bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low levels of WWOX protein immunoexpression correlate with tumour grade and a less favourable outcome in patients with urinary bladder tumours
Authors: Ramos D , Abba M , López‐Guerrero J A , Rubio J , Solsona E , Almenar S , Llombart‐Bosch A , Aldaz C M 
Published: April 2008

Aims:  To correlate the immunohistochemical detection of WWOX with histological measures and disease progression within the whole spectrum of urothelial bladder neoplasms.Methods and results:  One hundred and one patients with primary bladder tumours were retrospectively analysed. Immunohistochemically, a polyclonal antibody was utilized and the level of WWOX protein expression was analysed by using a combined score system based on intensity of the reaction and percentage of immunoreactive tumour cells. WWOX protein expression was consistently expressed in non‐neoplastic urothelium, whereas a progressive loss of immunoreactivity was observed as tumour grade and stage increased (P < 0.05). Principal component analysis showed that reduced WWOX immunoexpression was significantly associated with high histological grades (P = 0.001), advanced stage (P = 0.002), tumour size (P = 0.04) and cancer progression (P = 0.028). Invasive urothelial carcinomas of the bladder with squamous metaplasia presented the lowest levels of WWOX protein. Kaplan–Meier analyses demonstrated a significant correlation between loss of WWOX expression and a shorter progression‐free survival (P = 0.042), whereas the prediction of overall survival achieved borderline significance (P = 0.053).Conclusion:  Loss of WWOX immunoexpression strongly correlates with classical clinicopathological factors and appears to be a potential predictive marker of progressive disease.
The molecular and cellular basis of exostosis formation in hereditary multiple exostoses
Authors: Trebicz‐Geffen Meirav , Robinson Dror , Evron Zoharia , Glaser Tova , Fridkin Mati , Kollander Yehuda , Vlodavsky Israel , Ilan Neta , Law Kit Fong , Cheah Kathryn S.E. , Chan Danny , Werner Haim , Nevo Zvi 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe different clinical entities of osteochondromas, hereditary multiple exostoses (HME) and non‐familial solitary exostosis, are known to express localized exostoses in their joint metaphyseal cartilage. In the current study biopsies of osteochondromas patients were screened with respect to a number of cellular and molecular parameters. Specifically, cartilaginous biopsy samples of nine HME patients, 10 solitary exostosis patients and 10 articular cartilages of control subjects were collected and cell cultures were established. Results obtained showed that one of the two HME samples that underwent DNA sequencing analysis (HME‐1) had a novel mutation for an early stop codon, which led to an aberrant protein, migrating at a lower molecular weight position. The EXT‐1 mRNA and protein levels in chondrocyte cultures derived from all nine HME patients were elevated, compared with solitary exostosis patients or control subjects. Furthermore, cell cultures of HME patients had significantly decreased pericellular heparan sulphate (HS) in comparison with cultures of solitary exostosis patients or control subjects. Immunohistochemical staining of tissue sections and Western blotting of cell cultures derived from HME patients revealed higher levels of heparanase compared with solitary exostosis patients and of control subjects. Further investigations are needed to determine whether the low pericellular HS levels in HME patients stem from decreased biosynthesis of HS, increased degradation or a combination of both. In conclusion, it appears that due to a mutated glycosyltransferase, the low content of pericellular HS in HME patients leads to the anatomical deformations with exostoses formation. Hence, elevation of HS content in the pericellular regions should be a potential molecular target for correction.
The Arabidopsis sweetie mutant is affected in carbohydrate metabolism and defective in the control of growth, development and senescence
Authors: Veyres Nicolas , Danon Antoine , Aono Mitsuko , Galliot Sonia , Karibasappa Yashoda Byrappa , Diet Anouck , Grandmottet François , Tamaoki Masanori , Lesur David , Pilard Serge , Boitel‐Conti Michèle , Sangwan‐Norreel Brigitte S. , Sangwan Rajbir S. 
Published: April 2008

SummarySugars modulate many vital metabolic and developmental processes in plants, from seed germination to flowering, senescence and protection against diverse abiotic and biotic stresses. However, the exact mechanisms involved in morphogenesis, developmental signalling and stress tolerance remain largely unknown. Here we report the characterization of a novel Arabidopsis thaliana mutant, sweetie, with drastically altered morphogenesis, and a strongly modified carbohydrate metabolism leading to elevated levels of trehalose, trehalose‐6‐phosphate and starch. We additionally show that the disruption of SWEETIE causes significant growth and developmental alterations, such as severe dwarfism, lancet‐shaped leaves, early senescence and flower sterility. Genes implicated in sugar metabolism, senescence, ethylene biosynthesis and abiotic stress were found to be upregulated in sweetie. Our physiological, biochemical, genetic and molecular data indicate that the mutation in sweetie was nuclear, single and recessive. The effects of metabolizable sugars and osmolytes on sweetie morphogenesis were distinct; in light, sweetie was hypersensitive to sucrose and glucose during vegetative growth and a partial phenotypic reversion took place in the presence of high sorbitol concentrations. However, SWEETIE encodes a protein that is unrelated to any known enzyme involved in sugar metabolism. We suggest that SWEETIE plays an important regulatory function that influences multiple metabolic, hormonal and stress‐related pathways, leading to altered gene expression and pronounced changes in the accumulation of sugar, starch and ethylene.
The atopy trait in hypersensitivity to nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs
Authors: Bochenek G. , Niżankowska E. , Szczeklik A. 
Published: April 2008

The prevalence of atopy was evaluated in two groups of subjects with hypersensitivity to nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAID):

78 patients with aspirin‐induced asthma (AIA) confirmed by oral or bronchial provocation challenges
42 subjects with hypersensitivity to pyrazolone drugs (case history and positive skin tests to noramidopyrine/aminophenazone) who tolerated aspirin well.

Fifty sex‐ and age‐matched persons from an unselected general population, with no hypersensitivity to NSAID, formed the control group. Atopy was estimated from the results of the following clinical and biologic parameters:

1) personal and family history of atopic diseases
2) skin prick tests with 16 aeroallergens
3) serum levels of specific IgE to five aeroallergens
4) total serum IgE level.

Different definitions of atopy were used, consisting of constellations of two or three of the above‐mentioned features. The results of the study revealed that the prevalence of atopy varied according to the criteria used for its definition. Irrespective of the definition used, a similar distribution of atopy was observed in both groups of patients with hypersensitivity to NSAID. Atopy was more frequent in either group of patients with intolerance of NSAID than in the control group. Thus, atopy is related to adverse drug reactions to NSAID.
The role of the bone marrow in allergy and asthma
Authors: Denburg J. A. , Inman M. O. , Leber B. , Sehmi R. , O'Byrne P. M. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe above studies have begun to address the fundamental question of the mechanisms of bone marrow involvement and response to allergen challenge in allergic asthmatics. Further studies in this area should complement our investigations in human asthma — which suggest that a particular bias toward differentiation of Eo‐Baso progenitors characterizes the atopic state — as well as our findings in the dog model of allergen‐induced airway hyperresponsiveness, which indicate that the bone marrow responds to inhalation of allergen or corticosteroids. Taken in the context of previous indications that IgE and bronchial responsiveness may both be transferrable through bone marrow transplantation (log), these findings indicate a physiologic role for the bone marrow in allergic inflammation. Likewise, these concepts provide a basis for making certain predictions regarding management and novel therapeutic interventions in atopy and asthma.
Homozygote inositol transporter knockout mice show a lithium‐like phenotype
Authors: Bersudsky Yuly , Shaldubina Alona , Agam Galila , Berry Gerard T , Belmaker Robert H 
Published: April 2008

Objective:  Lithium inhibits inositol monophosphatase and also reduces inositol transporter function. To determine if one or more of these mechanisms might underlie the behavioral effects of lithium, we studied inositol transporter knockout mice. We previously reported that heterozygous knockout mice with reduction of 15–37% in brain inositol had no abnormalities of pilocarpine sensitivity or antidepressant‐like behavior in the Porsolt forced swim test. We now report on studies of homozygous inositol transporter knockout mice.Methods:  Homozygote knockout mice were rescued by 2% inositol supplementation to the drinking water of the dam mice through pregnancy and lactation. Genotyping was carried out by polymerase chain reaction followed by agarose electrophoresis. Brain free myo‐inositol levels were determined gas‐chromatographically. Motor activity and coordination were assessed by the rotarod test. Behavior of the mice was studied in lithium–pilocarpine seizure models for lithium action and in the Porsolt forced swim test model for depression.Results:  In homozygote knockout mice, free inositol levels were reduced by 55% in the frontal cortex and by 60% in the hippocampus. There were no differences in weight or motor coordination by the rotarod test. They behaved similarly to lithium‐treated animals in the model of pilocarpine seizures and in the Porsolt forced swimming test model of depression.Conclusions:  Reduction of brain inositol more than 15–37% may be required to elicit lithium‐like neurobehavioral effects.
Mania profile in a community sample of prepubertal children in Turkey
Authors: Diler Rasim Somer , Uguz Sukru , Seydaoglu Gulsah , Avci Ayse 
Published: April 2008

Background:  Mania in youth is increasingly recognized and accompanied by substantial psychiatric and psychosocial morbidity. There are no data on prepubertals in the general population and we aimed to search for mania symptoms and its clinical correlations in a community sample of prepubertal Turkish children.Methods:  Among all children (n = 56,335) aged 7–11 in Adana, Turkey, 2,468 children (48% girls) were randomly included. Parents completed Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) 4–18 and Parent‐Young Mania Rating Scale (P‐YMRS). Cut‐off scores of 17 and 27 on total P‐YMRS were defined as efficient (probable‐mania group) and specific (mania group), respectively, for bipolar profile. We searched for clinical correlations and used logistic regression to show how well each CBCL subscale predicted the presence of mania and probable‐mania, after adjusting for any demographic differences.Results:  Parent‐Young Mania Rating Scale scores were ≥17 but <27 (probable‐mania) in 155 (6.3%) children and ≥27 (mania) in 32 (1.3%) children. Elevated mood, increased activity levels, and poor insight were the most frequent manic symptoms in our sample. Children with probable‐mania and mania had higher scores on all CBCL subscales and the CBCL‐Pediatric Bipolar Disorder (CBCL‐PBD) profile (sum of attention, aggression, and anxiety/depression subscales). Logistic regression analysis revealed only thought problems on CBCL that predicted probable‐mania and mania.Conclusion:  Our study shows that mania profile is common in the community sample of Turkish prepubertal children and does not support the thought that mania is rare outside the US. We need further population‐based studies that will use diagnostic interviews and multiple informants.
Substance use disorders among adolescents with bipolar spectrum disorders
Authors: Goldstein Benjamin I , Strober Michael A , Birmaher Boris , Axelson David A , Esposito‐Smythers Christianne , Goldstein Tina R , Leonard Henrietta , Hunt Jeffrey , Gill Mary Kay , Iyengar Satish , Grimm Colleen , Yang Mei , Ryan Neal D , Keller Martin B 
Published: April 2008

Objective:  We set out to examine the prevalence and correlates of substance use disorders (SUD) in a large sample of adolescents with bipolar disorder (BP).Methods:  Subjects were 249 adolescents ages 12 to 17 years old who fulfilled DSM‐IV criteria for bipolar I disorder [(BPI), n = 154], or bipolar II disorder [(BPII), n = 25], or operationalized criteria for BP not otherwise specified [(BP NOS), n = 70], via the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School‐Aged Children (K‐SADS). As part of the multi‐site Course and Outcome of Bipolar Youth study, demographic, clinical, and family history variables were measured via intake clinical interview with the subject and a parent/guardian.Results:  The lifetime prevalence of SUD among adolescents with BP was 16% (40/249). Results from univariate analyses indicated that subjects with, as compared to without, SUD were significantly less likely to be living with both biological parents, and that there was significantly greater lifetime prevalence of physical abuse, sexual abuse, suicide attempts, conduct disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder among subjects with SUD. Subjects with SUD reported significantly greater 12‐month prevalence of trouble with police, and females with SUD reported significantly greater 12‐month prevalence of pregnancy and abortion. Significant predictors of SUD in a logistic regression model included living with both biological parents (lower prevalence), conduct disorder and suicide attempts (increased prevalence). In logistic regression analyses controlling for demographic differences and conduct disorder, SUD remained significantly associated with trouble with police, whereas the association of SUD with pregnancy and abortion was reduced to a statistical trend. The prevalence of SUD was not significantly different among child‐ versus adolescent‐onset BP subjects.Conclusions:  SUD among adolescents with BP is associated with profound hazards including suicide attempts, trouble with police, and teenage pregnancy and abortion.
Trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder among primary care patients with bipolar spectrum disorder
Authors: Neria Yuval , Olfson Mark , Gameroff Marc J , Wickramaratne Priya , Pilowsky Daniel , Verdeli Helen , Gross Raz , Manetti‐Cusa Julián , Marshall Randall D , Lantigua Rafael , Shea Steven , Weissman Myrna M 
Published: April 2008

Objective:  To examine relationships between exposure to trauma, bipolar spectrum disorder (BD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a sample of primary care patients.Methods:  A systematic sample (n = 977) of adult primary care patients from an urban general medicine practice were interviewed with measures including the Mood Disorders Questionnaire, the PTSD Checklist–Civilian Version, and the Medical Outcomes Study 12‐Item Short Form Health Survey.Results:  Compared with patients who screened negative for BD (n = 881), those who screened positive (n = 96) were 2.6 times [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6–4.2] as likely to report physical or sexual assault, and 2.9 times (95% CI: 1.6–5.1) as likely to screen positive for current PTSD. Among those screening positive for BD, comorbid PTSD was associated with significantly worse social functioning. These results controlled for selected background characteristics, current major depressive episode, and current alcohol/drug use disorder.Conclusion:  In an urban general medicine setting, trauma exposure was related to BD, and the frequency of PTSD among patients with BD appears to be common and clinically significant. These results suggest an unmet need for mental health care in this specific population and are especially important in view of available treatments for BD and PTSD.
Comorbid anxiety in bipolar disorder: does it have an independent effect on suicidality?
Authors: Nakagawa Atsuo , Grunebaum Michael F , Sullivan Gregory M , Currier Dianne , Ellis Steven P , Burke Ainsley K , Brent David A , Mann J John , Oquendo Maria A 
Published: April 2008

Objective:  Comorbid anxiety disorder is reported to increase suicidality in bipolar disorder. However, studies of the impact of anxiety disorders on suicidal behavior in mood disorders have shown mixed results. The presence of personality disorders, often comorbid with anxiety and bipolar disorders, may explain these inconsistencies. This study examined the impact of comorbid Cluster B personality disorder and anxiety disorder on suicidality in bipolar disorder.Methods:  A total of 116 depressed bipolar patients with and without lifetime anxiety disorder were compared. Multiple regression analysis tested the association of comorbid anxiety disorder with past suicide attempts and severity of suicidal ideation, adjusting for the effect of Cluster B personality disorder. The specific effect of panic disorder was also explored.Results:  Bipolar patients with and without anxiety disorders did not differ in the rate of past suicide attempt. Suicidal ideation was less severe in those with anxiety disorders. In multiple regression analysis, anxiety disorder was not associated with past suicide attempts or with the severity of suicidal ideation, whereas Cluster B personality disorder was associated with both. The results were comparable when comorbid panic disorder was examined.Conclusions:  Comorbid Cluster B personality disorder appears to exert a stronger influence on suicidality than comorbid anxiety disorder in persons with bipolar disorder. Assessment of suicide risk in patients with bipolar disorder should include evaluation and treatment of Cluster B psychopathology.
Neuropsychological task performance in bipolar spectrum illness: genetics, alcohol abuse, medication and childhood trauma
Authors: Savitz Jonathan B , Van Der Merwe Lize , Stein Dan J , Solms Mark , Ramesar Rajkumar S 
Published: April 2008

Introduction: Impaired executive and memory function is a putative genetic trait marker of bipolar I disorder (BPD I). Although executive/memory function has been posited to be an endophenotype of BPD I, it is unclear whether this extends to bipolar spectrum illness. It is also unclear to what extent non‐genetic factors such as childhood abuse, alcoholism and medication influence neurocognitive function. We assessed the neuropsychological performance of a large cohort of bipolar disorder probands and their affectively ill and healthy family members, while controlling for self‐reported childhood sexual and emotional abuse, emotional neglect, alcohol abuse and medication.Methods: A total of 230 largely euthymic participants from 47 families, comprising 49 subjects with BPD I, 19 with bipolar II disorder (BPD II), 44 with recurrent major depression (MDE‐R), 33 with a single lifetime episode of depression (MDE‐S), 20 with other DSM‐IV diagnoses and 65 unaffected relatives, were assessed with a battery of neuropsychological tasks.Results: Sexual abuse, emotional abuse and emotional neglect scores were associated with poorer cognitive performance. After controlling for childhood trauma, the BPD I group performed worse than unaffected relatives on tests of visual recall memory as well as verbal recall and recognition memory. In contrast, individuals with BPD II and bipolar spectrum illness did not differ significantly from unaffected relatives. Treatment with lithium and antipsychotic medication was associated with reduced executive and verbal recognition memory function. After controlling for medication and other covariates, only verbal recall memory was significantly impaired in the BPD I cohort.Conclusions: Verbal recall deficits may be one manifestation of a genetically driven dysfunction of frontal‐striatal cortical networks in BPD I.
Birthweight, breast‐feeding, parental weight and prevalence of obesity in schoolchildren aged 10–12 years, in Greece; the Physical Activity, Nutrition and Allergies in Children Examined in Athens (PANACEA) study
Authors: Panagiotakos Demosthenes B. , Papadimitriou Anastasios , Anthracopoulos Michael B. , Konstantinidou Maria , Antonogeorgos George , Fretzayas Andrew , Priftis Kostas N. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground: The purpose of the present study was to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in a sample of Greek children aged 10–12 years, and to evaluate these rates in relation to parental weight and birthweight.Methods: During the 2005–2006 school period, 700 schoolchildren (323 boys, 377 girls) were randomly recruited from 18 schools, in Athens. Height and weight were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Cut‐off points for BMI defining obesity and overweight for gender and age were calculated in accordance with international standards.Results: Overall, 8.6% of boys and 9.0% of girls were obese, and 33.9% of boys and 22.1% of girls were overweight. Having an obese parent increased the odds of having an overweight or obese child (P < 0.01). Compared to non‐breast‐fed, boys who were breast‐fed for >3 months had 70% lower likelihood of being overweight or obese (P < 0.01) and breast‐fed girls had 80% lower odds (P < 0.01). Excessive birthweight (>3500 g) increased by 2.5‐fold the likelihood of being overweight or obese only in girls (P < 0.05).Conclusions: Parental weight, lack of breast‐feeding and excess birthweight (in girls) were significant predictors of overweight or obesity in Greek children aged 10–12 years.
Low‐density lipoprotein oxidizability in children with chronic renal failure
Authors: Iughetti Lorenzo , Perugini Cristina , Predieri Barbara , Madeo Simona , Bellomo Giorgio , Bernasconi Sergio , Balli Fiorella 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground: In childhood, dyslipidemia and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis. Alterations of these factors have been shown in adult uremic patients.Methods: Nine children affected by chronic renal failure (CRF; urinary tract malformation, n = 8; polycystic kidney disease, n = 1) were studied to investigate the abnormalities of plasma lipoprotein concentration and composition and to assess the susceptibility of LDL to oxidation. All patients with CRF were on conservative treatment and, after informed consent, underwent the evaluation of (i) quantitative and qualitative plasma lipid profile; (ii) lipoprotein oxidation in vitro; and (iii) lipoprotein anti‐oxidant content. These results were compared to those of an age‐matched control group of eight healthy children.Results: Total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides were significantly higher in CRF than in the control group. The composition of lipoproteins was different in the two groups: the amount of anti‐oxidant factors (α‐, γ‐tocopherol and carotenoids) was different in CRF and normal controls children, while LDL susceptibility to oxidation was significantly higher in uremic children than in controls.Conclusions: CRF patients, already before dialysis, have a higher LDL oxidizability due to an altered lipoprotein composition and a low anti‐oxidant content; therefore they have higher risk factors for atherosclerosis. On the basis of these data, supplementation with anti‐oxidants might be useful in CRF children, but further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this therapeutic intervention.