bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elicitor-induced transcription factors for metabolic reprogramming of secondary metabolism in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Naoumkina Marina A , He XianZhi , Dixon Richard A 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background
Exposure of Medicago truncatula cell suspension cultures to pathogen or wound signals leads to accumulation of various classes of flavonoid and/or triterpene defense molecules, orchestrated via a complex signalling network in which transcription factors (TFs) are essential components.

Results
In this study, we analyzed TFs responding to yeast elicitor (YE) or methyl jasmonate (MJ). From 502 differentially expressed TFs, WRKY and AP2/EREBP gene families were over-represented among YE-induced genes whereas Basic Helix-Loop-Helix (bHLH) family members were more over-represented among the MJ-induced genes. Jasmonate ZIM-domain (JAZ) transcriptional regulators were highly induced by MJ treatment. To investigate potential involvement of WRKY TFs in signalling, we expressed four Medicago WRKY genes in tobacco. Levels of soluble and wall bound phenolic compounds and lignin were increased in all cases. WRKY W109669 also induced tobacco endo-1,3-β-glucanase (NtPR2) and enhanced the systemic defense response to tobacco mosaic virus in transgenic tobacco plants.

Conclusion
These results confirm that Medicago WRKY TFs have broad roles in orchestrating metabolic responses to biotic stress, and that they also represent potentially valuable reagents for engineering metabolic changes that impact pathogen resistance.
Hip fracture incidence in the elderly in Austria: An epidemiological study covering the years 1994 to 2006
Authors: Mann Eva , Icks Andrea , Haastert Burkhard , Meyer Gabriele 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background
Hip fractures in the elderly are a major public health burden. Data concerning secular trends of hip fracture incidence show divergent results for age, sex and regions. In Austria, the hip fracture incidence in the elderly population and trends have not been analysed yet.

Methods
Hip fractures in the population of 50 years and above were identified from 1994 to 2006 using the national hospital discharge register. Crude incidences (IR) per 100,000 person years and standardised incidences related to the European population 2006 were analysed. Estimate of age-sex-adjusted changes was determined using Poisson regression (incidence rate ratios, IRRs).

Results
The number of hospital admissions due to hip fracture increased from a total number of 11,694 in 1994 to 15,987 in 2006. Crude incidences rates (IR) per 100.000 for men increased from 244.3 (95% confidence interval (CI) 234.8 to 253.7) in 1994 to IR 330.8 (95% CI 320.8 to 340.9) in 2006 and for women from 637.3 (95% CI 624.2 to 650.4) in 1994 to IR 758.7 (95% CI 745.0 to 772.4) in 2006. After adjustment for age and sex the annual hip fracture incidence increase was only small but statistically significant (IRR per year 1.01, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.01, p < 0.01). Change of IRR over the 12 years study period was 13%. It was significantly higher for men (IRR over 12 years 1.21, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.27) than for women (IRR over 12 years 1.10, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.14) (interaction: p = 0.03).

Conclusion
In contrast to findings in other countries there is no levelling-off or downward trend of hip fracture incidence from 1994 to 2006 in the Austrian elderly population. Further investigations should aim to evaluate the underlying causes in order to plan effective hip fracture reduction programmes.
Selecting a BRCA risk assessment model for use in a familial cancer clinic
Authors: Panchal Seema M , Ennis Marguerite , Canon Sandra , Bordeleau Louise J 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background
Risk models are used to calculate the likelihood of carrying a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. We evaluated the performances of currently-used risk models among patients from a large familial program using the criteria of high sensitivity, simple data collection and entry and BRCA score reporting.

Methods
Risk calculations were performed by applying the BRCAPRO, Manchester, Penn II, Myriad II, FHAT, IBIS and BOADICEA models to 200 non-BRCA carriers and 100 BRCA carriers, consecutively tested between August 1995 and March 2006. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) were determined and sensitivity and specificity were calculated at the conventional testing thresholds. In addition, subset analyses were performed for low and high risk probands.

Results
The BRCAPRO, Penn II, Myriad II, FHAT and BOADICEA models all have similar AUCs of approximately 0.75 for BRCA status. The Manchester and IBIS models have lower AUCs (0. and 0.47 respectively). At the conventional testing thresholds, the sensitivities and specificities for a BRCA mutation were, respectively, as follows: BRCAPRO (0.75, 0.62), Manchester (0.58,0.71), Penn II (0.93,0.31), Myriad II (0.71,0.63), FHAT (0.70,0.63), IBIS (0.20,0.74), BOADICEA (0.70, 0.65).

Conclusion
The Penn II model most closely met the criteria we established and this supports the use of this model for identifying individuals appropriate for genetic testing at our facility. These data are applicable to other familial clinics provided that variations in sample populations are taken into consideration.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: In-hospital cerebrovascular complications following orthotopic liver transplantation: A retrospective study
Authors: Ling Li , He Xiaoshun , Zeng Jinsheng , Liang Zhijian 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackgroundCerebrovascular complications are severe events following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). This study aimed to observe the clinical and neuroimaging features and possible risk factors of in-hospital cerebrovascular complications in the patients who underwent OLT.Patients and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed 337 consecutive patients who underwent 358 OLTs. Cerebrovascular complications were determined by clinical and neuroimaging manifestations, and the possible risk factors were analyzed in the patients with intracranial hemorrhage.ResultsTen of 337 (3.0%) patients developed in-hospital cerebrovascular complications (8 cases experienced intracranial hemorrhage and 2 cases had cerebral infarction), and 6 of them died. The clinical presentations were similar to common stroke, but with rapid deterioration at early stage. The hematomas on brain CT scan were massive, irregular, multifocal and diffuse, and most of them were located at brain lobes and might enlarge or rebleed. Infarcts presented lacunar and multifocal lesions in basal gangliar but with possible hemorrhagic transformation. The patients with intracranial hemorrhage had older age and a more frequency of systemic infection than non-intracranial hemorrhage patients. (P = 0.011 and 0.029, respectively).ConclusionPosttransplant cerebrovascular complications have severe impact on outcome of the patients who received OLT. Older age and systemic infection may be the possible risk factors of in-hospital intracranial hemorrhage following OLT.
Influenza vaccination among healthcare workers in a multidisciplinary University hospital in Italy
Authors: Esposito Susanna , Bosis Samantha , Pelucchi Claudio , Tremolati Elena , Sabatini Caterina , Semino Margherita , Marchisio Paola , della Croce Francesco , Principi Nicola 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background
Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for healthcare workers (HCWs) in order to reduce the morbidity associated with influenza in healthcare settings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current vaccination status of the HCWs in one of Italy's largest multidisciplinary University Hospitals.

Methods
Between February 1 and March 31, 2006, we carried out a cross-sectional study of influenza vaccination coverage among HCWs at the University Hospital Fondazione IRCCS "Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Mangiagalli e Regina Elena", Milan, Italy. After receiving a brief description of the aim of the study, 2,143 (95%: 1,064 physicians; 855 nurses; 224 paramedics) of 2,240 HCWs self-completed an anonymous questionnaire.

Results
Influenza vaccination coverage was very low in all specialties, varying from 17.6% in the Emergency Department to 24.3% in the Surgery Department, and knowledge of influenza epidemiology and prevention was poor. The factors positively associated with being vaccinated were an age of ≥ 45 years, considering influenza a potentially severe disease, and being aware of the high-risk categories for which influenza vaccination is strongly recommended; those that negatively associated with being vaccinated were being female, working in the Medicine Department, and being a nurse or paramedic.

Conclusion
Despite strong recommendations, influenza vaccination coverage seemed to be very low among HCWs of all specialties, with differences between areas and types of employment. Specific continuous educational and vaccination programs for different targets should be urgently organized to reduce morbidity and mortality in high-risk patients, contain nosocomial outbreaks, and ensure an appropriate socioeconomic impact.
Eptifibatide and abciximab inhibit insulin-induced focal adhesion formation and proliferative responses in human aortic smooth muscle cells
Authors: Pathak Alokkumar , Zhao Renyi , Huang Jianhua , Stouffer George A 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background
The use of abciximab (c7E3 Fab) or eptifibatide improves clinical outcomes in diabetics undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. These β3 integrin inhibitors antagonize fibrinogen binding to αIIbβ3 integrins on platelets and ligand binding to αvβ3 integrins on vascular cells. αvβ3 integrins influence responses to insulin in various cell types but effects in human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC) are unknown.

Results and discussion
Insulin elicited a dose-dependent proliferative response in HASMC. Pretreatment with m7E3 (an anti-β3 integrin monoclonal antibody from which abciximab is derived), c7E3 or LM609 inhibited proliferative responses to insulin by 81%, 59% and 28%, respectively. Eptifibatide or cyclic RGD peptides completely abolished insulin-induced proliferation whereas tirofiban, which binds αIIbβ3 but not αvβ3, had no effect. Insulin-induced increases in c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase-1 (JNK1) activity were partially inhibited by m7E3 and eptifibatide whereas antagonism of αvβ3 integrins had no effect on insulin-induced increases in extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activity. Insulin stimulated a rapid increase in the number of vinculin-containing focal adhesions per cell and treatment with m7E3, c7E3 or eptifibatide inhibited insulin-induced increases in focal adhesions by 100%, 74% and 73%, respectively.

Conclusion
These results demonstrate that αvβ3 antagonists inhibit signaling, focal adhesion formation and proliferation of insulin-treated HASMC.
Uncoupling GP1 and GP2 expression in the Lassa virus glycoprotein complex: implications for GP1 ectodomain shedding
Authors: Illick Megan M , Branco Luis M , Fair Joseph N , Illick Kerry A , Matschiner Alex , Schoepp Randal , Garry Robert F , Guttieri Mary C 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background
Sera from convalescent Lassa fever patients often contains antibodies to Lassa virus (LASV) glycoprotein 1 (GP1), and glycoprotein 2 (GP2); Immunization of non-human primates with viral vectors expressing the arenaviral glycoprotein complex (GPC) confers full protective immunity against a lethal challenge with LASV. Thus, the development of native or quasi native recombinant LASV GP1 and GP2 as soluble, uncoupled proteins will improve current diagnostics, treatment, and prevention of Lassa fever. To this end, mammalian expression systems were engineered for production and purification of secreted forms of soluble LASV GP1 and GP2 proteins.

Results
Determinants for mammalian cell expression of secreted uncoupled Lassa virus (LASV) glycoprotein 1 (GP1) and glycoprotein 2 (GP2) were established. Soluble GP1 was generated using either the native glycoprotein precursor (GPC) signal peptide (SP) or human IgG signal sequences (s.s.). GP2 was secreted from cells only when (1) the transmembrane (TM) domain was deleted, the intracellular domain (IC) was fused to the ectodomain, and the gene was co-expressed with a complete GP1 gene in cis; (2) the TM and IC domains were deleted and GP1 was co-expressed in cis; (3) expression of GP1 was driven by the native GPC SP. These data implicate GP1 as a chaperone for processing and shuttling GP2 to the cell surface. The soluble forms of GP1 and GP2 generated through these studies were secreted as homogeneously glycosylated proteins that contained high mannose glycans. Furthermore, observation of GP1 ectodomain shedding from cells expressing wild type LASV GPC represents a novel aspect of arenaviral glycoprotein expression.

Conclusion
These results implicate GP1 as a chaperone for the correct processing and shuttling of GP2 to the cell surface, and suggest that native GPC SP plays a role in this process. In the absence of GP1 and GPC SP the GP2 protein may be processed by an alternate pathway that produces heterogeneously glycosylated protein, or the polypeptide may not fully mature in the secretory cascade in mammalian cells. The expression constructs developed in these studies resulted in the generation and purification of soluble, uncoupled GP1 and GP2 proteins from mammalian cells with quasi-native properties. The observation of GP1 ectodomain shedding from cells expressing wild type LASV GPC establishes new correlates of disease progression and highlights potential opportunities for development of diagnostics targeting the early stages of Lassa fever.
Global gene expression analyses of bystander and alpha particle irradiated normal human lung fibroblasts: Synchronous and differential responses
Authors: Ghandhi Shanaz A , Yaghoubian Benjamin , Amundson Sally A 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe existence of a radiation bystander effect, in which non-irradiated cells respond to signals from irradiated cells, is now well established. It raises concerns for the interpretation of risks arising from exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation. However, the regulatory mechanisms involved in the bystander response have not been well elucidated. To provide insight into the signaling pathways responding in bystanders, we have measured global gene expression four hours after bystander and direct alpha particle exposure of primary human lung fibroblasts.ResultsAlthough common p53-regulated radiation response genes likeCDKN1Awere expressed at elevated levels in the directly exposed cultures, they showed little or no change in the bystanders. In contrast, genes regulated by NFκB, such asPTGS2(cyclooxygenase-2),IL8andBCL2A1, responded nearly identically in bystander and irradiated cells. This trend was substantiated by gene ontology and pathway analyses of the microarray data, which suggest that bystander cells mount a full NFκB response, but a muted or partial p53 response. In time-course analyses, quantitative real-time PCR measurements ofCDKN1Ashowed the expected 4-hour peak of expression in irradiated but not bystander cells. In contrast,PTGS2, IL8andBCL2A1responded with two waves of expression in both bystander and directly irradiated cells, one peaking at half an hour and the other between four and six hours after irradiation.ConclusionTwo major transcriptional hubs that regulate the direct response to ionizing radiation are also implicated in regulation of the bystander response, but to dramatically different degrees. While activation of the p53 response pathway is minimal in bystander cells, the NFκB response is virtually identical in irradiated and bystander cells. This alteration in the balance of signaling is likely to lead to different outcomes in irradiated cells and their bystanders, perhaps leading to greater survival of bystanders and increased risk from any long-term damage they have sustained.
Comparative evaluation of three PCR base diagnostic assays for the detection of pathogenic trypanosomes in cattle blood
Authors: Thumbi Samuel M , McOdimba Francis A , Mosi Reuben O , Jung'a Joseph O 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Currently, several PCR based diagnostic assays have been developed to improve the detection of pathogenic trypanosomes. These tests include use of species specific primers, single and nested PCRs' based on primers amplifying the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) regions of ribosomal DNA. This study compares three PCR based diagnostic assays and assesses the agreement of these three asaays by screening 103 cattle blood samples randomly collected from trypanosome endemic areas in western Kenya. The nested ITS based PCR, the single ITS based PCR and the species specific based PCR detected 28.1%, 26.2% and 10.7% of the samples respectively as positive for trypanosome infection. Nested ITS and single ITS PCRs' picked 3.8% and 1.9% as mixed infections respectively. Cohen kappa statistic used to compare agreements beyond chance between the assays showed highest degree of agreement (0.6) between the two ITS based tests, and the lowest (0.2) between the nested PCR test and the species specific PCR. The single ITS and nested ITS based diagnostic assays detected higher numbers of positive cases, and reduced the number of PCR reactions per sample to one and two respectively, compared to the five PCR reactions carried out using the species specific primers. This significantly reduced the labour, time and the cost of carrying out PCR tests, indicating the superiority of the ITS multi-species detection techniques. Reliable epidemiological studies are a prerequisite to designing effective tsetse and trypanosomiasis control programs. The present study established the suitability of using ITS based PCR assays for large-scale epidemiological studies.
Successful laparoscopic management of concomitant ectopic pregnancy and acute appendicitis in a patient of failed tubal ligation – case report with a review of the literature
Authors: Mir Iqbal Saleem , Mohsin Mir , Malik Anjum , Ahad Basharat , Farooq Syed Suraiya Arjumand 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background
The incidence of failed abdominal bilateral tubal ligation (BTL) is quite low. Most often the pregnancy following BTL is ectopic in location. The association of concurrent acute appendicitis with ectopic pregnancy is also very rare. From 1960 till 2008 only 23 such cases of ectopic pregnancy with appendicitis managed by open surgery have been reported in the medical literature.

Case presentation
We present a case in which the patient had concurrent ectopic pregnancy of the right fallopian tube with acute appendicitis after failed BTL and which was managed successfully by laparoscopic approach.

Conclusion
Although the combination of ectopic pregnancy and acute appendicitis is quite rare, it is wise to rule out concurrent acute appendicitis in patients of ectopic pregnancy especially if it is on the right side due to an inter-etiological relationship. Laparoscopic management of both these pathologies can be accomplished quite successfully in properly selected cases.
Is Pain Intensity a Predictor of the Complexity of Cancer Pain Management?
Authors: Fainsinger Robin L. , Fairchild Alysa , Nekolaichuk Cheryl , Lawlor Peter , Lowe Sonya , Hanson John 
Published: December 2008

Purpose The lack of a standardized cancer pain (CP) classification system prompted the development of the Edmonton Classification System for Cancer Pain (ECS-CP). Its five features have demonstrated value in predicting pain management complexity. Pain intensity (PI) at initial assessment has been proposed as having additional predictive value. We hypothesized that patients with moderate to severe CP would take longer to achieve stable pain control, use higher opioid doses, and require more complicated analgesic regimens than would patients with mild CP at initial assessment. Methods A secondary analysis of a multicenter ECS-CP validation study involving patients with advanced cancer was conducted (n = 591). Associations between PI and length of time to stable pain control (Cox regression), final opioid dose (Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance), and number of adjuvant modalities (χ2) were calculated. PI at initial assessment was defined using a numerical scale as mild (0 to 3), moderate (4 to 6), or severe (7 to 10). Results Patients with moderate and severe pain required a significantly longer time to achieve stable pain control (P < .0001). PI was a significant predictor of length of time to stable pain control in the univariate regression analysis. The four significant predictors in the multivariate model were moderate and severe PI (P < .0001), age (P = .001), and neuropathic pain (P = .002). Patients with moderate to severe pain required significantly higher final opioid doses (P < .0001) and more adjuvant modalities (P = .015). Conclusion PI at initial assessment is a significant predictor of pain management complexity and length of time to stable pain control. Incorporation of this feature into the ECS-CP needs additional consideration.
Clinical Relevance of Bone Marrow Fibrosis and CD34-Positive Cell Clusters in Primary Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Authors: Della Porta Matteo Giovanni , Malcovati Luca , Boveri Emanuela , Travaglino Erica , Pietra Daniela , Pascutto Cristiana , Passamonti Francesco , Invernizzi Rosangela , Castello Alessandro , Magrini Umberto , Lazzarino Mario , Cazzola Mario 
Published: December 2008

PurposeWe studied bone marrow (BM) histologic abnormalities in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) classified according to WHO criteria to determine their clinical correlates and prognostic value.Patients and MethodsThree hundred one consecutive patients were retrospectively evaluated for BM fibrosis and CD34 immunoreactivity. Marrow fibrosis was assessed following the European consensus guidelines.ResultsModerate to severe BM fibrosis was detected in 17% of cases and was associated with multilineage dysplasia (P = .001), high transfusion requirement (P < .001), and poor-risk cytogenetics (P = .007). CD34+ cell clusters were found in 23% of patients and were associated with WHO categories with excess of blasts (P < .001) and poor-risk cytogenetics (P = .001). In multivariable analysis, BM fibrosis and presence of CD34+ cell clusters had independent negative impact on overall survival (P < .001 and P = .019, respectively) and leukemia-free survival (P < .001 and P = .004, respectively). A hierarchical clustering analysis identified three subsets of patients with distinct clinical features. One cluster consisted mainly of patients with BM fibrosis, multilineage dysplasia, and high transfusion requirement; these individuals had lower overall survival and leukemia-free survival (P = .001 and P < .001, respectively). Within patients stratified according to International Prognostic Scoring System and WHO classification–based Prognostic Scoring System categories, BM fibrosis involved a shift to a one-step more advanced risk group.ConclusionBM fibrosis identifies a distinct subgroup of MDS with multilineage dysplasia, high transfusion requirement, and poor prognosis and represents an independent prognostic factor that may be useful in clinical decision making. Furthermore, the presence of CD34+ cell clusters is an independent risk factor for progression to acute leukemia.