bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
pRb-mediated control of epithelial cell proliferation and Indian Hedgehog expression in mouse intestinal development
Authors: Yang Hai-Su , Hinds Philip W 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
Background
Self-renewal of the epithelium of the small intestine is a highly regulated process involving cell proliferation and differentiation of stem cells or progenitor cells located at the bottom of the crypt, ending ultimately with extrusion of the terminally differentiated cells at the tip of villus.

Results
Here, we utilized the Cre/loxP system to investigate the function of the retinoblastoma protein, pRb in intestinal epithelium. pRb null mice displayed a profoundly altered development of the intestine with increased proliferation and abnormal expression of differentiation markers. Loss of pRb induces cell hyperproliferation in the proliferative region (crypt) as well as in the differentiated zone (villi). The absence of pRb further results in an increase in the population of enterocytes, goblet, enteroendocrine and Paneth cells. In addition, differentiated enteroendocrine cells failed to exit the cell cycle in the absence of pRb. These proliferative changes were accompanied by increased expression of Indian hedgehog and activation of hedgehog signals, a known pathway for intestinal epithelial cell proliferation.

Conclusion
Our studies have revealed a unique function of pRb in intestine development which is critical for controlling not only the proliferation of a stem cell or progenitor cell population but that of terminally differentiated cells as well.
Demographic and occupational predictors of early response to a mailed invitation to enroll in a longitudinal health study
Authors: Chretien Jean-Paul , Chu Laura K , Smith Tyler C , Smith Besa , Ryan Margaret AK ,   the Millennium Cohort Study Team
Published: January 2007

Abstract

Background
Often in survey research, subsets of the population invited to complete the survey do not respond in a timely manner and valuable resources are expended in recontact efforts. Various methods of improving response have been offered, such as reducing questionnaire length, offering incentives, and utilizing reminders; however, these methods can be costly. Utilizing characteristics of early responders (refusal or consent) in enrollment and recontact efforts may be a unique and cost-effective approach for improving the quality of epidemiologic research.

Methods
To better understand early responders of any kind, we compared the characteristics of individuals who explicitly refused, consented, or did not respond within 2 months from the start of enrollment into a large cohort study of US military personnel. A multivariate polychotomous logistic regression model was used to estimate the effect of each covariate on the odds of early refusal and on the odds of early consent versus late/non-response, while simultaneously adjusting for all other variables in the model.

Results
From regression analyses, we found many similarities between early refusers and early consenters. Factors associated with both early refusal and early consent included older age, higher education, White race/ethnicity, Reserve/Guard affiliation, and certain information technology and support occupations.

Conclusion
These data suggest that early refusers may differ from late/non-responders, and that certain characteristics are associated with both early refusal and early consent to participate. Structured recruitment efforts that utilize these differences may achieve early response, thereby reducing mail costs and the use of valuable resources in subsequent contact efforts.
Value of histopathologic analysis of subcutis excisions by general practitioners
Authors: Buis Pieter AJ , Verweij Wim , van Diest Paul J 
Published: January 2007

Abstract

Background
Only around 60% of skin lesions excised by GPs are referred to a pathologist. Clinical diagnoses of skin excisions by GPs may not be very accurate. Subcutis excisions are rarely done by GPs, and there is hence little information in the literature on the histopathological yield of subcutis excisions by GPs with regard to malignancies.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the yield of histopathological investigation of a relatively large group of subcutis excisions by GPs, with special emphasis on discrepancies between clinical and histopathological diagnoses of malignancy.

Methods
We investigated a series of 90 subcutis excisions, which was derived from a database of consecutive GP submissions from the years 1999–2000 where in the same time period 4595 skin excisions were performed by the same group of GPs. This underlines the apparent reluctance of GPs to perform subcutis excisions.

Results
The final diagnosis was benign in 88 cases (97.8%) and malignant in 2 cases (2.2%). Seven cases had no clinical diagnosis, all of which were benign. Of the 83 clinically benign cases, 81 (97.6%) were indeed benign and 2 (2.4%) were malignant: one Merkel cell carcinoma and one dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. The former was clinically thought to be a lipoma, and the latter a trichilemmal cyst. The dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans presented at the age of 27, and the Merkel cell carcinoma at the age of 60. Both were incompletely removed and required re-excision by a surgical oncologist.

Conclusion
Histopathological investigation of subcutis excisions by GPs yields unexpected and rare malignancies in about 2% of cases that may initially be excised inadequately. Based on these data, and because of the relatively rareness of these type of excisions, it could be argued that it may be worthwhile to have all subcutis excisions by GPs routinely investigated by histopathology.
Heating as a rapid purification method for recovering correctly-folded thermotolerant VH and VHH domains
Authors: Olichon Aurelien , Schweizer Daniel , Muyldermans Serge , de Marco Ario 
Published: January 2007

Abstract

Background
Recombinant antibodies from Camelidae (VHHs) are potentially useful tools for both basic research and biotechnological applications because of their small size, robustness, easy handling and possibility to refold after chemio-physical denaturation. Their heat tolerance is a particularly interesting feature because it has been recently related to both high yields during recombinant expression and selective purification of folded protein.

Results
Purification of recombinant RE3 VHH by heat treatment yielded the same amount of antibody as purification by affinity chromatography and negligible differences were found in stability, secondary structure and functionality. Similar results were obtained using another class of thermotolerant proteins, the single domain VH scaffold, described by Jespers et al. [8]. However, thermosensitive VHs could not withstand the heat treatment and co-precipitated with the bacterial proteins. In both cases, the thermotolerant proteins unfolded during the treatment but promptly refolded when moved back to a compatible temperature.

Conclusion
Heat treatment can simplify the purification protocol of thermotolerant proteins as well as remove any soluble aggregate. Since the re-folding capability after heat-induced denaturation was previously correlated to higher performance during recombinant expression, a unique heating step can be envisaged to screen constructs that can provide high yields of correctly-folded proteins.
Attainment of clinical performance targets and improvement in clinical outcomes and resource use in hemodialysis care: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Plantinga Laura C , Fink Nancy E , Jaar Bernard G , Sadler John H , Levin Nathan W , Coresh Josef , Klag Michael J , Powe Neil R 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
Background
Clinical performance targets are intended to improve patient outcomes in chronic disease through quality improvement, but evidence of an association between multiple target attainment and patient outcomes in routine clinical practice is often lacking.

Methods
In a national prospective cohort study (ESRD Quality, or EQUAL), we examined whether attainment of multiple targets in 668 incident hemodialysis patients from 74 U.S. not-for-profit dialysis clinics was associated with better outcomes. We measured whether the following accepted clinical performance targets were met at 6 months after study enrollment: albumin (≥4.0 g/dl), hemoglobin (≥11 g/dl), calcium-phosphate product (<55 mg2/dl2), dialysis dose (Kt/V≥1.2), and vascular access type (fistula). Outcomes included mortality, hospital admissions, hospital days, and hospital costs.

Results
Attainment of each of the five targets was associated individually with better outcomes; e.g., patients who attained the albumin target had decreased mortality [relative hazard (RH) = 0.55, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.41–0.75], hospital admissions [incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 0.67, 95% CI, 0.62–0.73], hospital days (IRR = 0.61, 95% CI, 0.58–0.63), and hospital costs (average annual cost reduction = $3,282, P = 0.002), relative to those who did not. Increasing numbers of targets attained were also associated, in a graded fashion, with decreased mortality (P = 0.030), fewer hospital admissions and days (P < 0.001 for both), and lower costs (P = 0.029); these trends remained statistically significant for all outcomes after adjustment (P < 0.001), except cost, which was marginally significant (P = 0.052).

Conclusion
Attainment of more clinical performance targets, regardless of which targets, was strongly associated with decreased mortality, hospital admissions, and resource use in hemodialysis patients.
Developmental stage on day-5 and fragmentation rate on day-3 can influence the implantation potential of top-quality blastocysts in IVF cycles with single embryo transfer
Authors: della Ragione Tiziana , Verheyen Greta , Papanikolaou Evangelos G , Van Landuyt Lisbet , Devroey Paul , Van Steirteghem Andre 
Published: January 2007

Abstract

Background
In IVF-ICSI cycles with single embryo transfer (SET), embryo selection for transfer is of crucial importance. The present study aimed to define which embryo parameters might be related to the implantation potential of advanced blastocysts.

Methods
Overall, in 203 cycles with SET, developmental characteristics of 93 implanted (group A) and 110 non-implanted (group B) advanced blastocysts of good quality were compared. The following developmental parameters were assessed in the two groups: normal fertilization, developmental stage on day 5, number of blastomeres on day 2 and on day 3, fragmentation rate on day 3, compaction on day 4 and cleavage pattern on day 2 and day 3.

Results
Expanded blastocysts compared to full blastocysts have higher implantation potential (56.5% vs. 29.3%, p < 0.05). In group B, a higher proportion of advanced blastocysts showed between 10% and 50% anucleated fragments on day 3 than in group A (23.6 vs 11.8, P = 0.03). Advanced blastocysts with >10–50% fragments on day 3 showed a significant lower implantation (29.7%) than those with ≤ 10%fragments (49.4%, P = 0.03). All the other parameters analysed were comparable for the two groups.

Conclusion
Developmental stage on day 5 and fragmentation rate on day 3 were related to the implantation potential of advanced blastocysts and should also be taken into account in the selection of the best advanced blastocyst for transfer.
Intra-articular injection of a nutritive mixture solution protects articular cartilage from osteoarthritic progression induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection in mature rabbits: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Park Yoo-Sin , Lim Si-Woong , Lee Il-Hoon , Lee Tae-Jin , Kim Jong-Sung , Han Jin Soo 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease that disrupts the collagenous matrix of articular cartilage and is difficult to cure because articular cartilage is a nonvascular tissue. Treatment of OA has targeted macromolecular substitutes for cartilage components, such as hyaluronic acid or genetically engineered materials. However, the goal of the present study was to examine whether intra-articular injection of the elementary nutrients restores the matrix of arthritic knee joints in mature animals. A nutritive mixture solution (NMS) was composed of elementary nutrients such as glucose or dextrose, amino acids and ascorbic acid. It was administered five times (at weeks 6, 8, 10, 13 and 16) into the unilateral anterior cruciate ligament transected knee joints of mature New Zealand White rabbits, and the effect of NMS injection was compared with that of normal saline. OA progression was histopathologically evaluated by haematoxylin and eosin staining, by the Mankin grading method and by scanning electron microscopy at week 19. NMS injection decreased progressive erosion of articular cartilage overall compared with injection of normal saline (P < 0.01), and nms joints exhibited no differences relative to normal cartilage that had not undergone transection of the anterior cruciate ligament, as assessed using the mankin grading method. Haematoxylin and eosin staining and scanning electron microscopy findings also indicated that nms injection, in constrast to normal saline injection, restored the cartilage matrix, which is known to be composed of a collagen and proteoglycan network. thus, nms injection is a potent treatment that significantly retards oa progression, which in turn prevents progressive destruction of joints and functional loss in mature animals.
Hormone-induced protection of mammary tumorigenesis in genetically engineered mouse models
Authors: Rajkumar Lakshmanaswamy , Kittrell Frances S , Guzman Raphael C , Brown Powel H , Nandi Satyabrata , Medina Daniel 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
Introduction
The experiments reported here address the question of whether a short-term hormone treatment can prevent mammary tumorigenesis in two different genetically engineered mouse models.

Methods
Two mouse models, the p53-null mammary epithelial transplant and the c-neu mouse, were exposed to estrogen and progesterone for 2 and 3 weeks, respectively, and followed for development of mammary tumors.

Results
In the p53-null mammary transplant model, a 2-week exposure to estrogen and progesterone during the immediate post-pubertal stage (2 to 4 weeks after transplantation) of mammary development decreased mammary tumorigenesis by 70 to 88%. At 45 weeks after transplantation, analysis of whole mounts of the mammary outgrowths demonstrated the presence of premalignant hyperplasias in both control and hormone-treated glands, indicating that the hormone treatment strongly affects the rate of premalignant progression. One possible mechanism for the decrease in mammary tumorigenesis may be an altered proliferation activity as the bromodeoxyuridine labeling index was decreased by 85% in the mammary glands of hormone-treated mice. The same short-term exposure administered to mature mice at a time of premalignant development also decreased mammary tumorigenesis by 60%. A role for stroma and/or systemic mediated changes induced by the short-term hormone (estrogen/progesterone) treatment was demonstrated by an experiment in which the p53-null mammary epithelial cells were transplanted into the cleared mammary fat pads of previously treated mice. In such mice, the tumor-producing capabilities of the mammary cells were also decreased by 60% compared with the same cells transplanted into unexposed mice. In the second set of experiments using the activated Her-2/neu transgenic mouse model, short-term estradiol or estradiol plus progesterone treatment decreased mammary tumor incidence by 67% and 63%, and tumor multiplicity by 91% and 88%, respectively. The growth rate of tumors arising in the hormone-treated activated Her-2/neu mice was significantly lower than tumors arising in non-hormone treated mice.

Conclusion
Because these experiments were performed in model systems that mimic many essential elements of human breast cancer, the results strengthen the rationale for translating this prevention strategy to humans at high risk for developing breast cancer.
Acute shortening and re-lengthening in the management of bone and soft-tissue loss in complicated fractures of the tibia
Authors: El-Rosasy M. A. 
Published: January 2007

We have managed 21 patients with a fracture of the tibia complicated by bone and soft-tissue loss as a result of an open fracture in 10, or following debridement of an infected nonunion in 11, by resection of all the devitalised tissues, acute limb shortening to close the defect, application of an external fixator and metaphyseal osteotomy for re-lengthening. The mean bone loss was 4.7 cm (3 to 11). The mean age of the patients was 28.8 years (12 to 54) and the mean follow-up was 34.8 months (24 to 75). All the fractures united with a well-aligned limb. The mean duration of treatment for the ten grade-III A+B open fractures (according to the Gustilo-Anderson classification) was 5.7 months (4.5 to 8) and for the nonunions, 7.6 months (5.5 to 12.5). Complications included one refracture, one transient palsy of the peroneal nerve and one equinus contracture of 10°.
Validation of the short-form WOMAC function scale for the evaluation of osteoarthritis of the knee
Authors: Yang K. G. Auw , Raijmakers N. J. H. , Verbout A. J. , Dhert W. J. A. , Saris D. B. F. 
Published: January 2007

This study validates the short-form WOMAC function scale for assessment of conservative treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Data were collected before treatment and six and nine months later, from 100 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee to determine the validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, floor and ceiling effects, and responsiveness of the short-form WOMAC function scale. The scale showed high correlation with the traditional WOMAC and other measures. The internal consistency was good (Cronbach α: 0.88 to 0.95) and an excellent test-retest reliability was found (Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (ρc): 0.85 to 0.94). The responsiveness was adequate and comparable to that of the traditional WOMAC (standardised response mean 0.56 to 0.44 and effect size 0.64 to 0.57) and appeared not to be significantly affected by floor or ceiling effects (0% and 7%, respectively).The short-form WOMAC function scale is a valid, reliable and responsive alternative to the traditional WOMAC in the evaluation of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee managed conservatively. It is simple to use in daily practice and is therefore less of a burden for patients in clinical trials.
A prospective study of pyogenic sepsis of the hip in childhood
Authors: Nunn T. R. , Cheung W. Y. , Rollinson P. D. 
Published: January 2007

Between September 2004 and December 2005 we carried out a prospective study of all cases of sepsis of the hip in childhood at a South African regional hospital with a large local population, and which also took referrals from nine rural hospitals. The clinical, radiological, ultrasound and bacteriological features were assessed. All the hips were drained by arthrotomy and the diagnosis was confirmed microbiologically and histologically. Hips with tuberculosis were excluded. The children were reviewed in a dedicated clinic at a mean follow-up of 8.1 months (3 to 18).There were 40 hips with sepsis in 38 patients. Two patients were lost to follow-up. Nine (24%) had multi-focal sepsis. Overall, 13 hips (34%) had a full and uncomplicated clinical and radiological recovery and 25 (66%) had complications. All patients treated by arthrotomy and appropriate antibiotics within five days of the onset of symptoms had an uncomplicated recovery. Initial misdiagnosis was associated with a delay to arthrotomy. However, ‘deprivation’, consultation with a traditional healer, maternal educational attainment and distance to a primary health-care facility were not associated with delay to arthrotomy. The early correct diagnosis of this condition, common in the developing world, remains a significant factor in improving the clinical outcome.
Cemented versus hydroxyapatite fixation of the femoral component of the Freeman-Samuelson total knee replacement
Authors: Uvehammer J. , Kärrholm J. , Carlsson L. 
Published: January 2007

We have carried out a radiostereometric study of 50 patients (54 knees) with osteoarthritis of the knee who were randomly allocated to receive a cemented or a hydroxyapatite-coated femoral component for total knee replacement. The patients were also stratified to receive one of three types of articulating surface (standard, rotating platform, Freeman-Samuelson (FS)1000) all based on the Freeman-Samuelson design. The tibial components were cemented in all cases. Radiostereometry was performed post-operatively and at 3, 12 and 24 months. The analysis was restricted to rotation of the femoral component over time. After two years, rotation of the femoral components in the transverse, longitudinal and sagittal planes did not differ between the cemented and the hydroxyapatite-coated implants (p = 0.2 to 0.9). In total knee replacements with a rotating platform, the femoral component tended to tilt more posteriorly than in the other two designs, regardless of the choice of fixation (cemented or hydroxyapatite-coated, p = 0.04). The standard version of the femoral component, whether cemented or hydroxyapatite-coated, rotated more into valgus than was observed with the rotating-platform and FS1000 designs (p = 0.005). The increased constraint provided by the FS1000 component did not appear to have any adverse effect on fixation of the femoral component.
Pineal gland metabolism in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Suh K. T. , Lee S. S. , Kim S. J. , Kim Y. K. , Lee J. S. 
Published: January 2007

The scoliosis observed in chickens after pinealectomy resembles that seen in humans with an adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, suggesting that melatonin deficiency may be responsible. However, to date there have been no studies of pineal gland glucose metabolism in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis that might support this hypothesis. We examined the excretion of urinary 6-sulfatoxyl-melatonin as well as the glucose metabolism of the pineal gland in 14 patients with an adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and compared them with those of 13 gender-matched healthy controls using F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose brain positron emission tomography. There was no significant difference in the level of urinary 6-sulfatoxyl-melatonin or pineal gland metabolism between the study and the control group. We conclude that permanent melatonin deficiency is not a causative factor in the aetiology of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
The value of specific radiological features in the classification of acetabular fractures
Authors: Patel V. , Day A. , Dinah F. , Kelly M. , Bircher M. 
Published: January 2007

Specific radiological features identified by Brandser and Marsh were selected for the analysis of acetabular fractures according to the classification of Letournel and Judet. The method employs a binary approach that requires the observer to allocate each radiological feature to one of two groups. The inter- and intra-observer variances were assessed. The presence of articular displacement, marginal impaction, incongruity, intra-articular fragments and osteochondral injuries to the femoral head were analysed by a similar method. These factors were termed ‘modifiers’ and are generally considered when planning operative intervention and, critically, they may influence prognosis. Six observers independently assessed 30 sets of plain radiographs and CT scans on two separate occasions, 12 weeks apart. They were asked to determine the presence or absence of specific radiological features. This simple binary approach to classification yields an inter- and intra-observer agreement which ranges from moderate to near-perfect (κ = 0.49 to 0.88 and κ = 0.57 to 0.88, respectively). A similar approach to the modifiers yields only slight to fair inter-observer agreement (κ = 0.20 to 0.34) and slight to moderate intra-observer agreement (κ = 0 to 0.55).