bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The use of point‐of‐care ultrasound by a critical care retrieval team to diagnose acute abdominal aortic aneurysm in the field
Authors: Mazur Stefan M , Sharley Peter 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe potential benefit of point‐of‐care ultrasound by medical retrieval teams is unclear. In the present case report, the diagnosis of an abdominal aortic aneurysm by a critical care retrieval team equipped with a portable ultrasound machine resulted in significant corrective alteration in patient management and subsequent disposition at the receiving institution.
Paediatric intussusception: Epidemiology and outcome
Authors: Blanch Andrew JM , Perel Susan B , Acworth Jason P 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectives:  (i) To describe the clinical presentation of intussusception and determine features associated with earlier diagnosis; (ii) to describe outcomes of children diagnosed with intussusception; and (iii) to determine whether time to diagnosis is associated with poorer prognosis.Methods:  A retrospective review was performed of all patients presenting to a tertiary paediatric hospital with a diagnosis of intussusception during a 10 year study period.Results:  One hundred and forty‐one confirmed cases met the inclusion criteria, giving an incidence of one case per 1450 ED presentations. The median age of presentation was 9 months, with a ratio of male to female of 2:1. Three or more of the four ‘classic’ features of intussusception (vomiting, abdominal pain, bloody/red currant jelly stool, or abdominal mass) were reported in only 46% of presentations. Median time to confirmation of diagnosis was 19 h from onset of symptoms. Ultrasound was the most commonly employed method used to confirm the diagnosis. Air enema had a success rate of 80%, with a reduced success rate beyond the first attempt. Early diagnosis was associated with decreased frequency of surgical intervention and need for bowel resection.Conclusion:  The ‘classic’ picture of intussusception might frequently not be present in children with intussusception. Reliance on ‘classic’ features alone might delay diagnosis. Delayed diagnosis is associated with poorer patient outcomes. Air enema has a high success rate for reduction of intussusception.
Histopathological assessment of lymph nodes in upper gastrointestinal cancer: does triple levelling detect significantly more metastases?
Authors: McGrath Stephen , Cross Sarah , Pritchard Susan Anne 
Published: February 2007

Background:For cancers of the upper gastrointestinal tract it is standard to examine one section/level, from paraffin blocks containing lymph node tissue, for metastatic tumour.Aims:To determine whether significantly more metastases can be detected by assessing two additional levels.Methods:101 archival upper gastrointestinal cancers were evaluated. All negative lymph nodes were examined at two additional levels separated by 100 μm and stained by H&E. The slides were examined for the presence of metastases.Results:1143 lymph nodes, that were originally clear of metastases, were examined at a further two levels (three levels in total); 23 additional metastases were identified in 17 patients. Eleven of these patients were already stage N1 before examination of the additional levels. However, six patients were originally N0, and were therefore upgraded to N1.Conclusions:Examining lymph nodes at three levels did detect more metastatic deposits than examination of one section/level. In six patients this changed the N stage from N0 to N1. This would have significant prognostic and management implications.
Sociocultural Predictors of Breast Cancer Risk Perceptions in African American Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Brewster Kiyona , Wileyto E. Paul , Kessler Lisa , Collier Aliya , Weathers Benita , Stopfer Jill E. , Domchek Susan , Halbert Chanita Hughes 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Although African American breast cancer survivors are at increased risk for developing breast cancer again, empirical data are not available on breast cancer risk perceptions in these women. This study characterized perceived risk of developing breast cancer in African American breast cancer survivors at risk for having a BRCA1 or BRCA1 (BRCA1/2) mutation and identified factors having significant independent associations with risk perceptions. Participants were 95 African American breast cancer survivors at an increased risk for having a BRCA1/2 mutation. Risk perceptions and sociodemographic, clinical, treatment, and sociocultural factors were collected during a structured telephone interview. Most women reported that they had the same or lower risk of developing breast cancer again compared with other women (53%); however, a substantial minority of women (47%) reported that they had a higher or much higher risk. Factors having significant independent associations with heightened risk perceptions included having a ≥10% prior probability of having a BRCA1/2 mutation [odds ratio (OR), 2.91; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.09-7.72; P = 0.03] and more years of formal education (OR, 2.74; 95% CI, 1.02-7.36; P = 0.05). In addition, women who thought about the past a lot were three times more likely to report heightened risk perceptions compared with those who did not think about the past a lot (OR, 3.72; 95% CI, 1.45-9.57; P = 0.01). These results suggest that it may be important to ensure adequate risk comprehension among African American women as part of genetic counseling for inherited breast-ovarian cancer risk. Discussion of risk perceptions within the context of existing beliefs and values may facilitate this process. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(2):244–8)
Lifetime Recreational and Occupational Physical Activity and Risk of In situ and Invasive Breast Cancer
Authors: Sprague Brian L. , Trentham-Dietz Amy , Newcomb Polly A. , Titus-Ernstoff Linda , Hampton John M. , Egan Kathleen M. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Numerous studies have observed reduced breast cancer risk with increasing levels of physical activity, yet these findings have been inconsistent about optimal times of activity and effect modification by other factors. We investigated the association between recreational and occupational physical activity and breast cancer risk in a population-based case-control study in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin. During structured telephone interviews, 7,630 controls, 1,689 in situ, and 6,391 invasive breast cancer cases, ages 20 to 69 years, reported lifetime history of recreational physical activity and occupation. Neither lifetime recreational nor strenuous occupational physical activity appeared to be associated with risk of breast carcinoma in situ. In contrast, recreational physical activity was associated with a reduced risk of invasive breast cancer. After adjustment for potentially confounding factors, women averaging &gt;6 h per week of strenuous recreational activity over their lifetime had a 23% reduction in the odds ratio of invasive breast cancer when compared with women reporting no recreational activity (95% confidence interval, 0.65-0.92; Ptrend = 0.05). However, this reduction in risk was limited to women without a first-degree family history of breast cancer (Pinteraction = 0.02). Inverse associations were observed for physical activity early in life, in the postmenopausal years, and in the recent past, but these findings were confined to women without a family history of breast cancer. Lifetime strenuous occupational activity was not associated with invasive breast cancer risk. These results provide further evidence that, for most women, physical activity may reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(2):236–43)
What Do Women in the U.S. Know about Human Papillomavirus and Cervical Cancer?
Authors: Tiro Jasmin A. , Meissner Helen I. , Kobrin Sarah , Chollette Veronica 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Background: Women need to understand the link between human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer in order to make appropriate, evidence-based choices among existing prevention strategies (Pap test, HPV DNA test, and HPV vaccine). Assessment of the public's knowledge in nationally representative samples is a high priority for cervical cancer control.
Objectives: To assess factors associated with U.S. women's awareness of HPV and knowledge about its link to cervical cancer.
Methods: Analyzed cross-sectional data from women ages 18 to 75 years old responding to the 2005 Health Information National Trends Survey (n = 3,076).
Results: Among the 40% of women who had ever heard about HPV, &lt;50% knew it caused cervical cancer; knowledge that HPV was sexually transmitted and caused abnormal Pap tests was higher (64% and 79%, respectively). Factors associated with having heard about HPV included: younger age, being non–Hispanic White, higher educational attainment, exposure to multiple health information sources, trusting health information, regular Pap tests, awareness of changes in cervical cancer screening guidelines, and having tested positive for HPV. Accurate knowledge of the HPV-cervical cancer link was associated with abnormal Pap and positive HPV test results.
Conclusions: Awareness about HPV among U.S. women is low. Having heard about HPV did not ensure accurate knowledge. Strategies for communicating accurate information about HPV transmission, prevention, and detection as well as risk and treatment of cervical cancer are needed. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(2):288–94)
The Prevalence of BRCA2 Mutations in Familial Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Couch Fergus J. , Johnson Michele R. , Rabe Kari G. , Brune Kieran , de Andrade Mariza , Goggins Michael , Rothenmund Heidi , Gallinger Steven , Klein Alison , Petersen Gloria M. , Hruban Ralph H. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractMutations in the BRCA2 gene have been implicated in pancreatic cancer susceptibility through studies of high-risk breast and ovarian cancer families. To determine the contribution of mutations in BRCA2 to familial pancreatic cancer, we screened affected probands from 151 high-risk families identified through pancreatic cancer clinics for germ-line BRCA2 mutations. Of these families, 118 had two or more first- and second-degree relatives with pancreatic cancer, and an additional 33 had two or more affected second-degree relatives. The average age of onset for pancreatic cancer was 62.8 years. Five BRCA2 truncating mutations were identified, three in families with two or more first- and second-degree relatives with pancreatic cancer. Three of the families with mutations had a history of breast cancer but not ovarian cancer. Four of five families with mutations were identified through probands with early-onset (&lt;55 years) pancreatic cancer. The results of this study were combined with those from a BRCA2 mutation study of 29 other families from the same Johns Hopkins University National Familial Pancreatic Tumor Registry to estimate the frequency of BRCA2 mutations. A total of 10 carriers from 180 families were identified, suggesting that BRCA2 mutations account for 6% of moderate and high-risk pancreatic cancer families. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(2):342–6)
Smoking, Helicobacter pylori Virulence, and Type of Intestinal Metaplasia in Portuguese Males
Authors: Peleteiro Bárbara , Lunet Nuno , Figueiredo Céu , Carneiro Fátima , David Leonor , Barros Henrique 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
High-virulence Helicobacter pylori strains and smoking increase the risk of gastric precancerous lesions. However, its association with specific types of intestinal metaplasia has been poorly studied. We aimed to quantify the association between different types of intestinal metaplasia (complete, incomplete, and mixed) and these two risk factors. Male volunteers (n = 227) underwent an upper digestive endoscopy and completed symptoms and lifestyle questionnaires. A histologic diagnosis was assigned based on the lesions found in any of the biopsy specimens (antrum, body, or incisura). H. pylori vacA and cagA were directly genotyped by multiplex PCR and reverse hybridization. Each participant's smoking status at the time of endoscopy was assessed. Logistic and multinomial logistic regression models were fitted (including H. pylori virulence, smoking, age, and education as independent variables) using normal/chronic nonatrophic gastritis as the reference category. Compared with never smokers infected with low-virulence strains, the risk of intestinal metaplasia was increased in subjects infected with high-virulence strains [odds ratio (OR), 5.74; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.68-19.63] and in ever smokers (OR, 3.54; 95% CI, 1.30-9.61). In ever smokers infected with high-virulence H. pylori strains, the risk of intestinal metaplasia was further increased (OR, 8.61; 95% CI, 3.07-24.17). Infection with high-virulence strains significantly increased the risk of incomplete (OR, 9.81; 95% CI, 2.39-40.31) and mixed (OR, 3.28; 95% CI, 1.51-7.14) intestinal metaplasia. Complete (OR, 2.82; 95% CI, 1.01-7.88) and mixed (OR, 2.97; 95% CI, 1.12-7.84) intestinal metaplasia were more frequent among ever smokers. High-virulence H. pylori strains and smoking are differentially associated with the complete and incomplete types of intestinal metaplasia, suggesting divergent pathways in gastric carcinogenesis. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(2):322–6)
Prognostic nomogram and index for overall survival in previously untreated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Wierda William G. , O'Brien Susan , Wang Xuemei , Faderl Stefan , Ferrajoli Alessandra , Do Kim-Anh , Cortes Jorge , Thomas Deborah , Garcia-Manero Guillermo , Koller Charles , Beran Miloslav , Giles Francis , Ravandi Farhad , Lerner Susan , Kantarjian Hagop , Keating Michael 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
The clinical course for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia is extremely heterogeneous. The Rai and Binet staging systems have been used to risk-stratify patients; most patients present with early-stage disease. We evaluated a group of previously untreated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) at initial presentation to University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center to identify independent characteristics that predict for overall survival. Clinical and routine laboratory characteristics for 1674 previously untreated patients who presented for evaluation of CLL from 1981 to 2004 were included. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified several patient characteristics at presentation that predicted for overall survival in previously untreated patients with CLL. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was developed, including the following independent characteristics: age, β-2 microglobulin, absolute lymphocyte count, sex, Rai stage, and number of involved lymph node groups. Inclusion of patients from a single institution and the proportion of patients younger than 65 years may limit this model. A weighted prognostic model, or nomogram, predictive for overall survival was constructed using these 6 characteristics for 5- and 10-year survival probability and estimated median survival time. This prognostic model may help patients and clinicians in clinical decision making as well as in clinical research and clinical trial design.
Point mutations and genomic deletions in CCND1 create stable truncated cyclin D1 mRNAs that are associated with increased proliferation rate and shorter survival
Authors: Wiestner Adrian , Tehrani Mahsa , Chiorazzi Michael , Wright George , Gibellini Federica , Nakayama Kazutaka , Liu Hui , Rosenwald Andreas , Muller-Hermelink H. Konrad , Ott German , Chan Wing C. , Greiner Timothy C. , Weisenburger Dennis D. , Vose Julie , Armitage James O. , Gascoyne Randy D. , Connors Joseph M. , Campo Elias , Montserrat Emilio , Bosch Francesc , Smeland Erlend B. , Kvaloy Stein , Holte Harald , Delabie Jan , Fisher Richard I. , Grogan Thomas M. , Miller Thomas P. , Wilson Wyndham H. , Jaffe Elaine S. , Staudt Louis M. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA gene expression signature of tumor proliferation rate in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an overriding molecular predictor of the length of survival following diagnosis. Many strongly proliferative MCL tumors have exceptionally high cyclin D1 mRNA levels and preferentially express short cyclin D1 mRNA isoforms. We demonstrate here that these short mRNAs are cyclin D1a isoforms with truncated 3′UTRs, not alternatively spliced cyclin D1b mRNA isoforms. Among 15 MCL tumors with truncated cyclin D1 mRNAs, 7 had genomic deletions in the CCND1 3′UTR region. In 3 others, CCND1 contained point mutations that created premature polyadenylation signals, giving rise to 1.5-kb mRNAs lacking most of the 3′UTR. Both types of genomic alteration created transcripts lacking mRNA destabilization elements present in the wild-type cyclin D1a mRNA. Premature polyadenylation due to a 3′UTR mutation also was present in the Z-138 MCL cell line, which expressed both truncated and full-length cyclin D1a mRNAs. In these cells, the half-life of the short cyclin D1a mRNA was much longer than that of the full-length mRNA. We conclude that alterations of CCND1 3′UTR structure can significantly increase its oncogenic effect and worsen the clinical course of MCL patients.
Ineffective erythropoiesis in β-thalassemia is characterized by increased iron absorption mediated by down-regulation of hepcidin and up-regulation of ferroportin
Authors: Gardenghi Sara , Marongiu Maria F. , Ramos Pedro , Guy Ella , Breda Laura , Chadburn Amy , Liu YiFang , Amariglio Ninette , Rechavi Gideon , Rachmilewitz Eliezer A. , Breuer William , Cabantchik Z. Ioav , Wrighting Diedra M. , Andrews Nancy C. , de Sousa Maria , Giardina Patricia J. , Grady Robert W. , Rivella Stefano 
Published: February 2007

AbstractProgressive iron overload is the most salient and ultimately fatal complication of β-thalassemia. However, little is known about the relationship among ineffective erythropoiesis (IE), the role of iron-regulatory genes, and tissue iron distribution in β-thalassemia. We analyzed tissue iron content and iron-regulatory gene expression in the liver, duodenum, spleen, bone marrow, kidney, and heart of mice up to 1 year old that exhibit levels of iron overload and anemia consistent with both β-thalassemia intermedia (th3/+) and major (th3/th3). Here we show, for the first time, that tissue and cellular iron distribution are abnormal and different in th3/+ and th3/th3 mice, and that transfusion therapy can rescue mice affected by β-thalassemia major and modify both the absorption and distribution of iron. Our study reveals that the degree of IE dictates tissue iron distribution and that IE and iron content regulate hepcidin (Hamp1) and other iron-regulatory genes such as Hfe and Cebpa. In young th3/+ and th3/th3 mice, low Hamp1 levels are responsible for increased iron absorption. However, in 1-year-old th3/+ animals, Hamp1 levels rise and it is rather the increase of ferroportin (Fpn1) that sustains iron accumulation, thus revealing a fundamental role of this iron transporter in the iron overload of β-thalassemia.
Platelet-bound lipopolysaccharide enhances Fc receptor–mediated phagocytosis of IgG-opsonized platelets
Authors: Semple John W. , Aslam Rukhsana , Kim Michael , Speck Edwin R. , Freedman John 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPlatelets express Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and this has been shown to be responsible for the thrombocytopenia induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration in vivo. We studied the role of LPS in mediating platelet phagocytosis by THP-1 cells in vitro by flow cytometry. Opsonization of platelets with an IgG monoclonal (W6/32) antibody or with IgG autoantibody-positive sera from patients with autoimmune thrombocytopenia (AITP) significantly enhanced platelet phagocytosis (P < .001). In contrast, platelet phagocytosis did not occur if platelets were bound with only LPS. If, however, the LPS-bound platelets were also opsonized with either W6/32 or autoantibody-positive sera with titers greater than 4, there was a significant and synergistic increase in Fc-dependent platelet phagocytosis (P < .001, P = .003, P = .048, and P = .047). These results suggest that, in the presence of antiplatelet antibodies, bacterial products can significantly alter platelet phagocytosis, and this may have relevance to how Gram-negative infections enhance platelet destruction in some patients with AITP.
A comparative study of the actions of alkylpyridinium salts from a marine sponge and related synthetic compounds in rat cultured hippocampal neurones
Authors: Koss David J , Hindley Kathleen P , David Kanola C , Mancini Ines , Guella Graziano , Sepčić Kristina , Turk Tom , Rebolj Katja , Riedel Gernot , Platt Bettina , Scott Roderick H 
Published: February 2007

Abstract

Background
Polymeric alkylpyridinium salts (poly-APS), are chemical defences produced by marine sponges including Reniera sarai. Poly-APS have previously been shown to effectively deliver macromolecules into cells. The efficiency of this closely follows the ability of poly-APS to form transient pores in membranes, providing strong support for a pore-based delivery mechanism. Recently, water soluble compounds have been synthesised that are structurally related to the natural polymers but bear a different number of pyridinium units. These compounds may share a number of bio-activities with poly-APS. Using electrophysiology, calcium imaging and 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene imaging, the pore forming properties of poly-APS and four related synthetic oligomers have been tested on primary cultured rat hippocampal neurones.

Results
Acute application of poly-APS (0.5 μg/ml), reduced membrane potential, input resistance and suppressed action potential firing. Poly-APS evoked inward cation currents with linear current-voltage relationships similar to actions of pore formers on other cell types. Poly-APS (0.005–5 μg/ml) also produced Ca2+ transients in ~41% of neurones. The dose-dependence of poly-APS actions were complex, such that at 0.05 μg/ml and 5 μg/ml poly-APS produced varying magnitudes of membrane permeability depending on the order of application. Data from surface plasmon resonance analysis suggested accumulation of poly-APS in membranes and subsequent enhanced poly-APS binding. Even at 10–100 fold higher concentrations, none of the synthetic compounds produced changes in electrophysiological characteristics of the same magnitude as poly-APS. Of the synthetic oligomers tested compounds 1 (monomeric) and tetrameric 4 (5–50 μg/ml) induced small transient currents and 3 (trimeric) and 4 (tetrameric) produced significant Ca2+ transients in hippocampal neurones.

Conclusion
Poly-APS induced pore formation in hippocampal neurones and such pores were transient, with neurones recovering from exposure to these polymers. Synthetic structurally related oligomers were not potent pore formers when compared to poly-APS and affected a smaller percentage of the hippocampal neurone population. Poly-APS may have potential as agents for macromolecular delivery into CNS neurones however; the smaller synthetic oligomers tested in this study show little potential for such use. This comparative analysis indicated that the level of polymerisation giving rise to the supermolecular structure in the natural compounds, is likely to be responsible for the activity here reported.