bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endoscopically assisted resection of a scapular osteochondroma causing snapping scapula syndrome
Authors: Fukunaga Satoru , Futani Hiroyuki , Yoshiya Shinichi 
Published: May 2007

Abstract

Background
Osteochondroma is the most common benign bone tumor in the scapula. This condition might lead to snapping scapula syndrome, which is characterized by painful, audible, and/or palpable abnormal scapulothoracic motion. In the present case, this syndrome was successfully treated by use of endoscopically assisted resection of the osteochondroma.

Case presentation
A 41-year-old man had a tolerable pain in his scapular region over a 10 years' period. The pain developed gradually with shoulder motion, in particular with golf swing since he was aiming a professional golf player career. On physical examination, "clunking" was noted once from 90 degrees of abduction to 180 degrees of shoulder motion. A trans-scapular roentgenogram and computed tomography images revealed an osteochondroma located at the anterior and inferior aspect of the scapula. Removal of the tumor was performed by the use of endoscopically assisted resection. One portal was made at the lateral border of the scapula to introduce a 2.7-mm-diameter, 30 degrees Hopkins telescope. The tumor was resected in a piece-by-piece manner by the use of graspers through the same portal. Immediately after the operation pain relief was obtained, and the "clunking" disappeared. CT images showed complete tumor resection. The patient could start playing golf one week after the surgery.

Conclusion
Endoscopically assisted resection of osteochondroma of the scapula provides a feasible technique to treat snapping scapula syndrome and obtain early functional recovery with a short hospital stay and cosmetic advantage.
Semaphorin-4D (Sema-4D), the Plexin-B1 ligand, is involved in mouse ovary follicular development
Authors: Regev Avital , Goldman Shlomit , Shalev Eliezer 
Published: May 2007

Abstract

Background
Human Plexin-B1 is expressed in two truncated forms. The long form encodes a trans-membranal protein, while the short form, which is bound to the cell surface and partially secreted, possibly serves as a decoy receptor. Plexin receptors are trans-membrane proteins. The sema domain, found in the extracellular region, is common to all plexins, semaphorins, and the scatter factor receptors and is crucial for the biological activity and plexin receptor specificity. Semaphorin-4D/Plexin-B1 binding provides attractive and repulsive cues for the navigation of axonal growth cones, and new studies suggest that this system also plays a role in the regulation of the biological functions of endothelial cells, specifically in the control of angiogenesis. In a previous study, we have demonstrated the expression and possible role of Plexin-B1 in the mouse ovary. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that Plexin-B1 effects are mediated by Semaphorin-4D.

Methods
In vivo expression and localization of mouse ovarian Sema-4D were tested by immunohisto-chemistry. The role of Sema-4D in follicular development was examined by in vitro growth of preantral follicles in the presence or absence of Semaphorin-4D, with or without neutralizing antibodies against Plexin-B1. Follicular growth and steroid hormone secretion rates were tested.

Results
Semaphorin-4D is expressed in the mouse ovary in vivo mostly in the granulosa cells and and its expression is modulated by PMSG and hCG. In the presence of Semaphorin-4D, in-vitro constant growth was observed as indicated by follicular diameter during the culture period and elevated steroid hormone secretion rates compared with control. These effects were abolished after addition of neutralizing antibodies against Plexin-B1.

Conclusion
In the ovarian follicle, the effect of Plexin-B1 is mediated by sema-4D.
Investigating the spatial risk distribution of West Nile virus disease in birds and humans in southern Ontario from 2002 to 2005
Authors: Beroll Heidi , Berke Olaf , Wilson Jeffrey , Barker Ian K 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackgroundThe West Nile virus (WNv) became a veterinary public health concern in southern Ontario in 2001 and has continued to threaten public health. Wild bird mortality has been shown to be an indicator for tracking the geographic distribution of the WNv. The purpose of this study was to investigate the latent risk distribution of WNv disease among dead birds and humans in southern Ontario and to compare the spatial risk patterns for the period 2002–2005. The relationship between the mortality fraction in birds and incidence rate in humans was also investigated.MethodsChoropleth maps were created to investigate the spatial variation in bird and human WNv risk for the public health units of southern Ontario. The data were smoothed by empirical Bayesian estimation before being mapped. Isopleth risk maps for both the bird and human data were created to identify high risk areas and to investigate the potential relationship between the WNv mortality fraction in birds and incidence rates in humans. This was carried out by the geostatistical prediction method of kriging. A Poisson regression analysis was used to model regional human WNv case counts as a function of the spatial coordinates in the east and north direction and the regional bird mortality fractions. The presence of disease clustering and the location of disease clusters were investigated by the spatial scan test.ResultsThe isopleth risk maps exhibited high risk areas that were relatively constant from year to year. There was an overlap in the bird and human high risk areas, which occurred in the central-west and south-west areas of southern Ontario. The annual WNv cause-specific mortality fractions in birds for 2002 to 2005 were 31.9, 22.0, 19.2 and 25.2 positive birds per 100 birds tested, respectively. The annual human WNv incidence rates for 2002 to 2005 were 2.21, 0.76, 0.13 and 2.10 human cases per 100,000 population, respectively. The relative risk of human WNv disease was 0.72 times lower for a public health unit that was 100 km north of another public health unit. The relative risk of human WNv disease increased by the factor 1.44 with every 10 positive birds per 100 tested. The scan statistic detected disease cluster in the bird and human data. The human clusters were not significant, when the analysis was conditioned on the bird data.ConclusionThe study indicates a significant relationship between the spatial pattern of WNv risk in humans and birds.
CMV pp65 and IE-1 T cell epitopes recognized by healthy subjects
Authors: Slezak Stefanie L , Bettinotti Maria , Selleri Silvia , Adams Sharon , Marincola Francesco M , Stroncek David F 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackgroundAdoptive immune and vaccine therapies have been used to prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease in recipients of hematopoietic progenitor cell transplants, but the nature of T cell responses to CMV have not been completely characterized.MethodsPeptide pools and individual peptides derived from the immune-dominant CMV proteins pp65 and IE-1 and antigen-specific, cytokine flow cytometry were used to characterize the prevalence and frequency of CD4+ and CD8+ memory T cells in 20 healthy CMV-seropositive subjects.ResultsCD8+ T cell responses to pp65 were detected in 35% of subjects and to IE-1 in 40% of subjects. CD4+ T cell responses to pp65 were detected in 50% of subjects, but none were detected to IE-1. Several new IE-1 HLA class I epitopes were identified, including 4 restricted to HLA-C antigens. One region of IE-1 spanning amino acids 300 to 327 was rich in class I epitopes. The HLA class I restrictions of IE-1 peptides were more promiscuous than those of pp65 peptides.ConclusionSince naturally occurring CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses to pp65 were detectable in many subjects, but only CD8+ T cell responses to IE-1 were detected, pp65 may be better than IE-1 for use in vaccine and adoptive immune therapies.
Generation of clinical grade dendritic cells with capacity to produce biologically active IL-12p70
Authors: Zobywalski Anke , Javorovic Miran , Frankenberger Bernhard , Pohla Heike , Kremmer Elisabeth , Bigalke Iris , Schendel Dolores J 
Published: May 2007

Abstract

Background
For optimal T cell activation it is desirable that dendritic cells (DCs) display peptides within MHC molecules as signal 1, costimulatory molecules as signal 2 and, in addition, produce IL-12p70 as signal 3. IL-12p70 polarizes T cell responses towards CD4+ T helper 1 cells, which then support the development of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes. We therefore developed new maturation cocktails allowing DCs to produce biologically active IL-12p70 for large-scale cancer vaccine development.

Methods
After elutriation of leukapheresis products in a closed bag system, enriched monocytes were cultured with GM-CSF and IL-4 for six days to generate immature DCs that were then matured with cocktails, containing cytokines, interferon-gamma, prostaglandin E2, and a ligand for Toll-like receptor 8, with or without poly (I:C).

Results
Mature DCs expressed appropriate maturation markers and the lymph node homing chemokine receptor, CCR7. They retained full maturity after culture for two days without maturation cocktails and following cryopreservation. TLR ligand stimulation induced DCs capable of secreting IL-12p70 in primary cultures and after one day of coculture with CD40L-expressing fibroblasts, mimicking an encounter with T cells. DCs matured with our new cocktails containing TLR8 ligand, with or without poly (I:C), induced alloresponses and stimulated virus-specific T cells after peptide-pulsing. DCs matured in cocktails containing TLR8 ligand without poly (I:C) could also be loaded with RNA as a source of antigen, whereas DCs matured in cocktails containing poly (I:C) were unable to express proteins following RNA transfer by electroporation.

Conclusion
Our new maturation cocktails allowed easy DC harvesting, stable maturation and substantial recoveries of mature DCs after cryopreservation. Our procedure for generating DCs is easily adaptable for GMP-compliance and yields IL-12p70-secreting DCs suitable for development of cancer vaccines using peptides or RNA as sources of immunizing antigens.
Homocysteine and lipid profile in children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Gonçalves Marcela , D'Almeida Vânia , Guerra-Shinohara Elvira M , Galdieri Luciano C , Len Claudio A , Hilário Maria Odete E 
Published: May 2007

Abstract

Background
An increased concentration of plasma homocysteine (Hcy) has toxic effects on vascular endothelium. This seems to be a risk factor of cardiovascular disease, premature stroke and venous thrombosis. The risk is higher in coincidence with other factors like chronic diseases and familiar hypercholesterolemia. The aim of our study was to evaluate plasma Hcy concentration in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and its correlation with methotrexate (MTX) therapy, serum folate and B12 vitamin, and hyperlipidemia.

Methods
Fifty-one patients (37 females; mean age 11.3 years, range 2.3–17 years) with JIA and 52 healthy controls (42 females; mean age 12.5 years; range 3–18 years) were included in the study. Thirty-two patients were using weekly MTX (mean doses: 0.1–1 mg/kg). For statistical analysis both JIA and control groups were distributed in three subgroups according to age (3 – 7, 8 – 12 and 13 – 18 years). The laboratory investigation included measurement of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), plasma Hcy, serum folate, vitamin B12, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). For data analysis, we considered raised Hcy values ≥ 12.56 μmol/L, which corresponds to the 90th percentile observed in the control group.

Results
The mean plasma Hcy concentration was 9.3 ± 3.16 μmol/L in JIA patients and 8.9 ± 2.42 μmol/L in healthy controls (p = 0.615). Higher concentration of Hcy was observed in the subgroup of 13 – 18 years (patients and controls, p < 0.001). We did not find correlation between MTX use and plasma Hcy concentration. With regard to vitamin B12 concentration, we detected normal values in both patients and controls while serum folate concentration was higher in patients (p < 0.001). With regard to the lipidogram, lower concentration of HDL was found in patients (p = 0.007) and higher levels of VLDL (p = 0.014) and triglycerides (p = 0.001) were observed in controls. We did not observe correlation among plasma Hcy concentration, clinical findings, ESR and CRP.

Conclusion
JIA patients do not present significant increased concentration of Hcy despite the use of MTX, probably due to the folate supplementation. The mild abnormalities in the lipidogram may reflect a current concern with diet and health.
Reactive arthritis of the temporomandibular joints and cervical spine in a child
Authors: Arabshahi Bita , Baskin Kevin M , Cron Randy Q 
Published: May 2007

Abstract

Background
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis is frequently seen in children with chronic arthritis. It has rarely been described in a non-infectious acute setting. We report a case of reactive arthritis isolated to the TMJs and cervical spine.

Case presentation
A 6-year-old Native American boy hospitalized for treatment of lymphadenitis and aseptic meningitis had an incidental brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) finding of effusions in the TMJs, as well as the atlanto-occipital and C1–C2 articulations. Repeat TMJ and cervical spine MRI four weeks later showed resolution of effusions. Reactive TMJ arthritis has been previously reported in adults but not in children.

Conclusion
This report represents the first pediatric case of reactive arthritis isolated to the cervical spine and TMJs. Arthritis of the TMJ should be considered in the differential diagnosis of children with reactive arthritides.
Pygo1 and Pygo2 roles in Wnt signaling in mammalian kidney development
Authors: Schwab Kristopher R , Patterson Larry T , Hartman Heather A , Song Ni , Lang Richard A , Lin Xinhua , Potter S Steven 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackgroundThepygopusgene ofDrosophilaencodes an essential component of the Armadillo (β-catenin) transcription factor complex of canonical Wnt signaling. To better understand the functions ofPygopus-mediated canonical Wnt signaling in kidney development, targeted mutations were made in the two mammalian orthologs,Pygo1andPygo2.ResultsEach mutation deleted >80% of the coding sequence, including the critical PHD domain, and almost certainly resulted in null function.Pygo2homozygous mutants, with rare exception, died shortly after birth, with a phenotype including lens agenesis, growth retardation, altered kidney development, and in some cases exencephaly and cleft palate.Pygo1homozygous mutants, however, were viable and fertile, with no detectable developmental defects. DoublePygo1/Pygo2homozygous mutants showed no apparent synergy in phenotype severity. The BAT-gal transgene reporter of canonical Wnt signaling showed reduced levels of expression inPygo1-/-/Pygo2-/-mutants, with tissue-specific variation in degree of diminution. ThePygo1andPygo2genes both showed widespread expression in the developing kidney, with raised levels in the stromal cell compartment. Confocal analysis of the double mutant kidneys showed disturbance of both the ureteric bud and metanephric mesenchyme-derived compartments. Branching morphogenesis of the ureteric bud was altered, with expanded tips and reduced tip density, probably contributing to the smaller size of the mutant kidney. In addition, there was an expansion of the zone of condensed mesenchyme capping the ureteric bud. Nephron formation, however, proceeded normally. Microarray analysis showed changed expression of several genes, includingCxcl13,Slc5a2,Klk5,Ren2andTimeless, which represent candidate Wnt targets in kidney development.ConclusionThe mammalianPygopusgenes are required for normal branching morphogenesis of the ureteric bud during kidney development. Nevertheless, the relatively mild phenotype observed in the kidney, as well as other organ systems, indicates a striking evolutionary divergence ofPygopusfunction between mammals andDrosophila. In mammals, thePygo1/Pygo2genes are not absolutely required for canonical Wnt signaling in most developing systems, but rather function as quantitative transducers, or modulators, of Wnt signal intensity.
In vitroprediction of stop-codon suppression by intravenous gentamicin in patients with cystic fibrosis: a pilot study
Authors: Sermet-Gaudelus Isabelle , Renouil Michel , Fajac Anne , Bidou Laure , Parbaille Bastien , Pierrot Sébastien , Davy Nolwen , Bismuth Elise , Reinert Philippe , Lenoir Gérard , Lesure Jean François , Rousset Jean Pierre , Edelman Aleksander 
Published: May 2007

Abstract

Background
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the gene encoding the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein, which acts as a chloride channel activated by cyclic AMP (cAMP). The most frequent mutation found in 70% of CF patients is F508del, while premature stop mutations are found in about 10% of patients. In vitro aminoglycoside antibiotics (e.g. gentamicin) suppress nonsense mutations located in CFTR permitting translation to continue to the natural termination codon. Pharmacologic suppression of stop mutations within the CFTR may be of benefit to a significant number of patients. Our pilot study was conducted to determine whether intravenous gentamicin suppresses stop codons in CF patients and whether it has clinical benefits.

Methods
A dual gene reporter system was used to determine the gentamicin-induced readthrough level of the most frequent stop mutations within the CFTR in the French population. We investigated readthrough efficiency in response to 10 mg/kg once-daily intravenous gentamicin perfusions in patients with and without stop mutations. Respiratory function, sweat chloride concentration, nasal potential difference (NPD) and CFTR expression in nasal epithelial cells were measured at baseline and after 15 days of treatment.

Results
After in vitro gentamicin incubation, the readthrough efficiency for the Y122X mutation was at least five times higher than that for G542X, R1162X, and W1282X. In six of the nine patients with the Y122X mutation, CFTR immunodetection showed protein at the membrane of the nasal epithelial cells and the CFTR-dependent Cl- secretion in NPD measurements increased significantly. Respiratory status also improved in these patients, irrespective of the gentamicin sensitivity of the bacteria present in the sputum. Mean sweat chloride concentration decreased significantly and normalised in two patients. Clinical status, NPD and sweat Cl- values did not change in the Y122X patients with no protein expression, in patients with the other stop mutations investigated in vitro and those without stop mutations.

Conclusion
Suppression of stop mutations in the CFTR gene with parenteral gentamicin can be predicted in vitro and is associated with clinical benefit and significant modification of the CFTR-mediated Cl- transport in nasal and sweat gland epithelium.
Mutation in the loop C-terminal to the cyclophilin A binding site of HIV-1 capsid protein disrupts proper virus assembly and infectivity
Authors: Abdurahman Samir , Höglund Stefan , Höglund Anders , Vahlne Anders 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
We have studied the effects associated with two single amino acid substitution mutations in HIV-1 capsid (CA), the E98A and E187G. Both amino acids are well conserved among all major HIV-1 subtypes. HIV-1 infectivity is critically dependent on proper CA cone formation and mutations in CA are lethal when they inhibit CA assembly by destabilizing the intra and/or inter molecular CA contacts, which ultimately abrogate viral replication. Glu98, which is located on a surface of a flexible cyclophilin A binding loop is not involved in any intra-molecular contacts with other CA residues. In contrast, Glu187 has extensive intra-molecular contacts with eight other CA residues. Additionally, Glu187 has been shown to form a salt-bridge with Arg18 of another N-terminal CA monomer in a N-C dimer. However, despite proper virus release, glycoprotein incorporation and Gag processing, electron microscopy analysis revealed that, in contrast to the E187G mutant, only the E98A particles had aberrant core morphology that resulted in loss of infectivity.
Centrosome and retroviruses: The dangerous liaisons
Authors: Afonso Philippe V , Zamborlini Alessia , Saïb Ali , Mahieux Renaud 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
Centrosomes are the major microtubule organizing structures in vertebrate cells. They localize in close proximity to the nucleus for the duration of interphase and play major roles in numerous cell functions. Consequently, any deficiency in centrosome function or number may lead to genetic instability. Several viruses including retroviruses such as, Foamy Virus, HIV-1, JSRV, M-PMV and HTLV-1 have been shown to hamper centrosome functions for their own profit, but the outcomes are very different. Foamy viruses, HIV-1, JSRV, M-PMV and HTLV-1 use the cellular machinery to traffic towards the centrosome during early and/or late stages of the infection. In addition HIV-1 Vpr protein alters the cell-cycle regulation by hijacking centrosome functions. Enthrallingly, HTLV-1 Tax expression also targets the functions of the centrosome, and this event is correlated with centrosome amplification, aneuploidy and transformation.
Should LSIL with ASC-H (LSIL-H) in cervical smears be an independent category? A study on SurePath™ specimens with review of literature
Authors: Shidham Vinod B , Kumar Nidhi , Narayan Raj , Brotzman Gregory L 
Published: May 2007

Background
Cervical smears exhibiting unequivocal features of ‘low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion’ (LSIL) are occasionally also admixed with some cells suspicious for, but not diagnostic of, ‘high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion’ (HSIL). Only a few studies, mostly reported as abstracts, have evaluated this concurrence. In this study, we evaluate the current evidence that favors a distinct category for “LSIL, cannot exclude HSIL” (LSIL-H), and suggest a management algorithm based on combinations of current ASCCP guidelines for related interpretations.

Methods
We studied SurePath™ preparations of cervical specimens from various institutions during one year period. Cytohisto correlation was performed in cases with cervical biopsies submitted to our institution. The status of HPV DNA testing was also noted in some LSIL-H cases with biopsy results.

Results
Out of 77,979 cases 1,970 interpreted as LSIL (1,523), LSIL-H (146), ‘atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude HSIL’ (ASC-H) (109), and HSIL (192) were selected. Concurrent biopsy results were available in 40% (Total 792 cases: 557 LSIL, 88 LSIL-H, 38 ASCH, and 109 HSIL). Biopsy results were grouped into A. negative for dysplasia (ND), B. low grade (HPV, CIN1, CIN1 with HPV), and C. high grade (CIN 2 and above).
The positive predictive values for various biopsy results in relation to initial cytopathologic interpretation were: a. LSIL: (557 cases): ND 32% (179), low grade- 58% (323), high grade- 10% (55); b. LSIL-H: (88 cases): ND 24% (21), low grade- 43% (38), high grade- 33% (29); c. ASCH: (38 cases): ND 32% (12), low grade- 37% (14), high grade- 31% (12); d. HSIL (109 cases): ND 5% (6), low grade 26% (28), high grade 69% (75). The patterns of cervical biopsy results in cases reported as LSIL-H were compared with that observed in cases with LSIL, ASC-H, and HSIL.
94% (32 of 34) of LSIL-H were positive for high risk (HR) HPV, 1 was negative for HR HPV but positive for low risk (LR), and 1 LSIL-H was negative for HR and LR both.

Conclusion
LSIL-H overlapped with LSIL and ASC-H, but was distinct from HSIL. A management algorithm comparable to ASC-H and HSIL appears to be appropriate in LSIL-H cases.