bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brain injury-associated biomarkers of TGF-beta1, S100B, GFAP, NF-L, tTG, AbetaPP, and tau were concomitantly enhanced and the UPS was impaired during acute brain injury caused by Toxocara canisin mice
Authors: Liao Chien-Wei , Fan Chia-Kwung , Kao Ting-Chang , Ji Dar-Der , Su Kua-Eyre , Lin Yun-Ho , Cho Wen-Long 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackgroundBecause the outcomes and sequelae after different types of brain injury (BI) are variable and difficult to predict, investigations on whether enhanced expressions of BI-associated biomarkers (BIABs), including transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), S100B, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), neurofilament light chain (NF-L), tissue transglutaminases (tTGs), β-amyloid precursor proteins (AβPP), and tau are present as well as whether impairment of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is present have been widely used to help delineate pathophysiological mechanisms in various BIs. Larvae ofToxocara caniscan invade the brain and cause BI in humans and mice, leading to cerebral toxocariasis (CT). Because the parasitic burden is light in CT, it may be too cryptic to be detected in humans, making it difficult to clearly understand the pathogenesis of subtle BI in CT. Since the pathogenesis of murine toxocariasis is very similar to that in humans, it appears appropriate to use a murine model to investigate the pathogenesis of CT.MethodsBIAB expressions and UPS function in the brains of mice inoculated with a single dose of 250T. canisembryonated eggs was investigated from 3 days (dpi) to 8 weeks post-infection (wpi) by Western blotting and RT-PCR.ResultsResults revealed that at 4 and 8 wpi,T. canislarvae were found to have invaded areas around the choroid plexus but without eliciting leukocyte infiltration in brains of infected mice; nevertheless, astrogliosis, an indicator of BI, with 78.9~142.0-fold increases in GFAP expression was present. Meanwhile, markedly increased levels of other BIAB proteins including TGF-β1, S100B, NF-L, tTG, AβPP, and tau, with increases ranging 2.0~12.0-fold were found, although their corresponding mRNA expressions were not found to be present at 8 wpi. Concomitantly, UPS impairment was evidenced by the overexpression of conjugated ubiquitin and ubiquitin in the brain.ConclusionFurther studies are needed to determine whether there is an increased risk of CT progression into neurodegenerative disease because neurodegeneration-associated AβPP and phosphorylated tau emerged in the brain.
Human Papillomavirus type distribution in invasive cervical cancer in Uganda
Authors: Odida Michael , de Sanjosé Silvia , Quint Wim , Bosch Xavier F , Klaustermeier Joellen , Weiderpass Elisabete 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Background
We conducted a study aiming to describe Human Papillomavirus (HPV) type distribution in invasive cervical carcinoma in Uganda.

Methods
191 archival cervical carcinoma samples diagnosed in the Department of Pathology, Makerere University in Kampala between 1968 and 1992 were analysed using a sensitive PCR-Reverse Hybridization Line Probe Assay.

Results
Out of the 186 cases of confirmed invasive cervical cancer in the study paraffin blocks, 114 were positive for HPV DNA. Specific HPV genotypes were identifiable in 109 cases: HPV 16, 18, 31, 35, 39, 44, 45, 51, 52 and 70. These occurred as single infections in 105 cases (96.3%) and as multiple infections in 4 cases (3.7%). HPV 16 or 18 accounted for 80% (84/105) of cases with single infection.

Conclusion
The results of this study confirm the role of HPV 16 and 18 in cervical cancer pathogenesis in the Ugandan population. The results suggest that the currently available HPV vaccines against HPV 16 and 18 could possibly prevent the majority of invasive cervical cancers in Uganda.
Biomechanical comparison of lumbar spine instability between laminectomy and bilateral laminotomy for spinal stenosis syndrome – an experimental study in porcine model
Authors: Tai Ching-Lung , Hsieh Pang-Hsing , Chen Weng-Pin , Chen Lih-Huei , Chen Wen-Jer , Lai Po-Liang 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe association of lumbar spine instability between laminectomy and laminotomy has been clinically studied, but the correspondingin vitrobiomechanical studies have not been reported. We investigated the hypothesis that the integrity of the posterior complex (spinous process-interspinous ligament-spinous process) plays an important role on the postoperative spinal stability in decompressive surgery.MethodsEight porcine lumbar spine specimens were studied. Each specimen was tested intact and after two decompression procedures. All posterior components were preserved in Group A (Intact). In Group B (Bilateral laminotomy), the inferior margin of L4 lamina and superior margin of L5 lamina were removed, but the L4–L5 supraspinous ligament was preserved. Fenestrations were made on both sides. In Group C (Laminectomy) the lamina and spinous processes of lower L4 and upper L5 were removed. Ligamentum flavum and supraspinous ligament of L4–L5 were removed. A hydraulic testing machine was used to generate an increasing moment up to 8400 N-mm in flexion and extension. Intervertebral displacement at decompressive level L4–L5 was measured by extensometerResultsThe results indicated that, under extension motion, intervertebral displacement between the specimen in intact form and at two different decompression levels did not significantly differ (P> 0.05). However, under flexion motion, intervertebral displacement of the laminectomy specimens at decompression level L4–L5 was statistically greater than in intact or bilateral laminotomy specimens (P= 0.0000963 andP= 0.000418, respectively). No difference was found between intact and bilateral laminotomy groups. (P> 0.05).ConclusionWe concluded that a lumbar spine with posterior complex integrity is less likely to develop segment instability than a lumbar spine with a destroyed anchoring point for supraspinous ligament.
Expression of HIV-1 antigens in plants as potential subunit vaccines
Authors: Meyers Ann , Chakauya Ereck , Shephard Enid , Tanzer Fiona L , Maclean James , Lynch Alisson , Williamson Anna-Lise , Rybicki Edward P 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) has infected more than 40 million people worldwide, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa. The high prevalence of HIV-1 subtype C in southern Africa necessitates the development of cheap, effective vaccines. One means of production is the use of plants, for which a number of different techniques have been successfully developed. HIV-1 Pr55Gag is a promising HIV-1 vaccine candidate: we compared the expression of this and a truncated Gag (p17/p24) and the p24 capsid subunit inNicotianaspp. using transgenic plants and transient expression viaAgrobacterium tumefaciensand recombinant tobamovirus vectors. We also investigated the influence of subcellular localisation of recombinant protein to the chloroplast and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) on protein yield. We partially purified a selected vaccine candidate and tested its stimulation of a humoral and cellular immune response in mice.ResultsBoth transient and transgenic expression of the HIV antigens were successful, although expression of Pr55Gag was low in all systems; however, theAgrobacterium-mediated transient expression of p24 and p17/p24 yielded best, to more than 1 mg p24/kg fresh weight. Chloroplast targeted protein levels were highest in transient and transgenic expression of p24 and p17/p24. The transiently-expressed p17/p24 was not immunogenic in mice as a homologous vaccine, but it significantly boosted a humoral and T cell immune response primed by agagDNA vaccine, pTHGagC.ConclusionTransient agroinfiltration was best for expression of all of the recombinant proteins tested, and p24 and p17/p24 were expressed at much higher levels than Pr55Gag. Our results highlight the usefulness of plastid signal peptides in enhancing the production of recombinant proteins meant for use as vaccines. The p17/p24 protein effectively boosted T cell and humoral responses in mice primed by the DNA vaccine pTHGagC, showing that this plant-produced protein has potential for use as a vaccine.
Secreted APP regulates the function of full-length APP in neurite outgrowth through interaction with integrin beta1
Authors: Young-Pearse Tracy L , Chen Allen C , Chang Rui , Marquez Cesar , Selkoe Dennis J 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Background
β-Amyloid precursor protein (APP) has been reported to play a role in the outgrowth of neurites from cultured neurons. Both cell-surface APP and its soluble, ectodomain cleavage product (APPs-α) have been implicated in regulating the length and branching of neurites in a variety of assays, but the mechanism by which APP performs this function is not understood.

Results
Here, we report that APP is required for proper neurite outgrowth in a cell autonomous manner, both in vitro and in vivo. Neurons that lack APP undergo elongation of their longest neurite. Deletion of APLP1 or APLP2, homologues of APP, likewise stimulates neurite lengthening. Intriguingly, wild-type neurons exposed to APPs-α, the principal cleavage product of APP, also undergo neurite elongation. However, APPs-α is unable to stimulate neurite elongation in the absence of cellular APP expression. The outgrowth-enhancing effects of both APPs-α and the deletion of APP are inhibited by blocking antibodies to Integrin β1 (Itgβ1). Moreover, full length APP interacts biochemically with Itgβ1, and APPs-α can interfere with this binding.

Conclusion
Our findings indicate that APPs-α regulates the function of APP in neurite outgrowth via the novel mechanism of competing with the binding of APP to Itgβ1.
The role of corticosteroids in severe community-acquired pneumonia: a systematic review
Authors: Salluh Jorge IF , Póvoa Pedro , Soares Márcio , Castro-Faria-Neto Hugo C , Bozza Fernando A , Bozza Patrícia T 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Introduction
The purpose of this review was to evaluate the impact of corticosteroids on the outcomes of patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).

Methods
We performed a systematic MEDLINE, Cochrane database, and CINAHL search (1966 to November 2007) to identify full-text publications that evaluated the use of corticosteroids in CAP.

Results
An initial literature search yielded 109 articles, and 105 studies were excluded after the first analysis. We found four studies eligible for analysis. On the basis of their results, the use of corticosteroids as adjunctive therapy in severe CAP should be categorized as a weak recommendation (two studies) and a strong recommendation (two studies) with either low- or moderate-quality evidence. However, no evidence of adverse outcomes or harm is present in the evaluated studies.

Conclusion
According to the GRADE system, available studies do not support the recommendation of corticosteroids as a standard of care for patients with severe CAP. Further randomized controlled trials with this aim should enroll a larger number of severely ill patients. However, in patients needing corticosteroids, it may be reasonable to conclude that corticosteroid administration is safe in patients with severe infections receiving antimicrobial therapy.
Association of HMGB1 polymorphisms with outcome in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome
Authors: Kornblit Brian , Munthe-Fog Lea , Madsen Hans O , Strøm Jens , Vindeløv Lars , Garred Peter 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Introduction
High mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) is a pleiotropic cytokine, recently implicated in the pathophysiology of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and sepsis. Data from experimental sepsis models show that administration of anti-HMGB1 antibodies significantly decreased mortality, even when administration was delayed for 24 hours, providing a window of opportunity for therapeutic intervention if transferred into a clinical setting. Whether genetic variation in the human HMGB1 gene is associated with disease susceptibility is unknown.

Methods
We sequenced the HMGB1 gene in 239 prospectively monitored patients with SIRS admitted to an intensive care unit and we measured the corresponding HMGB1 serum concentrations. Blood donors served as control individuals. Outcome parameters according to different HMGB1 genotypes were compared.

Results
Homozygosity and heterozygosity for a promoter variant (-1377delA) was associated with a decreased overall 4-year survival (15% versus 44%, hazard ratio = 1.80; P = 0.01) and with a decreased number of SIRS criteria. Carriage of an exon 4 variant (982C>T) was significantly associated with an increased number of SIRS criteria, a higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II score, a lower PaO2/FiO2 ratio and lower serum HMGB1 levels (P = 0.01), and with a significantly higher probability of early death due to infection (P = 0.04). HMGB1 was undetectable in the control individuals.

Conclusion
The present article is the first report of clinical implications of variation in the human HMGB1 gene. Two polymorphisms were determined as significant risk factors associated with early and late mortality, which may provide insight into the molecular background of SIRS and sepsis, suggesting a possible role for HMGB1 genetics in future prognostic evaluation.
Genetic analysis of the human infective trypanosome Trypanosoma brucei gambiense: chromosomal segregation, crossing over, and the construction of a genetic map
Authors: Cooper Anneli , Tait Andy , Sweeney Lindsay , Tweedie Alison , Morrison Liam , Turner C Michael R , MacLeod Annette 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Background
Trypanosoma brucei is the causative agent of human sleeping sickness and animal trypanosomiasis in sub-Saharan Africa, and it has been subdivided into three subspecies: Trypanosoma brucei gambiense and Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, which cause sleeping sickness in humans, and the nonhuman infective Trypanosoma brucei brucei. T. b. gambiense is the most clinically relevant subspecies, being responsible for more than 90% of all trypanosomal disease in humans. The genome sequence is now available, and a Mendelian genetic system has been demonstrated in T. brucei, facilitating genetic analysis in this diploid protozoan parasite. As an essential step toward identifying loci that determine important traits in the human-infective subspecies, we report the construction of a high-resolution genetic map of the STIB 386 strain of T. b. gambiense.

Results
The genetic map was determined using 119 microsatellite markers assigned to the 11 megabase chromosomes. The total genetic map length of the linkage groups was 733.1 cM, covering a physical distance of 17.9 megabases with an average map unit size of 24 kilobases/cM. Forty-seven markers in this map were also used in a genetic map of the nonhuman infective T. b. brucei subspecies, permitting comparison of the two maps and showing that synteny is conserved between the two subspecies.

Conclusion
The genetic linkage map presented here is the first available for the human-infective trypanosome T. b. gambiense. In combination with the genome sequence, this opens up the possibility of using genetic analysis to identify the loci responsible for T. b. gambiense specific traits such as human infectivity as well as comparative studies of parasite field populations.
Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws: A Case-Control Study of Risk Factors in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Kyrgidis Athanassios , Vahtsevanos Konstantinos , Koloutsos Georgios , Andreadis Charalampos , Boukovinas Ioannis , Teleioudis Zisis , Patrikidou Anna , Triaridis Stefanos 
Published: June 2008

Purpose Osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ) was initially described in 2001 in patients receiving intravenous bisphosphonate (BP) treatment. The objective of the present study was to determine whether routine dental procedures can be considered as possible risk factors for the development of ONJ in breast cancer patients receiving BP. Patients and Methods Twenty breast cancer patients who developed ONJ receiving BP treatment were included in group A, whereas group B consisted of 40 matched controls (breast cancer patients who did not progress to ONJ receiving BP treatment). Routine dental care, smoking habits, history of tooth extraction, use of dentures, and root canal therapy were recorded. Results Our results indicate that history of tooth extraction during zoledronic acid treatment (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 16.4; 95% CI, 3.4 to 79.6) and the use of dentures (adjusted OR = 4.9; 95% CI, 1.2 to 20.1) increase the risk of developing ONJ. Conclusion The outcome of the present study suggests early referral by oncologists for dental evaluation for every patient to be treated with BP. These results raise the current American Society of Clinical Oncology Level of Evidence linking certain dental procedures with ONJ from V to III. Further studies are needed to assess other possible risk factors and also to highlight the etiopathogenesis mechanism of ONJ.
Phase II Randomized Trial of Two Nonoperative Regimens of Induction Chemotherapy Followed by Chemoradiation in Patients With Localized Carcinoma of the Esophagus: RTOG 0113
Authors: Ajani Jaffer A. , Winter Kathryn , Komaki Ritsuko , Kelsen David P. , Minsky Bruce D. , Liao Zhongxing , Bradley Jeffrey , Fromm Mitchel , Hornback David , Willett Christopher G. 
Published: June 2008

Purpose Two nonoperative approaches (one without fluorouracil) using induction chemotherapy and then definitive chemoradiotherapy developed at two centers were compared in patients with localized esophageal cancer (LEC). The primary end point was to assess whether any approach would achieve a ≥ 77.5% 1-year survival rate, surpassing the historical 66% rate from the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) protocol 9405. Patients and Methods In a multi-institutional cooperative group setting, patients with LEC who had unresectable cancer, were unwilling to undergo surgery, or were medically unfit for surgery were randomly assigned to receive either induction with fluorouracil, cisplatin, and paclitaxel and then fluorouracil plus paclitaxel with 50.4 Gy of radiation (arm A) or induction with paclitaxel plus cisplatin and then the same chemotherapy with 50.4 Gy of radiation (arm B). Safety and survival rates were assessed. Results A total of 84 patients were randomly assigned (arm A, n = 41; arm B, n = 43), and 72 were assessable (arm A, n = 37; arm B, n = 35). The median survival time was 28.7 months for patients in arm A and 14.9 months for patients in arm B (18.8 months for patients in RTOG 9405). The 1-year survival rate of 75.7% in arm A was close to, but did not meet or surpass, the 77.5% goal. The 2-year survival rate was 56% for arm A and 37% for arm B. Grade 3 (arm A = 54%, arm B = 43%) and grade 4 toxicities (arm A = 27%, arm B = 40%) were frequent. Treatment-related death occurred in 3% of patients in arm A and 6% of patients in arm B. Conclusion Both arms of RTOG 0113 were associated with high morbidity, and the study did not meet its 1-year survival end point.
Responding mindfully to unpleasant thoughts and images: Reliability and validity of the Southampton mindfulness questionnaire (SMQ)
Authors: Chadwick Paul , Hember Martin , Symes Janette , Peters Emmanuelle , Kuipers Elizabeth , Dagnan Dave 
Published: June 2008

ObjectiveTo assess the reliability and validity of the Southampton mindfulness questionnaire (SMQ), a 16‐item measure of mindful awareness of distressing thoughts and images.MethodsA total of 256 people participated, comprising a non‐clinical community sample of 134 (83 meditators and 51 non‐meditators) and a clinical sample of 122 people with a current distressing psychosis. To assess concurrent validity, non‐clinical participants and half clinical participants (total 197 participants) completed the mindful attention awareness scale (MAAS). Predicted links were assessed with affect, and 59 patients completed a validated measure to assess link between mindfulness and intensity of ‘delusional’ experience.ResultsThe scale has a single factor structure, was internally reliable, significantly correlated with the MAAS, showed expected associations with affect, and distinguished among meditators, non‐meditators and people with psychosis.ConclusionsThe data support use of the SMQ in clinical practice and research to assess mindful responding to distressing thoughts and images.
Relating to voices: Exploring the relevance of this concept to people who hear voices
Authors: Chin Jasmine T. , Hayward Mark. , Drinnan Ange. 
Published: June 2008

Objectives Conceptualizing interactions between voice hearers and their voices as a ‘relationship’ has recently become an area of psychological inquiry. To date the literature exploring the details of a hearer–voice relationship has arguably privileged the researchers' account of voice hearing at the expense of the individual's explanatory framework and perspective. The present study aimed to establish the perspectives of voice hearers regarding any ‘relationship’ they may have developed with their voices.Method. In‐depth interviews were conducted with 10 service users who had heard voices for at least 12 months. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA).Results. Analysis resulted in five major themes, three of which are discussed here: Defining the ‘other’ which detailed the personification process; ‘Me vs. the Voice’ which explored oppositional positioning between participants and their voice and strategies employed to retain power and ‘the Voice and Me’ which considered the union that was apparent, as well as participants' rejection of a relational concept. The concept of a ‘relationship’ was both accepted and rejected by participants. Acceptance of relating was relative to the poverty of social relationships. Rejections were considered in terms of preservation of self‐hood, conflict with personal explanatory models and constructions of the term ‘relationship’.Conclusions. This study has provided evidence that supports new developments in working relationally with voices. Working within this frame may help to emphasize hearers' strengths whilst ameliorating distress. However, this concept needs to be posed as a possible rather than an established conceptualization.