bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of the Cyclin D1 870 G>A polymorphism as an endometrial cancer risk factor
Authors: Ashton Katie A , Proietto Anthony , Otton Geoffrey , Symonds Ian , McEvoy Mark , Attia John , Gilbert Michael , Hamann Ute , Scott Rodney J 
Published: September 2008

Abstract

Background
Cyclin D1 is integral for the G1 to S phase of the cell cycle as it regulates cellular proliferation. A polymorphism in cyclin D1, 870 G>A, causes overexpression and supports uncontrollable cellular growth. This polymorphism has been associated with an increased risk of developing many cancers, including endometrial cancer.

Methods
The 870 G>A polymorphisms (rs605965) in the cyclin D1 gene was genotyped in an Australian endometrial cancer case-control population including 191 cases and 291 controls using real-time PCR analysis. Genotype analysis was performed using chi-squared (χ2) statistics and odds ratios were calculated using unconditional logistic regression, adjusting for potential endometrial cancer risk factors.

Results
Women homozygous for the variant cyclin D1 870 AA genotype showed a trend for an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer compared to those with the wild-type GG genotype, however this result was not statistically significant (OR 1.692 95% CI (0.939–3.049), p = 0.080). Moreover, the 870 G>A polymorphism was significantly associated with family history of colorectal cancer. Endometrial cancer patients with the homozygous variant AA genotype had a higher frequency of family members with colorectal cancer in comparison to endometrial cancer patients with the GG and combination of GG and GA genotypes (GG versus AA; OR 2.951, 95% CI (1.026–8.491), p = 0.045, and GG+GA versus AA; OR 2.265, 95% CI (1.048–4.894), p = 0.038, respectively).

Conclusion
These results suggest that the cyclin D1 870 G>A polymorphism is possibly involved in the development of endometrial cancer. A more complex relationship was observed between this polymorphism and familial colorectal cancer.
The fatty acid binding protein 7 (FABP7) is involved in proliferation and invasion of melanoma cells
Authors: Slipicevic Ana , Jørgensen Kjersti , Skrede Martina , Rosnes Anne Katrine Ree , Trøen Gunhild , Davidson Ben , Flørenes Vivi Ann 
Published: September 2008

Abstract

Background
The molecular mechanisms underlying melanoma tumor development and progression are still not completely understood. One of the new candidates that emerged from a recent gene expression profiling study is fatty acid-binding protein 7 (FABP7), involved in lipid metabolism, gene regulation, cell growth and differentiation.

Methods
We studied the functional role of FABP7 in human melanoma cell lines and using immunohistochemistry analyzed its expression pattern and clinical role in 11 nevi, 149 primary melanomas and 68 metastases.

Results
FABP7 mRNA and protein level is down-regulated following treatment of melanoma cell lines with a PKC activator (PMA) or MEK1 inhibitor (PD98059). Down-regulation of FABP7 using siRNA decreased cell proliferation and invasion but did not affect apoptosis. In clinical specimens, FABP7 was expressed in 91% of nevi, 71% of primary melanomas and 70% of metastases, with a cytoplasmic and/or nuclear localization. FABP7 expression was associated with tumor thickness in superficial spreading melanoma (P = 0.021). In addition, we observed a trend for an association between FABP7 expression and Ki-67 score (P = 0.070) and shorter relapse-free survival (P = 0.069) in this group of patients.

Conclusion
Our data suggest that FABP7 can be regulated by PKC and the MAPK/ERK1/2 pathway through independent mechanisms in melanoma cell lines. Furthermore, FABP7 is involved in cell proliferation and invasion in vitro, and may be associated with tumor progression in melanoma.
Pharmaceutical induction of ApoE secretion by multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs)
Authors: Zeitouni Suzanne , Ford Brian S , Harris Sean M , Whitney Mandolin J , Gregory Carl A , Prockop Darwin J 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackgroundApolipoprotein E (ApoE) is a molecular scavenger in the blood and brain. Aberrant function of the molecule causes formation of protein and lipid deposits or "plaques" that characterize Alzheimer's disease (AD) and atherosclerosis. There are three human isoforms of ApoE designated ε2, ε3, and ε4. Each isoform differentially affects the structure and function of the protein and thus the development of disease. Homozygosity for ApoE ε4 is associated with atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease whereas ApoE ε2 and ε3 tend to be protective. Furthermore, the ε2 form may cause forms of hyperlipoproteinemia. Therefore, introduction of ApoE ε3 may be beneficial to patients that are susceptible to or suffering from these diseases. Mesenchymal stem cells or multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are adult progenitor cells found in numerous tissues. They are easily expanded in culture and engraft into host tissues when administered appropriately. Furthermore, MSCs are immunosuppressive and have been reported to engraft as allogeneic transplants. In our previous study, mouse MSCs (mMSCs) were implanted into the brains of ApoE null mice, resulting in production of small amounts of ApoE in the brain and attenuation of cognitive deficits. Therefore human MSCs (hMSCs) are a promising vector for the administration of ApoE ε3 in humans.ResultsUnlike mMSCs, hMSCs were found not to express ApoE in culture; therefore a molecular screen was performed for compounds that induce expression. PPARγ agonists, neural stem cell conditioned medium, osteo-inductive media, dexamethasone, and adipo-inductive media (AIM) were tested. Of the conditions tested, only AIM or dexamethasone induced sustained secretion of ApoE in MSCs and the duration of secretion was only limited by the length of time MSCs could be sustained in culture. Upon withdrawal of the inductive stimuli, the ApoE secretion persisted for a further 14 days.ConclusionThe data demonstrated that pre-treatment and perhaps co-administration of MSCs homozygous for ApoE ε3 and dexamethasone may represent a novel therapy for severe instances of AD, atherosclerosis and other ApoE-related diseases.
Development of behaviour change communication strategy for a vaccination-linked malaria control tool in southern Tanzania
Authors: Mushi Adiel K , Schellenberg Joanna , Mrisho Mwifadhi , Manzi Fatuma , Mbuya Conrad , Mponda Haji , Mshinda Hassan , Tanner Marcel , Alonso Pedro , Pool Robert , Schellenberg David 
Published: September 2008

Abstract

Background
Intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in infants (IPTi) using sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine and linked to the expanded programme on immunization (EPI) is a promising strategy for malaria control in young children. As evidence grows on the efficacy of IPTi as public health strategy, information is needed so that this novel control tool can be put into practice promptly, once a policy recommendation is made to implement it. This paper describes the development of a behaviour change communication strategy to support implementation of IPTi by the routine health services in southern Tanzania, in the context of a five-year research programme evaluating the community effectiveness of IPTi.

Methods
Mixed methods including a rapid qualitative assessment and quantitative health facility survey were used to investigate communities' and providers' knowledge and practices relating to malaria, EPI, sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine and existing health posters. Results were applied to develop an appropriate behaviour change communication strategy for IPTi involving personal communication between mothers and health staff, supported by a brand name and two posters.

Results
Malaria in young children was considered to be a nuisance because it causes sleepless nights. Vaccination services were well accepted and their use was considered the mother's responsibility. Babies were generally taken for vaccination despite complaints about fevers and swellings after the injections. Sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine was widely used for malaria treatment and intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy, despite widespread rumours of adverse reactions based on hearsay and newspaper reports. Almost all health providers said that they or their spouse were ready to take SP in pregnancy (96%, 223/242). A brand name, key messages and images were developed and pre-tested as behaviour change communication materials. The posters contained public health messages, which explained the intervention itself, how and when children receive it and safety issues. Implementation of IPTi started in January 2005 and evaluation is ongoing.

Conclusion
Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) strategies for health interventions must be both culturally appropriate and technically sound. A mixed methods approach can facilitate an interactive process among relevant actors to develop a BCC strategy.
Acute liver failure due to primary angiosarcoma: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Bhati Chandra S , Bhatt Anand N , Starkey Graham , Hubscher Stefan G , Bramhall Simon R 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackgroundHepatic angiosarcoma is a primary sarcoma of the liver, accounting for only 2% of all primary hepatic malignancies. Acute liver failure is an extremely rare presentation of a primary liver tumour.Case presentationWe report a case of a seventy year-old man who presented with a very short period of jaundice leading to fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). On further investigation he was found to have primary angiosarcoma of liver.ConclusionThe treatment outcomes for hepatic angiosarcoma are poor, we discuss the options available and the need for prompt investigation and establishment of a diagnosis
Efficacy of common laboratory disinfectants and heat on killing trypanosomatid parasites
Authors: Wang Xia , Jobe Momodou , Tyler Kevin M , Steverding Dietmar 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
The disinfectants TriGene, bleach, ethanol and liquid hand soap, and water and temperature were tested for their ability to kill bloodstream forms of Trypanosoma brucei, epimastigotes of Trypanosoma rangeli and promastigotes of Leishmania major. A 5-min exposure to 0.2% TriGene, 0.1% liquid hand soap and 0.05% bleach (0.05% NaOCl) killed all three trypanosomatids. Ethanol and water destroyed the parasites within 5 min at concentrations of 15–17.5% and 80–90%, respectively. All three organisms were also killed when treated for 5 min at 50°C. The results indicate that the disinfectants, water and temperature treatment (i.e. autoclaving) are suitable laboratory hygiene measures against trypanosomatid parasites.
Ultrasound evaluation of the abductor hallucis muscle: Reliability study
Authors: Cameron Alyse FM , Rome Keith , Hing Wayne A 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe Abductor hallucis muscle (AbdH) plays an integral role during gait and is often affected in pathological foot conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the within and between‐session intra‐tester reliability using diagnostic ultrasound of the dorso‐plantar thickness, medio‐lateral width and cross‐sectional area, of the AbdH in asymptomatic adults.MethodsThe AbdH muscles of thirty asymptomatic subjects were imaged and then measured using a Philips HD11 Ultrasound machine. Interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to calculate both within and between session intra‐tester reliability.ResultsThe within‐session reliability results demonstrated for dorso‐plantar thickness an ICC of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.99–0.99); medio‐lateral width an ICC: of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.92–0.97) and cross‐sectional area an ICC of 0.98 (95% CI: 0.98–0.99). Between‐session reliability results demonstrated for dorso‐plantar thickness an ICC of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.95 to 0.98); medio‐lateral width an ICC of 0.94 (95% CI 0.90 to 0.96) and for cross‐sectional area an ICC of 0.79 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.88).ConclusionDiagnostic ultrasound has the potential to be a reliable tool for evaluating the AbdH muscle in asymptomatic subjects. Subsequent studies may be conducted to provide a better understanding of the AbdH function in foot and ankle pathologies.
Decreased levels of the gelsolin plasma isoform in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Osborn Teresia M , Verdrengh Margareta , Stossel Thomas P , Tarkowski Andrej , Bokarewa Maria 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Introduction
Gelsolin is an intracellular actin-binding protein involved in cell shape changes, cell motility, and apoptosis. An extracellular gelsolin isoform, plasma gelsolin circulates in the blood of healthy individuals at a concentration of 200 ± 50 mg/L and has been suggested to be a key component of an extracellular actin-scavenging system during tissue damage. Levels of plasma gelsolin decrease during acute injury and inflammation, and administration of recombinant plasma gelsolin to animals improves outcomes following sepsis or burn injuries. In the present study, we investigated plasma gelsolin in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods
Circulating and intra-articular levels of plasma gelsolin were measured in 78 patients with rheumatoid arthritis using a functional (pyrene-actin nucleation) assay and compared with 62 age- and gender-matched healthy controls.

Results
Circulating plasma gelsolin levels were significantly lower in patients with rheumatoid arthritis compared with healthy controls (141 ± 32 versus 196 ± 40 mg/L, P = 0.0002). The patients' intra-articular plasma gelsolin levels were significantly lower than in the paired plasma samples (94 ± 24 versus 141 ± 32 mg/L, P = 0.0001). Actin was detected in the synovial fluids of all but four of the patients, and immunoprecipitation experiments identified gelsolin-actin complexes.

Conclusions
The plasma isoform of gelsolin is decreased in the plasma of patients with rheumatoid arthritis compared with healthy controls. The reduced plasma concentrations in combination with the presence of actin and gelsolin-actin complexes in synovial fluids suggest a local consumption of this potentially anti-inflammatory protein in the inflamed joint.
Epitope spreading to citrullinated antigens in mouse models of autoimmune arthritis and demyelination
Authors: Kidd Brian A , Ho Peggy P , Sharpe Orr , Zhao Xiaoyan , Tomooka Beren H , Kanter Jennifer L , Steinman Lawrence , Robinson William H 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Introduction
Anti-citrullinated protein antibodies have a diagnostic role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, little is known about their origins and contribution to pathogenesis. Citrullination is the post-translational conversion of arginine to citrulline by peptidyl arginine deiminase, and increased citrullination of proteins is observed in the joint tissue in RA and in brain tissue in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods
We applied synovial and myelin protein arrays to examine epitope spreading of B cell responses to citrullinated epitopes in both the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model for RA and the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model for MS. Synovial and myelin protein arrays contain a spectrum of proteins and peptides, including native and citrullinated forms, representing candidate autoantigens in RA and MS, respectively. We applied these arrays to characterise the specificity of autoantibodies in serial serum samples derived from mice with acute and chronic stages of CIA and EAE.

Results
In samples from pre-disease CIA and acute-disease EAE, we observed autoantibody targeting of the immunising antigen and responses to a limited set of citrullinated epitopes. Over the course of diseases, the autoantibody responses expanded to target multiple citrullinated epitopes in both CIA and EAE. Using immunoblotting and mass spectrometry analysis, we identified citrullination of multiple polypeptides in CIA joint and EAE brain tissue that have not previously been described as citrullinated.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that anti-citrulline antibody responses develop in the early stages of CIA and EAE, and that autoimmune inflammation results in citrullination of joint proteins in CIA and brain proteins in EAE, thereby creating neoantigens that become additional targets in epitope spreading of autoimmune responses.
Phosphorylated EGFR and PI3K/Akt signaling kinases are expressed in circulating tumor cells of breast cancer patients
Authors: Kallergi Galatea , Agelaki Sofia , Kalykaki Antonia , Stournaras Christos , Mavroudis Dimitris , Georgoulias Vassilis 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Introduction
The phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway, operating downstream of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)2, is implicated in cell migration and survival. EGFR and HER2 are expressed in circulating tumor cells, but the activation status of downstream signaling molecules has not yet been reported.

Methods
To investigate expression levels of EGFR, HER2, PI3K, and Akt in circulating tumor cells, we used peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 32 cytokeratin-19 mRNA-positive patients with early (n = 16) and metastatic (n = 16) breast cancer.
Peripheral blood mononuclear cell cytospins were double stained with cytokeratin antibody along with one of the following: EGFR, phospho-EGFR, HER2, phospho-PI3K, or phospho-Akt antibodies.

Results
EGFR and HER2 were expressed in circulating tumor cells of 38% and 50% patients with early and 44% and 63% patients with metastatic disease, respectively. Interestingly, phospho-PI3K and phospho-Akt expression levels were similar at 88% (14 out of 16) and 81% (13 out of 16), respectively, in circulating tumor cells of patients with early and metastatic disease. Phospho-EGFR was observed in circulating tumor cells of two (33%) early and six (86%) metastatic EGFR-positive patients. Immunomagnetic separation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, using EpCAM antibody, and subsequent double-staining experiments of circulating tumor cells showed that EGFR was co-expressed with HER2, phospho-Akt and phospho-PI3K kinases, indicating activation of the corresponding survival signaling pathway.

Conclusions
Our findings demonstrate that circulating tumor cells express receptors and activated signaling kinases of the EGFR/HER2/PI3K/Akt pathway, which could be used as targets for their effective elimination.
Wnt signalling in human breast cancer: expression of the putative Wnt inhibitor Dickkopf-3 (DKK3) is frequently suppressed by promoter hypermethylation in mammary tumours
Authors: Veeck Jürgen , Bektas Nuran , Hartmann Arndt , Kristiansen Glen , Heindrichs Uwe , Knüchel Ruth , Dahl Edgar 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Introduction
Expression of the putative Wnt signalling inhibitor Dickkopf-3 (DKK3) is frequently lost in human cancer tissues because of aberrant 5'-cytosine methylation within the DKK3 gene promoter. Since other Wnt signalling inhibitors have been reported to be targets of epigenetic inactivation in human breast cancer, we questioned if DKK3 expression is also epigenetically silenced during breast carcinogenesis and therefore might contribute to oncogenic Wnt signalling commonly found in this disease.

Methods
DKK3 mRNA expression and DKK3 promoter methylation were determined by RT-PCR, realtime PCR and methylation-specific PCR in breast cell lines (n = 9), normal breast tissues (n = 19) and primary breast carcinomas (n = 150), respectively. In vitro DNA demethylation was performed by incubating breast cell lines with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine and trichostatin A. DKK3 protein expression was analysed by immunohistochemistry in breast carcinomas (n = 16) and normal breast tissues (n = 8). Methylation data were statistically correlated with clinical patient characteristics. All statistical evaluations were performed with SPSS 14.0 software.

Results
DKK3 mRNA was downregulated in 71% (five of seven) of breast cancer cell lines and in 68% of primary breast carcinomas (27 of 40) compared with benign cell lines and normal breast tissues, respectively. A DNA demethylating treatment of breast cell lines resulted in strong induction of DKK3 mRNA expression. In tumourous breast tissues, DKK3 mRNA downregulation was significantly associated with DKK3 promoter methylation (p < 0.001). Of the breast carcinomas, 61% (92 of 150) revealed a methylated DKK3 promoter, whereas 39% (58 of 150) retained an unmethylated promoter. Loss of DKK3 expression in association with DKK3 promoter methylation (p = 0.001) was also confirmed at the protein level (p < 0.001). In bivariate analysis, DKK3 promoter methylation was not associated with investigated clinicopathological parameters except patient age (p = 0.007).

Conclusions
DKK3 mRNA expression and consequently DKK3 protein expression become frequently downregulated during human breast cancer development due to aberrant methylation of the DKK3 promoter. Since DKK3 is thought to negatively regulate oncogenic Wnt signalling, DKK3 may be a potential tumour suppressor gene in normal breast tissue.
Review of the activation of TGF-β in immunity
Authors: Taylor Andrew W 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe evolutionarily conserved TGF-β proteins are distributed ubiquitously throughout the body and have a role in almost every biological process. In immunity, TGF-β has an important role in modulating immunity. Much is understood about the process of TGF-β production as a latent molecule and of the consequences and the intercellular signaling of active TGF-β binding to its receptors; however, there is little discussed between the production and activation of TGF-β. This review focuses on what is understood about the biochemical and physiological processes of TGF-β activation and identifies the gaps in understanding immune cell activation of TGF-β. A mechanistic understanding of the process activating TGF-β can lead to regulating multiple biological systems by enhancing or inhibiting TGF-β activation.
Serum levels of P-selectin in men with high-functioning autism
Authors: Iwata Yasuhide , Tsuchiya Kenji J. , Mikawa Sumiko , Nakamura Kazuhiko , Takai Yoshifumi , Suda Shiro , Sekine Yoshimoto , Suzuki Katsuaki , Kawai Masayoshi , Sugihara Genichi , Matsuzaki Hideo , Hashimoto Kenji , Tsujii Masatsugu , Sugiyama Toshiro , Takei Nori , Mori Norio 
Published: September 2008

SummaryImmune dysfunction has been proposed as a mechanism for the pathophysiology of autistic-spectrum disorders. The selectin family of adhesion molecules plays a prominent role in immune/inflammatory responses. We determined the serum levels of three types of soluble-form selectin (sP, sL and sE) in 15 men with high-functioning autism and 22 age-matched healthy controls by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Levels of sP-selectin and sL-selectin were significantly lower in patients than in controls. Furthermore, sP-selectin levels were negatively correlated with impaired social development during early childhood.
Crisis resolution/home treatment teams, gate-keeping and the role of the consultant psychiatrist
Authors: Middleton Hugh , Glover Gyles , Onyett Steve , Linde Karen 
Published: September 2008

Aims and MethodThe working relationship between consultant psychiatrists and crisis resolution/home treatment (CRHT) teams varies quite widely. Data from the national survey have been used to investigate the effects of consultant psychiatrist intput upon functions of the CRHT team. Logistic regression was employed to consider the effects of team size, team maturity and consultant input upon gate-keeping and fidelity to model (how many of six criteria teams' activities included).ResultsThere were statistically significant effects of size and maturity upon fidelity, and of maturity and consultant input upon gate-keeping.Clinical ImplicationsThe relationship between the consultant psychiatrist and other elements of the acute care pathway is an important determinant of how it functions. Depending upon how they relate to them, consultants can assist or hinder a team's capacity to fulfill their intended purposes.