bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intracellular pools of FcαR (CD89) in human neutrophils are localized in tertiary granules and secretory vesicles, and two FcαR isoforms are found in tertiary granules
Authors: Yin Na , Peng Min , Xing Yukun , Zhang Wei 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe human FcαRΙ (CD89) is expressed on cells of myeloid lineage and plays an important role in host defense. Neutrophils make up the majority of FcαRΙ-positive cells. Previous reports suggested that FcαR was stored in neutrophil intracellular pools, and it could be mobilized quickly once neutrophils were activated. However, the subcellular localization of FcαR in neutrophils has not been defined yet. In this sudy, we identified that FcαR was stored in secretory vesicles and tertiary granules of neutrophils by flow cytometry analysis, ELISA, confocal microscopy, and Western blotting. The molecular mass of FcαR in secretory vesicles was different from that in tertiary granules. FcαR stored in tertiary granules had a molecular mass of 50–70 kDa, whereas FcαR in secretory vesicles and membranes had a molecular mass of 55–75 kDa. After treatment by peptide-N-glycosidase F, an enzyme that removes N-glycosylation, FcαR from secretory vesicles and tertiary granules revealed a core protein of 32 kDa, which was the same as the backbone of full length of FcαR. A smaller FcαR variant with a core protein of 29–30 kDa was found in tertiary granules but not in secretory vesicles. The nature of the small variant is not clear at present and remains to be investigated further.
Pivotal Advance: Macrophages become resistant to cholesterol-induced death after phagocytosis of apoptotic cells
Authors: Cui Dongying , Thorp Edward , Li Yankun , Wang Nan , Yvan-Charvet Laurent , Tall Alan R , Tabas Ira 
Published: June 2007

AbstractOne of the most important functions of macrophages is the phagocytosis of apoptotic cells (ACs). ACs deliver large amounts membrane-derived cholesterol to phagocytes, which, if not handled properly, can be cytotoxic. In atherosclerosis, where the ACs are cholesterol-loaded, this situation is exaggerated, because the ACs deliver both endogenous membrane cholesterol and stored lipoprotein-derived cholesterol. To examine how phagocytes handle this very large amount of cholesterol, we incubated macrophage phagocytes with cholesterol-loaded ACs. Our results show that the phagocytes call into play a number of cellular responses to protect them from cholesterol-induced cytotoxicity. First, through efficient trafficking of the internalized AC-derived cholesterol to acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) in the endoplasmic reticulum, phagocytes efficiently esterify the cholesterol and thus prevent its toxic effects. However, the phagocytes show no signs of cytotoxicity even when ACAT is rendered dysfunctional, as might occur in advanced atherosclerotic lesions. Under these conditions, the phagocytes remain viable through massive efflux of AC-derived cholesterol. Remarkably, these phagocytes still show a survival response even when high cholesterol levels are maintained in the post-phagocytosis period by subsequent incubation with atherogenic lipoproteins, as also may occur in atheromata. In this case, death in phagocytes is prevented by activation of survival pathways involving PI-3 kinase/Akt and NF-κB. Thus, macrophages that have ingested ACs successfully employ three survival mechanisms—cholesterol esterification, massive cholesterol efflux, and cell-survival signaling. These findings have implications for macrophage physiology in both AC clearance and atherosclerotic plaque progression.
Phase II Study of Capecitabine Plus Trastuzumab in Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Overexpressing Metastatic Breast Cancer Pretreated With Anthracyclines or Taxanes
Authors: Schaller Gerhard , Fuchs Ilka , Gonsch Thomas , Weber Jan , Kleine-Tebbe Anke , Klare Peter , Hindenburg Hans-Joachim , Lakner Volker , Hinke Axel , Bangemann Nikola 
Published: June 2007

Purpose The oral fluoropyrimidine carbamate, capecitabine, is a highly active and well-tolerated treatment for metastatic breast cancer. In patients treated previously with anthracyclines and taxanes, capecitabine is an approved single-agent therapy. Trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2), is also highly active in HER-2–overexpressing breast cancer. We have conducted a phase II study to confirm activity and feasibility of capecitabine and trastuzumab in combination in HER-2–overexpressing advanced/metastatic breast cancer. Patients and Methods Twenty-seven patients with HER-2–overexpressing metastatic breast cancer previously treated with anthracyclines and/or taxanes received oral capecitabine 1,250 mg/m2 bid for 14 days followed by a 7-day rest period combined with intravenous trastuzumab 4 mg/kg body weight on day 1 (loading dose) followed by 2 mg/kg weekly. Results Capecitabine/trastuzumab treatment achieved objective responses in 12 patients (45%), including complete response in four patients (15%) and partial response in eight patients (30%). Disease was stabilized in an additional nine patients (33%). The median overall survival time was 28 months, and the median progression-free survival time was 6.7 months. The safety profile of the combination was favorable and predictable, with a low incidence of grade 3/4 adverse events. The most common adverse events were pain, hand-foot syndrome, and GI toxicities. Severe myelosuppression was rare and severe alopecia did not occur. Conclusion These data confirm that the combination of capecitabine and trastuzumab is highly active in patients with HER-2–overexpressing anthracycline- and/or taxane-pretreated breast cancer, with only slight restrictions regarding quality of life.
Phase IIB Multicenter Trial of Vorinostat in Patients With Persistent, Progressive, or Treatment Refractory Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Olsen Elise A. , Kim Youn H. , Kuzel Timothy M. , Pacheco Theresa R. , Foss Francine M. , Parker Sareeta , Frankel Stanley R. , Chen Cong , Ricker Justin L. , Arduino Jean Marie , Duvic Madeleine 
Published: June 2007

Purpose To evaluate the activity and safety of the histone deacetylase inhibitor vorinostat (suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid) in persistent, progressive, or recurrent mycosis fungoides or Sézary syndrome (MF/SS) cutaneous t-cell lymphoma (CTCL) subtypes. Patients and Methods Patients with stage IB-IVA MF/SS were treated with 400 mg of oral vorinostat daily until disease progression or intolerable toxicity in this open-label phase IIb trial ( NCT00091559 ). Patients must have received at least two prior systemic therapies at least one of which included bexarotene unless intolerable. The primary end point was the objective response rate (ORR) measured by the modified severity weighted assessment tool and secondary end points were time to response (TTR), time to progression (TTP), duration of response (DOR), and pruritus relief (≥ 3-point improvement on a 10-point visual analog scale). Safety and tolerability were also evaluated. Results Seventy-four patients were enrolled, including 61 with at least stage IIB disease. The ORR was 29.7% overall; 29.5% in stage IIB or higher patients. Median TTR in stage IIB or higher patients was 56 days. Median DOR was not reached but estimated to be ≥ 185 days (34+ to 441+). Median TTP was 4.9 months overall, and ≥ 9.8 months for stage IIB or higher responders. Overall, 32% of patients had pruritus relief. The most common drug-related adverse experiences (AE) were diarrhea (49%), fatigue (46%), nausea (43%), and anorexia (26%); most were grade 2 or lower but those grade 3 or higher included fatigue (5%), pulmonary embolism (5%), thrombocytopenia (5%), and nausea (4%). Eleven patients required dose modification and nine discontinued due to AE. Conclusion Oral vorinostat was effective in treatment refractory MF/SS with an acceptable safety profile.
Impact of a Higher Radiation Dose on Local Control and Survival in Breast-Conserving Therapy of Early Breast Cancer: 10-Year Results of the Randomized Boost Versus No Boost EORTC 22881-10882 Trial
Authors: Bartelink Harry , Horiot Jean-Claude , Poortmans Philip M. , Struikmans Henk , Van den Bogaert Walter , Fourquet Alain , Jager Jos J. , Hoogenraad Willem J. , Oei S. Bing , Wárlám-Rodenhuis Carla C. , Pierart Marianne , Collette Laurence 
Published: June 2007

Purpose To investigate the long-term impact of a boost radiation dose of 16 Gy on local control, fibrosis, and overall survival for patients with stage I and II breast cancer who underwent breast-conserving therapy. Patients and Methods A total of 5,318 patients with microscopically complete excision followed by whole-breast irradiation of 50 Gy were randomly assigned to receive either a boost dose of 16 Gy (2,661 patients) or no boost dose (2,657 patients), with a median follow-up of 10.8 years. Results The median age was 55 years. Local recurrence was reported as the first treatment failure in 278 patients with no boost versus 165 patients with boost; at 10 years, the cumulative incidence of local recurrence was 10.2% versus 6.2% for the no boost and the boost group, respectively (P < .0001). The hazard ratio of local recurrence was 0.59 (0.46 to 0.76) in favor of the boost, with no statistically significant interaction per age group. The absolute risk reduction at 10 years per age group was the largest in patients ≤ 40 years of age: 23.9% to 13.5% (P = .0014). As a result, the number of salvage mastectomies has been reduced by 41%. Severe fibrosis was statistically significantly increased (P < .0001) in the boost group, with a 10-year rate of 4.4% versus 1.6% in the no boost group (P < .0001). Survival at 10 years was 82% in both arms. Conclusion After a median follow-up period of 10.8 years, a boost dose of 16 Gy led to improved local control in all age groups, but no difference in survival.
Application of the Six Sigma concept in clinical laboratories: a review
Authors: Gras Jeremie M. , Philippe Marianne 
Published: June 2007

AbstractSix Sigma is a global management strategy introduced to the industrial world in the 1980s. This methodology has been widely implemented in companies such as Motorola, General Electric, Allied Signal and many others, with tremendous success in terms of customer satisfaction and global profitability. To achieve similar benefits in the healthcare field, Six Sigma is currently being deployed in several laboratories around the world. Despite this situation, few articles have been published in the peer-reviewed literature on this subject. The aim of this article is to clarify the different aspects of Six Sigma and their potential applications in clinical laboratories, as well as to systematically review articles and books discussing Six Sigma strategy implementation in the laboratory field.Clin Chem Lab Med 2007;45:789–96.
Motor Profile of Children With Developmental Speech and Language Disorders
Authors: Visscher Chris , Houwen Suzanne , Scherder Erik J.A. , Moolenaar Ben , Hartman Esther 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVES. The purpose of this study was to investigate the motor profile of 125 children with developmental speech and language disorders and to test for differences, if any, in motor profile among subgroups of children with developmental speech and language disorders.
METHODS. The participants were 125 children with developmental speech and language disorders aged 6 to 9 years from 2 special schools for children with communication problems in the northern Netherlands. They were tested with the Movement Assessment Battery for Children. The children were classified by the schools' speech and language therapists into 3 subgroups on the basis of language tests, oral motor tests, and clinical examinations: children with speech disorders (n = 14), language disorders (n = 46), or both (n = 65).
RESULTS. Compared with the norms of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, children with developmental speech and language disorders performed significantly less well. Results showed that 51% of the children with developmental speech and language disorders had borderline or definite motor problems. Children with language disorders had significantly lower scores (ie, better performance) on the ball-skills subtest and the total test than children with speech disorders and children with both speech and language disorders. Furthermore, children with language disorders had significantly better performance on the balance subtest than children with both speech and language disorders.
CONCLUSIONS. The findings of this study support the idea that developmental speech and language disorders are frequently associated with motor problems and that the kind of developmental speech and language disorders affects motor performance differently. Speech and language disorders seem to have more impact on motor performance than only language disorders, and it seems that when speech production is affected, motor problems are more pronounced. The findings support the need to give early and more attention to the motor skills of children with developmental speech and language disorders in the educational and home setting, with special attention to children whose speech is affected.
Prolonged Hypocortisolemia in Hydrocortisone Replacement Regimens in Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone Deficiency
Authors: Maguire Ann M. , Ambler Geoffrey R. , Moore Bin , McLean Mark , Falleti Marina G. , Cowell Christopher T. 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVES. Studies of adults have shown that thrice-daily hydrocortisone dosing results in more physiologic cortisol profiles than twice-daily dosing. There are no data on thrice-daily dosing and only limited data on twice-daily dosing in children despite the possible adverse effects of glucocorticoid underreplacement or overreplacement.METHODS. Using 24-hour cortisol and glucose profiles, along with computerized cognitive testing, our aim was to assess prescribed hydrocortisone regimens in children and adolescents with hypopituitarism.RESULTS. Twenty patients with adrenocorticotrophic hormone deficiency participated. The hydrocortisone dosing regimen was thrice daily in 9 patients and twice daily in 11 patients (mean total daily dose: 8.3 ± 2.6 and 7.6 ± 2.1 mg/m2 per day, respectively). Those on twice-daily dosing had more waking hours (between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm) below the reference range than those on thrice-daily dosing (5.5 vs 2.1) and more daytime prolonged hypocortisolemia, defined as plasma cortisol level of &lt;50 nmol/L for ≥4 hours (64% vs 0%). Morning doses &gt;4 mg/m2 caused larger postdose peaks than &lt;4 mg/m2 (151 vs 47 nmol/L, above the 97.5th percentile). However, there was no difference in the length of time taken to reach nadir below the 2.5th percentile (5.2 vs 4.8 hours). This was true for evening doses of &gt;2.5 mg/m2 and &lt; 2.5 mg/m2. No hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia was detected in association with low or high cortisol levels. On predose and postdose cognitive testing (34 paired tests), no significant change in reaction speed was detected (453.3 vs 438.8 milliseconds) or in subgroup analysis of those who had symptoms of lethargy, predose cortisol levels of &lt;50 nmol/L, or prolonged hypocortisolemia.CONCLUSIONS. Thrice-daily dosing resulted in less frequent and prolonged hypocortisolemia than twice-daily regimens, but we were unable to relate either regimen to acute clinical end points of glycemia, lethargy, or cognitive function.
Microglial expression of peptidylarginine deiminase 2 in the prenatal rat brain
Authors: Asaga Hiroaki , Ishigami Akihito 
Published: June 2007

AbstractPeptidylarginine deiminases (PADs) are Ca2t+-dependant post-translational modification enzymes that catalyze the citrullination of protein arginyl residues. PAD type 2 (PAD2) is thought to be involved in some processes of neurodegeneration and myelination in the central nervous system. In this study, we found PAD2-positive cells in rat cerebra in 19-to 21-day old embryos, i.e. at a developmental stage well before myelination begins. Most of the cells were microglial marker-positive cells found mainly in the prospective medulla, and others were microglial marker-negative cells found mainly in the prospective dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. The former seemed to be in an activated state as judged by morphological criteria. The specificity of the enzyme activity, immunoblotting and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed that these cells expressed PAD2 and not PAD1, PAD3 or PAD4. Our data is indicative of microglial expression of PAD2 in the prenatal developing cerebrum.
An Experiment to Develop Conversion Factors to Standardise Measurements of Airborne Asbestos
Authors: Dodič-Fikfak Metoda 
Published: June 2007

An Experiment to Develop Conversion Factors to Standardise Measurements of Airborne AsbestosVarious researchers and agencies recommend different conversion factors for different asbestos exposures. The aim of this study was to develop conversion factors from particles per cm3 (p cm-3) to fibres per cm3 (f cm-3) and from mg m-3 to f cm-3.More than 1000 exposure measurements were available in the Slovenian asbestos-cement factory Salonit Anhovo. Three types of measurement of asbestos concentrations in the air were used: a konimeter measuring p cm-3, a gravimetric method measuring mg m-3 and a membrane filter method measuring f cm-3. Operation-specific conversion factors among these methods were developed. One conversion factor was obtained for asbestos-pipe-dry jobs (4.7) and one for asbestos-sheet-dry jobs (1.6). Only one conversion factor (0.8) was used for asbestos-cement-pipe-wet and asbestos-cement-pipe-dry jobs. For asbestos cement sheets, two conversion factors were obtained (0.3 and 1.2).The development of five different conversion factors made it possible to calculate cumulative exposure to asbestos from historical data and to decrease exposure misclassification.
Organochlorine Pesticides in Freshwater Fish from the Zagreb Area
Authors: Bošnir Jasna , Puntarić Dinko , Šmit Zdenko , Klarić Maja , Grgić Matijana , Kosanović Lana 
Published: June 2007

Organochlorine Pesticides in Freshwater Fish from the Zagreb AreaThe aim of this study was to determine the level of organochlorine pesticides in freshwater fish from the Zagreb area, Croatia. The study included 215 freshwater fish samples from three sites: the Sava River, Lake Jarun, and five fishponds from the Zagreb surroundings. Organochlorine pesticides DDT and derivates, HCH, HCB, lindane, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor with epoxide, and methoxychlor were determined using the GC-ECD method. The determined amounts of organochlorine pesticides were within allowed concentration limits in all analysed fish samples. Median values ranged from below the detection limit of 0.01 μg kg-1 for dieldrin and metoxychlor to 2.00 μg kg-1 for DDT in the Cyprinidae fish family from the Sava River, Zagreb sampling site (group 1).This study has confirmed pesticide persistence in the overall ecosystem in our country despite the ban of some thirty years ago, like in many other parts of the world.
Are Pine Needles Bioindicators of Air Pollution? Comparison of Organochlorine Compound Levels in Pine Needles and Ambient Air
Authors: Romanič Snježana , Krauthacker Blanka 
Published: June 2007

Are Pine Needles Bioindicators of Air Pollution? Comparison of Organochlorine Compound Levels in Pine Needles and Ambient AirLevels of six PCB congeners and seven organochlorine pesticides were investigated and compared in ambient air and in pine needle samples. The applied methods are suitable for the analysis of PCBs and organochlorine pesticides in environmental samples and for their detection in recent intakes. DDE, HCB, lindane, PCB-28, PCB-52, PCB-101, PCB-138 and PCB-153 were found in all pine needle and air samples. The highest median values were found for PCB-28, PCB-101 and γ-HCH, and the lowest for PCB-180 and DDD. The median value of α-HCH/ γ-HCH ratios was 0.2 in both matrices. DDE/DDT ratios were close to or below 1 in some pine needle and ambient air samples. The results showed a correspondence between air and pine needle pollution; the same compounds were present in the highest or in the lowest levels in both types of matrices. These results suggest that pine needles are passive biomonitors of air pollution.
Morphologic and hydrodynamic conditions of Hel Peninsula's abrasion in the Kuźnica region (southern Baltic)
Authors: Łęczyński Leszek , Chlebus Natalia , Grusza Gabriela , Jędrasik Jan 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
The purpose of the presented paper is the identification and assessment of causes of intensive abrasion in the open coastline of the Hel Peninsula and the effect of countermeasures. Numerical modeling of nearshore hydrodynamics, topographic analysis and field measurements were carried out. The Baltic Sea hydrodynamic model, a model of wave-induced nearshore circulation and the wave model SWAN were employed. 3D hydrodynamic modeling resulted in the become visible that fields of shear bottom stresses as well as bottom currents depended on atmospheric forcing and depth. A correlation between bottom stresses and topography was obtained. The results of modeling of the nearshore hydrodynamics demonstrated a dominant role for alongshore sediment transport. The magnitude of both cross-and alongshore wave-induced currents strongly depended on wave height gradient, which was significantly greater in storm periods. During storms, sediment transport occurs also in the cross-shore direction.
Spatio-temporal variability of mesozooplankton from the Gulf of Gdańsk (Baltic Sea) in 1999-2000
Authors: Mudrak Stella , Żmijewska Maria 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
The spatio-temporal variability of mesozooplankton in the Gulf of Gdańsk was studied using samples collected in the western part of this basin every month in the 1999-2000 period. The investigation indicated that the qualitative composition of zooplankton was typical of this area and was comprised of Copepoda, Cladocera, Rotatoria, Appendicularia, and meroplankton. Acartia bifilosa and Temora longicornis were present permanently, while Cladocera, Acartia tonsa, Centropages hamatus, Eurytemora sp., the genus Keratella, as well as Mollusca and Balanus improvisus larvae exhibited clear preferences for warmer months. Acartia longiremis, Pseudocalanus elongatus, and Fritillaria borealis were encountered in the cooler season (from November to April). Synchaeta spp. dominated among Rotatoria and Polychaeta larvae among meroplankton. The presence of Brachionus calyciflorus indicated the presence and influence of riverine water from the Vistula.
The Comparison of Acellular Dermal Matric (Alloderm), Dacron, Gore-Tex, and Autologous Cartilage Graft Materials in an Experimental Animal Model for Nasal Septal Repair Surgery
Authors: Mola Ferhat , Keskin Gurkan , Ozturk Murat , Muezzinoglu Bahar 
Published: June 2007

Background The aim of this study was to compare the compatibility of Alloderm, Dacron, Gore-Tex, and autologous cartilage graft materials with host tissues in nasal septal perforation repair surgery. Methods The materials were placed into the nasal septum of 16 New Zealand rabbits. At the end of the 3rd month, septums of the rabbits were removed totally and reactions, such as inflammation; foreign body giant cell; or fibrosis that developed in the surrounding tissue against the implant material were evaluated. Results Acute inflammation reactions occurred mostly with Gore-Tex. There were no differences between groups according to chronic inflammation. When the number of reactions and tissue compatibility were taken into consideration, cartilage performed the best followed by Alloderm. There were more reactions with Dacron, but it still showed compatibility. Conclusion Cartilage was found to be the best material followed by Alloderm and Dacron, but Gore-Tex was found unsuitable.