bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of EIF-5A2 Is an Independent Predictor of Outcome in Patients of Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder Treated with Radical Cystectomy
Authors: Chen Wei , Luo Jun-Hang , Hua Wen-Feng , Zhou Fang-Jian , Lin Marie C. , Kung Hsiang-Fu , Zeng Yi-Xin , Guan Xin-Yuan , Xie Dan 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Background: Our previous study has suggested an oncogenic role of eIF-5A2 in ovarian tumorigenesis. Abnormalities of eIF-5A2 and its clinical/prognostic significance, however, in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UC) are unclear.
Methods: In this study, the methods of reverse transcription-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and fluorescence in situ hybridization were used to examine mRNA/protein expression and amplification of eIF-5A2 in a large cohort of UCs treated with radical cystectomy.
Results: Up-regulated expression of eIF-5A2 mRNA was observed in 50% (8 of 16) of UCs, when compared with adjacent normal bladder tissues. Overexpression of EIF-5A2 protein and amplification of eIF-5A2 was examined informatively in 45.3% (39 of 86) and 10.6% (5 of 47) of UCs, respectively. In univariate survival analysis of the UC cohorts, a significant association of overexpression of EIF-5A2 with shortened patient survival (mean, 38.2 months versus 52.9 months, P = 0.001, log-rank test) was shown. In different subsets of UC patients, overexpression of EIF-5A2 was also a prognostic indicator in grade 1/2 (P = 0.0009) and grade 3 (P = 0.016) tumor patients, and in pT1 (P = 0.0089), pT2 (P = 0.0354), pT3/4 (P = 0.0058), pN0 (P = 0.0039), and pN1-2 (P = 0.0093) tumor patients. Importantly, EIF-5A2 expression (P = 0.0007) together with pT stage (P = 0.0001) provided significant independent prognostic variables in multivariate analysis.
Conclusions: These findings indicate that overexpression of EIF-5A2 in UCs is coincident with acquisition of a poor prognostic phenotype, suggesting that the expression of EIF-5A2, as detected by immunohistochemistry, is an independent molecular marker for shortened survival time of UC patients treated with radical cystectomy. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(2):400–8)
Longitudinal Biological Exposure to Carotenoids Is Associated with Breast Cancer–Free Survival in the Women's Healthy Eating and Living Study
Authors: Rock Cheryl L. , Natarajan Loki , Pu Minya , Thomson Cynthia A. , Flatt Shirley W. , Caan Bette J. , Gold Ellen B. , Al-Delaimy Wael K. , Newman Vicky A. , Hajek Richard A. , Stefanick Marcia L. , Pierce John P. ,   for the Women's Healthy Eating and Living Study Group
Published: February 2009

Abstract
In some cohort studies, a high-vegetable diet has been associated with greater likelihood of recurrence-free survival in women diagnosed with breast cancer. Carotenoids are obtained primarily from vegetables and fruit and they exhibit biological activities that may specifically reduce the progression of mammary carcinogenesis. The present analysis examines the relationship between plasma carotenoids at enrollment and 1, 2 or 3, 4, and 6 years and breast cancer–free survival in the Women's Healthy Eating and Living Study participants (N = 3,043), who had been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. The primary end point was time to a second breast cancer event (a recurrence or new primary breast cancer). An average carotenoid concentration over time was estimated for each participant as the average area under the plasma carotenoid curve formed by the plasma carotenoid concentrations at scheduled clinic visits. Multiple regression Cox proportional hazards analysis with adjustment for prognostic and other factors was used to examine the association between carotenoids and breast cancer–free survival. A total of 508 (16.7%) breast cancer events occurred over a median 7.12 years follow-up. Compared with the lowest tertile, the hazard ratio for the medium/high plasma carotenoid tertiles was 0.67 (95% confidence interval, 0.54-0.83) after adjustment. The interaction between the study group and tertile of average carotenoid concentration over time was not significant (P = 0.23). Higher biological exposure to carotenoids, when assessed over the time frame of the study, was associated with greater likelihood of breast cancer–free survival regardless of study group assignment. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(2):486–94)
Assessment of Lifetime Cumulative Sun Exposure Using a Self-Administered Questionnaire: Reliability of Two Approaches
Authors: Yu Chu-Ling , Li Yan , Freedman D. Michal , Fears Thomas R. , Kwok Richard , Chodick Gabriel , Alexander Bruce , Kimlin Michael G. , Kricker Anne , Armstrong Bruce K. , Linet Martha S. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractFew studies have evaluated the reliability of lifetime sun exposure estimated from inquiring about the number of hours people spent outdoors in a given period on a typical weekday or weekend day (the time-based approach). Some investigations have suggested that women have a particularly difficult task in estimating time outdoors in adulthood due to their family and occupational roles. We hypothesized that people might gain additional memory cues and estimate lifetime hours spent outdoors more reliably if asked about time spent outdoors according to specific activities (an activity-based approach). Using self-administered, mailed questionnaires, test-retest responses to time-based and to activity-based approaches were evaluated in 124 volunteer radiologic technologist participants from the United States: 64 females and 60 males 48 to 80 years of age. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to evaluate the test-retest reliability of average number of hours spent outdoors in the summer estimated for each approach. We tested the differences between the two ICCs, corresponding to each approach, using a t test with the variance of the difference estimated by the jackknife method. During childhood and adolescence, the two approaches gave similar ICCs for average numbers of hours spent outdoors in the summer. By contrast, compared with the time-based approach, the activity-based approach showed significantly higher ICCs during adult ages (0.69 versus 0.43, P = 0.003) and over the lifetime (0.69 versus 0.52, P = 0.05); the higher ICCs for the activity-based questionnaire were primarily derived from the results for females. Research is needed to further improve the activity-based questionnaire approach for long-term sun exposure assessment. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(2):464–71)
Rad50 c.687delT Does Not Contribute Significantly to Familial Breast Cancer in a French Population
Authors: Uhrhammer Nancy , Delort Laetitia , Bignon Yves-Jean 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Mutations in DNA repair genes are known for their association with hereditary breast cancer. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the major genes for high-penetrance familial breast and ovarian cancer, whereas mutations in ATM or Chek2 confer more modest cancer risk. Additional genes involved in DNA double-strand break repair have more recently been associated with breast cancer risk: heterozygosity for deleterious mutations in components of the Rad50-Mre11-Nbs1 complex seems to predispose to breast cancer. In particular, the c.687delT mutation in Rad50 conferred an odds ratio of 4.3 for the risk of breast cancer in a study of Finnish breast cancer families. To explore the contribution of this mutation to breast cancer in French families for which no BRCA mutation could be found, we analyzed the relevant exon in 618 familial breast cancer cases and 513 controls with no personal or familial history of breast cancer. Rad50 was analyzed in its entirety for 231 familial cases, with no clearly deleterious mutations detected. These data together suggest that although founder mutations may make Rad50 a significant breast cancer risk factor in certain populations, it is not a factor in others. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(2):684–5)
Vascular events in Korean patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms and their relationship to JAK2 mutation
Authors: Bang Soo-Mee , Lee Jong-Seok , Ahn Jeong Yeal , Lee Jae Hoon , Hyun Myung Soo , Kim Bong Seog , Park Moo Rim , Kim Ho Young , Kim Hyo Jung , Lee Moon Hee , Kim Hwak , Won Jong Ho , Yoon Hwi Joong , Oh Do-yeun , Nam Eun-Mi , Bae Sung Hwa , Kim Byoung-Kook , Chi Hyun-Sook ,   for the Korean MPN Working Party
Published: February 2009

SummaryEvaluation of the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) V617F mutation has been widely used for the diagnosis of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). However, its prognostic relevance to clinical outcome is not completely understood. We investigated the association of JAK2 V617F with vascular events in Korean patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). We studied 283 patients from 15 centers, who were diagnosed with MPN. The JAK2 V617F status was evaluated by allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. The patients’ diagnoses were essential thrombocythemia (ET n=146), polycythemia vera (PV n=120), primary myelofibrosis (n=12), and unclassifiable MPN (MPNu n=5). JAK2 V617F was detected in 89 (61%) patients with ET, 103 (86%) with PV, four (33%) with myelofibrosis, and four (80%) with MPNu. A higher number of leukocytes, haemoglobin levels and BM cellularity as well as an older age, lower platelet counts, and diagnosis of PV were significantly correlated with JAK2 V617F. Eighty-three and 43 episodes of thrombosis and bleeding occurred in 100 patients each before and after the diagnosis. Vascular events more frequently occurred in 37% of patients with JAK2 V617F than in 29% of those without the mutation (p=0.045). Among 175 patients whose samples were available for sequencing, 28 patients with homozygous JAK2 V617F had vascular events more frequently (57%) than those who were heterozygotes (39%) or had the wild type (27%) (p=0.03). The multivariate analysis showed that a JAK2 homozygous mutation, hypercholesterolemia and older age were independent risk factors for a vascular event. The results of this study showed that Korean patients with MPN had a similar JAK2 mutation rate and frequency of vascular events when compared to Western patients. The presence of V617F was significantly related to vascular events. Therefore, initial evaluation for the JAK2 mutation and careful monitoring for vascular events should be performed in MPN patients.
How effective are dose-adjusted warfarin and aspirin for the prevention of stroke in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation?
Authors: Rietbrock Stephan , Plumb Jonathan M. , Gallagher Arlene M. , van Staa Tjeerd P. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryThe objective of this study was to evaluate the rate of stroke associated with aspirin and warfarin in routine clinical practice. The study included patients aged 40+ with chronic atrial fibrillation (cAF) registered in the UK General Practice Research Database. The outcome was the rate of stroke during current, past and no use of aspirin and warfarin. The study included 51,807 cAF patients. There was no difference in the rate of stroke between current and past use of aspirin (relative rate [RR]=1.04 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.94 – 1.15]), while the rate of stroke was reduced during current warfarin use compared to past use (RR=0.62 [95% CI 0.54 – 0.71]). For warfarin, a pattern of lower rates of stroke during current exposure and higher rates with past exposure was seen only in patients treated for at least 6–12 months. For aspirin, no changes in the rates of stroke were observed with discontinuation of aspirin. The effectiveness of warfarin was dependent on the level of anticoagulation, with optimal risk reduction occurring within the recommended international normalised ratio (INR) range of 2.0 to 3.0. The proportion of patients achieving a stable INR within the target therapeutic range was at its lowest during the first three months of warfarin treatment. In conclusion, the results of this study support the effectiveness of warfarin treatment to reduce the rate of stroke in cAF patients in the general clinical practice setting, however the risk reduction is lower than that reported in clinical trials.
Thrombin inhibits nuclear factor κB and RhoA pathways in cytokine-stimulated vascular endothelial cells when EPCR is occupied by protein C
Authors: Bae Jong-Sup , Rezaie Alireza R. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryThe occupancy of endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) by protein C switches the protease activated receptor 1 (PAR-1)-dependent signalling specificity of thrombin from a permeability enhancing to a barrier protective response in vascular endothelial cells. In this study, the modulatory effects of thrombin and thrombin receptor agonist peptides (TRAP) on tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α-stimulated HUVECs in the absence and presence of the catalytically inactive protein C-S195A were evaluated by monitoring the expression of cell surface adhesion molecules (VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and E-selectin), adhesion of freshly isolated neutrophils to cytokine-stimulated endothelial cells, regulation of the Rho family of small GTPases and the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway. The analysis of results indicate that both thrombin and TRAP initiate proinflammatory responses in endothelial cells, thus neither PAR-1 agonist in-fluenced the proinflammatory effects of TNF-α in the absence of the protein C mutant. Interestingly, however, the occupancy of EPCR by the protein C mutant switched the PAR-1-dependent signaling specificity of thrombin, thus leading to thrombin inhibition of the expression of all three adhesion molecules as well as the binding of neutrophils to TNF-α-activated endothelial cells. Furthermore, similar to activated protein C, both thrombin and TRAP activated Rac1 and inhibited the activation of RhoA and NF-κB pathways in response to TNF-α in cells pre-treated with protein C-S195A. Based on these results we conclude that when EPCR is ligated by protein C, the cleavage of PAR-1 by thrombin initiates antiinflammatory responses, thus leading to activation of Rac1 and inhibition of RhoA and NF-κB signalling cascades in vascular endothelial cells.
Relationship between exercise capacity, endothelial progenitor cells and cytochemokines in patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation
Authors: Sofi Francesco , Caporale Roberto , Capalbo Andrea , Marcucci Rossella , Macchi Claudio , Lova Raffaele Molino , Cellai Tommaso , Vannucci Mauro , Gensini Gian Franco , Abbate Rosanna , Gori Anna Maria , Cesari Francesca 
Published: February 2009

SummaryNo data are available about the possible role of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), cytochemokines and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in determining a different response to short period of cardiologic rehabilitation (CR), as measured by the improvement of exercise capacity. In a population of 86 cardiac surgery patients, we evaluated the numbers of EPCs, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6,IL-8, IL-10, IL-1ra), hs-C-reactive protein (CRP), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and NT-proBNP before (T1), and after 15 days of CR (T2). EPCs were measured by flow cytometry, and the exercise capacity was measured at T1 and T2 by using the six-minute walk test (6MWT). At T2, a significant increase of 6MWT (p<0.0001) was detected. No significant increase of EPCs was observed, while a significant (at least p<0.05) decrease in cytochemokines, CRP and NT-ProBNP levels was evidenced. By analyzing the median improvement of 6MWT, only patients with a median improvement ≥23% showed a significant (p<0.05) increase of EPCs at T2, with significant correlations between EPCs, VEGF and IL-10. On the contrary, in patients with a median improvement <23% a negative correlation between CRP and EPCs was observed. Finally, CD34+/KDR+ EPCs showed significant correlation with IL-8 at T1. In conclusion, a short period of CR intervention determines a different pattern of modifications for EPCs in relation to the improvement of exercise capacity.
A multicentre randomised assessment of the DAWN AC computer-assisted oral anticoagulant dosage program
Authors: Keown Michelle , Ibrahim Saied , Lowe Gordon , Moia Marco , Turpie Alexander G. , Roberts Christopher , van den Besselaar Anton M. H. P. , van der Meer Felix J. M. , Tripodi Armando , Palareti Gualtiero , Shiach Caroline , Bryan Stirling , Samama Meyer , Burgess-Wilson Michael , Heagerty Anthony , MacCallum Peter , Wright David , Jespersen Jørgen , Poller Leon ,   European Action on Anticoagulation (EAA)
Published: February 2009

SummaryComputer-assisted oral anticoagulant dosage is being increasingly used to meet growing demands for oral anticoagulation. The DAWN AC is one of the most widely used computer-dosage programs. Evidence of its value and that of other computer programs has been based previously only on laboratory evidence of “time in target INR range” (TIR) not on clinical safety in practice. A five-year international randomised clinical study of computer assistance with the DAWN AC program compared with manual dosage in 2,631 patients has been performed at 13 centres with established expertise in oral anticoagulation mainly in the EU. Safety assessment have been based on the comparison of bleeding or thrombotic events with DAWN AC compared with manual dosage in a randomised study. Safety of the DAWN AC program has been demonstrated. Clinical events of bleeding and thrombosis were almost identical with the experienced manual dosage group. Therapeutic control improved with DAWN AC to 66.8% from 63.4% TIR. The program failed to provide a dosage recommendation on only 5.7% of occasions. At a group of experienced centres with a special interest in oral anticoagulation, the DAWN AC computer-dosage program proved as safe clinically as manual dosage by experienced medical staff. With DAWN AC, laboratory control was improved, the difference being highly significant. The results should reassure hospitals and community clinics that the DAWN AC program is safe and facilitate greater and longer provision of warfarin treatment where required.
Diabetes Self-management in a Latino Social Environment
Authors: Weiler Dawn M. , Crist Janice D. 
Published: February 2009

Purpose The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore the sociocultural influences and social context associated with living with type 2 diabetes among migrant Latino adults. Methods A qualitative descriptive study using grounded theory techniques was conducted. In-depth semistructured interviews were completed with 10 participants (6 female and 4 male) ranging in age from 46 to 65 years and with a duration of diabetes diagnosis ranging from 1.5 to 40 years. Results An overarching meta-theme of self-management in a social environment emerged. Every aspect of the process of self-management, as described in the 4 major themes—(1) family cohesion, (2) social stigma of disease, (3) social expectations/perception of “illness,” and (4) disease knowledge and understanding—was influenced by the social context. Conclusions The familist traditions, central to the Mexican culture, had both positive and negative consequences on diabetes management. Tailoring clinical care and developing novel education approaches, to include family and community, is central to improving the health of this population. Recognizing and acknowledging the social stigma associated with diabetes, for this population, will promote understanding and improve clinician-patient communication. The sociocultural influences that affect diabetes management practices (eg, include family, in particular the primary female caregiver, and establish community- and home-based education sessions) must be integrated into clinical practice. Future research focused on population-defined health and disease self-management, novel educational interventions, and family and community interventions focusing on the concept of social stigma of disease is indicated to further affect the health disparities of this population.
Breakdance Injuries and Overuse Syndromes in Amateurs and Professionals
Authors: Kauther Max Daniel , Wedemeyer Christian , Wegner Alexander , Kauther Kai Michael , von Knoch Marius 
Published: February 2009

Background Serious injuries due to breakdancing have been presented only as singular case reports to date. So far, there have been no comprehensive studies about injuries in this sport. Hypothesis Professional breakdancing might lead to a higher incidence of injuries than amateur training. Wearing safety equipment is correlated with a decreased incidence of injuries and pain. Study Design Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods The retrospective study surveyed 40 breakdance professionals and 104 amateurs by questionnaire. Results There were 1665 injuries and 206 overuse syndromes found in 380 588 hours of training, leading to a loss of 10 970.6 training days. Professionals reported significantly ( P < .001) more injuries and overuse syndromes with significantly more injuries of the wrist ( P < .001), knee ( P < .001), hip/thigh ( P = .003), ankle/foot ( P = .013), and elbow ( P = .033). No significant differences were found in the time lost per injury and the time lost per overuse syndrome. Pain occurred most frequently in the region of the wrist, spine, shoulder, and ankle. A negative correlation between protective gear and injuries or frequency of pain could not be shown. Conclusion Breakdancing must be considered as a potentially high-risk dancing sport. Even with severe injuries, dancers interrupt training only for limited periods of time. Clinical Relevance Breakdance injuries and overuse should not be underestimated. Physicians should be aware of the common risks in this highly acrobatic kind of dancing.
Endoscopic Repair of Gluteus Medius Tendon Tears of the Hip
Authors: Voos James E. , Shindle Michael K. , Pruett Arianna , Asnis Peter D. , Kelly Bryan T. 
Published: February 2009

Background Tears of the gluteus medius tendon at the greater trochanter have been termed “rotator cuff tears of the hip.” Previous reports have described the open repair of these lesions. Hypothesis Endoscopic repair of gluteus medius tears results in successful clinical outcomes in the short term. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Of 482 consecutive hip arthroscopies performed by the senior author, 10 patients with gluteus medius tears repaired endoscopically were evaluated prospectively. Perioperative data were analyzed on this cohort of patients. There were 8 women and 2 men, with an average age of 50.4 years (range, 33-66 years). Patients had persistent lateral hip pain and abductor weakness despite extensive conservative measures. Diagnosis was made by physical examination and magnetic resonance imaging and was confirmed at the time of endoscopy in all cases. At the most recent follow-up, patients completed the Modified Harris Hip Score and Hip Outcomes Score surveys. Results At an average follow-up of 25 months (range, 19-38 months), all 10 patients had complete resolution of pain; 10 of 10 regained 5 of 5 motor strength in the hip abductors. Modified Harris Hip Scores at 1 year averaged 94 points (range, 84-100), and Hip Outcomes Scores averaged 93 points (range, 85-100). There were no adverse complications after abductor repairs. Seven of 10 patients said their hip was normal, and 3 said their hip was nearly normal. Conclusion With short-term follow-up, endoscopic repair of gluteus medius tendon tears of the hip appears to provide pain relief and return of strength in select patients who have failed conservative measures. Further long-term follow-up is warranted to confirm the clinical effectiveness of this procedure.