bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Francisella Tularensis: Activation of the Inflammasome
Authors: WEISS DAVID S. , HENRY THOMAS , MONACK DENISE M. 
Published: July 2007

Abstract:
Francisella tularensis (F. tularensis) is a facultative intracellular pathogen that causes the systemic disease tularemia. This pathogen can replicate in the cytosol of macrophages, an ability that is linked with its virulence. We discuss recent data demonstrating that in macrophages, cytosolic Francisella induce the activation of the cysteine protease caspase‐1 within a multiprotein complex called the inflammasome. NOD‐like receptors (NLRs), which may have important roles in innate immunity as intracellular sensors of microbial components and cell injury, and the adaptor molecule ASC are thought to regulate caspase‐1 within the inflammasome. Both ASC and caspase‐1 play a critical role in host defense against Francisella infection in vivo. Activation of caspase‐1 leads to the cleavage and activation of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and IL‐18, as well as the induction of host cell death, which are required for innate immune defense against Francisella and other intracellular pathogens. The cytokine IFN‐β is secreted from infected cells in response to cytosolic Francisella and its signaling through the type I interferon receptor is required for activation of the inflammasome. Despite the effort of the host to induce inflammasome activation, Francisella modulates this host defense pathway, limiting its efficacy. These results highlight the role that the inflammasome plays in the tug‐of‐war between Francisella and the immune system.
Quantitative Measurement of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Is a Negative Predictive Factor for Tamoxifen Response in Hormone Receptor–Positive Premenopausal Breast Cancer
Authors: Giltnane Jennifer M. , Rydén Lisa , Cregger Melissa , Bendahl Pär-Ola , Jirström Karin , Rimm David L. 
Published: July 2007

PurposeAlthough there is evidence for interaction between epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and estrogen receptor (ER), it is still not clear how this affects response to endocrine therapies like tamoxifen. Here we assess the relationship between EGFR expression and tamoxifen response, with a new quantitative technology.Patients and MethodsA tissue microarray was constructed from breast cancer from a cohort of 564 patients enrolled in a randomized clinical trial for adjuvant tamoxifen treatment in early breast cancer, with a median follow-up of 14 years. EGFR expression was measured using automated quantitative analysis, a fluorescence-based method for quantitative analysis of in situ protein expression.ResultsIn ER-positive patients, tamoxifen-treated patients with low EGFR expression (n = 113) showed a significant effect by 2 years of adjuvant tamoxifen (P = .01), in contrast to no treatment effect in the EGFR-high group (n = 73, P = .69). The untreated group showed 49% v 57% 10-year recurrence-free survival for EGFR low versus high (P = .466) in the corresponding group of ER-positive patients. A significant beneficial effect of tamoxifen treatment was seen in the EGFR-low group (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.43 (95% CI, 0.22 to 0.84; P = .013) in contrast to no effect in the EGFR-high group (HR = 1.14; 95% CI, 0.59 to 2.22; P = .7) by using a Cox model.ConclusionThis study provides clinical evidence that confirms the basic work that has shown high EGFR can indicate resistance to tamoxifen. It suggests that careful measurement of EGFR protein expression might define a subset of low-stage patients that could benefit from an alternative therapy.
Sexual Well-Being Among Partnered Women With Breast Cancer Recurrence
Authors: Andersen Barbara L. , Carpenter Kristen M. , Yang Hae-Chung , Shapiro Charles L. 
Published: July 2007

Purpose A woman's risk for sexual disruption after breast cancer recurrence has received little clinical or research attention. Patients and Methods Breast cancer patients recently diagnosed with recurrence (n = 60) were initially assessed at baseline and completed follow-ups at 4, 8, and 12 months. They were compared by age, stage, and duration and frequency of follow-up with matched patients who remained disease free (n = 120). Using linear mixed modeling, the groups were compared in their trajectories of change on measures of sexuality, relationship satisfaction, cancer-specific stress, and physical functioning. Recurrence subgroups, those with locoregional versus distant disease and those younger versus older than 52 years, were also compared. Results At baseline, the recurrence group had significantly lower intercourse frequency and physical functioning compared with the disease-free group and these differences were maintained. There were no significant differences in the frequencies of kissing or sexual and relationship satisfactions. For the recurrence group patients, the heightened stress of the diagnostic/early recurrence treatment period declined to the lower disease-free levels by 12 months. This effect was largely due to improvement of the patients with distant disease. Finally, sexual changes were most notable for younger patients. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first longitudinal, controlled study of sexuality—sexuality in the context of other quality of life domains—for women coping with recurrence. Despite disruption, patients maintained their sexual lives. Younger and distant recurrence patients, however, may have greatest risk of sexual disruption. The factors contributing to sexual disruption remain unknown, and studies investigating strategies to help patients maintain this aspect of quality of life are needed.
Results of a Phase II Study of High-Dose Thoracic Radiation Therapy With Concurrent Cisplatin and Etoposide in Limited-Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NCCTG 95-20-53)
Authors: Schild Steven E. , Bonner James A. , Hillman Shauna , Kozelsky Timothy F. , Vigliotti Antonio P.G. , Marks Randolph S. , Graham David L. , Soori Gamini S. , Kugler John W. , Tenglin Richard C. , Wender Donald B. , Adjei Alex 
Published: July 2007

Purpose To evaluate the outcome of patients with limited-stage small-cell lung cancer (L-SCLC) treated with cisplatin and etoposide (PE), early prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI), and high-dose twice-daily thoracic radiotherapy (bid RT). Patients and Methods A total of 76 assessable patients were treated on this phase II trial, which included six cycles of PE. PCI (25 Gy/10 fractions) was delivered during cycle 3 to responding patients. Cycles 4 and 5 included concurrent chemotherapy and thoracic RT (30 Gy/20 bid fractions, a 2-week break, and another 30 Gy/20 bid fractions). Results Of the 76 assessable patients, 74 patients (97%) suffered grade 3 or greater (3+) toxicity and 61 patients (80%) had grade 4 or greater (4+) toxicity. Of these adverse events, grade 3+ hematologic toxicity occurred in 72 patients (95%), and grade 3+ nonhematologic toxicity occurred in 55 patients (72%). Only one (2%) of the 61 patients who received PCI experienced treatment failure in the brain. The 5-year survival rate of the 76 assessable patients was 24% (median, 20 months). The 5-year survival rate of the 64 patients who received thoracic RT was 29% (median, 22 months). The 5-year cumulative incidence of in-field treatment failure was 34%. Conclusion This regimen included a high total dose of bid TRT, which resulted in a favorable 5-year survival rate. Local failure remains a problem that will require additional investigation. Newer technology should allow the safe administration of greater doses of RT, which should improve patient outcome. Data from eight trials were combined to demonstrate a relationship between RT dose fractionation and 5-year survival.
Androgen Receptor Structural and Functional Elements: Role and Regulation in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Dehm Scott M. , Tindall Donald J. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe androgen receptor (AR) is a nuclear receptor transcription factor that mediates the cellular actions of androgens, the male sex steroids. Androgen-dependent tissues, such as the prostate, rely on androgen action for their development as well as their maintenance in adulthood. This requirement is exploited during systemic therapy of prostate cancer, which is initially an androgen-dependent disease. Indeed, androgen ablation, which prevents the production or blocks the action of androgens, inhibits prostate cancer growth. Invariably, the disease recurs with a phenotype resistant to further hormonal manipulations. However, this so-called androgen depletion-independent prostate cancer remains dependent on a functional AR for growth. Many studies have focused on the mechanistic and structural basis of AR activation with the important goal of understanding how the AR is activated at this stage of the disease. In this review, we summarize how these studies have revealed important functional domains in the AR protein and have provided initial clues to their role in prostate cancer development and progression. A comprehensive understanding of the role and functional relationships between these AR domains could lead to the development of novel AR-directed therapies for prostate cancer.
An Analysis of the Out-of-Hours Demand and Treatment Provided by a General Dental Practice Rota over a Five-Year Period
Authors: Portman-Lewis Simon 
Published: July 2007

Objective To obtain information about the frequency of call-outs, relative frequency of different types of dental emergencies that presented, and treatment provided between 1999 and 2003 by an out-of-hours on-call rota run by a cooperative of 12 dentists in Herefordshire. Method A retrospective analysis was undertaken of the data recorded in the on-call log of the cooperative from March 1999 to December 2003. Data recorded were: date of call, time of call, dentist on call, contract type (National Health Service, Denplan, other capitation scheme, private fee-per-item-of-service, or unregistered), time seen, nature of complaint and treatment provided. Results The log produced 1070 usable entries. The gender mix of patients seeking care was 61% female and 39% male. Most call-outs were on Saturday; the next most frequent days were Sunday and Friday. The most common presenting complaint was ‘toothache’ in the form of acute pulpitis or periapical periodontitis, which together accounted for 52.3% of all calls. The next most frequent complaints were: broken or lost tooth, lost or fractured restorations and fractured teeth, which accounted for a further 27.7% of all calls. The most serious presenting complaints, avulsion or postoperative bleeding, accounted for 0.5% and 1.3% of the calls, respectively. One hundred and ninety-six (18.3%) of the callers were not subsequently seen in person, 39 of whom were not seen because they were private patients who declined to pay the call-out fee. The other 157 unseen patients (14.7%) appeared to be happy just to receive advice over the telephone. Of patients who were seen, 62.9% were seen within one hour and only 9.2% waited longer than two hours. Some patients who telephoned late on a Friday or Saturday were happy to wait until the next morning. Conclusions The most common dental emergency with which patients presented at an emergency rota service was periapical periodontitis, followed by pulpitis and fractured tooth. The treatments most commonly provided were extirpation of the pulp, temporary dressing or advice only.
Selective extinction of late Neogene bivalves on the temperate Pacific coast of South America
Authors: Rivadeneira Marcelo M. , Marquet Pablo A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWe assessed selective extinction patterns in bivalves during a late Neogene mass extinction event observed along the temperate Pacific coast of South America. The analysis of 99 late Neogene and Quaternary fossil sites (recorded from 7°S to 55°S), yielding ∼2800 occurrences and 118 species, revealed an abrupt decline in Lyellian percentages during the late Neogene–Pleistocene, suggesting the existence of a mass extinction that decimated ∼66% of the original assemblage. Using the late Neogene data set (n= 59 species, 1346 occurrences), we tested whether the extinction was nonrandom according to taxonomic structure, life habit, geographic range, and body size. Our results showed that the number of higher taxa that went extinct was not different than expected by random. At first sight, extinction was selective only according to life habit and geographic range. Nevertheless, when phylogenetic effects were accounted for, body size also showed significant selectivity. In general, epifaunal, small-sized (after phylogenetic correction), and short-ranged species tended to have increased probability of extinction. This is verified by strong interactions between the variables herein analyzed, suggesting the existence of nonlinear effects on extinction chances. In the heavily decimated epifaunal forms, survival was not enhanced by widespread ranges or larger body sizes. Conversely, the widespread and large-sized infaunal forms tended to have lower probability of extinction. Overall, the ultimate extinction of late Neogene bivalve species along the Pacific coast of South America seems to have been determined by a complex interplay of ecological and historical (phylogenetic) effects.
Locomotor Training Within an Inpatient Rehabilitation Program After Pediatric Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Prosser Laura A 
Published: July 2007

Background and Purpose: The outcomes of intense locomotor training after incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) have been described in adults with acute and chronic injuries and with various levels of ambulatory function. This case report describes a comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation program with a locomotor training component in a child with a severe incomplete SCI.Case Description: A 5-year-old girl injured at C4 participated in locomotor training for 5 months during inpatient rehabilitation.Outcomes: The patient's Functional Independence Measure for Children II (WeeFIM II) mobility score increased from 5/35 to 21/35. Her Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury II (WISCI II) score improved from 0 to 12. The patient returned to walking in the community with assistive devices.Discussion: It is feasible to include an intense locomotor training program in the clinical rehabilitation setting for a child with a severe SCI, and the outcomes were consistent with results in adults. Further investigation with experimental designs and more participants will determine the extent to which this intervention benefits the pediatric population with SCI.
Berg Balance Scale: Intrarater Test-Retest Reliability Among Older People Dependent in Activities of Daily Living and Living in Residential Care Facilities
Authors: Conradsson Mia , Lundin-Olsson Lillemor , Lindelöf Nina , Littbrand Håkan , Malmqvist Lisa , Gustafson Yngve , Rosendahl Erik 
Published: July 2007

Background and Purpose: The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is frequently used to assess balance in older people, but knowledge is lacking about the absolute reliability of BBS scores. The aim of this study was to investigate the absolute and relative intrarater test-retest reliability of data obtained with the BBS when it is used among older people who are dependent in activities of daily living and living in residential care facilities.Subjects: The participants were 45 older people (36 women and 9 men) who were living in 3 residential care facilities. Their mean age was 82.3 years (SD=6.6, range=68–96), and their mean score on the Mini Mental State Examination was 17.5 (SD=6.3, range=4–30).Methods: The BBS was assessed twice by the same assessor. The intrarater test-retest reliability assessments were made at approximately the same time of day and with 1 to 3 days in between assessments. Absolute reliability was calculated using an analysis of variance with a 95% confidence level, as suggested by Bland and Altman. Relative reliability was calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).Results: The mean score was 30.1 points (SD=15.9, range=3–53) for the first BBS test and 30.6 points (SD=15.6, range=4–54) for the retest. The mean absolute difference between the 2 tests was 2.8 points (SD=2.7, range=0–11). The absolute reliability was calculated as being 7.7 points, and the ICC was calculated to .97.Discussion and Conclusion: Despite a high ICC value, the absolute reliability showed that a change of 8 BBS points is required to reveal a genuine change in function among older people who are dependent in activities of daily living and living in residential care facilities. This knowledge is important in the clinical setting when evaluating an individual's change in balance function over time in this group of older people.
Fruit Preserves and Jellies
Authors: DeGregorio Marnie L. 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
Fruit preserves and jellies date back to ancient times. The use of sugar widened the possibility of preserving fruits. The name, preserves, covers a broad range of products including jams, butters, marmalades, and conserves, as well as preserves. Gelation gives fruit preserves their texture. Gelation depends on pectin, sugar, acid, and water. Typical and novel gel systems are discussed. Information on the use of sugar and other sweeteners in preserves is given. Traditional and modern processing techniques are detailed. Overall quality of fruit preserves and jellies has improved due to improvements in processing. Fruit quality is the most important in the process of making preserves. Problems that arise in the process such as color changes, color fading, crystal formation, floating fruit, mold, etc, can be avoided. Trends are noted.
Leukapheresis and cranial irradiation in patients with hyperleukocytic acute myeloid leukemia: No impact on early mortality and intracranial hemorrhage
Authors: Chang Ming‐Chih , Chen Tsai‐Yun , Tang Jih‐Luh , Lan Yii‐Jenq , Chao Tsu‐Yi , Chiu Chang‐Fang , Ho Hsin‐Tsung 
Published: July 2007

AbstractTo assess the role of leukapheresis and cranial irradiation in reducing the incidence of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and early death in patients with hyperleukocytic acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and the impact of such treatment on survival. This study retrospectively analyzed the records of 75 patients with hyperleukocytic AML who had a white cell count over 100,000/μL. All patients had de novo AML except for two with therapy‐related AML. Various factors were assessed for their impact on morbidity and mortality, particularly the role of pre‐induction leukapharesis and cranial irradiation. The most significant risk factors for ICH were the presence of two or more symptoms of leukostasis (odds ratios [OR] 10.6, 95% CI: 2.67–42.02; P = 0.001) and respiratory distress (OR 5.41, 95% CI: 1.44–20.32, P = 0.012). The most significant risk factors for early death were age ≥ 65 (OR 4.21, 95% CI: 1.45–12.21, P = 0.008), respiratory failure (OR 3.34, 95% CI: 1.24–9.50, P = 0.018), and two or more symptoms (OR 3.50 95% CI: 1.16–10.52, P = 0.026). Neither leukapheresis nor cranial irradiation were significantly associated with a decreased incidence of ICH (P = 0.349 and 0.378, respectively). Leukapheresis had no significant influence on early death (P = 0.367). The median survival patients receiving no pretreatment was 10.50 months (range 2.58–18.42) and for those receiving pretreatment 1.50 months (range 0.10–3.16; log‐rank test, P = 0.062). Leukapheresis and cranial irradiation do not improve survival or decrease the incidence of ICH in adults with hyperleukocytic AML. Am. J. Hematol., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Combined neonatal blood transplants in a parent‐to‐F1 mouse model: Improved survival rates and stable long‐term engraftment
Authors: Scaradavou Andromachi , Sung Dorothy , Rubinstein Pablo 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe use of cord blood (CB) transplantation for adult patients is limited by the relatively low cell content of a single collection. Two, partially‐matched CB grafts could provide optimal cell doses. The interactions among the donor‐derived populations have not been fully evaluated. We used our mouse model (Neonatal peripheral blood––NPB––transplants to adult recipients) to evaluate whether grafts from two histocompatibility‐disparate donors (“combined” grafts) had higher survival and faster hematopoietic recovery than single donor transplants, each at suboptimal cell dose (leading to survival <<60%). Transplants were performed in a parent‐to‐F1 setting: NPB or bone marrow (BM) cells from the fully mismatched, homozygous parental strains (A/J, B6) were given to myeloablated B6AF1 recipients. Outcomes improved by combining NPB grafts: 48% of A/J graft recipients (1 × 106 cells/animal) survived; all animals transplanted with B6 (same cell dose) died. Survival after combined NPB transplants was 75% (P << 0.01) and recipients had accelerated recovery of WBCs and platelets compared to single donor A/J grafts (P << 0.01). No such improvements occurred with suboptimal dose combined BM transplants. Recipients of combined NPB grafts reconstituted with one donor primarily. Chimerism levels remained stable. Successful secondary transplants demonstrated long‐term persistence of both NPB grafts. Combined haplo‐identical NPB but not BM grafts, each transplanted at suboptimal cell doses, engraft synergistically leading to faster reconstitution. Although the mouse model does not fully represent the complex clinical aspects of human transplantation, our findings support the concept of using two CB grafts for adult patients when a sufficiently large single one is not available. Am. J. Hematol., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nachhaltige Konzepte in der Olefinmetathese
Authors: Clavier Hervé , Grela Karol , Kirschning Andreas , Mauduit Marc , Nolan Steven P. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractRutheniumkatalysierte Olefinmetathesen sind leistungsfähige Reaktionen zur Bildung von Kohlenstoff‐Kohlenstoff‐Doppelbindungen. Das Gebiet ist mittlerweile gut erforscht, zumal zahlreiche Katalysatoren erhältlich sind, die vielfältige Umwandlungen ermöglichen. Trotzdem gibt es, mit der Ausnahme von Polymerisationsprozessen, nur wenige industrielle Anwendungen der Olefinmetathese. Dies hängt vor allem damit zusammen, dass die Endprodukte der Reaktion nur schwer von den Rutheniumspezies befreit werden können. Eine Reihe von Prozessen wurde entwickelt, um den Rutheniumkatalysator oder seine Abbauprodukte zu beseitigen, keines dieser Verfahren ist aber gänzlich zufriedenstellend. Ein neuer Ansatz, der seit kurzem intensiv verfolgt wird, ist die Verwendung verankerter Varianten von Homogenkatalysatoren. Dieser Aufsatz fasst die zahlreichen Studien zusammen, die auf die Entwicklung von nachhaltigeren rutheniumkatalysierten Metathesen abzielen.
DNA‐Metall‐Basenpaare
Authors: Clever Guido H. , Kaul Corinna , Carell Thomas 
Published: July 2007

AbstractNeuere Entwicklungen, die darauf abzielen, DNA als funktionelles Baumaterial für Nanoobjekte zu verwenden, zeigen vielversprechende Ergebnisse. In der Vergangenheit wurden molekulare DNA‐Nanoarchitekturen aus unmodifizierten oder bestenfalls endgruppenmodifizierten Oligonucleotiden aufgebaut, sodass derzeit die Entwicklung von funktionalisierten DNA‐Strukturen im Rampenlicht der Forschung steht. Eine der neuesten Entwicklungen in diese Richtung ist der Austausch der kanonischen Watson‐Crick‐Basenpaare durch Metallkomplexe zur Erzeugung von Metall‐Basenpaaren, die DNA‐Nanostrukturen magnetische oder elektrisch leitende Eigenschaften verleihen könnten. Dieser Kurzaufsatz fasst die Forschung auf diesem Gebiet zusammen, die vor fast 45 Jahren mit der Untersuchung der Interaktion von Metallen mit unmodifizierter DNA begann und nun ihren Höhepunkt in der Synthese künstlicher, ligandenähnlicher Nucleobasen findet, die bereits imstande sind, bis zu zehn Metallionen innerhalb eines einzelnen DNA‐Doppelstrangs programmierbar zu koordinieren.