-charged tapes with small volumes of liquid enrichment media enabled subsequent detection of tape-captured
Salmonella
via flow cytometry.
Simultaneous Interferometric Measurement of Corrosive or Demineralizing Bacteria and Their Mineral Interfaces
Authors: Waters M. S. , El-Naggar M. Y. , Hsu L. , Sturm C. A. , Luttge A. , Udwadia F. E. , Cvitkovitch D. G. , Goodman S. D. , Nealson K. H. 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT
Here, we report simultaneous surface profile measurements of several bacterial species involved in microbially influenced corrosion and their solid-surface interfaces by using vertical scanning interferometry. The capacity to nondestructively quantify microscale topographic changes beneath a single bacterium without its removal offers a unique opportunity to examine in vivo microbe-surface interactions.
Diversity and Habitat Specificity of Free-Living Protozoa in Commercial Poultry Houses
Authors: Baré Julie , Sabbe Koen , Van Wichelen Jeroen , van Gremberghe Ineke , D'hondt Sofie , Houf Kurt 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT

Despite stringent biosecurity measures, infections by bacterial food pathogens such as
Campylobacter
are a recurrent problem in industrial poultry houses. As the main transmission route remains unclear, persistence of these infections has been linked to bacterial survival and possibly multiplication within protozoan vectors. To date, however, virtually no information is available on the diversity and occurrence of free-living protozoa in these environments. Using a combination of microscopic analyses of enrichment cultures and molecular methods (denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis [DGGE]) on natural samples, we show that, despite strict hygiene management, free-living protozoa are common and widespread throughout a 6-week rearing period in both water and dry samples from commercial poultry houses. Protozoan communities were highly diverse (over 90 morphotaxa and 22 unique phylotypes from sequenced bands) and included several facultative pathogens and known bacterial vectors. Water samples were consistently more diverse than dry ones and harbored different communities, mainly dominated by flagellates. The morphology-based and molecular methods yielded markedly different results: amoebic and, to a lesser degree, ciliate diversity was seriously underestimated in the DGGE analyses, while some flagellate groups were not found in the microscopic analyses. Some recommendations for improving biosecurity measures in commercial poultry houses are suggested.
Detuning CD8+ T lymphocytes by down-regulation of the activating receptor NKG2D: role of NKG2D ligands released by activated T cells
Authors: Cerboni Cristina , Ardolino Michele , Santoni Angela , Zingoni Alessandra 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
NKG2D is an activating receptor expressed on CD8+αβ+ T cells, γδ+ T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and some CD4+ T cells. For a long time, the interaction of NKG2D with its ligands (NKG2DLs) MICA, MICB, and ULBP1-3 has been considered a mechanism for recognition and elimination of tumor, infected, or otherwise “stressed” cells. However, a new role for NKG2D as an immunoregulatory receptor is emerging. Here, we show that NKG2D is strongly down-modulated on antigen-activated CD8+ T cells but only if CD4+ T cells are present. Down-modulation was caused by soluble factors produced by CD4+ T cells, and in particular soluble NKG2DLs were found in the supernatants of antigen-activated T-cell cultures. MICB was the ligand released at higher levels when CD4+ T cells were present in the cell cultures, suggesting that it could be the major player of NKG2D down-modulation. CD8+ T cells expressing low levels of NKG2D had impaired effector functions, as evaluated by proliferation, cytokine production, and cytotoxicity assays after combined triggering of NKG2D and TCR-CD3 complex. These findings show that activated CD4+ T cells expressing NKG2DLs can efficiently prevent NKG2D-mediated CD8+ T-cell functions, and suggest that the NKG2D/NKG2DL interaction can regulate immune responses.
Quantification of Fibronectin 1 (FN1) splice variants, including two novel ones, and analysis of integrins as candidate FN1 receptors in bovine preimplantation embryos
Authors: Goossens Karen , Van Soom Ann , Van Zeveren Alex , Favoreel Herman , Peelman Luc J 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
Fibronectin 1 (FN1), a glycoprotein component of the extracellular matrix, exerts different functions during reproductive processes such as fertilisation, gastrulation and implantation. FN1 expression has been described to increase significantly from the morula towards the early blastocyst stage, suggesting that FN1 may also be involved in early blastocyst formation. By alternative splicing at 3 defined regions, different FN1 isoforms are generated, each with a unique biological function. The analysis of the alternative FN1 splicing on the one hand and the search for candidate FN1 receptors on the other hand during early bovine embryo development may reveal more about its function during bovine preimplantation embryo development.

Results
RT-qPCR quantification of the FN1 splice isoforms in oocytes, embryos, cumulus cells and adult tissue samples revealed a large variation in overall FN1 expression and in splice variant expression. Moreover, two new FN1 transcript variants were identified, the first one expressed in bovine preimplantation embryos and the second one expressed in cumulus cells.
In the search for candidate receptors for the new embryo specific FN1 isoform, RNA expression analysis identified 5 α integrin subunits (ITGA2B, ITGA3, ITGA5, ITGA8, ITGAV) and 2 β integrin subunits (ITGB1 and ITGB3) with a similar or overlapping RNA expression pattern as compared to FN1. But double immunofluorescent stainings could not confirm complete co-localisation between FN1 and one out of 3 selected integrins alpha subunits (ITGA3, ITGA5, ITGAV).

Conclusion
The existence of a new FN1 transcript variant, specifically expressed in morulae and blastocysts strengthens the idea that FN1 is involved in the process of compaction and blastocyst formation. Analysis of the integrin expression could not identify the binding partner for the embryo specific FN1 transcript variant making further steps necessary for the identification of the FN1 receptor and the downstream effects of FN1-receptor binding.
Regeneration of the radial nerve cord in the sea cucumber Holothuria glaberrima
Authors: San Miguel-Ruiz José E , Maldonado-Soto Angel R , García-Arrarás José E 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
Regeneration of neurons and fibers in the mammalian spinal cord has not been plausible, even though extensive studies have been made to understand the restrictive factors involved. New experimental models and strategies are necessary to determine how new nerve cells are generated and how fibers regrow and connect with their targets in adult animals. Non-vertebrate deuterostomes might provide some answers to these questions. Echinoderms, with their amazing regenerative capacities could serve as model systems; however, very few studies have been done to study the regeneration of their nervous system.

Results
We have studied nerve cord regeneration in the echinoderm Holothuria glaberrima. These are sea cucumbers or holothurians members of the class Holothuroidea. One radial nerve cord, part of the echinoderm CNS, was completely transected using a scalpel blade. Animals were allowed to heal for up to four weeks (2, 6, 12, 20, and 28 days post-injury) before sacrificed. Tissues were sectioned in a cryostat and changes in the radial nerve cord were analyzed using classical dyes and immmuohistochemistry. In addition, the temporal and spatial distribution of cell proliferation and apoptosis was assayed using BrdU incorporation and the TUNEL assay, respectively.
We found that H. glaberrima can regenerate its radial nerve cord within a month following transection. The regenerated cord looks amazingly similar in overall morphology and cellular composition to the uninjured cord. The cellular events associated to radial cord regeneration include: (1) outgrowth of nerve fibers from the injured radial cord stumps, (2) intense cellular division in the cord stumps and in the regenerating radial nerve cords, (3) high levels of apoptosis in the RNC adjacent to the injury and within the regenerating cord and (4) an increase in the number of spherule-containing cells. These events are similar to those that occur in other body wall tissues during wound healing and during regeneration of the intestine.

Conclusion
Our data indicate that holothurians are capable of rapid and complete regeneration of the main component of their CNS. Regeneration involves both the outgrowth of nerve fibers and the formation of neurons. Moreover, the cellular events employed during regeneration are similar to those involved in other regenerative processes, namely wound healing and intestinal regeneration. Thus, holothurians should be viewed as an alternative model where many of the questions regarding nervous system regeneration in deuterostomes could be answered.
Gene expression profiling of whole blood: Comparison of target preparation methods for accurate and reproducible microarray analysis
Authors: Vartanian Kristina , Slottke Rachel , Johnstone Timothy , Casale Amanda , Planck Stephen R , Choi Dongseok , Smith Justine R , Rosenbaum James T , Harrington Christina A 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
Peripheral blood is an accessible and informative source of transcriptomal information for many human disease and pharmacogenomic studies. While there can be significant advantages to analyzing RNA isolated from whole blood, particularly in clinical studies, the preparation of samples for microarray analysis is complicated by the need to minimize artifacts associated with highly abundant globin RNA transcripts. The impact of globin RNA transcripts on expression profiling data can potentially be reduced by using RNA preparation and labeling methods that remove or block globin RNA during the microarray assay. We compared four different methods for preparing microarray hybridization targets from human whole blood collected in PAXGene tubes. Three of the methods utilized the Affymetrix one-cycle cDNA synthesis/in vitro transcription protocol but varied treatment of input RNA as follows: i. no treatment; ii. treatment with GLOBINclear; or iii. treatment with globin PNA oligos. In the fourth method cDNA targets were prepared with the Ovation amplification and labeling system.

Results
We find that microarray targets generated with labeling methods that reduce globin mRNA levels or minimize the impact of globin transcripts during hybridization detect more transcripts in the microarray assay compared with the standard Affymetrix method. Comparison of microarray results with quantitative PCR analysis of a panel of genes from the NF-kappa B pathway shows good correlation of transcript measurements produced with all four target preparation methods, although method-specific differences in overall correlation were observed. The impact of freezing blood collected in PAXGene tubes on data reproducibility was also examined. Expression profiles show little or no difference when RNA is extracted from either fresh or frozen blood samples.

Conclusion
RNA preparation and labeling methods designed to reduce the impact of globin mRNA transcripts can significantly improve the sensitivity of the DNA microarray expression profiling assay for whole blood samples. While blockage of globin transcripts during first strand cDNA synthesis with globin PNAs resulted in the best overall performance in this study, we conclude that selection of a protocol for expression profiling studies in blood should depend on several factors, including implementation requirements of the method and study design. RNA isolated from either freshly collected or frozen blood samples stored in PAXGene tubes can be used without altering gene expression profiles.
HER-2/neu amplification testing in breast cancer by Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification: influence of manual- and laser microdissection
Authors: Moelans Cathy B , de Weger Roel A , Ezendam Chantal , van Diest Paul J 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
Accurate assessment of HER-2/neu status is crucial for proper prognostic information and to offer direct appropriate treatment for breast cancer patients. Next to immunohistochemistry (IHC) to evaluate HER2 protein overexpression, a second line gene amplification test is generally deemed necessary for cases with equivocal protein expression. Recently, a new PCR based test, called Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA), was introduced as a simple and quick method to assess HER-2/neu gene amplification status in invasive breast cancer. MLPA was previously shown to correlate well with IHC and in situ hybridization (ISH), but a low tumor percentage in the tissue tested could negatively affect the accuracy of MLPA results.

Methods
To examine this, MLPA was repeated in 42 patients after serial H&E section guided manual dissection with a scalpel and after laser microdissection of the tumor.

Results
Both dissection techniques led to higher HER2 gene copy number ratios and thereby made MLPA more quantitative. Concordance between MLPA and ISH improved from 61% to 84% after manual microdissection and to 90% after laser microdissection.

Conclusion
Manual and laser microdissection similarly increase the dynamic range of MLPA copy number ratios which is a technical advantage. As clinically a dichotomization between normal and amplified suffices and MLPA is relatively unsensitive to tumor content, microdissection before MLPA may not be routinely necessary but may be advisable in case of very low tumor content (≤30%), when MLPA results are equivocal, or when extensive ductal carcinoma in situ is present. Since differences between manual and laser microdissection were small, less time consuming manual microdissection appears to be sufficient.
Physical characteristics of the back are not predictive of low back pain in healthy workers: A prospective study
Authors: Van Nieuwenhuyse An , Crombez Geert , Burdorf Alex , Verbeke Geert , Masschelein Raphael , Moens Guido , Mairiaux Philippe ,   the BelCoBack Study Group
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
In the working population, back disorders are an important reason for sick leave and permanent work inability. In the context of fitting the job to the worker, one of the primary tasks of the occupational health physician is to evaluate the balance between work-related and individual variables. Since this evaluation of work capacity often consists of a physical examination of the back, the objective of this study was to investigate whether a physical examination of the low back, which is routinely performed in occupational medicine, predicts the development of low back pain (LBP).

Methods
This study is part of the Belgian Low Back Cohort (BelCoBack) Study, a prospective study to identify risk factors for the development of low back disorders in occupational settings. The study population for this paper were 692 young healthcare or distribution workers (mean age of 26 years) with no or limited back antecedents in the year before inclusion. At baseline, these workers underwent a standardised physical examination of the low back. One year later, they completed a questionnaire on the occurrence of LBP and some of its characteristics. To study the respective role of predictors at baseline on the occurrence of LBP, we opted for Cox regression with a constant risk period. Analyses were performed separately for workers without any back antecedents in the year before inclusion ('asymptomatic' workers) and for workers with limited back antecedents in the year before inclusion ('mildly symptomatic' workers).

Results
In the group of 'asymptomatic' workers, obese workers showed a more than twofold-increased risk on the development of LBP as compared to non-obese colleagues (RR 2.57, 95%CI: 1.09 – 6.09). In the group of 'mildly symptomatic' workers, the self-reports of pain before the examination turned out to be most predictive (RR 3.89, 95%CI: 1.20 – 12.64).

Conclusion
This study showed that, in a population of young workers wh no or limited antecedents of LBP at baseline, physical examinations, as routinely assessed in occupational medicine, are not useful to predict workers at risk for the development of back disorders one year later.
Comparative study on the immunogenicity between an HLA-A24-restricted cytotoxic T-cell epitope derived from survivin and that from its splice variant survivin-2B in oral cancer patients
Authors: Kobayashi Jun-ichi , Torigoe Toshihiko , Hirohashi Yoshihiko , Idenoue Satomi , Miyazaki Akihiro , Yamaguchi Akira , Hiratsuka Hiroyoshi , Sato Noriyuki 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBackgroundWe previously reported an HLA-A24-restricted cytotoxic T-cell epitope, Survivin-2B80-88, derived from a splice variant of survivin, survivin-2B. In this report, we show a novel HLA-A24-restricted T-cell epitope, Survivin-C58, derived from a wild type survivin, and compared their immunogenicity in oral cancer patients.MethodsBy stimulating peripheral blood lymphocytes of HLA-A24-positive cancer patients with Survivin-C58 peptidein vitro, the peptide-specific CTLs were induced. In order to compare the immunogenic potential between C58 peptide and 2B80-88 peptide, peripheral blood T-cells from thirteen HLA-A24-positive oral cancer patients were stimulated with either or both of these two peptides.ResultsSurvivin-2B80-88 peptide-specific CTLs were induced from four patients, and C58 peptide-specific CTLs were induced from three out of eight patients with over stage II progression. The CTLs exerted cytotoxicity against HLA-A24-positive tumor cells. In contrast, CTL induction failed from a healthy volunteer and all four patients with cancer stage I.ConclusionIt was indicated that a splicing variant-derived peptide and wild type survivin-derived peptide might have a comparable potency of CTL induction, and survivin targeting immunotherapy using survivin-2B80-88 and C58 peptide cocktail should be suitable for HLA-A24+ oral cancer patients.
Extramammary Paget's disease of the penis: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Ekwueme Kingsley C , Zakhour Hani D , Parr Nigel J 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Introduction
Extramammary Paget's disease is a rare cutaneous, slow growing, intraepithelial adenocarcinoma developing in the apocrine gland-bearing areas. Isolated Paget's disease of the penis is extremely rare.

Case presentation
We describe the case of an 87-year-old Caucasian male who presented with a non-healing erythematous plaque on the shaft of the penis previously misdiagnosed as Bowen's disease. The diagnosis was made histologically on the excised specimen and was supported by immunohistochemical staining.

Conclusion
Extramammary Paget's disease is a rare disease which can mimic various types of dermatosis. A high index of suspicion is required, combined with biopsy and immunohistochemical staining in order to make the correct diagnosis. Long-term follow-up is mandatory in these patients in order to identify and treat any subsequent recurrence or concurrent malignancy.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome with asystole requiring permanent pacemaker: a case report
Authors: Patel Mehul B , Goyal Sandeep K , Punnam Sujeeth R , Pandya Khyati , Khetarpal Vipin , Thakur Ranjan K 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Introduction
Guillain-Barré syndrome is an acute demyelinating disorder of the peripheral nervous system that results from an aberrant immune response directed at peripheral nerves. Autonomic abnormalities in Guillain-Barré syndrome are usually transient and reversible. We present a case of Guillain-Barré syndrome requiring a permanent pacemaker in view of persistent symptomatic bradyarrhythmia.

Case Presentation
An 18-year-old Caucasian female presented with bilateral lower limb paraesthesias followed by bilateral progressive leg weakness and difficulty in walking. She reported an episode of an upper respiratory tract infection 3 weeks prior to the onset of her neurological symptoms. Diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome was considered and a lumbar puncture was performed. Cerebrospinal fluid revealed albuminocytologic dissociation (increased protein but normal white blood cell count) suggestive of Guillain-Barré syndrome and hence an intravenous immunoglobulin G infusion was started. Within 48 hours, she progressed to complete flaccid quadriparesis with involvement of respiratory muscles requiring mechanical ventilatory support. Whist in the intensive care unit, she developed multiple episodes of bradycardia and asystole requiring a temporary pacemaker. In view of the persistent requirement for the temporary pacemaker for more than 5 days, she received a permanent pacemaker. She returned for follow-up three months after discharge with an intermittent need for ventricular pacing.

Conclusion
Guillain-Barré syndrome can result in permanent damage to the cardiac conduction system. Patients with multiple episodes of bradycardia and asystole in the setting of Guillain-Barré syndrome should be evaluated and considered as potential candidates for permanent pacemaker implantation.