bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Diabetes Literacy and Numeracy Education Toolkit (DLNET)
Authors: Wolff Kathleen , Cavanaugh Kerri , Malone Robb , Hawk Victoria , Gregory Becky Pratt , Davis Dianne , Wallston Kenneth , Rothman Russell L. 
Published: February 2009

Purpose Diabetes self-management education is an important component of comprehensive diabetes care. Patients with low health literacy and numeracy may have difficulty translating information from traditional diabetes educational programs and materials into effective self-care. Methods To address this potential barrier to successful diabetes teaching and counseling, the authors developed the Diabetes Literacy and Numeracy Education Toolkit (DLNET). Conclusion The DLNET is composed of 24 interactive modules covering standard diabetes care topics that can be customized to individual patient needs and used by all members of the multidisciplinary diabetes care team. The material's content and formatting aims to improve the ease of use for diabetes patients with low literacy and numeracy by adhering to a lower text reading level, using illustrations for key concepts, and color-coding and other accommodations to guide patients through instructions for self-care. Individual sections of the DLNET may be provided to patients for initial teaching, as well as for reinforcement. Although designed for lower literacy and numeracy skills, the DLNET provides unique materials to facilitate diabetes education for all patients.
A toxicological assessment of Athrixia phylicoides aqueous extract following sub-chronic ingestion in a rat model
Authors: Chellan N , De Beer D , Muller C , Joubert E , Louw J 
Published: February 2009

Athrixia phylicoides is an aromatic, indigenous shrub used to brew “bush tea.” Surveys have shown that the consumption of bush tea is widespread and commercialization of the extract holds economic and developmental potential. Aqueous extracts of A. phylicoides are non-toxic to brine shrimp and renal cell lines; however, verification in a mammalian model is needed. In this study, daily ingestion of high doses of aqueous A. phylicoides extract by mature Wistar rats was tested for potential toxicity over a 3-month period. Three-month-old Wistar rats were randomized into a control group (receiving no extract) and three experimental groups receiving 30, 90, or 180 mg dried aqueous A. phylicoides extract/kg body mass/day. After 90 days of daily extract ingestion, blood and tissue were harvested. There was no morbidity or mortality during the study. Food and water intake, as well as body mass and stool production, were unaffected by the consumption of the extract. Urine production was increased in the 90 and 180 mg/kg groups suggesting that A. phylicoides is mildly diuretic. Serum alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, and urea levels were normal for all groups. Histopathology showed no signs of any extract induced toxicity in the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and other tissues studied.
Anticonvulsant activity of Nylandtia spinosa L. Dumont (Polygalaceae) aqueous and methanol leaf extracts in mice
Authors: Amabeoku GJ 
Published: February 2009

Aqueous and methanol leaf extracts of Nylandtia spinosa L. Dumont (Polygalaceae) were evaluated for anticonvulsant activity against tonic seizures produced in mice by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), bicuculline, picrotoxin, and N-methyl-DL-aspartic acid (NMDLA). Aqueous leaf extract of N. spinosa (50–400 mg/kg, i.p.) and methanol extract (50–400 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly attenuated PTZ (95 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced tonic seizures. Doses of 400 mg/kg (i.p.) and 100–400 mg/kg (i.p.) of aqueous extract of N. spinosa significantly delayed the onset of tonic seizures elicited by bicuculline (35 mg/kg, i.p.) and picrotoxin (12 mg/kg, i.p.), respectively. Methanol extract (200–400 mg/kg, i.p.) and (50–400 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly delayed the onset of tonic seizures induced by bicuculline (35 mg/kg, i.p.) and picrotoxin (12 mg/kg, i.p.), respectively, whereas 400 mg/kg (i.p.) significantly reduced the incidence of picrotoxin (12 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced seizures. Both aqueous and methanol leaf extracts of N. spinosa did not affect NMDLA (400 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced tonic seizures. Phenobarbitone (12.5 mg/kg, i.p.) and diazepam (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) antagonized tonic seizures induced by PTZ (95 mg/kg, i.p.), bicuculline (35 mg/kg, i.p.), and picrotoxin (12 mg/kg, i.p.) but did not affect NMDLA (400 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced seizures. Phenytoin (30 mg/kg, i.p.) did not alter the tonic seizures produced by either PTZ (95 mg/kg, i.p.), bicuculline –2-(35 mg/kg, i.p.), or picrotoxin (12 mg/kg, i.p.). The results obtained indicate that both aqueous and methanol leaf extracts of N. spinosa possess anticonvulsant property, thus justifying the use of the plant by traditional medicine practitioners in the treatment of epilepsy. The relatively high LD50 of greater than 3600 mg/kg (p.o.) and 1780 mg/kg (i.p.) obtained with the aqueous extract suggest that the plant is relatively safe in mice. The phytochemical analysis carried out showed the presence of tannins, saponins, reducing sugars, alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpene steroids, and cardiac glycosides in the plant material.
An investigation of susceptibility loci in benign, aggressive and primary progressive multiple sclerosis in Northern Irish population
Authors: Gray OM , Abdeen H , McDonnell GV , Patterson CC , Graham CA , Hawkins SA 
Published: February 2009

Objective To investigate the possibility that susceptibility loci in multiple sclerosis (MS) have a role in determining the disease outcome in Northern Ireland population. Background The Genetic Analysis of Multiple Sclerosis in Europeans (GAMES) initiative and follow-up refined analysis identified 15 candidate susceptibility loci within the Northern Irish population for MS. We aimed to investigate the 12 most significant markers for their role in disease outcome. Methods Cases with probable or definite MS (Poser criteria) were classified as benign onset (Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS] ≤ 3.0 at 10 years), aggressive (Kurtzke EDSS ≥ 6.0 by 10 years), or primary progressive MS. All cases were Caucasian of Northern Irish origin. DNA was extracted from venous blood, microsatellite markers were amplified using polymerase chain reaction and typed using fluorescent fragment analysis. Allele frequencies were compared statistically using a chi-squared test with allowance for multiple comparisons (critical P < 0.0042); significant markers were further analyzed by CLUMP (critical P < 0.0014). Results Two microsatellite markers were significant: D3S1278 (Chr 3q13, P < 0.001) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (Chr 6p21, P < 0.001). A further three markers were significant in our preliminary analysis suggesting a trend toward impact on disease outcome; D4S432 (Chr 4p16, P = 0.001), D2S347 (Chr 2q14, P = 0.003), and D19S903 (Chr 19p13, P = 0.003). Conclusions This is the first study to suggest a role for TNF-α in the disease outcome in MS. Larger replication studies need to be performed to assess the role of markers D4S432, D2S347, and D19S903.
Recombinant human activated protein C inhibits integrin-mediated neutrophil migration
Authors: Elphick Gwendolyn F. , Sarangi Pranita P. , Hyun Young-Min , Hollenbaugh Joseph A. , Ayala Alfred , Biffl Walter L. , Chung Hung-Li , Rezaie Alireza R. , McGrath James L. , Topham David J. , Reichner Jonathan S. , Kim Minsoo 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIntegrin-mediated cell migration is central to many biologic and pathologic processes. During inflammation, tissue injury results from excessive infiltration and sequestration of activated leukocytes. Recombinant human activated protein C (rhAPC) has been shown to protect patients with severe sepsis, although the mechanism underlying this protective effect remains unclear. Here, we show that rhAPC directly binds to β1 and β3 integrins and inhibits neutrophil migration, both in vitro and in vivo. We found that human APC possesses an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) sequence, which is critical for the inhibition. Mutation of this sequence abolished both integrin binding and inhibition of neutrophil migration. In addition, treatment of septic mice with a RGD peptide recapitulated the beneficial effects of rhAPC on survival. Thus, we conclude that leukocyte integrins are novel cellular receptors for rhAPC and the interaction decreases neutrophil recruitment into tissues, providing a potential mechanism by which rhAPC may protect against sepsis.
Randomised Phase I/II trial assessing the safety and efficacy of radiolabelled anti-carcinoembryonic antigen I131KAb201 antibodies given intra-arterially or intravenously in patients with unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Sultana Asma , Shore Susannah , Raraty Michael GT , Vinjamuri Sobhan , Evans Jonathan E , Smith Catrin Tudur , Lane Steven , Chauhan Seema , Bosonnet Lorraine , Garvey Conall , Sutton Robert , Neoptolemos John P , Ghaneh Paula 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Background
Advanced pancreatic cancer has a poor prognosis, and the current standard of care (gemcitabine based chemotherapy) provides a small survival advantage. However the drawback is the accompanying systemic toxicity, which targeted treatments may overcome. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of KAb201, an anti-carcinoembryonic antigen monoclonal antibody, labelled with I131 in pancreatic cancer (ISRCTN 16857581).

Methods
Patients with histological/cytological proven inoperable adenocarcinoma of the head of pancreas were randomised to receive KAb 201 via either the intra-arterial or intravenous delivery route. The dose limiting toxicities within each group were determined. Patients were assessed for safety and efficacy and followed up until death.

Results
Between February 2003 and July 2005, 25 patients were enrolled. Nineteen patients were randomised, 9 to the intravenous and 10 to the intra-arterial arms. In the intra-arterial arm, dose limiting toxicity was seen in 2/6 (33%) patients at 50 mCi whereas in the intravenous arm, dose limiting toxicity was noted in 1/6 patients at 50 mCi, but did not occur at 75 mCi (0/3).
The overall response rate was 6% (1/18). Median overall survival was 5.2 months (95% confidence interval = 3.3 to 9 months), with no significant difference between the intravenous and intra-arterial arms (log rank test p = 0.79). One patient was still alive at the time of this analysis.

Conclusion
Dose limiting toxicity for KAb201 with I131 by the intra-arterial route was 50 mCi, while dose limiting toxicity was not reached in the intravenous arm.
Silica-based cationic bilayers as immunoadjuvants
Authors: Lincopan Nilton , Santana Mariana RA , Faquim-Mauro Eliana , da Costa Maria Helena B , Carmona-Ribeiro Ana M 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Background
Silica particles cationized by dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide (DODAB) bilayer were previously described. This work shows the efficiency of these particulates for antigen adsorption and presentation to the immune system and proves the concept that silica-based cationic bilayers exhibit better performance than alum regarding colloid stability and cellular immune responses for vaccine design.

Results
Firstly, the silica/DODAB assembly was characterized at 1 mM NaCl, pH 6.3 or 5 mM Tris.HCl, pH 7.4 and 0.1 mg/ml silica over a range of DODAB concentrations (0.001–1 mM) by means of dynamic light scattering for particle sizing and zeta-potential analysis. 0.05 mM DODAB is enough to produce cationic bilayer-covered particles with good colloid stability. Secondly, conditions for maximal adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) or a recombinant, heat-shock protein from Mycobacterium leprae (18 kDa-hsp) onto DODAB-covered or onto bare silica were determined. At maximal antigen adsorption, cellular immune responses in vivo from delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions determined by foot-pad swelling tests (DTH) and cytokines analysis evidenced the superior performance of the silica/DODAB adjuvant as compared to alum or antigens alone whereas humoral response from IgG in serum was equal to the one elicited by alum as adjuvant.

Conclusion
Cationized silica is a biocompatible, inexpensive, easily prepared and possibly general immunoadjuvant for antigen presentation which displays higher colloid stability than alum, better performance regarding cellular immune responses and employs very low, micromolar doses of cationic and toxic synthetic lipid.
The centrosome protein NEDD1 as a potential pharmacological target to induce cell cycle arrest
Authors: Tillement Vanessa , Haren Laurence , Roullet Nicolas , Etievant Chantal , Merdes Andreas 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Background
NEDD1 is a protein that binds to the gamma-tubulin ring complex, a multiprotein complex at the centrosome and at the mitotic spindle that mediates the nucleation of microtubules.

Results
We show that NEDD1 is expressed at comparable levels in a variety of tumor-derived cell lines and untransformed cells. We demonstrate that silencing of NEDD1 expression by treatment with siRNA has differential effects on cells, depending on their status of p53 expression: p53-positive cells arrest in G1, whereas p53-negative cells arrest in mitosis with predominantly aberrant monopolar spindles. However, both p53-positive and -negative cells arrest in mitosis if treated with low doses of siRNA against NEDD1 combined with low doses of the inhibitor BI2536 against the mitotic kinase Plk1. Simultaneous reduction of NEDD1 levels and inhibition of Plk1 act in a synergistic manner, by potentiating the anti-mitotic activity of each treatment.

Conclusion
We propose that NEDD1 may be a promising target for controlling cell proliferation, in particular if targeted in combination with Plk1 inhibitors.
Accumulation and dissemination of prion protein in experimental sheep scrapie in the natural host
Authors: Ryder Stephen J , Dexter Glenda E , Heasman Lindsay , Warner Richard , Moore S Jo 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackgroundIn order to study the sites of uptake and mechanisms of dissemination of scrapie prions in the natural host under controlled conditions, lambs aged 14 days and homozygous for the VRQ allele of the PrP gene were infected by the oral route. Infection occurred in all lambs with a remarkably short and highly consistent incubation period of approximately 6 months. Challenge of lambs at approximately eight months of age resulted in disease in all animals, but with more variable incubation periods averaging significantly longer than those challenged at 14 days.This model provides an excellent system in which to study the disease in the natural host by virtue of the relatively short incubation period and close resemblance to natural infection.ResultsMultiple sites of prion uptake were identified, of which the most important was the Peyer's patch of the distal ileum.Neuroinvasion was detected initially in the enteric nervous system prior to infection of the central nervous system. At end stage disease prion accumulation was widespread throughout the entire neuraxis, but vacuolar pathology was absent in most animals that developed disease at 6–7 months of age.ConclusionInitial spread of detectable PrP was consistent with drainage in afferent lymph to dependent lymph nodes. Subsequent accumulation of prions in lymphoid tissue not associated with the gut is consistent with haematogenous spread. In addition to macrophages and follicular dendritic cells, prion containing cells consistent with afferent lymph dendritic cells were identified and are suggested as a likely vehicle for carriage of prions from initial site of uptake to the lymphoreticular system, and as potential carriers of prion protein in blood. It is apparent that spongiform change, the characteristic lesion of scrapie and other prion diseases, is not responsible for the clinical signs in sheep, but may develop in an age dependent manner.
Real time noninvasive assessment of external trunk geometry during surgical correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Duong Luc , Mac-Thiong Jean-Marc , Labelle Hubert 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Background
The correction of trunk deformity is crucial in scoliosis surgery, especially for the patient's self-image. However, direct visualization of external scoliotic trunk deformity during surgical correction is difficult due to the covering draping sheets.

Methods
An optoelectronic camera system with 10 passive markers is used to track the trunk geometry of 5 scoliotic patients during corrective surgery. The position of 10 anatomical landmarks and 5 trunk indices computed from the position of the passive markers are compared during and after instrumentation of the spine.

Results
Internal validation of the accuracy of tracking was evaluated at 0.41 +/- 0.05 mm RMS. Intra operative tracking during surgical maneuvers shows improvement of the shoulder balance during and after correction of the spine. Improvement of the overall patient balance is observed. At last, a minor increase of the spinal length can be noticed.

Conclusion
Tracking of the external geometry of the trunk during surgical correction is useful to monitor changes occurring under the sterile draping sheets. Moreover, this technique can used be used to reach the optimal configuration on the operating frame before proceeding to surgery. The current tracking technique was able to detect significant changes in trunk geometry caused by posterior instrumentation of the spine despite significant correction of the spinal curvature. It could therefore become relevant for computer-assisted guidance of surgical maneuvers when performing posterior instrumentation of the scoliotic spine, provide important insights during positioning of patients.
Fatal outcome after insufficient spine fixation for pyogenic thoracic spondylodiscitis: an imperative for 360° fusion of the infected spine
Authors: Flierl Michael A , Beauchamp Kathryn M , Bolles Gene E , Moore Ernest E , Stahel Philip F 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Background
Pyogenic spondylodiscitis represents a potentially life-threatening condition. Due to the low incidence, evidence-based surgical recommendations in the literature are equivocal, and the treatment modalities remain controversial.

Case presentation
A 59 year-old patient presented with a history of thoracic spondylodiscitis resistant to antibiotic treatment for 6 weeks, progressive severe back pain, and a new onset of bilateral lower extremity weakness. Clinically, the patient showed a deteriorating spastic paraparesis of her lower extremities. An emergent MRI revealed a kyphotic wedge compression fracture at T7/T8 with significant spinal cord compression, paravertebral and epidural abscess, and signs of myelopathy. The patient underwent surgical debridement with stabilization of the anterior column from T6–T9 using an expandable titanium cage, autologous bone graft, and an anterolateral locking plate. The patient recovered well under adjunctive antibiotic treatment. She presented again to the emergency department 6 months later, secondary to a repeat fall, with acute paraplegia of the lower extremities and radiographic evidence of failure of fixation of the anterior T-spine. She underwent antero-posterior revision fixation with hardware removal, correction of kyphotic malunion, evacuation of a recurrent epidural abscess, decompression of the spinal canal, and 360° fusion from T2–T11. Despite the successful salvage procedure, the patient deteriorated in the postoperative phase, when she developed multiple complications including pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, bacterial meningitis, abdominal compartment syndrome, followed by septic shock with multiple organ failure and a lethal outcome within two weeks after revision surgery.

Conclusion
This catastrophic example of a lethal outcome secondary to failure of anterior column fixation for pyogenic thoracic spondylodiscitis underlines the notion that surgical strategies for the infected spine must be aimed at achieving absolute stability by a 360° fusion. This aggressive – albeit controversial – concept allows for an adequate infection control by adjunctive antibiotics and reduces the imminent risk of a secondary loss of fixation due to compromises in initial fixation techniques.
Characterization of Functionally Typical and Atypical Types of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Hirshfeld-Cytron Jennifer , Barnes Randall B. , Ehrmann David A. , Caruso Anthony , Mortensen Monica M. , Rosenfield Robert L. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Context: The typical polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) phenotype includes 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) hyperresponsiveness to GnRH agonist (GnRHag) testing. Functionally atypical PCOS lacks this feature.
Objective: The hypothesis was tested that the typical PCOS ovarian dysfunction results from intrinsically increased sensitivity to LH/human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) due to a flaw in FSH action.
Participants/Design/Interventions/Main Outcome Measures: After phenotyping a cohort of 60 women, steroid and inhibin-B responses to gonadotropins were evaluated in representative typical (n = 7) and atypical (n = 5) PCOS and healthy controls (n = 8). Submaximal hCG testing before and after an FSH test dose was performed in random order before and after prolonged ovarian suppression by depot GnRHag.
Setting: The study was performed at a Clinical Research Center.
Results: Of our PCOS cohort, 68% were the typical type. Typical PCOS had 17OHP hyperresponsiveness and, unlike controls, significant androgen and estradiol responses to hCG. FSH increased inhibin-B and did not inhibit free testosterone or enhance estradiol responsiveness to hCG, all unlike controls. After ovarian suppression, 17OHP, androstenedione, and inhibin-B responsiveness to gonadotropin testing persisted. Atypical PCOS had significantly higher body mass index but lower ovarian volume and plasma free testosterone than typical PCOS. Steroid responses to hCG were insignificant and similar to controls. FSH suppressed free testosterone but stimulated inhibin-B. The estradiol level after combined hCG-FSH was subnormal. Free testosterone was less GnRHag suppressible than in typical PCOS.
Conclusions: Typical PCOS is characterized by intrinsic ovarian hypersensitivity to hCG to which excessive paracrine FSH signaling via inhibin-B may contribute. Atypical PCOS is due to a unique type of ovarian dysfunction that is relatively gonadotropin hyposensitive.