bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new picture of cell wall protein dynamics in elongating cells of Arabidopsis thaliana: Confirmed actors and newcomers
Authors: Irshad Muhammad , Canut Hervé , Borderies Gisèle , Pont-Lezica Rafael , Jamet Elisabeth 
Published: September 2008

Abstract

Background
Cell elongation in plants requires addition and re-arrangements of cell wall components. Even if some protein families have been shown to play roles in these events, a global picture of proteins present in cell walls of elongating cells is still missing. A proteomic study was performed on etiolated hypocotyls of Arabidopsis used as model of cells undergoing elongation followed by growth arrest within a short time.

Results
Two developmental stages (active growth and after growth arrest) were compared. A new strategy consisting of high performance cation exchange chromatography and mono-dimensional electrophoresis was established for separation of cell wall proteins. This work allowed identification of 137 predicted secreted proteins, among which 51 had not been identified previously. Apart from expected proteins known to be involved in cell wall extension such as xyloglucan endotransglucosylase-hydrolases, expansins, polygalacturonases, pectin methylesterases and peroxidases, new proteins were identified such as proteases, proteins related to lipid metabolism and proteins of unknown function.

Conclusion
This work highlights the CWP dynamics that takes place between the two developmental stages. The presence of proteins known to be related to cell wall extension after growth arrest showed that these proteins may play other roles in cell walls. Finally, putative regulatory mechanisms of protein biological activity are discussed from this global view of cell wall proteins.
MAP kinase pathways and calcitonin influence CD44 alternate isoform expression in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Robbins Eric W , Travanty Emily A , Yang Kui , Iczkowski Kenneth A 
Published: September 2008

Abstract

Background
Dysregulated expression and splicing of cell adhesion marker CD44 is found in many types of cancer. In prostate cancer (PC) specifically, the standard isoform (CD44s) has been found to be downregulated compared with benign tissue whereas predominant variant isoform CD44v7-10 is upregulated. Mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways and paracrine calcitonin are two common factors linked to dysregulated expression and splicing of CD44 in cancer. Calcitonin has been found to increase proliferation and invasion in PC acting through the protein kinase A pathway.

Methods
In androgen-independent PC with known high CD44v7-10 expression, CD44 total and CD44v7-10 RNA or protein were assessed in response to exogenous and endogenous calcitonin and to inhibitors of protein kinase A, MEK, JNK, or p38 kinase. Benign cells and calcitonin receptor-negative PC cells were also tested.

Results
MEK or p38 but not JNK reduced CD44 total RNA by 40%–65% in cancer and benign cells. Inhibition of protein kinase A reduced CD44 total and v7-10 protein expression. In calcitonin receptor-positive cells only, calcitonin increased CD44 variant RNA and protein by 3 h and persisting to 48 h, apparently dependent on an uninhibited p38 pathway. Cells with constitutive CT expression showed an increase in CD44v7-10 mRNA but a decrease in CD44 total RNA.

Conclusion
The MEK pathway increases CD44 RNA, while calcitonin, acting through the protein kinase A and p38 pathway, facilitates variant splicing. These findings could be used in the formulation of therapeutic methods for PC targeting CD44 alternate splicing.
Loss of heterozygosity at the ATBF1-A locus located in the 16q22 minimal region in breast cancer
Authors: Kai Kazuharu , Zhang Zhenhuan , Yamashita Hiroko , Yamamoto Yutaka , Miura Yutaka , Iwase Hirotaka 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackgroundLoss of heterozygosity (LOH) on the long arm of chromosome 16 is one of the most frequent genetic events in solid tumors. Recently, theAT-motif binding factor 1(ATBF1)-Agene, which has been assigned to chromosome 16q22.3-23.1, was identified as a plausible candidate for tumor suppression in solid tumors due to its functional inhibition of cell proliferation and high mutation rate in prostate cancer. We previously reported that a reduction inATBF1-AmRNA levels correlated with a worse prognosis in breast cancer. However, the mechanisms regulating the reduction ofATBF1-AmRNA levels (such as mutation, methylation in the promoter region, or deletion spanning the coding region) have not been fully examined. In addition, few studies have analyzed LOH status at theATBF1-Alocus, located in the 16q22 minimal region.MethodsProfiles ofATBF1-AmRNA levels that we previously reported for 127 cases were used. In this study, breast cancer specimens as well as autologous blood samples were screened for LOH using 6 polymorphic microsatellite markers spanning chromosome band 16q22. For mutational analysis, we selected 12 cases and analyzed selected spots in theATBF1-Acoding region at which mutations have been frequently reported in prostate cancer.ResultsForty-three cases that yielded clear profiles of LOH status at both D16S3106 and D16S3018 microsatellites, nearest to the location of theATBF1-Agene, were regarded as informative and were classified into two groups: LOH (22 cases) and retention of heterozygosity (21 cases). Comparative assessment of theATBF1-AmRNA levels according to LOH status at theATBF1-Alocus demonstrated no relationship between them. In the 12 cases screened for mutational analysis, there were no somatic mutations with amino acid substitution or frameshift; however, two germ line alterations with possible polymorphisms were observed.ConclusionThese findings imply thatATBF1-AmRNA levels are regulated at the transcriptional stage, but not by genetic mechanisms, deletions (LOH), or mutations.
Smoking, health and ageing
Authors: Nicita-Mauro Vittorio , Basile Giorgio , Maltese Giuseppe , Nicita-Mauro Claudio , Gangemi Sebastiano , Caruso Calogero 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
On March 19, 2008 a Symposium on Pathophysiology of Ageing and Age-Related diseases was held in Palermo, Italy. Here, the lecture of V. Nicita-Mauro on Smoking, health and ageing is summarized. Smoking represents an important ageing accelerator, both directly by triggering ana inflammatory responses, and indirectly by favoring the occurrence of several diseases where smoking is a recognized risk factor. Hence, non-smokers can delay the appearance of diseases and of ageing process, so attaining longevity.
Descending Serotonergic Controls Regulate Inflammation-Induced Mechanical Sensitivity and Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2 Phosphorylation in the Rat Superficial Dorsal Horn
Authors: Géranton Sandrine M , Fratto Vincenza , Tochiki Keri K , Hunt Stephen P 
Published: September 2008

Background: Regulation of pain states is, in part, dependent upon plastic changes in neurones within the superficial dorsal horn. There is also compelling evidence that pain states are under the control of descending projections from the brainstem. While a number of transcription factors including Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2), Zif268 and Fos have been implicated in the regulation of dorsal horn neurone sensitization following injury, modulation of their activity by descending controls has not been investigated. Results: Here, we describe how descending controls regulate MeCP2 phosphorylation (P-MeCP2), known to relieve transcriptional repression by MeCP2, and Zif268 and Fos expression in the rat superficial dorsal horn, after CFA injection into the hind paw. First, we report that CFA significantly increased P-MeCP2 in Lamina I and II, from 30 min post injection, with a maximum reached after 1 h. The increase in P-MeCP2 paralleled that of Zif268 and Fos, and P-MeCP2 was expressed in large sub-populations of Zif268 and Fos expressing neurones. Serotonergic depletion of the lumbar spinal cord with 5,7 di-hydroxytryptamine creatinine sulphate (5,7-DHT) reduced the inflammation evoked P-MeCP2 in the superficial dorsal horn by 57%, and that of Zif268 and Fos by 37.5% and 30% respectively. Although 5,7-DHT did not change primary thermal hyperalgesia, it significantly attenuated mechanical sensitivity seen in the first 24 h after CFA. Conclusion: We conclude that descending serotonergic pathways play a crucial role in regulating gene expression in the dorsal horn and mechanical sensitivity associated with an inflammatory pain state.
The impact of functional imaging on radiation medicine
Authors: Sharma Nidhi , Neumann Donald , Macklis Roger 
Published: September 2008

AbstractRadiation medicine has previously utilized planning methods based primarily on anatomic and volumetric imaging technologies such as CT (Computerized Tomography), ultrasound, and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). In recent years, it has become apparent that a new dimension of non-invasive imaging studies may hold great promise for expanding the utility and effectiveness of the treatment planning process. Functional imaging such as PET (Positron Emission Tomography) studies and other nuclear medicine based assays are beginning to occupy a larger place in the oncology imaging world. Unlike the previously mentioned anatomic imaging methodologies, functional imaging allows differentiation between metabolically dead and dying cells and those which are actively metabolizing. The ability of functional imaging to reproducibly select viable and active cell populations in a non-invasive manner is now undergoing validation for many types of tumor cells. Many histologic subtypes appear amenable to this approach, with impressive sensitivity and selectivity reported.For clinical radiation medicine, the ability to differentiate between different levels and types of metabolic activity allows the possibility of risk based focal treatments in which the radiation doses and fields are more tightly connected to the perceived risk of recurrence or progression at each location.This review will summarize many of the basic principles involved in the field of functional PET imaging for radiation oncology planning and describe some of the major relevant published data behind this expanding trend.
Incidence of hip replacement among national health insurance enrollees in Taiwan
Authors: Lai Yu-Shu , Wei Hung-Wen , Cheng Cheng-Kung 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackgroundThere is no national joint replacement registry in the country of Asia and reports of national outcomes of joint replacement in Asia as yet. Therefore, this study was then to report a national data of the number of hip replacements, incidence rate, demographic characteristics of hip replacement patients, and short-time survival rate after hip replacement of Han Chinese in Taiwan.MethodsWe analyzed 105,688 cases of hip replacements (including primary partial hip replacement, primary total hip replacement and revision of hip replacement) from National Health Insurance research database between 1996 and 2004. The survival rate of primary hip replacement was estimated for each disease by the Kaplan-Meier method.ResultsAverage annual number of primary partial hip replacement and primary total hip replacement were 4,257 and 6,206 cases, respectively. The most two common diagnosis of primary partial hip replacement were femoral neck fractures (73.6%, 34% men, mean age 76 years) and avascular necrosis (18.0%, 84% men, mean age 48 years). In primary total hip replacements, the most two common diagnosis were avascular necrosis (46.9%, 79% men, mean age 50 years) and osteoarthrosis (41.6%, 43% men, mean age 60 years). Both the number of primary partial hip replacements and primary total hip replacements increased steadily between 1996 and 2004. The cumulative survival of primary partial hip replacements and primary total hip replacements in all patients were 93.97% and 79.47% in 9 years follow-up, respectively.ConclusionAvascular necrosis is the main disease in total hip replacement in Taiwan. The epidemiology of hip diseases was different between Han Chinese (in Taiwan) and Caucasian and the number of hip replacements increased substantially in Taiwan between 1996 and 2004.
Foot and ankle surgery in Australia: a descriptive analysis of the Medicare Benefits Schedule database, 1997–2006
Authors: Menz Hylton B , Gilheany Mark F , Landorf Karl B 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackgroundFoot and ankle problems are highly prevalent in the general community and a substantial proportion of people seek surgical treatment to alleviate foot pain and deformity. However, the epidemiology of foot and ankle surgery has not been examined in detail. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine patterns and costs of private sector foot surgery provision in Australia.MethodsData pertaining to all foot and ankle surgical procedures for the calendar years 1997–2006 were extracted from the Australian Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) database and were cross‐tabulated by sex and age. Descriptive analyses were undertaken to assess sex and age differences in the number and type of procedures performed and to assess for temporal trends over the ten year assessment period. The total cost to Medicare of subsiding surgeons’ fees in 2006 was also determined.ResultsDuring the 1997–2006 period, 996,477 surgical procedures were performed on the foot and ankle by private surgeons in Australia. Approximately equal numbers of procedures were performed on males (52%) and females (48%). However, males were more likely to undergo toenail, ankle, clubfoot, tarsal coalition and congenital vertical talus surgery, whereas females were more likely to undergo lesser toe, first metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ), neuroma, heel, rearfoot and lesser MPJ surgery. The total number of procedures was stable over the assessment period, however there was a relative increase in the number of procedures performed on people aged over 55 years. The total contribution of Medicare to subsiding surgeons’ fees for procedures performed in 2006 was $14 M.ConclusionFoot and ankle surgery accounts for a considerable degree of healthcare expenditure in Australia, and the number of procedures in those aged over 55 years is increasing. Given the ageing demographics of the Australian population, the future public health and economic impact of foot morbidity is likely to be substantial. Strategies need to be implemented to ensure that the surgical labour force is adequate to address this increasing demand.
ERalpha-status of disseminated tumour cells in bone marrow of primary breast cancer patients
Authors: Fehm Tanja , Krawczyk Natalia , Solomayer Erich-Franz , Becker-Pergola Graziella , Dürr-Störzer Silke , Neubauer Hans , Seeger Harald , Staebler Annette , Wallwiener Diethelm , Becker Sven 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Introduction
Isolated disseminated tumour cells (DTC) are regarded as surrogate markers for minimal residual disease in breast cancer. Characterisation of these cells could help understand the known limitations of adjuvant therapy. Of particular interest is their oestrogen-receptor (ER) status because endocrine adjuvant therapy remains a cornerstone of breast cancer treatment.

Methods
Bone marrow (BM) aspirates from 254 patients with primary breast cancer were included in this study. A double immunofluorescence staining procedure was established for the identification of cytokeratin (CK) positive/Erα-positive cells. ERα status of the primary tumour was assessed immunohistochemically using the same antibody against ERα.

Results
In 107 of 254 (42%) breast cancer patients, CK-positive cells could be detected in the BM. More than one DTC in the BM was observed in 38 of the 107 patients. The number of detected cells ranged between 1 and 55 cells per 2 × 106 mononuclear cells. DTCs demonstrated ERα positivity in 12% of the patients. The ERα expression was heterogeneous in 10 of the 38 (26%) patients with more than one DTC. The concordance rate of ERα status between primary tumour and DTC was 28%. Only 12 of 88 patients with ERα-positive tumours also had ERα-positive DTCs.

Conclusions
Primary tumours and DTCs displayed a concordant ERα status in only 28% of cases. Most of the DTCs were ERα negative despite the presence of an ERα-positive primary tumour. These findings further underline the distinct nature of DTCs and may explain the failure rates seen in conventional endocrine adjuvant therapy.
Clinical feasibility of (neo)adjuvant taxane-based chemotherapy in older patients: analysis of >4,500 patients from four German randomized breast cancer trials
Authors: Loibl Sibylle , von Minckwitz Gunter , Harbeck Nadia , Janni Wolfgang , Elling Dirk , Kaufmann Manfred , Eggemann Holm , Nekljudova Valentina , Sommer Harald , Kiechle Marion , Kümmel Sherko 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Introduction
Despite the fact that people older than 65 years of age have the highest incidence of developing breast cancer, these patients are excluded from clinical trials in most cases. Furthermore, most physicians tend towards therapy regimens without the use of dose-dense, highly active taxane-based treatments because of a lack of data regarding toxicities of these compounds in older patients.

Methods
Pooled side-effect data were analyzed from four prospective, randomized clinical trials in which patients of different age groups (< 60 years, between 60 and 64 years, and > 64 years) with primary breast cancer received taxane-based chemotherapy.

Results
Dose delays, dose reductions, hospitalization, and therapy discontinuation increased with age. Hematologic toxicities and some nonhematologic toxicities were generally more common in older patients. Leucopenia increased from 55.3% in patients aged < 60 years to 65.5% in patients aged > 64 years (P < 0.001), and neutropenia increased from 46.9% to 57.4% (P < 0.001). There was no difference, however, in clinically more relevant febrile neutropenia between the different age groups. Thrombopenia shows a similar age-dependent increase, whereas there is no difference between the age groups concerning anemia. Hot flushes and elevated liver enzymes decreased with increasing age.

Conclusions
The present pooled analysis of a substantial cohort of older primary breast cancer patients demonstrates that taxane-containing (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy is feasible in older patients and that toxicity can be reduced by sequential therapy regimens.
Entropy and bispectral index for assessment of sedation, analgesia and the effects of unpleasant stimuli in critically ill patients: an observational study
Authors: Haenggi Matthias , Ypparila-Wolters Heidi , Bieri Christine , Steiner Carola , Takala Jukka , Korhonen Ilkka , Jakob Stephan M 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Introduction
Sedative and analgesic drugs are frequently used in critically ill patients. Their overuse may prolong mechanical ventilation and length of stay in the intensive care unit. Guidelines recommend use of sedation protocols that include sedation scores and trials of sedation cessation to minimize drug use. We evaluated processed electroencephalography (response and state entropy and bispectral index) as an adjunct to monitoring effects of commonly used sedative and analgesic drugs and intratracheal suctioning.

Methods
Electrodes for monitoring bispectral index and entropy were placed on the foreheads of 44 critically ill patients requiring mechanical ventilation and who previously had no brain dysfunction. Sedation was targeted individually using the Ramsay Sedation Scale, recorded every 2 hours or more frequently. Use of and indications for sedative and analgesic drugs and intratracheal suctioning were recorded manually and using a camera. At the end of the study, processed electroencephalographical and haemodynamic variables collected before and after each drug application and tracheal suctioning were analyzed. Ramsay score was used for comparison with processed electroencephalography when assessed within 15 minutes of an intervention.

Results
The indications for boli of sedative drugs exhibited statistically significant, albeit clinically irrelevant, differences in terms of their association with processed electroencephalographical parameters. Electroencephalographical variables decreased significantly after bolus, but a specific pattern in electroencephalographical variables before drug administration was not identified. The same was true for opiate administration. At both 30 minutes and 2 minutes before intratracheal suctioning, there was no difference in electroencephalographical or clinical signs in patients who had or had not received drugs 10 minutes before suctioning. Among patients who received drugs, electroencephalographical parameters returned to baseline more rapidly. In those cases in which Ramsay score was assessed before the event, processed electroencephalography exhibited high variation.

Conclusions
Unpleasant or painful stimuli and sedative and analgesic drugs are associated with significant changes in processed electroencephalographical parameters. However, clinical indications for drug administration were not reflected by these electroencephalographical parameters, and barely by sedation level before drug administration or tracheal suction. This precludes incorporation of entropy and bispectral index as target variables for sedation and analgesia protocols in critically ill patients.
Polysomy 17 in Breast Cancer: Clinicopathologic Significance and Impact on HER-2 Testing
Authors: Vanden Bempt Isabelle , Van Loo Peter , Drijkoningen Maria , Neven Patrick , Smeets Ann , Christiaens Marie-Rose , Paridaens Robert , De Wolf-Peeters Christiane 
Published: September 2008

Purpose Polysomy 17 is frequently found in breast cancer and may complicate the interpretation of HER-2 testing results. We investigated the impact of polysomy 17 on HER-2 testing and studied its clinicopathologic significance in relation to HER2 gene amplification. Patients and Methods In 226 patients with primary invasive breast carcinoma, HER2 gene and chromosome 17 copy numbers were determined by dual-color fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). The interpretation of FISH results was based on either absolute HER2 gene copy number or the ratio HER2/chromosome 17. Results were correlated with HER-2 protein expression on immunohistochemistry (IHC), HER2 mRNA expression by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and with various clinicopathologic parameters. Results All cases with an equivocal HER-2 result by FISH, either by absolute HER2 copy number (44 of 226 patients; 19.5%) or by the ratio HER2/chromosome 17 (three of 226 patients; 1.3%), displayed polysomy 17. On its own, polysomy 17 was not associated with HER-2 overexpression on IHC or increased HER2 mRNA levels by RT-PCR. Moreover, and in contrast with HER2 gene amplification, polysomy 17 was not associated with high tumor grade, hormone receptor negativity, or reduced disease-free survival. Conclusion Polysomy 17 affects HER-2 testing in breast cancer and is a major cause of equivocal results by FISH. We show that tumors displaying polysomy 17 in the absence of HER2 gene amplification resemble more HER-2–negative than HER-2–positive tumors. These findings highlight the need for clinical trials to investigative whether polysomy 17 tumors benefit from HER-2–targeted therapy.