bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vivo MRI volumetric measurement of prostate regression and growth in mice
Authors: Nastiuk Kent L , Liu Hui , Hamamura Mark , Muftuler L Tugan , Nalcioglu Orhan , Krolewski John J 
Published: July 2007

Abstract

Background

Mouse models for treatment of late-stage prostate cancer are valuable tools, but assessing the extent of growth of the prostate and particularly its regression due to therapeutic intervention or castration is difficult due to the location, small size and interdigitated anatomy of the prostate gland in situ. Temporal monitoring of mouse prostate regression requires multiple animals and examination of histological sections.

Methods

Initially, T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on normal year-old C57/BL6 mice. Individual mice were repeatedly imaged using inhalation anesthesia to establish the reproducibility of the method and to follow hormone manipulation of the prostate volume. Subsequently, MRI fat signal was suppressed using a chemical shift-selective (CHESS) pulse to avoid signal contamination and enhance discrimination of the prostate.

Results

High field (7T) MRI provides high resolution (117 × 117 μm in plane), highly reproducible images of the normal mouse prostate. Despite long imaging times, animals can be imaged repeatedly to establish reliability of volume measurements. Prostate volume declines following castration and subsequently returns to normal with androgen administration in the same animal. CHESS imaging allowed discrimination of both the margins of the prostate and the dorsal-lateral lobes of the prostate (DLP) from the ventral lobes (VP). Castration results in a 40% reduction in the volume of the DLP and a 75% reduction in the volume of the VP.

Conclusion

MRI assessment of the volume of the mouse prostate is precise and reproducible. MRI improves volumetric determination of the extent of regression and monitoring of the same mouse over time during the course of treatment is possible. Since assessing groups of animals at each time point is avoided, this improves the accuracy of the measurement of any manipulation effect and reduces the number of animals required.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the knee in Norway 2002–2004 (national survey): rapid increase, older patients, large geographic differences
Authors: Espeland Ansgar , Natvig Nils L , Løge Ingard , Engebretsen Lars , Ellingsen Jostein 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
Background
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee is the second most common MRI examination in Norway after head/brain MRI. Little has been published internationally on trends in the use of knee MRI after 1999. This study aimed to describe levels and trends in ambulant knee MRI utilisation in Norway 2002–2004 in relation to type of radiology service, geographic regions, number of MRI-scanners, patient age and gender, and type of referring health care provider.

Methods
We analysed administrative data on all claims for reimbursement of ambulant knee MRI performed in Norway in 2002, 2003 and 2004 and noted nominal reimbursement. We also recorded the referring health care provider from clinical requests of ambulant knee MRI done consecutively during two months in 2004 at one private institute and three hospitals. Number of MRI-scanners was given by manufacturers and radiology services.

Results
In Norway, the rate of knee MRI claims for 2004 was 15.6 per 1000 persons. This rate was 74% higher in East than in North region (18.4 vs. 10.6), slightly higher for men than women (16.4 vs. 14.7) and highest for ages 50–59 years (29.0) and 60–69 years (21.2). Most claims (76% for 2004) came from private radiology services. In 2004, the referring health care provider was a general practitioner in 63% of claims (unspecified in 24%) and in 83.5% (394/472) of clinical requests. From 2002 to 2004, the rate of knee MRI claims increased 64%. In the age group 50 years or above the increase was 86%. Rate of MRI-scanners increased 43% to 21 scanners per million persons in 2004. Reimbursement for knee MRI claims (nominal value) increased 80% to 70 million Norwegian kroner in 2004.

Conclusion
Ambulant knee MRI utilisation in Norway increases rapidly especially for patients over 50, and shows large geographic differences. Evaluation of clinical outcomes of this activity is needed together with clinical guidelines for use of knee MRI.
Complete suppression of viral gene expression is associated with the onset and progression of lymphoid malignancy: observations in Bovine Leukemia Virus-infected sheep
Authors: Merimi Makram , Klener Pavel , Szynal Maud , Cleuter Yvette , Bagnis Claude , Kerkhofs Pierre , Burny Arsène , Martiat Philippe , Van den Broeke Anne 
Published: July 2007

Abstract

Background
During malignant progression, tumor cells need to acquire novel characteristics that lead to uncontrolled growth and reduced immunogenicity. In the Bovine Leukemia Virus-induced ovine leukemia model, silencing of viral gene expression has been proposed as a mechanism leading to immune evasion. However, whether proviral expression in tumors is completely suppressed in vivo was not conclusively demonstrated. Therefore, we studied viral expression in two selected experimentally-infected sheep, the virus or the disease of which had features that made it possible to distinguish tumor cells from their nontransformed counterparts.

Results
In the first animal, we observed the emergence of a genetically modified provirus simultaneously with leukemia onset. We found a Tax-mutated (TaxK303) replication-deficient provirus in the malignant B-cell clone while functional provirus (TaxE303) had been consistently monitored over the 17-month aleukemic period. In the second case, both non-transformed and transformed BLV-infected cells were present at the same time, but at distinct sites. While there was potentially-active provirus in the non-leukemic blood B-cell population, as demonstrated by ex-vivo culture and injection into naïve sheep, virus expression was completely suppressed in the malignant B-cells isolated from the lymphoid tumors despite the absence of genetic alterations in the proviral genome. These observations suggest that silencing of viral genes, including the oncoprotein Tax, is associated with tumor onset.

Conclusion
Our findings suggest that silencing is critical for tumor progression and identify two distinct mechanisms-genetic and epigenetic-involved in the complete suppression of virus and Tax expression. We demonstrate that, in contrast to systems that require sustained oncogene expression, the major viral transforming protein Tax can be turned-off without reversing the transformed phenotype. We propose that suppression of viral gene expression is a contributory factor in the impairment of immune surveillance and the uncontrolled proliferation of the BLV-infected tumor cell.
Celastrus aculeatusMerr. suppresses the induction and progression of autoimmune arthritis by modulating immune response to heat-shock protein 65
Authors: Tong Li , Moudgil Kamal D 
Published: July 2007

AbstractComplementary and alternative medicine products are increasingly being used for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. However, the mechanisms of action of these agents are not fully defined. Using the rat adjuvant arthritis (AA) model of human rheumatoid arthritis, we determined whether the ethanol extract of Celastrus aculeatus Merr. (Celastrus), a Chinese herb, can down-modulate the severity of AA, and also examined the Celastrus-induced changes in immune responses to the disease-related antigen mycobacterial heat-shock protein 65 (Bhsp65). AA was induced in the Lewis (LEW; RT.1l) rat by immunization subcutaneously with heat-killed M. tuberculosis H37Ra (Mtb). Celastrus was fed to LEW rats by gavage daily, beginning either before Mtb challenge (preventive regimen) or after the onset of AA (therapeutic regimen). An additional group of rats was given methotrexate for comparison. All rats were graded regularly for the signs of arthritis. In parallel, the draining lymph node cells of Celastrus-treated rats were tested for proliferative and cytokine responses, whereas their sera were tested for the inflammatory mediator nitric oxide. Celastrus feeding suppressed both the induction as well as the progression of AA, and the latter effect was comparable to that of methotrexate. Celastrus treatment induced relative deviation of the cytokine response to anti-inflammatory type and enhanced the production of anti-Bhsp65 antibodies, which are known to be protective against AA. Celastrus feeding also reduced the levels of nitric oxide. On the basis of our results, we suggest further systematic exploration of Celastrus as an adjunct therapeutic modality for rheumatoid arthritis.
Breast cancer is a promising target for vaccination using cancer-testis antigens known to elicit immune responses
Authors: Taylor Mark , Bolton Louise M , Johnson Peter , Elliott Tim , Murray Nick 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
Introduction
Cancer-testis antigens (CTAGs) are expressed solely in germ cells and in malignant tissues. They are targets of immune responses mediated by cytotoxic T cells in some cancers, and there is much interest in developing vaccines that induce these responses. The purpose of the present study was to ascertain the frequency of expression of CTAGs in breast cancer.

Methods
Breast tumours were collected sequentially in the Southampton Tumour Bank from donors who had given written informed consent. Stored samples where there was sufficient material were sampled in sequence. An initial series of 42 tumours was screened for expression of 17 different CTAGs. A second panel of 40 tumours was screened for the expression of those antigens present in the first panel.

Results
Ninety-three per cent of tumours in the first series expressed at least one CTAG, and 62% expressed the single antigen CTAG1. Eighty per cent of tumours in the second series expressed at least one CTAG, 50% expressing CTAG1. Tumours exhibiting higher risk features tended to express more CTAGs.

Conclusion
More than two-thirds of breast cancers would be covered by a vaccine directed against just three CTAGs – CTAG1, BAGE1, and MAGEA10 – all of which are known to be targets of cytotoxic-T-lymphocyte responses.
Meta-analysis of primary target genes of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors
Authors: Heinäniemi Merja , Uski J Oskari , Degenhardt Tatjana , Carlberg Carsten 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
Background
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are known for their critical role in the development of diseases, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer. Here, an in silico screening method is presented, which incorporates experiment- and informatics-derived evidence, such as DNA-binding data of PPAR subtypes to a panel of PPAR response elements (PPREs), PPRE location relative to the transcription start site (TSS) and PPRE conservation across multiple species, for more reliable prediction of PPREs.

Results
In vitro binding and in vivo functionality evidence agrees with in silico predictions, validating the approach. The experimental analysis of 30 putative PPREs in eight validated PPAR target genes indicates that each gene contains at least one functional, strong PPRE that occurs without positional bias relative to the TSS. An extended analysis of the cross-species conservation of PPREs reveals limited conservation of PPRE patterns, although PPAR target genes typically contain strong or multiple medium strength PPREs. Human chromosome 19 was screened using this method, with validation of six novel PPAR target genes.

Conclusion
An in silico screening approach is presented, which allows increased sensitivity of PPAR binding site and target gene detection.
Fertility and Risk Factors for Elevated Infertility Concern in 10-Year Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Survivors and Case-Matched Controls
Authors: Hammond Camille , Abrams Janet R. , Syrjala Karen L. 
Published: July 2007

Purpose To describe fertility status and the prevalence of and risk factors for elevated infertility concern in 10-year adult cancer survivors who underwent myeloablative stem cell transplant (SCT). Patients and Methods Perceived fertility status, conception efforts, and infertility concern were reported before transplant and after 10 years by 120 cancer survivors who received myeloablative SCT and their case-matched controls. Results Respondents (including cases and controls) were predominantly white and married. Sex, age, race, ethnicity and education level were case matched. Four survivors (all males) conceived after completing cancer treatment, one with unassisted conception. Twenty-two percent of survivors compared with 9% of controls reported that they had looked into family-building options because of infertility (P = .009). Fourteen survivors (12%) compared with eight controls (7%) indicated that they had tried unsuccessfully to have children in the previous 10 years (P = not significant). One quarter of survivors had moderate to high levels of concern about infertility, compared with 7% of controls. A majority of survivors younger than age 40 years (n = 20; 54%) expressed elevated infertility concern. Survivors without children before transplant had greater risk of elevated concern after 10 years (odds ratio, 3.41; 95% CI, 1.93 to 11.30; P = .05). Although female controls were more likely to express elevated infertility concern (P = .007), sex did not discriminate concern among survivors. Conclusion The prevalence of infertility and related concerns is higher among long-term SCT survivors than among age-, sex-, and education-matched controls. Younger SCT recipients and those without children have persistent fertility-related needs even 10 years after treatment.
Low ERG and BAALC Expression Identifies a New Subgroup of Adult Acute T-Lymphoblastic Leukemia With a Highly Favorable Outcome
Authors: Baldus Claudia D. , Martus Peter , Burmeister Thomas , Schwartz Stefan , Gökbuget Nicola , Bloomfield Clara D. , Hoelzer Dieter , Thiel Eckhard , Hofmann Wolf K. 
Published: July 2007

Purpose Expression of the genes ERG (v-ets erythroblastosis virus E26 oncogene homolog) and BAALC (brain and acute leukemia, cytoplasmic) shows similarity during hematopoietic maturation and predicts outcome in acute myeloid leukemia. We hypothesized that like ERG, BAALC expression might be of prognostic significance in acute T-lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and that ERG and BAALC expression together would better identify the patient's risk profile. Patients and Methods ERG and BAALC mRNA expression were determined by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in 153 adults with T-ALL. Patients were designated low or high ERG expressers and low or high BAALC expressers. Results High BAALC expression correlated with a higher frequency of early T-ALL (P < .0001), CD34 positivity (P < .0001), coexpression of myeloid markers (P = .0001), and high ERG expression (P = .03). High BAALC compared with low BAALC patients had an inferior relapse-free survival (RFS; P = .0008) and overall survival (OS; P = .0001). In contrast, patients with low expression of both ERG and BAALC (representing 41% of all T-ALL patients) had the most favorable outcome (P < .0001; 4-year RFS: low ERG/low BAALC 81%; P < .0001; 4-year OS: low ERG/low BAALC 69%). On multivariable analysis, low ERG/low BAALC expression was of independent favorable prognostic significance (RFS, P = .001; OS, P = .003). Conclusion Low expression of both ERG and BAALC identifies T-ALL patients with a distinctly favorable long-term outcome.
Early Interim 2-[18F]Fluoro-2-Deoxy-D-Glucose Positron Emission Tomography Is Prognostically Superior to International Prognostic Score in Advanced-Stage Hodgkin's Lymphoma: A Report From a Joint Italian-Danish Study
Authors: Gallamini Andrea , Hutchings Martin , Rigacci Luigi , Specht Lena , Merli Francesco , Hansen Mads , Patti Caterina , Loft Annika , Di Raimondo Francesco , D'Amore Francesco , Biggi Alberto , Vitolo Umberto , Stelitano Caterina , Sancetta Rosario , Trentin Livio , Luminari Stefano , Iannitto Emilio , Viviani Simonetta , Pierri Ivana , Levis Alessandro 
Published: July 2007

Purpose Starting from November 2001, 260 newly diagnosed patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) were consecutively enrolled in parallel Italian and Danish prospective trials to evaluate the prognostic role of an early interim 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scan and the International Prognostic Score (IPS) in advanced HL, treated with conventional ABVD (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine) therapy. Patients and Methods Most patients (n = 190) presented with advanced disease (stages IIB through IVB), whereas 70 presented in stage IIA with adverse prognostic factors. All but 11 patients were treated with standard ABVD therapy followed by consolidation radiotherapy in case of bulky presentation or residual tumor mass. Conventional radiologic staging was performed at baseline. FDG-PET scan was performed at baseline and after two courses of ABVD (PET-2). No treatment change was allowed on the basis of the PET-2 results. Results After a median follow-up of 2.19 years (range, 0.32 to 5.18 years), 205 patients were in continued complete remission and two patients were in partial remission. Forty-three patients progressed during therapy or immediately after, whereas 10 patients relapsed. The 2-year progression-free survival for patients with positive PET-2 results was 12.8% and for patients with negative PET-2 results was 95.0% (P < .0001). In univariate analysis, the treatment outcome was significantly associated with PET-2 (P < .0001), stage IV (P < .0001), WBC more than 15,000 (P < .0001), lymphopenia (P < .001), IPS as a continuous variable (P < .0001), extranodal involvement (P < .0001), and bulky disease (P = .012). In multivariate analyses, only PET-2 turned out to be significant (P < .0001). Conclusion PET-2 overshadows the prognostic value of IPS and emerges as the single most important tool for planning of risk-adapted treatment in advanced HL.
Minimizing culpability increases commission errors in a mock crime paradigm
Authors: van Oorsouw K. , Giesbrecht T. 
Published: July 2007

Purpose. Empirical studies have demonstrated that feigning amnesia undermines memory for a mock crime. Not much is known about the effects of other culpability‐reducing strategies on memory. The present study investigated what strategies participants use when they are instructed to minimize culpability and if these strategies undermine memory to a similar extent as claiming amnesia.Methods. Participants performed a mock crime. Next, they were either instructed to minimize culpability for this mock crime in a simulated interrogation or asked to respond honestly. One week later, memory for the mock crime was tested.Results. None of the participants claimed amnesia when trying to minimize culpability. Conversely, all participants fabricated an alternative account of their role in the crime. Compared with responding honestly on both tests, fabricating an alternative story on the first test undermined memory for the mock crime in terms of commission errors. Correct recall was unaffected. It appeared that this effect was related to story length: the longer the fabricated story, the more the commission errors when telling the truth 1 week later.Conclusions. Fabricating an alternative story (i.e. lying) did not compromise correct recall, but induced more commission errors. The findings are discussed in terms of possible underlying mechanisms.
Development of an Integrated Assay for Detection of BCR-ABL RNA
Authors: Winn-Deen Emily S , Helton Bret , Van Atta Reuel , Wong Wendy , Peralta Jeffrey , Wang James , Tsongalis Gregory J , Belloni Dorothy , Chan David , Eshleman James R , Gocke Christopher D , Jobbagy Zsolt , Beppu Lan , Radich Jerald P 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
Background: Current practice guidelines for managing patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) call for monitoring BCR-ABL transcript concentrations with a quantitative reverse transcription–PCR (qRT-PCR) assay. Because the available laboratory-developed assays lack consensus on the appropriate design, reporting of results, and reference intervals, we developed and evaluated an integrated BCR-ABL assay that yields standardized results for any laboratory and can be performed by technicians with no specialized training.
Methods: We used the Cepheid Xpert® BCR-ABL Monitor assay to measure both BCR-ABL and ABL (endogenous control) transcripts in blood samples from CML patients and healthy individuals. The assay involves 8 manual pipetting steps, fully automated nucleic acid purification, a nested qRT-PCR step, and data analysis.
Results: The BCR-ABL assay requires approximately 2 h 20 min and covers a 5-log concentration range with a lower detection limit for the BCR-ABL:ABL ratio of approximately 0.005%. Assay results were negative for 100% of the 56 known CML-negative samples (12 patients with other hematologic disorders and 44 healthy blood donors). Testing of CML-positive patients undergoing disease monitoring showed 85% agreement with negative results (17 of 20) and 100% agreement with positive results (26 of 26). An imprecision/portability study revealed no differences in performance between sites, days, instruments, and operators.
Conclusions: The Xpert BCR-ABL Monitor assay provides a robust and reproducible alternative to laboratory-developed assays. Its ease of use may allow more laboratories to offer BCR-ABL testing for patients, and the short assay time enables same-day results for treating physicians.
Grouting Performance of Microfine Cement and Silica Fume Mix into Sands
Authors: Mollamahmutoğlu Murat , Yılmaz Yüksel , Kutlu İhsan 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the groutability of a microfine cement and silica fume mix grout into fine to medium sands. The basic rheological properties of the cement and silica fume mix suspension (microfine cement: 90 % of solids by weight and silica fume: 10 % of solids by weight) with water/solid ratio of 1.0 are first determined. In addition, penetration performance of the suspension into fine to medium sand specimens having different relative densities is investigated. Unconfined compression and permeability tests were performed on the grouted specimens. It is found that the unconfined compressive strengths of sand specimens permeated the grout mix were higher than those of sand specimens permeated with cement but without silica fume additive. Permeability tests on specimens permeated with cement/silica fume revealed that the permeability in these specimens is lower than that of specimens permeated with cement only.