bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti-nucleosome and anti-chromatin antibodies are present in active systemic lupus erythematosus but not in the cutaneous form of the disease
Authors: Souza A , da Silva LM , Oliveira FR , Roselino AMF , Louzada-Junior P 
Published: February 2009

The objective of this study is to investigate the presence of anti-nucleosome (anti-NCS) and anti-chromatin (anti-CRT) antibodies in patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) compared with active and inactive systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A total of 154 subjects were evaluated: 54 patients presenting CLE, 66 patients with active SLE and 34 with inactive SLE. Lupus activity was assessed using the disease activity index (SLEDAI). Anti-NCS and anti-CRT antibodies were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Only one of 54 patients with CLE tested positive for both anti-NCS and anti-CRT antibodies. The prevalence of anti-CRT antibodies was significantly higher in active SLE (84.8%) when compared with inactive SLE (26.4%) and CLE (1.8%) ( P < 0.001). Anti-NCS antibodies were also more prevalent in active SLE patients (74.2%) than inactive SLE (11.7%) and CLE patients (1.8%) ( P < 0.001). The presence of anti-CRT and anti-NCS antibodies was correlated to disease activity in patients with SLE ( r = 0.4937, r = 0.5621, respectively). Furthermore, the detection of both antibodies was correlated with disease activity in patients with SLE who tested negative for anti-dsDNA antibodies ( r = 0.4754 for anti-NCS and r = 0.4281 for anti-CRT). The presence of these two auto-antibodies was strongly associated with renal damage in patients with SLE (OR = 13.1, for anti-CRT antibodies and OR = 25.83, for anti-NCS antibodies). The anti-NCS and anti-CRT antibodies were not found in CLE. In patients with SLE, there is a correlation of these antibodies with disease activity and active nephritis. When compared with anti-dsDNA antibodies, anti-NCS and anti-CRT antibodies were more sensitive in detecting disease activity and kidney damage in lupus patients.
No evidence for genetic association of interferon regulatory factor 3 in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Sánchez E , González-Gay MA , Callejas-Rubio JL , Ortego-Centeno N , Sabio JM , Jiménez-Alonso J , Micó L , Suarez A , Gutierrez C , de Ramón E , Camps M , Garcia-Portales R , Tolosa C , López-Nevot MA , Sánchez-Román J , Hernández FJ , González-Escribano MF , Martín J 
Published: February 2009

The aim of this study was to determine the potential role of three IRF3 gene polymorphisms (rs2304204, rs7251 and rs2304207) with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Our study population consisted of 610 patients with SLE and 730 healthy controls. All individual were of Spanish Caucasian origin. The IRF3 polymorphisms were genotyped using a PCR system with pre-developed TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. No statistically significant differences were found when allele and genotype distribution of rs2304204, rs7251 and rs2304207 polymorphisms were compared between patients with SLE and controls [overall P values: rs7251, P = 0.06; rs2304204, P = 0.26 and rs2304207, P = 0.36, by chi-squared test on a 3 × 2 contingency table. Overall allelic P values: rs7251, P = 0.8, OR (95%CI) = 1.03 (0.87–1.22); rs2304204, P = 0.2, OR (95%CI) = 1.12 (0.93–1.34) and rs2304207, P = 0.8, OR (95%CI) = 1.02 (0.82–1.26)]. In addition, no evidence of association with haplotypes and clinical features of SLE was found. Our data suggest that the IRF3 polymorphisms do not appear to play a major role in the susceptibility or severity of SLE in a Spanish population.
A controlled comparison of brachial artery flow mediated dilation (FMD) and digital pulse amplitude tonometry (PAT) in the assessment of endothelial function in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Aizer J , Karlson EW , Chibnik LB , Costenbader KH , Post D , Liang MH , Gall V , Gerhard-Herman MD 
Published: February 2009

The utility of flow mediated dilation (FMD) a measure of endothelial function is limited by operator dependence. Pulse amplitude tonometry (PAT) is a novel, less operator-dependent technique to assess endothelial function. This study compares PAT to FMD in SLE and controls. Thirty women with SLE and 31 controls were enrolled. Medications, cardiovascular disease and risk factors, SLE activity (SLAM-R) and damage (SLICC-DI) were recorded. FMD and PAT were performed simultaneously. Endothelium-independent function was assessed with nitroglycerin. Average age was 48.3 ± 10.1 years, SLE duration 16.2 years, SLAM-R 8.3 and SLICC-DI 1.0. Framingham Risk Scores were ≤2% in most subjects. There were no differences between SLE cases and controls in FMD, PAT or response to nitroglycerin. This study found no association between FMD and PAT in SLE or controls. In the 17 SLE cases with a history of Raynaud’s, correlation between FMD and PAT was 0.50 ( P = 0.04). There was no difference in endothelial function assessed by FMD or PAT in SLE cases versus controls. FMD did not correlate with PAT except in SLE cases with a history of Raynaud’s. Correlation between FMD and PAT may be stronger in populations with greater variation in endothelial function and more cardiovascular risk factors.
Mef2C is a lineage-restricted target of Scl/Tal1 and regulates megakaryopoiesis and B-cell homeostasis
Authors: Gekas Christos , Rhodes Katrin E. , Gereige Laurraine M. , Helgadottir Hildur , Ferrari Roberto , Kurdistani Siavash K. , Montecino-Rodriguez Encarnación , Bassel-Duby Rhonda , Olson Eric , Krivtsov Andrei V. , Armstrong Scott , Orkin Stuart H. , Pellegrini Matteo , Mikkola Hanna K. A. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor stem cell leukemia gene (Scl) is a master regulator for hematopoiesis essential for hematopoietic specification and proper differentiation of the erythroid and megakaryocyte lineages. However, the critical downstream targets of Scl remain undefined. Here, we identified a novel Scl target gene, transcription factor myocyte enhancer factor 2 C (Mef2C) from Sclfl/fl fetal liver progenitor cell lines. Analysis of Mef2C−/− embryos showed that Mef2C, in contrast to Scl, is not essential for specification into primitive or definitive hematopoietic lineages. However, adult VavCre+Mef2Cfl/fl mice exhibited platelet defects similar to those observed in Scl-deficient mice. The platelet counts were reduced, whereas platelet size was increased and the platelet shape and granularity were altered. Furthermore, megakaryopoiesis was severely impaired in vitro. Chromatin immunoprecipitation microarray hybridization analysis revealed that Mef2C is directly regulated by Scl in megakaryocytic cells, but not in erythroid cells. In addition, an Scl-independent requirement for Mef2C in B-lymphoid homeostasis was observed in Mef2C-deficient mice, characterized as severe age-dependent reduction of specific B-cell progenitor populations reminiscent of premature aging. In summary, this work identifies Mef2C as an integral member of hematopoietic transcription factors with distinct upstream regulatory mechanisms and functional requirements in megakaryocyte and B-lymphoid lineages.
Haploidentical stem cell transplantation after a reduced-intensity conditioning regimen for the treatment of advanced hematologic malignancies: posttransplantation CD8-depleted donor lymphocyte infusions contribute to improve T-cell recovery
Authors: Dodero Anna , Carniti Cristiana , Raganato Anna , Vendramin Antonio , Farina Lucia , Spina Francesco , Carlo-Stella Carmelo , Di Terlizzi Simona , Milanesi Marco , Longoni Paolo , Gandola Lorenza , Lombardo Claudia , Corradini Paolo 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation provides an option for patients with advanced hematologic malignancies lacking a compatible donor. In this prospective phase 1/2 trial, we evaluated the role of reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) followed by early add-backs of CD8-depleted donor lymphocyte infusions (DLIs). The RIC regimen consisted of thiotepa, fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and 2 Gy total body irradiation. Twenty-eight patients with advanced lymphoproliferative diseases (n = 24) or acute myeloid leukemia (n = 4) were enrolled. Ex vivo and in vivo T-cell depletion was carried out by CD34+ cell selection and alemtuzumab treatment. The 2-year cumulative incidence of nonrelapse mortality was 26% and the 2-year overall survival (OS) was 44%, with a better outcome for patients with chemosensitive disease (OS, 75%). Overall, 54 CD8-depleted DLIs were administered to 23 patients (82%) at 3 different dose levels without loss of engraftment or acute toxicities. Overall, 6 of 23 patients (26%) developed grade II-IV graft-versus-host disease, mainly at dose level 2. In conclusion, our RIC regimen allowed a stable engraftment with a rather low nonrelapse mortality in poor-risk patients; OS is encouraging with some long-term remissions in lymphoid malignancies. CD8-depleted DLIs are feasible and promote the immune reconstitution.
AICAR activates the pluripotency transcriptional network in embryonic stem cells and induces KLF4 and KLF2 expression in fibroblasts
Authors: Adamo Luigi , Zhang Yuzhi , García-Cardeña Guillermo 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Background
Pluripotency, the property of a cell to differentiate into all cellular types of a given organism, is central to the development of stem cell-based therapies and regenerative medicine. Stem cell pluripotency is the result of the orchestrated activation of a complex transcriptional network characterized by the expression of a set of transcription factors including the master regulators of pluripotency Nanog and Oct4. Recently, it has been shown that pluripotency can be induced in somatic cells by viral-mediated expression of the transcription factors Oct3/4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc.

Results
Here we show that 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-b-riboside (AICAR) is able to activate the molecular circuitry of pluripotency in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESC) and maintain Nanog and Oct4 expression in mESC exposed to the differentiating agent retinoic acid. We also show that AICAR is able to induce Klf4, Klf2 and Myc expression in both mESC and murine fibroblasts.

Conclusion
AICAR is able to activate the molecular circuitry of pluripotency in mESC and to induce the expression of several key regulators of pluripotency in somatic cells. AICAR is therefore a useful pharmacological entity for studying small molecule mediated induction of pluripotency.
Human Papillomaviruses and genital co-infections in gynaecological outpatients
Authors: Verteramo Rosita , Pierangeli Alessandra , Mancini Emanuela , Calzolari Ettore , Bucci Mauro , Osborn John , Nicosia Rosa , Chiarini Fernanda , Antonelli Guido , Degener Anna Marta 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Background
High grade HPV infections and persistence are the strongest risk factors for cervical cancer. Nevertheless other genital microorganisms may be involved in the progression of HPV associated lesions.

Methods
Cervical samples were collected to search for human Papillomavirus (HPV), bacteria and yeast infections in gynaecologic outpatients. HPV typing was carried out by PCR and sequencing on cervical brush specimens. Chlamydia trachomatis was identified by strand displacement amplification (SDA) and the other microorganisms were detected by conventional methods.

Results
In this cross-sectional study on 857 enrolled outpatients, statistical analyses revealed a significant association of HPV with C. trachomatis and Ureaplasma urealyticum (at high density) detection, whereas no correlation was found between HPV infection and bacterial vaginosis, Streptococcus agalactiae, yeasts, Trichomonas vaginalis and U. urealyticum. Mycoplasma hominis was isolated only in a few cases both in HPV positive and negative women and no patient was infected with Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Conclusion
Although bacterial vaginosis was not significantly associated with HPV, it was more common among the HPV positive women. A significant association between HPV and C. trachomatis was found and interestingly also with U. urealyticum but only at a high colonization rate. These data suggest that it may be important to screen for the simultaneous presence of different microorganisms which may have synergistic pathological effects.
A single immunization with HA DNA vaccine by electroporation induces early protection against H5N1 avian influenza virus challenge in mice
Authors: Zheng Liyun , Wang Fuyan , Yang Zhongdong , Chen Jianjun , Chang Haiyan , Chen Ze 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackgroundDeveloping vaccines for the prevention of human infection by H5N1 influenza viruses is an urgent task. DNA vaccines are a novel alternative to conventional vaccines and should contribute to the prophylaxis of emerging H5N1 virus. In this study, we assessed whether a single immunization with plasmid DNA expressing H5N1 hemagglutinin (HA) could provide early protection against lethal challenge in a mouse model.MethodsMice were immunized once with HA DNA at 3, 5, 7 days before a lethal challenge. The survival rate, virus titer in the lungs and change of body weight were assayed to evaluate the protective abilities of the vaccine. To test the humoral immune response induced by HA DNA, serum samples were collected through the eye canthus of mice on various days after immunization and examined for specific antibodies by ELISA and an HI assay. Splenocytes were isolated after the immunization to determine the antigen-specific T-cell response by the ELISPOT assay.ResultsChallenge experiments revealed that a single immunization of H5N1 virus HA DNA is effective in early protection against lethal homologous virus. Immunological analysis showed that an antigen-specific antibody and T-cell response could be elicited in mice shortly after the immunization. The protective abilities were correlated with the amount of injected DNA and the length of time after vaccination.ConclusionA single immunization of 100 μg H5 HA DNA vaccine combined with electroporation was able to provide early protection in mice against homologous virus infection.
Search for cardiac calcium cycling gene mutations in familial ventricular arrhythmias resembling catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Marjamaa Annukka , Laitinen-Forsblom Päivi , Lahtinen Annukka M , Viitasalo Matti , Toivonen Lauri , Kontula Kimmo , Swan Heikki 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Background
Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is a severe inherited cardiac disorder caused by mutations predominantly in the ryanodine receptor (RyR2) gene. We sought to identify mutations in genes affecting cardiac calcium cycling in patients with CPVT and in less typical familial exercise-related ventricular arrhythmias.

Methods and Results
We recruited 33 consecutive patients with frequent ventricular premature complexes (VPCs) without structural heart disease and often history of syncope or sudden death in family. Sixteen of the patients featured a phenotype typical of CPVT. In 17 patients, VPCs emerged also at rest. Exercise stress test and echocardiography were performed to each patient and 232 family members. Familial background was evident in 42% of cases (n = 14). We sequenced all the coding exons of the RyR2, FKBP1B, ATP2A2 and SLC8A1 genes from the index patients. Single channel recordings of a mutant RyR2 were performed in planar lipid bilayers. Two novel RyR2 missense mutations (R1051P and S616L) and two RyR2 exon 3 deletions were identified, explaining 25% of the CPVT phenotypes. A rare variant (N3308S) with open probabilities similar to the wild type channels in vitro, was evident in a patient with resting VPCs. No disease-causing variants were detectable in the FKBP1B, ATP2A2 or SLC8A1 genes.

Conclusion
We report two novel CPVT-causing RyR2 mutations and a novel RyR2 variant of uncertain clinical significance in a patient with abundant resting VPCs. Our data also strengthen the previous assumption that exon 3 deletions of RyR2 should screened for in CPVT and related phenotypes.
Loss of full length CtBP1 expression enhances the invasive potential of human melanoma
Authors: Winklmeier Andreas , Poser Ina , Hoek Keith S , Bosserhoff Anja K 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe C-terminal binding protein 1 (CtBP1) is a known co-repressor of gene transcription. We recently revealed that CtBP1 expression is lost in melanoma cells and melanoma inhibitory activity (MIA) expression is subsequently increased. The present study was performed to evaluate a more general role of CtBP1 in human melanoma and identify further CtBP1-regulated target genes.MethodsSequence analysis and expression profile of CtBP1 in melanoma cell lines were done by PCR. Boyden Chamber assays and co-immunoprecipitation were performed to investigate the functional role of CtBP1. Gene expression analysis and micro array data were used to define target genes.ResultsInterestingly, we detected an alternative splice product of CtBP1 with unknown function whose expression is induced at reduction of full length CtBP1. Overexpression of full length CtBP1 in melanoma cells had no effect on cell proliferation but did influence cell migration and invasiveness. To understand the effect of CtBP1 we identified putative LEF/TCF target genes found to be strongly expressed in melanoma using DNA microarray analysis. We focused on fourteen genes not previously associated with melanoma. Detailed analysis revealed that most of these were known to be involved in tumor metastasis. Eleven genes had expression profiles associated with melanoma cell invasiveness.ConclusionIn summary, this study revealed that reduction of CtBP1 expression is correlated with migratory, invasive potential of melanoma cells.
Process evaluation of a community-based program for prevention and control of non-communicable disease in a developing country: The Isfahan Healthy Heart Program, Iran
Authors: Rabiei Katayoun , Kelishadi Roya , Sarrafzadegan Nizal , Abedi Heidar Ali , Alavi Mousa , Heidari Kamal , Bahonar Ahmad , Boshtam Maryam , Zare Karim , Sadeghi Shahryar 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Background
Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of mortality in Iran. A six-year, comprehensive, integrated community-based demonstration study entitled Isfahan Healthy Heart Program (IHHP) conducted in Iran, and it started in 2000. Evaluation and monitoring are integrated parts of this quasi-experimental trial, and consists of process, as well as short and long-term impact evaluations. This paper presents the design of the "process evaluation" for IHHP, and the results pertaining to some interventional strategies that were implemented in workplaces

Methods
The process evaluation addresses the internal validity of IHHP by ascertaining the degree to which the program was implemented as intended. The IHHP process evaluation is a triangulated study conducted for all interventions at their respective venues. All interventional activities are monitored to determine why and how some are successful and sustainable, to identify mechanisms as well as barriers and facilitators of implementation.

Results
The results suggest that factory workers and managers are satisfied with the interventions. In the current study, success was mainly shaped by the organizational readiness and timing of the implementation. Integrating most of activities of the project to the existing ongoing activities of public health officers in worksites is suggested to be the most effective means of implementation of the health promoting activities in workplaces.

Conclusion
The results of our experience may help other developing countries to plan for similar interventions.
Interstitial pneumonitis following intrapleural chemotherapy
Authors: Zappa Luis , Savady Renaldo , Humphries Gary N , Sugarbaker Paul H 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Background
Mucinous neoplasms within the abdomen may disseminate by direct extension through the diaphragm to involve the pleural space. Treatment of this condition is by parietal and visceral pleurectomy followed by hyperthermic intrapleural chemotherapy.

Case presentation
In this case report a patient developed persistent right upper lobe interstitial pneumonitis and progressive parenchymal fibrosis following intrapleural chemotherapy treatment with mitomycin C and doxrubicin. The condition persisted until death 28 months later. Death was from progressive intraabdominal disease with intestinal obstruction and sepsis associated with progressive pulmonary parenchymal disease. The right pleural space disease did not recur.

Conclusion
This manuscript is the first case report describing interstitial pneumonitis and lung fibrosis following intrapleural chemotherapy. Since pulmonary toxicity from chemotherapy is a dose-dependent phenomenon, dose reduction of intrapleural as compared to intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy may be necessary.
Assessment of Functional Capacity: An Investigation on the Benefits of Combining Ability-Predicted and Work-Simulated Work Samples
Authors: Lee Gloria K. , Tansey Timothy N. , Ferrin James M. , Parashar Divya , Frain Michael P. , Tschopp Molly K. , Adams Nancy 
Published: February 2009

AbstractRehabilitation professionals have long used work samples in assessing the ability and functionality of clients requesting rehabilitation services. Although there has been remarkable development in the type and scope of work samples, the incorporation of work samples into assessment has lagged behind that of other measurement systems. One logical reason is the prolonged time required to administer work samples. Despite this time commitment, work samples have usefulness and value for rehabilitation counselling and vocational evaluation. The purpose of this brief report is to provide evidence to indicate the usefulness of work-simulated work samples versus ability-predicted work samples. The authors discussed the advantages and disadvantages of both assessment approaches in demonstrating the benefits in vocational assessment for clients and professionals.
Effect of Combining Cognitive Behavioural Therapy With a Lifestyle Program in Assisting the Unemployed: A Pilot Program
Authors: Coppins Tara , Skinner Denise 
Published: February 2009

AbstractPsychological obstacles often impede the unemployed from finding work. The current study was aimed at investigating the effectiveness of a combined cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) and lifestyle program when applied to an unemployed population from a Disability Employment Network (DEN) provider. CBT focuses on the relationship between an individual's thoughts, feelings and behaviours. The lifestyle program was developed to assess and provide psycho-education on sleep, diet, exercise and social habits. Eight participants completed a questionnaire and interview prior to and following participation in the lifestyle program. Measures included the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale (RSES), Life Orientation Test (LOT), Self-Efficacy Rating scale, one-on-one interview and participation in the lifestyle program. Key workers participated in a one-on-one interview and rated their perception of their participants' engagement in the job search process. Results were analysed using quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Levels of depressive symptomatology and optimism were not seen to improve, however, levels of self-esteem and ratings of engagement in the job search process did. Inclusion of the lifestyle component appeared to yield promising results for future studies. Further research into application of qualitative analysis in unemployment research is recommended.