bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Breast cancer subtypes and survival in patients with brain metastases
Authors: Nam Byung-Ho , Kim Sun Young , Han Hye-Sook , Kwon Youngmee , Lee Keun Seok , Kim Tae Hyun , Ro Jungsil 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
Introduction
Brain metastases (BM) occur in up to one third of patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), whose incidences and prognoses by breast cancer subtypes in BM have not been well delineated.

Methods
Retrospective survival analyses were performed in 126 BM patients from 805 MBC patients treated at the National Cancer Center between August 2001 and April 2006, according to clinical characteristics, breast cancer subtypes, and receipt of trastuzumab. Estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth receptor-2 (HER2) statuses were tested by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, and HER2 FISH analysis conducted for IHC 2+.

Results
The proportion of HER2+/ER- (29% vs 16%) and triple-negative (37% vs 25%) tumors was higher in the 126 BM patients than those without BM. While median survival after recurrence was longer in patients with luminal A disease (median survival of luminal A vs luminal B vs HER2+/ER- vs triple-negative: p = 0.0246; 39.6 vs 27.4 vs 20.9 vs 15.5 months), survival was shorter from BM to death in luminal A and triple negatives (median survival: p = 0.0113; 4.0 vs 9.2 vs 5.0 vs 3.4 months). Receipt of trastuzumab after BM was a significant variable for survival in HER2+ patients. Multivariate analyses identified ER-negative, HER2-negative, or triple-negative, as well as older age, presence of leptomeningeal disease, and three or more extracranial disease sites, as poor prognostic factors for survival after BM.

Conclusion
MBC patients who developed BM had higher proportions of triple-negative and HER2+/ER- tumor status. Triple receptor status is a useful prognostic marker for predicting survival after BM in metastatic breast cancer patients.
Forkhead box transcription factor FOXO3a suppresses estrogen-dependent breast cancer cell proliferation and tumorigenesis
Authors: Zou Yiyu , Tsai Wen-Bin , Cheng Chien-Jui , Hsu Chiun , Chung Young Min , Li Pao-Chen , Lin Sue-Hwa , Hu Mickey CT 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
Introduction
Estrogen receptors (ERs) play key roles in breast cancer development and influence treatment outcome in breast cancer patients. Identification of molecules that regulate ER function may facilitate development of breast cancer treatment strategies. The forkhead box class O (FOXO) transcription factor FOXO3a has been suggested to function as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer. Using protein-protein interaction screening, we found that FOXO3a interacted with ER-α and ER-β proteins in the human breast carcinoma cell line MCF-7, suggesting that there exists a crosstalk between the FOXO3a and ER signaling pathways in estrogen-dependent breast cancer cells.

Methods
The interaction between FOXO3a and ER was investigated by using co-immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting assays. Inhibition of ER-α and ER-β transactivation activity by FOXO was determined by luciferase reporter assays. Cell proliferation in culture was evaluated by counting cell numbers. Tumorigenesis was assessed in athymic mice that were injected with MCF-7 cell lines over-expressing FOXO3a. Protein expression levels of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, cyclins, ERs, FOXM1, and the proteins encoded by ER-regulated genes in MCF-7 cell lines and breast tumors were examined by immunoblotting analysis and immunohistochemical staining.

Results
We found that FOXO3a interacted with ER-α and ER-β proteins and inhibited 17β-estradiol (E2)-dependent, ER-regulated transcriptional activities. Consistent with these observations, expression of FOXO3a in the ER-positive MCF-7 cells decreased the expression of several ER-regulated genes, some of which play important roles in cell proliferation. Moreover, we found that FOXO3a upregulated the expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p21Cip1, p27Kip1, and p57Kip2. These findings suggest that FOXO3a induces cell growth arrest to effect tumor suppression. FOXO3a repressed the growth and survival of MCF-7 cells in cell culture. In an orthotopic breast cancer xenograft model in athymic mice, over-expression of FOXO3a in MCF-7 cells suppressed their E2-induced tumorigenesis, whereas knockdown of FOXO3a in MCF-7 resulted in the E2-independent growth.

Conclusion
Functional interaction between FOXO3a and ER plays a critical role in suppressing estrogen-dependent breast cancer cell growth and tumorigenesis in vivo. This suggests that agents that activate FOXO3a may be novel therapeutic agents that can inhibit and prevent tumor proliferation and development in breast cancer.
Acute lung injury and the acute respiratory distress syndrome in Ireland: a prospective audit of epidemiology and management
Authors:   The Irish Critical Care Trials Group
Published: February 2008

Abstract
Introduction
The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology and management of acute lung injury (ALI) and the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in Ireland.

Methods
As part of a 10-week prospective national audit of patient demographics and organ failure incidence in intensive care in Ireland, all patients with ALI/ARDS in 14 participating centres were prospectively identified using American European Consensus Conference definitions.

Results
There were 1,029 admissions during the study period; of these, 728 patients were invasively ventilated. A total of 196 (19%) patients had ALI/ARDS, and 141 of these (72%) had ALI/ARDS on admission and a further 55 (28%) developed ALI/ARDS after admission. For the patients with ALI/ARDS, the mean (± standard deviation) age was 58 ± 17 years and 62% were male. The most common predisposing risk factors were pneumonia (50%) and nonpulmonary sepsis (26%). Mean (± standard deviation) tidal volume/kg was 7.0 ± 1.7 ml/kg. Median (interquartile range) duration of ventilation was 6.8 (2.0 to 12.8) days. Median (interquartile range) length of stay in the intensive care unit was 10.0 (5.0 to 18.5) days. The overall intensive care unit mortality for ALI/ARDS was 32.3%. Lower baseline arterial oxygen tension/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio and higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores were associated with increased mortality. Although not significant, patients receiving treatment with a statin during admission had a 73% lower odds of death (odds ratio 0.27, 95% confidence interval 0.06 to 1.21; P = 0.09).

Conclusion
The incidence of ALI/ARDS is high and is associated with significant mortality. Protective lung ventilation is used commonly throughout participating centres. With low tidal volume ventilation, the degree of hypoxaemia is associated with outcome. These data will inform future multicentre clinical trials in ALI/ARDS in Ireland.
High-speed gallop locomotion in the Thoroughbred racehorse. II. The effect of incline on centre of mass movement and mechanical energy fluctuation
Authors: Parsons K. J. , Pfau T. , Ferrari M. , Wilson A. M. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYDuring locomotion on an incline, mechanical work is performed to move an animal up the slope and increase the potential energy (PE) of the trunk and hence the centre of mass (CoM). Thus, at a given speed the total net mechanical work increases with the PE of the animal. In this study we investigate the mechanical energy (ME) fluctuations and the mechanical cost of transport (MCT) in six horses galloping up a range of gradients. We captured trunk movement with a six degrees-of-freedom inertial sensor mounted over the dorsal spinous process of the fourth to sixth thoracic vertebrae of the horse. Footfall timings were measured using a previously validated system of limb-mounted accelerometers. Speed was measured using a Global Positioning System (GPS) data logger. A track survey provided detailed incline information for the track. Linear (craniocaudal, mediolateral and dorsoventral) and rotational (roll, pitch and heading) kinematic parameters(displacement, velocity and acceleration) were calculated at speeds ranging from 9.0 to 12.0 m s–1 during routine training over a range of inclines. Estimates of ME fluctuations and the MCT were made. Results showed the effect of incline on trunk motion during galloping was small. Increases in linear mechanical work and MCT were primarily explained by an increase in the work required to move the animal up the slope (and increase the PE of the CoM). Within the stride the majority of the work was performed during hindlimb stance. Our results have provided new insights into how horses power uphill locomotion.
Is a convergently derived muscle-activity pattern driving novel raking behaviours in teleost fishes?
Authors: Konow Nicolai , Sanford Christopher P. J. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYBehavioural differences across prey-capture and processing mechanisms may be governed by coupled or uncoupled feeding systems. Osteoglossomorph and salmonid fishes process prey in a convergently evolved tongue-bite apparatus(TBA), which is musculoskeletally coupled with the primary oral jaws. Altered muscle-activity patterns (MAPs) in these coupled jaw systems could be associated with the independent origin of a novel raking behaviour in these unrelated lineages. Substantial MAP changes in the evolution of novel behaviours have rarely been quantified so we examined MAP differences across strikes, chewing and rakes in a derived raking salmonid, the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Electromyography, including activity onset timing, duration, mean amplitude and integrated area from five feeding muscles revealed significant differences between behaviour-specific MAPs. Specifically, early activity onset in the protractor hyoideus and adductor mandibularis muscles characterised raking, congruent with a recent biomechanical model of the component-mechanisms driving the raking preparatory and power-stroke phases. Oncorhynchus raking MAPs were then compared with a phylogenetically derived osteoglossomorph representative, the Australian arowana, Scleropages jardinii. In both taxa, early onset of protractor hyoideus and adductor mandibularis activity characterised the raking preparatory phase, indicating a convergently derived MAP, while more subtle inter-lineage divergence in raking MAPs resulted from onset-timing and duration differences in sternohyoideus and hypaxialis activity. Convergent TBA morphologies are thus powered by convergently derived MAPs, a phenomenon not previously demonstrated in feeding mechanisms. Between lineages, differences in TBA morphology and associated differences in the functional coupling of jaw systems appear to be important factors in shaping the diversification of raking behaviours.
Prey detection by great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis)in clear and in turbid water
Authors: Strod Tamir , Izhaki Ido , Arad Zeev , Katzir Gadi 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYThe scattering and absorption of light by water molecules and by suspended and dissolved matter (turbidity) degrade image transmission and, thus,underwater perception. We tested the effects on visual detection of prey size and distance (affecting apparent prey size) and of low-level water turbidity in hand-reared great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) diving for natural prey (fish) in a forced-choice situation. The cormorants'detection of underwater prey relied on vision. The minimal tested subtending visual angle of the prey at detection ranged between ∼34.2′ (prey size constant; distance varied) and 9.5′ (distance constant; prey size varied). For all tested distances (0.8–3.1 m) the mean detection success was significantly higher than the chance level. The probability of a correct choice declined significantly with increased distance, with Detection success=–0.034D+1.021 (where D is distance, r2=0.5, N=70, P&lt;0.001). The combined effect of turbidity and distance on the probability of detection success was significant, with both variables having a negative effect: Detection success=–0.286D–0.224Tu+1.691 (where Tu is turbidity, r2=0.68, N=144, P&lt;0.001). At prey detection threshold, the relationship between distance and turbidity was: D=3.79e–4.55Tu. It is concluded that (i) the subtending angle of natural prey at detection was lower than that of resolution of square-wave, high-contrast grating and (ii) turbidity, at levels significantly lower than commonly used in behavioural experiments, had a pronounced effect on visually mediated behaviour patterns.
Physiological and biochemical traits correlate with differences in growth rate and temperature adaptation among groups of the eastern oysterCrassostrea virginica
Authors: Pernet Fabrice , Tremblay Réjean , Redjah Iften , Sévigny Jean-Marie , Gionet Chantal 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYWe tested two hypotheses in this study: first, that intraspecific growth variations in a marine bivalve are correlated with physiological (basal metabolic rate and scope for growth) and biochemical (membrane lipids)characteristics, and, second, that this bivalve shows intraspecific variations in physiological and biochemical adaptations to temperature. To test these hypotheses, five genetically distinct groups of juvenile oysters Crassostrea virginica that showed differences in their growth rates were maintained in the laboratory (1) for further measurements of growth and standard metabolic rates and (2) subjected to acclimation at 4°C, 12°C and 20°C and further examined for scope for growth and determination of membrane lipid composition. Our results show that a lower basal metabolic rate and lower unsaturation index of membrane lipids coincides with higher growth rates and a higher scope for growth in oysters. We provide evidence that intraspecific differences in basal metabolic rate in oysters are related to membrane unsaturation as predicted by Hulbert's theory of membranes as metabolic pacemakers. Furthermore, our results suggest that the theory of membranes as metabolic pacemakers is related to intraspecific differences in growth. A perfect negative relationship was observed between the acclimation temperature and the unsaturation index of membrane lipids in oysters, as predicted by the homeoviscous adaptation theory. However, changes in the unsaturation index in response to temperature were mainly due to variations in the eicosapentaenoic (20:5n-3) fatty acid in fast-growing oysters, whereas slow-growing animals changed both docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3) and 20:5n-3. Thus, the pattern of biochemical compensation in response to temperature in this species shows intraspecific variation.
Recent Changes in the Management of Blunt Splenic Injury: Effect on Splenic Trauma Patients and Hospital Implications
Authors: Sinha S , Raja SVV , Lewis MH 
Published: February 2008

INTRODUCTION Management of blunt splenic injury has been controversial with an increasing trend towards splenic conservation. A retrospective study was performed to identify the effect of this changed policy on splenic trauma patients and its implications. PATIENTS AND METHODS Data regarding patient demography, mode of splenic injury, CT grading, blood transfusion requirement, operative findings hospital stay and follow-up were collected. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using non-parametric Mann–Whitney tests RESULTS Over an 8-year period, only 21 patients were admitted with blunt splenic injury. Ten patients were managed operatively and 11 non-operatively. Non-operative management failed in one patient due to continued bleeding. Using Buntain's CT grading, the majority of grades I and II splenic injuries were managed non-operatively and grades III and IV were managed operatively (P = 0.008). Blood transfusion requirement was significantly higher among the operative group (P = 0.004) but the non-operative group had a significantly longer hospital stay (P = 0.029). Among those managed non-operatively (median age, 24.5 years), a number of patients were followed up with CT scans with significant radiation exposure and unknown long-term consequences. CONCLUSIONS Non-operative management of blunt splenic trauma in adults can be performed with an acceptable outcome. Although CT is classed as the ‘gold standard’, initial imaging for detection and evaluation of blunt splenic injury, ultrasound can play a major role in follow-up imaging and potentially avoids major radiation exposure.
Audit of Referral Patterns for Hernia Repair – Are General Practitioners Aware of the Changing Face of Herniorrhaphy?
Authors: Coulston JE , Williams GL , Stephenson BM 
Published: February 2008

INTRODUCTION The objective of this study was to examine referral patterns from general practitioners for groin hernia surgery and to assess their knowledge of services available to their patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS An anonymous postal questionnaire was sent to 120 general practitioners (GPs) in the South East Wales region who routinely refer patients for inguinal hernia surgery to the Royal Gwent Healthcare NHS Trust. RESULTS A total of 86 questionnaire replies were returned. There was variation in referral patterns between the GPs with the majority (84%) referring their patients for groin hernia repair to either a general surgeon or as an open referral. Only 14% referred directly to a hernia specialist and none regularly referred to a laparoscopic surgeon. CONCLUSIONS Referral patterns for inguinal hernia surgery do not reflect services provided in secondary care. Further education is required so that a patient's care can be optimised.
Should Vascular Surgeons be Trained in Endovascular Techniques? – An Observational Study
Authors: Krysa J , Downes M , Taylor P 
Published: February 2008

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to determine if there is a satisfactory cover for interventional radiology and whether vascular surgeons have received sufficient training in endovascular techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was an observational study based on questionnaires sent to radiology and vascular trainers and vascular trainees in England. A total of 50 NHS trusts were chosen randomly to take part in the study and 320 questionnaires were sent out with an overall consultant response rate of 57%. RESULTS Of vascular consultants in the study group, 53% have had experience in endovascular procedures. Overall, 87% felt that there were not enough radiologists to fulfil the demand and 64% would like further training in endovascular procedures. In addition, 69% would like to be involved in a vascular rota without the general component. Similarly, 81% of radiologists felt that the demand was not being met, as emergency interventional radiology cover was not available on most nights in 65% of the trusts. Of responders, 72% would not object to training of vascular trainees in interventional work and 43% would be happy to be involved in training. Some 33% would accept a vascular trainee for 1 year. CONCLUSIONS Integrated fellowship in vascular surgery and interventional radiology has been implemented and tested in a number of centres in the US. This approach could be implemented in some of the larger vascular units in the UK.
A New ELISA for Use in a 3-ELISA System to Assess Concentrations of VEGF Splice Variants and VEGF110 in Ovarian Cancer Tumors
Authors: Gutierrez Johnny , Konecny Gottfried E , Hong Kyu , Burges Alexander , Henry Timothy D , Lambiase Pier D , Lee Wong Wai , Meng Y Gloria 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBackground: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which affects tumor angiogenesis, is expressed as different splice variants, including the major isoforms VEGF165 and VEGF121, and can be cleaved by plasmin to generate VEGF110. The amount of VEGF121 and VEGF110 in biological samples has not been well studied.Methods: We developed an ELISA that detects VEGF165 and VEGF121 equally, but does not detect VEGF110. We used this ELISA together with 2 other ELISAs, one detecting VEGF165 and the other detecting VEGF165, VEGF121, and VEGF110 equally, to assess the concentrations of VEGF121 and VEGF110 in ovarian cancer tumors.Results: The median concentrations in ovarian cancer tumor lysates were 0.61 (range &lt;0.055–74) fmol/mg protein for VEGF165, 1.4 (range &lt;0.20–500) fmol/mg protein for VEGF165 plus VEGF121, and 2.3 (range &lt;0.079–520) fmol/mg protein for total VEGF including VEGF110 (n = 248). VEGF concentrations measured by the 3 ELISAs were highly correlated (r = 0.91–0.94). Median estimated VEGF121 and VEGF110 concentrations were 0.77 and 0.58 fmol/mg protein, respectively. In lysates with measurable VEGF165 and total VEGF concentrations, mean VEGF165 was approximately 31% (SD 23%) of the total VEGF (n = 217). In contrast, VEGF165 constituted approximately half of the total circulating VEGF.Conclusion: VEGF165, VEGF121, and VEGF110 may be present at significant amounts in ovarian cancer tumors.
Effects of Prolonged and Exclusive Breastfeeding on Child Behavior and Maternal Adjustment: Evidence From a Large, Randomized Trial
Authors: Kramer Michael S. , Fombonne Eric , Igumnov Sergei , Vanilovich Irina , Matush Lidia , Mironova Elena , Bogdanovich Natalia , Tremblay Richard E. , Chalmers Beverley , Zhang Xun , Platt Robert W. ,   for the Promotion of Breastfeeding Intervention Trial (PROBIT) Study Group
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE. The objective of this study was to assess the long-term effects of breastfeeding on child behavior and maternal adjustment.METHODS. We followed up children who were in the Promotion of Breastfeeding Intervention Trial, a cluster-randomized trial of a breastfeeding promotion intervention based on the World Health Organization/United Nations Children's Fund Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. A total of 17046 healthy, breastfeeding mother–infant pairs were enrolled from 31 Belarussian maternity hospitals and affiliated polyclinics; 13889 (81.5%) were followed up at 6.5 years. Mothers and teachers completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and supplemental questions bearing on internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems. Mothers also responded to questions concerning their relationships to their partner and child and their breastfeeding of subsequently born children.RESULTS. The experimental intervention led to a large increase in exclusive breastfeeding at 3 months (43.3% vs 6.4%) and a significantly higher prevalence of any breastfeeding at all ages up to and including 12 months. No significant treatment effects were observed on either the mother or the teacher Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire ratings of total difficulties, emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, peer problems, or prosocial behavior or on the supplemental behavioral questions. We found no evidence of treatment effects on the parent's marriage or on the mother's satisfaction with her relationships with her partner or child, but the experimental intervention significantly increased the duration of any breastfeeding, and mothers in the experimental group were nearly twice as likely to breastfeed exclusively the next-born child for at least 3 months.CONCLUSIONS. On the basis of the largest randomized trial ever conducted in the area of human lactation, we found no evidence of risks or benefits of prolonged and exclusive breastfeeding for child and maternal behavior. Breastfeeding promotion does, however, favorably affect breastfeeding of the subsequent child.