bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression profile of the entire family of AdhesionG protein-coupled receptors in mouse and rat
Authors: Haitina Tatjana , Olsson Fredrik , Stephansson Olga , Alsiö Johan , Roman Erika , Ebendal Ted , Schiöth Helgi B , Fredriksson Robert 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Background
The Adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are membrane-bound receptors with long N termini. This family has 33 members in humans. Several Adhesion GPCRs are known to have important physiological functions in CNS development and immune system response mediated by large cell surface ligands. However, the majority of Adhesion GPCRs are still poorly studied orphans with unknown functions.

Results
In this study we performed the extensive tissue localization analysis of the entire Adhesion GPCR family in rat and mouse. By applying the quantitative real-time PCR technique we have produced comparable expression profile for each of the members in the Adhesion family. The results are compared with literature data and data from the Allen Brain Atlas project. Our results suggest that the majority of the Adhesion GPCRs are either expressed in the CNS or ubiquitously. In addition the Adhesion GPCRs from the same phylogenetic group have either predominant CNS or peripheral expression, although each of their expression profile is unique.

Conclusion
Our findings indicate that many of Adhesion GPCRs are expressed, and most probably, have function in CNS. The related Adhesion GPCRs are well conserved in their structure and interestingly have considerable overlap in their expression profiles, suggesting similarities among the physiological roles for members within many of the phylogenetically related clusters.
Potential role of miR-9 and miR-223 in recurrent ovarian cancer
Authors: Laios Alexandros , O'Toole Sharon , Flavin Richard , Martin Cara , Kelly Lynne , Ring Martina , Finn Stephen P , Barrett Ciara , Loda Massimo , Gleeson Noreen , D'Arcy Tom , McGuinness Eamonn , Sheils Orla , Sheppard Brian , O' Leary John 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Background
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression by binding to target mRNAs. miRNAs have not been comprehensively studied in recurrent ovarian cancer, yet an incurable disease.

Results
Using real-time RT-PCR, we obtained distinct miRNA expression profiles between primary and recurrent serous papillary ovarian adenocarcinomas (n = 6) in a subset of samples previously used in a transcriptome approach. Expression levels of top dysregulated miRNA genes, miR-223 and miR-9, were examined using TaqMan PCR in independent cohorts of fresh frozen (n = 18) and FFPE serous ovarian tumours (n = 22). Concordance was observed on TaqMan analysis for miR-223 and miR-9 between the training cohort and the independent test cohorts. Target prediction analysis for the above miRNA "recurrent metastatic signature" identified genes previously validated in our transcriptome study. Common biological pathways well characterised in ovarian cancer were shared by miR-9 and miR-223 lists of predicted target genes. We provide strong evidence that miR-9 acts as a putative tumour suppressor gene in recurrent ovarian cancer. Components of the miRNA processing machinery, such as Dicer and Drosha are not responsible for miRNA deregulation in recurrent ovarian cancer, as deluded by TaqMan and immunohistochemistry.

Conclusion
We propose a miRNA model for the molecular pathogenesis of recurrent ovarian cancer. Some of the differentially deregulated miRNAs identified correlate with our previous transcriptome findings. Based on integrated transcriptome and miRNA analysis, miR-9 and miR-223 can be of potential importance as biomarkers in recurrent ovarian cancer.
Pruritus is a common feature in sheep infected with the BSE agent
Authors: Konold Timm , Bone Gemma , Vidal-Diez Alberto , Tortosa Raul , Davis Andrew , Dexter Glenda , Hill Peter , Jeffrey Martin , Simmons Marion M , Chaplin Melanie J , Bellworthy Susan J , Berthelin-Baker Christine 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe variability in the clinical or pathological presentation of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) in sheep, such as scrapie and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), has been attributed to prion protein genotype, strain, breed, clinical duration, dose, route and type of inoculum and the age at infection. The study aimed to describe the clinical signs in sheep infected with the BSE agent throughout its clinical course to determine whether the clinical signs were as variable as described for classical scrapie in sheep. The clinical signs were compared to BSE-negative sheep to assess if disease-specific clinical markers exist.ResultsForty-seven (34%) of 139 sheep, which comprised 123 challenged sheep and 16 undosed controls, were positive for BSE. Affected sheep belonged to five different breeds and three different genotypes (ARQ/ARQ, VRQ/VRQ and AHQ/AHQ). None of the controls or BSE exposed sheep with ARR alleles were positive. Pruritus was present in 41 (87%) BSE positive sheep; the remaining six were judged to be pre-clinically infected. Testing of the response to scratching along the dorsum of a sheep proved to be a good indicator of clinical disease with a test sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 98% and usually coincided with weight loss. Clinical signs that were displayed significantly earlier in BSE positive cases compared to negative cases were behavioural changes, pruritic behaviour, a positive scratch test, alopecia, skin lesions, teeth grinding, tremor, ataxia, loss of weight and loss of body condition. The frequency and severity of each specific clinical sign usually increased with the progression of disease over a period of 16–20 weeks.ConclusionOur results suggest that BSE in sheep presents with relatively uniform clinical signs, with pruritus of increased severity and abnormalities in behaviour or movement as the disease progressed. Based on the studied sheep, these clinical features appear to be independent of breed, affected genotype, dose, route of inoculation and whether BSE was passed into sheep from cattle or from other sheep, suggesting that the clinical phenotype of BSE is influenced by the TSE strain more than by other factors. The clinical phenotype of BSE in the genotypes and breed studied was indistinguishable from that described for classical scrapie cases.
Essential role of platelet activation via protease activated receptor 4 in tissue factor-initiated inflammation
Authors: Busso Nathalie , Chobaz-Péclat Veronique , Hamilton Justin , Spee Pieter , Wagtmann Nicolai , So Alexander 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Introduction
Tissue factor (TF) activation of the coagulation proteases enhances inflammation in animal models of arthritis and endotoxemia, but the mechanism of this effect is not yet fully understood – in particular, whether this is primarily due to fibrin formation or through activation of protease activated receptors (PARs).

Methods
We induced extravascular inflammation by injection of recombinant soluble murine TF (sTF1–219) in the hind paw. The effects of thrombin inhibition, fibrinogen and platelet depletion were evaluated, as well as the effects of PAR deficiency using knockout mice deficient for each of the PARs.

Results
Injection of soluble TF provoked a rapid onset of paw swelling. Inflammation was confirmed histologically and by increased serum IL-6 levels. Inflammation was significantly reduced by depletion of fibrinogen (P < 0.05) or platelets (P = 0.015), and by treatment with hirudin (P = 0.04) or an inhibitor of activated factor VII (P < 0.001) compared with controls. PAR-4-deficient mice exhibited significantly reduced paw swelling (P = 0.003). In contrast, a deficiency in either PAR-1, PAR-2 or PAR-3 did not affect the inflammatory response to soluble TF injection.

Conclusion
Our results show that soluble TF induces acute inflammation through a thrombin-dependent pathway and both fibrin deposition and platelet activation are essential steps in this process. The activation of PAR-4 on platelets is crucial and the other PARs do not play a major role in soluble TF-induced inflammation.
Cancer Survivors’ Adherence to Lifestyle Behavior Recommendations and Associations With Health-Related Quality of Life: Results From the American Cancer Society's SCS-II
Authors: Blanchard Christopher M. , Courneya Kerry S. , Stein Kevin 
Published: April 2008

Purpose To examine the prevalence and clustering of physical activity (PA), fruit and vegetable consumption (5-A-Day), and smoking across six major cancer survivor groups and to identify any associations with health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Methods A total of 9,105 survivors of six different cancers completed a national cross-sectional survey that included the lifestyle behavior questions and the RAND-36 Health Status Inventory. Results Only a minority of cancer survivors were meeting the 5-A-Day (14.8% to 19.1%) or PA (29.6% to 47.3%) recommendations, whereas most were meeting the smoking recommendation (82.6% to 91.6%). In terms of the lifestyle behavior clusters, only 5% of cancer survivors were meeting all three recommendations. Analyses of covariance generally showed higher HRQoL in survivors who were meeting versus not meeting each lifestyle behavior recommendation with the strongest associations emerging for PA. Trend analyses showed a steep positive association between the number of lifestyle behavior recommendations being met and HRQoL for breast (P < .001), prostate (P < .001), colorectal (P < .001), bladder (P < .001), uterine (P < .001), and skin melanoma (P < .001) cancer survivors. Conclusion Few cancer survivors are meeting the PA or 5-A-Day recommendations, and even fewer are meeting all three lifestyle recommendations. The association between the current lifestyle recommendations and HRQoL in cancer survivors appears to be cumulative. Interventions to increase PA and fruit and vegetable consumption and reduce smoking are warranted and may have additive effects on the HRQoL of cancer survivors.
Double-Blind Randomized Phase II Study of the Combination of Sorafenib and Dacarbazine in Patients With Advanced Melanoma: A Report From the 11715 Study Group
Authors: McDermott David F. , Sosman Jeffrey A. , Gonzalez Rene , Hodi F. Stephen , Linette Gerald P. , Richards Jon , Jakub James W. , Beeram Muralidhar , Tarantolo Stefano , Agarwala Sanjiv , Frenette Gary , Puzanov Igor , Cranmer Lee , Lewis Karl , Kirkwood John , White J. Michael , Xia Chenghua , Patel Kiran , Hersh Evan 
Published: April 2008

Purpose This phase II study evaluated the efficacy and safety of sorafenib plus dacarbazine in patients with advanced melanoma. Patients and Methods This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study enrolled chemotherapy-naïve patients with stage III (unresectable) or IV melanoma. A total of 101 patients received placebo plus dacarbazine (n = 50) or sorafenib plus dacarbazine (n = 51). On day 1 of a 21-day cycle, patients received intravenous dacarbazine 1,000 mg/m2 for a maximum of 16 cycles. Oral sorafenib 400 mg or placebo was administered twice a day continuously. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS) by independent assessment. Secondary and tertiary end points included time to progression (TTP), response rate, and overall survival (OS). Results Median PFS in the sorafenib plus dacarbazine arm was 21.1 weeks versus 11.7 weeks in the placebo plus dacarbazine arm (hazard ratio [HR], 0.665; P = .068). There were statistically significant improvements in PFS rates at 6 and 9 months, and in TTP (median, 21.1 v 11.7 weeks; HR, 0.619) in favor of the sorafenib plus dacarbazine arm. No difference in OS was observed (median, 51.3 v 45.6 weeks in the placebo plus dacarbazine and sorafenib plus dacarbazine arms, respectively; HR, 1.022). The regimen was well tolerated and had a manageable toxicity profile. Conclusion Sorafenib plus dacarbazine was well tolerated in patients with advanced melanoma and yielded an encouraging improvement in PFS. Based on these findings, additional studies with the combination are warranted in this patient population.
Comparison of ASTM and CIPAC Suspension Methods
Authors: Costello Lauren , Lindner Greg 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Suspension testing is a standard way of characterizing the effectiveness of dispersants in wet or dry formulations. In a suspensibility test, a measured amount of material is diluted in hard water and given a specified amount of time to settle. The settled material is recovered and used to calculate the amount of material that remained suspended, yielding a suspension percentage. Different organizations use slightly different methods to conduct this characterization, and there are few studies which allow the experimentalist to correlate results between methods. The objective of this work is to compare two standard suspension tests, ASTM and CIPAC (Collaborative International Pesticides Analytical Council) and determine their correlation, if one exists. While similar, the methods vary by a few factors including the initial volume fraction of the material and the means of recovering the settled material. Several formulations of copper (II) hydroxide, dispersed with varying amounts of acrylic polymer, were dried and sieved into granule solids and powder solids. Suspension properties were tested using both methods. Resultant suspension percentages for each formula were charted, CIPAC results versus ASTM results. The coefficient of determination (R2) for the suspension percentages of the granule and powder solids was found to be 0.976 and 0.984, respectively. The granular solids showed a one-to-one relationship (slope=1) between results generated by these methods while the powder solids did not, y=0.56+0.37. The driver for this skew may be due to different particle volume fractions between the tests, a parameter which has the potential to affect viscosity in a predictable manner and which is represented mathematically by the Krieger-Dougherty equation.
Reading in Spanish and English: A Comparative Study of Processing Strategies
Authors: Pritchard Robert , O'Hara Susan 
Published: April 2008

Do proficient, bilingual readers of Spanish and English use different strategies when reading passages written in each language? Are there differences in the frequency with which proficient, bilingual readers of Spanish and English use particular strategies when reading these passages? Are there patterns in the manner in which the subjects use the strategies to construct interpretations of the passages? If so, do the patterns vary across passages?A three‐phase data analysis revealed that, whether reading Spanish or English texts, subjects drew upon an array of strategic processes to establish connections and integrate understandings. And, when they ran into difficulty, their use of metacognitive strategies often allowed the subjects to continue constructing meaning.
Picture Book Power: Connecting Children's Literature and Mathematics
Authors: Shatzer Joyce 
Published: April 2008

There once lived a wolf who loved to eat more than anything else in the world. As soon as he finished one meal, he began to think of the next. One day the wolf got a terrible craving for chicken stew. (Kasza, 16‐996, n.p.)The author's experiences in using children's literature to engage her students in mathematics are described in this article. Using the book The Wolf's Chicken Stew, the author's class participated in an interactive read‐aloud, graphed favorite foods from the story, and finally followed a recipe to bake chocolate chip cookies. Reasons for making the literature/math connection with students are explored. Additional pieces of children's literature, both those with and without specific math content, are presented and examples of possible mathematics learning experiences are described. Steps teachers might take in helping children make literature/math connections are offered. They include choosing appropriate pieces of children's literature for read‐alouds, helping students actively make mathematics connections to those books, and providing authentic hands‐on exploration of literature/math connections.
Paint solvent to food additive: An environmental route of dehalogenation for 4-chlorobenzotrifluoride
Authors: Young Cora J , Biagi Rodolfo F. Gómez , Hurley Michael D , Wallington Timothy J , Mabury Scott A 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
In an effort to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in paint solvents, replacements containing non-VOC compounds have been proposed. One such compound is 4-chlorobenzotrifluoride (CBTF), for which environmental fate studies have not been conducted. The objective of the present study was to determine the products of the atmospheric oxidation of CBTF and the aqueous fate of these products. Smog chamber experiments were performed to measure the kinetics and mechanism of atmospheric oxidation. A rate constant of 2.22 (±0.30) × 10−13 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 was determined for the reaction of hydroxyl radicals with CBTF in 700 Torr of air at 296 K. Using offline sampling and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectroscopic analysis, it was determined that 2-chloro-5-trifluoromethylphenol (o-CTFP) was the primary product of CBTF atmospheric oxidation. Aqueous photolysis of o-CTFP in deionized water proceeded at a rate of 1.3 (±0.1) × 10−4 s−1, corresponding to a half-life of 1.5 ± 0.1 h and a quantum yield of 6.6 (±0.4) × 10−4. The mechanism of photolysis was investigated using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry, which suggested that degradation of o-CTFP occurred via photonucleophilic displacement of chlorine, followed by photoinduced hydrolysis of the trifluoromethyl group to yield 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (an approved food additive considered to be nontoxic).
Evaluation of a Diabetes Management System Based on Practice Guidelines, Integrated Care, and Continuous Quality Management in a Federal State of Germany
Authors: Rothe Ulrike , Müller Gabriele , Schwarz Peter E.H. , Seifert Martin , Kunath Hildebrand , Koch Rainer , Bergmann Sybille , Julius Ulrich , Bornstein Stefan R. , Hanefeld Markolf , Schulze Jan 
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVE—The aim of this study was to evaluate the Saxon Diabetes Management Program (SDMP), which is based on integrated practice guidelines, shared care, and integrated quality management. The SDMP was implemented into diabetes contracts between health insurance providers, general practitioners (GPs), and diabetes specialized practitioners (DSPs) unified in the Saxon association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—The evaluation of the SDMP in Germany represents a real-world study by using clinical data collected from participating physicians. Between 2000 and 2002 all DSPs and about 75% of the GPs in Saxony participated. Finally, 291,771 patients were included in the SDMP. Cross-sectional data were evaluated at the beginning of 2000 (group A1) and at the end of 2002 (group A2). A subcohort of 105,204 patients was followed over a period of 3 years (group B).
RESULTS—The statewide implementation of the SDMP resulted in a change in therapeutic practice and in better cooperation. The median A1C at the time of referral to DSPs decreased from 8.5 to 7.5%, and so did the overall mean. At the end, 78 and 61% of group B achieved the targets for A1C and blood pressure, respectively, recommended by the guidelines compared with 69 and 50% at baseline. Patients with poorly controlled diabetes benefited the most. Preexisting regional differences were aligned.
CONCLUSIONS—Integrated care disease management with practicable integrated quality management including collaboration between GPs and specialist services is a significant innovation in chronic care management and an efficient way to improve diabetes care continuously.
Relation of Left Ventricular Function, Mass, and Volume to NT-proBNP in Type 1 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Astrup Anne Sofie , Kim Won Yong , Tarnow Lise , Botnar René M. , Simonsen Cheryl , Brix Lau , Pietraszek Lotte , Hansen Peter Riis , Manning Warren J. , Parving Hans-Henrik 
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVES—To measure left ventricular mass (LVM), left ventricular volumes, and left ventricular function (LVF) in a cohort of type 1 diabetic patients and to correlate measures of imaging to NH2-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP).
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—In a cross-sectional study, all patients with type 1 diabetes underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging. We included 63 patients with diabetic nephropathy and 73 patients with normoalbuminuria.
RESULTS—All patients had normal global LVF. LVM was increased in patients with diabetic nephropathy compared with patients with persistent normoalbuminuria. Patients with nephropathy had smaller left ventricular volumes and increased levels of NT-proBNP. Linear regression analysis in patients with diabetic nephropathy showed that NT-proBNP and creatinine were associated with LVM.
CONCLUSIONS—Increased LVM is identified in asymptomatic type 1 diabetic patients with nephropathy compared with normoalbuminuric patients. Elevated levels of NT-proBNP were associated with increased LVM, which are both markers of increased cardiovascular risk.
Medication Adherence and Racial Differences in A1C Control
Authors: Adams Alyce S. , Trinacty Connie Mah , Zhang Fang , Kleinman Ken , Grant Richard W. , Meigs James B. , Soumerai Stephen B. , Ross-Degnan Dennis 
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVE—The purpose of this study was to examine medication adherence and other self-management practices as potential determinants of higher glycemic risk among black relative to white patients.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We used a retrospective, longitudinal repeated-measures design to model the contribution of medication adherence to black-white differences in A1C among type 2 diabetic patients at a large multispecialty group practice. We identified 1,806 adult (aged ≥18 at diagnosis) patients (467 black and 1,339 white) with newly initiated oral hypoglycemic therapy between 1 December 1994 and 31 December 2000. Race was identified using an electronic medical record and patient self-report. Baseline was defined as the 13 months preceding and included the month of therapy initiation. All patients were required to have at least 12 months of follow-up.
RESULTS—At initiation of therapy, black patients had higher average A1C values compared with whites (9.8 vs. 8.9, a difference of 0.88; P &lt; 0.0001). Blacks had lower average medication adherence during the first year of therapy (72 vs. 78%; P &lt; 0.0001). Although more frequent medication refills were associated with lower average A1C values, adjustment for adherence did not eliminate the black-white gap.
CONCLUSIONS—We found persistent racial differences in A1C that were not explained by differences in medication adherence. Our findings suggest that targeting medication adherence alone is unlikely to reduce disparities in glycemic control in this setting. Further research is needed to explore possible genetic and environmental determinants of higher A1C among blacks at diagnosis, which may represent a critical period for more intensive intervention.