bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of differentially expressed genes in ileal Peyer's Patch of scrapie-infected sheep using RNA arbitrarily primed PCR
Authors: Austbø Lars , Kampmann Andreas , Müller-Ladner Ulf , Neumann Elena , Olsaker Ingrid , Skretting Grethe 
Published: March 2008

Abstract

Backgound
In scrapie and prion diseases, the knowledge concerning genes involved in host response during the early infection period in the lymphoid tissues, still remains limited. In the present study, we have examined differential gene expression in ileal Peyer's patches and in laser microdissected follicles of sheep infected with scrapie.

Methods
Ileal Peyer's patches and laser microdissected follicles were of scrapie and control lambs with susceptible genotypes for classical scrapie. Potential regulated genes were found using RNA arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction (RAP-PCR) and fingerprinting. The differentially expressed genes were confirmed using real-time RT-PCR.

Results
The expression of three genes (MAPRE3, LOC729073 and DNAJC3), were found to be significantly altered in scrapie infected lambs (P < 0.05).

Conclusion
The three genes have not previously been associated with prion diseases and are interesting as they may reflect biological processes involved in the molecular pathogenesis of prion diseases.
Functions, structure, and read-through alternative splicing of feline APOBEC3 genes
Authors: Münk Carsten , Beck Thomas , Zielonka Jörg , Hotz-Wagenblatt Agnes , Chareza Sarah , Battenberg Marion , Thielebein Jens , Cichutek Klaus , Bravo Ignacio G , O'Brien Stephen J , Lochelt Martin , Yuhki Naoya 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Background
Over the past years a variety of host restriction genes have been identified in human and mammals that modulate retrovirus infectivity, replication, assembly, and/or cross-species transmission. Among these host-encoded restriction factors, the APOBEC3 (A3; apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing catalytic polypeptide 3) proteins are potent inhibitors of retroviruses and retrotransposons. While primates encode seven of these genes (A3A to A3H), rodents carry only a single A3 gene.

Results
Here we identified and characterized several A3 genes in the genome of domestic cat (Felis catus) by analyzing the genomic A3 locus. The cat genome presents one A3H gene and three very similar A3C genes (a-c), probably generated after two consecutive gene duplications. In addition to these four one-domain A3 proteins, a fifth A3, designated A3CH, is expressed by read-through alternative splicing. Specific feline A3 proteins selectively inactivated only defined genera of feline retroviruses: Bet-deficient feline foamy virus was mainly inactivated by feA3Ca, feA3Cb, and feA3Cc, while feA3H and feA3CH were only weakly active. The infectivity of Vif-deficient feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus was reduced only by feA3H and feA3CH, but not by any of the feA3Cs. Within Felidae, A3C sequences show significant adaptive selection, but unexpectedly, the A3H sequences present more sites that are under purifying selection.

Conclusion
Our data support a complex evolutionary history of expansion, divergence, selection and individual extinction of antiviral A3 genes that parallels the early evolution of Placentalia, becoming more intricate in taxa in which the arms race between host and retroviruses is harsher.
Randomized, Multicenter, Controlled Trial Comparing the Efficacy and Safety of Darbepoetin Alfa Administered Every 3 Weeks With or Without Intravenous Iron in Patients With Chemotherapy-Induced Anemia
Authors: Bastit Laurent , Vandebroek An , Altintas Sevilay , Gaede Bernd , Pintér Tamás , Suto Tamas S. , Mossman Tony W. , Smith Kay E. , Vansteenkiste Johan F. 
Published: March 2008

Purpose The concomitant use of intravenous (IV) iron as a supplement to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in patients with chemotherapy-induced anemia is controversial. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of darbepoetin alfa given with IV iron versus with local standard practice (oral iron or no iron). Patients and Methods In this multicenter, randomized, open-label, phase III study, 396 patients with nonmyeloid malignancies and hemoglobin (Hb) less than 11 g/dL received darbepoetin alfa 500 μg with (n = 200) or without (n = 196) IV iron once every 3 weeks (Q3W) for 16 weeks. Results The hematopoietic response rate (proportion of patients achieving Hb ≥ 12 g/dL or Hb increase of ≥ 2 g/dL from baseline) was significantly higher in the IV iron group: 86% versus 73% in the standard practice group (difference of 13% [95% CI, 3% to 23%]; P = .011). Fewer RBC transfusions (week 5 to the end of the treatment period) occurred in the IV iron group: 9% versus 20% in the standard practice group (difference of −11% [95% CI, −18% to −3%]; P = .005). Both treatments were well tolerated with no notable differences in adverse events. Serious adverse events related to iron occurred in 3% of patients in the IV iron group and were mostly gastrointestinal in nature. Conclusion Addition of IV iron to darbepoetin alfa Q3W in patients with chemotherapy-induced anemia was well tolerated, resulting in an improved hematopoietic response rate and lower incidence of transfusions compared with darbepoetin alfa alone.
Phase III Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial of Two Doses of Megestrol Acetate as Treatment for Menopausal Symptoms in Women With Breast Cancer: Southwest Oncology Group Study 9626
Authors: Goodwin J. Wendall , Green Stephanie J. , Moinpour Carol M. , Bearden James D. , Giguere Jeffrey K. , Jiang Caroline S. , Lippman Scott M. , Martino Silvana , Albain Kathy S. 
Published: March 2008

Purpose Prior progestin studies treating hot flashes in women have been short duration and single dose. This study tests the progestin megesterol acetate (MA) at two doses versus placebo over 6 months. Patients and Methods Patients with T1-3, N0-1, M0 breast cancer were eligible after completion of surgery and chemotherapy and at least 4 months of tamoxifen (if prescribed). Women were required to have at least 10 hot flashes of any severity or at least five severe episodes per week. Patients were randomly assigned to placebo, MA 20 mg, or MA 40 mg for 3 months. Success at 3 months was defined as completion of treatment with a ≥ 75% reduction in hot flashes from baseline. If success was achieved, drug treatment for another 3 months was given on the same blinded arm; if not, open-label MA 20 mg was added to blinded study drug and continued for 3 months. Other menopausal symptoms were also assessed. Results Two hundred eighty eight eligible women were randomly assigned (286 eligible), of whom 85% were on tamoxifen, 40% had over 63 hot flashes/week, and 75% had vasomotor symptoms for ≥ 6 months. Success at 3 months was 14% on placebo, 65% on 20 mg, and 48% on 40 mg (both MA doses superior to placebo; P < .0001). Most successes at 3 months were maintained at 6 months (77% on 20 mg and 81% on 40 mg). Conclusion MA significantly reduced vasomotor symptoms with durable benefit over 6 months. MA 20 mg/d is the preferred dose. There was no significant impact on other menopausal symptoms.
Randomized Phase III Trial of Weekly Compared With Every-3-Weeks Paclitaxel for Metastatic Breast Cancer, With Trastuzumab for all HER-2 Overexpressors and Random Assignment to Trastuzumab or Not in HER-2 Nonoverexpressors: Final Results of Cancer and Leukemia Group B Protocol 9840
Authors: Seidman Andrew D. , Berry Donald , Cirrincione Constance , Harris Lyndsay , Muss Hyman , Marcom P. Kelly , Gipson Grandella , Burstein Harold , Lake Diana , Shapiro Charles L. , Ungaro Peter , Norton Larry , Winer Eric , Hudis Clifford 
Published: March 2008

Purpose Phase II trials suggested that weekly paclitaxel might be more effective and less toxic than every-3-weeks administration for metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) protocol 9840 was initiated to address this question. Subsequently trastuzumab was demonstrated to improve outcomes of paclitaxel therapy for human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2)–positive patients, and was therefore incorporated. Because inhibition of HER-family signaling had potential efficacy even without HER-2 overexpression, we randomly assigned for trastuzumab in this population. Patients and Methods Patients were randomly assigned to paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 every 3 weeks or 80 mg/m2 weekly. After the first 171 patients, all HER-2–positive patients received trastuzumab; HER-2 nonoverexpressors were randomly assigned for trastuzumab, in addition to paclitaxel schedule. A total of 577 patients were treated on 9840. An additional 158 patients were included in analyses, for combined sample of 735. The primary end point was response rate (RR); secondary end points were time to progression (TTP), overall survival, and toxicity. Primary comparisons were between weekly versus every-3-weeks paclitaxel, and trastuzumab versus no trastuzumab in HER-2 nonoverexpressors. Results In the combined sample, weekly paclitaxel was superior to every-3-weeks administration: RR (42% v 29%, unadjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.75; P = .0004), TTP (median, 9 v 5 months; adjusted HR = 1.43; P < .0001), and survival (median, 24 v 12 months; adjusted HR = 1.28; P = .0092). For HER-2 nonoverexpressors, trastuzumab did not improve efficacy. Grade 3 neuropathy was more common with weekly dosing (24% v 12%; P = .0003). Conclusion Weekly paclitaxel is more effective than every-3-weeks administration for MBC. Trastuzumab did not improve efficacy for HER-2 nonoverexpressors. Neurotoxicity is a treatment-limiting toxicity for weekly paclitaxel.
Concordance of Survival in Family Members With Prostate Cancer
Authors: Hemminki Kari , Ji Jianguang , Försti Asta , Sundquist Jan , Lenner Per 
Published: March 2008

Purpose Several earlier studies have assessed survival in prostate cancer based on familial risk of this disease. As a novel concept, we posit that factors governing survival in prostate cancer are likely to be different from those governing risk of prostate cancer. To prove this, we searched for familial clustering of survival (ie, concordance of survival among family members). Patients and Methods We used the nationwide Swedish Family-Cancer Database to estimate hazard rates (HRs) for cause-specific and overall survival in invasive prostate cancer. HRs show the probability of death in the study group compared with the reference group. The study covered 610 sons of affected fathers with median follow-up times for survival ranging from 34 to 76 months. Results When the survival in sons was analyzed according to the fathers' length of survival, there was a concordance of prognosis; the HR was 0.62 for sons whose fathers had survived longer than 59 months, compared with sons whose fathers had survived fewer than 24 months (P for trend, .02). On a continuous scale, the sons' survival increased almost linearly with the fathers' survival time. When the analysis was reversed and HRs were derived for fathers, the concordance of good and poor survival remained. Conclusion The results are consistent in showing that both good and poor survival in prostate cancer aggregate in families. Genetic factors are likely to contribute to the results, which provide the first challenging population-level evidence on heritability in prognosis of prostate cancer.
Letrozole Suppresses Plasma Estradiol and Estrone Sulphate More Completely Than Anastrozole in Postmenopausal Women With Breast Cancer
Authors: Dixon J. Michael , Renshaw Lorna , Young Oliver , Murray Juliette , Macaskill E. Jane , McHugh Mary , Folkerd Elizabeth , Cameron David A. , A'Hern Roger P. , Dowsett Mitch 
Published: March 2008

Purpose To compare the effects of anastrozole and letrozole on plasma estradiol (E2) and estrone sulfate (E1S) levels. Patients and Methods Fifty-four postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer receiving aromatase inhibitors (AIs) as part of their adjuvant therapy were randomly assigned to receive either 3 months of anastrozole (1 mg) followed by 3 months of letrozole (2.5 mg), both given orally once daily, or 3 months of the opposite sequence. Blood was taken at the same time and the same day of the week from each patient, before and after 3 months of each drug, and plasma levels of E2 and E1S were determined using highly sensitive radioimmunoassays. Results There were 27 patients in each group. The mean age of the patients was 63 years (range, 49 to 83 years). Baseline E2 levels ranged from 3 pmol/L to 91 pmol/L with a mean of 25.7pmol/L. Only one of 54 (2%) patients had an E2 value ≥ 3 pmol/L after receiving letrozole, versus 20 of 54 (37%) patients after receiving anastrozole (P < .001). Extrapolation revealed a mean E2 level after anastrozole treatment of 2.71 pmol/L (range, 2.38 to 3.08 pmol/L). Following letrozole, it was 1.56 pmol/L (range, 1.37 to 1.78 pmol/L). Mean residual E2 was 10.1% for anastrozole and 5.9% for letrozole. Residual E1S levels were 4.6% for anastrozole and 2.0% for letrozole (P = .001). Conclusion Letrozole reduces plasma E2 and E1S levels to a significantly greater extent than anastrozole in postmenopausal women taking AIs as part of their adjuvant therapy for hormone receptor–positive breast cancer.
Economic Evaluation Alongside a Clinical Trial of Psycho-Educational Interventions to Improve Adjustment to Survivorship Among Patients With Breast Cancer
Authors: Mandelblatt Jeanne S. , Cullen Jennifer , Lawrence William F. , Stanton Annette L. , Yi Bin , Kwan Lorna , Ganz Patricia A. 
Published: March 2008

Purpose There is little economic research on psychosocial interventions. We aimed to collect data alongside a randomized trial to compare the costs and benefits of three psycho-educational strategies to improve transition to cancer survivorship. Methods We evaluated the incremental delivery costs per unit increase in energy (using the Medical Outcomes Study vitality scale) or decrease in distress (from the Revised Impact of Events Scale) in the 6 months postintervention. We also evaluated 1-year post-treatment health care costs. Results The costs of the control, video, and video plus counseling arms were $11.30, $25.85, and $134.47 per person, respectively. The video costs were $2.22 per unit increase in energy compared with control; among women who were the least prepared for transition, the video was more effective, resulting in even lower costs. The video cost $7,275 per unit change in distress versus control, but costs were lower in the subgroup least prepared for transition ($355). The counseling arm was more expensive and less effective than the video for virtually all end points. However, in one group, women more prepared for transition, counseling cost $1,066 per unit decrease in distress compared with the video. Health care costs tended to increase as intervention intensity increased. Conclusion There are no standards for evaluating cost-effectiveness of trials with psychosocial end points. In this trial, the educational video was the most cost-effective way to improve transition to survivorship. It will be important to confirm whether there is an increased use of services after such interventions and if this represents appropriate use of rehabilitative and supportive care or over-use.
Changing the demand on specific muscle groups affects the walk–run transition speed
Authors: Bartlett Jamie L. , Kram Rodger 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY
It has been proposed that muscle-specific factors trigger the human walk–run transition. We investigated if changing the demand on trigger muscles alters the preferred walk–run transition speed. We hypothesized that (1) reducing the demand on trigger muscles would increase the transition speed and (2) increasing the demand on trigger muscles would decrease the transition speed. We first determined the normal preferred walk–run transition speed (PTS) using a step-wise protocol with a randomized speed order. We then determined PTS while subjects walked with external devices that decreased or increased the demand on specific muscle groups. We concurrently measured the electromyographic activity of five leg muscles (tibialis anterior, soleus, rectus femoris, medial and lateral gastrocnemius) at each speed and condition. For this study, we developed a dorsiflexor assist device that aids the dorsiflexor muscles. A leg swing assist device applied forward pulling forces at the feet thus aiding the hip flexors during swing. A third device applied a horizontal force near the center of mass, which impedes or aids forward progression thus overloading or unloading the plantarflexor muscles. We found that when demand was decreased in the muscles measured, the PTS significantly increased. Conversely, when muscle demand was increased in the plantar flexors, the PTS decreased. However, combining assistive devices did not produce an even faster PTS. We conclude that altering the demand on specific muscles can change the preferred walk–run transition speed. However, the lack of a summation effect with multiple external devices,suggests that another underlying factor ultimately determines the preferred walk–run transition speed.
Changes in the control of gastric motor activity during metamorphosis in the amphibian Xenopus laevis, with special emphasis on purinergic mechanisms
Authors: Sundqvist Monika , Holmgren Susanne 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY
The stomach of the amphibian Xenopus laevis is subject to extensive remodelling during metamorphosis. We investigated the changes in gastric activity control during this period using in vitro circular smooth muscle preparations mounted in organ baths. The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor l-NAME increased mean force in metamorphic and juvenile frogs but not in prometamorphic tadpoles. Serotonin (5-HT) relaxed stomach muscle prior to metamorphosis but elicited a biphasic response in juveniles consisting of contraction at low concentrations and relaxation at high concentrations. The effects of 5-HT were blocked by methysergide. In the prometamorphic tadpole, ATP elicited relaxation that was blocked by the ectonucleotidase inhibitor ARL67156 and the adenosine A1 receptor antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX), suggesting adenosine as the mediator. Exogenous adenosine and the A1 receptor agonist N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) induced relaxation at all stages. After metamorphosis, the potency of ATP decreased and neither DPCPX nor ARL67156 could block ATP-induced relaxation. Uridine 5′-triphospate(UTP) induced relaxation prior to metamorphosis, but caused contraction of muscle strips from metamorphosing tadpoles. Single doses of UTP blocked phasic contractions in juveniles in a tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive manner while the simultaneous increase in muscle tension was TTX insensitive. The P2X1/P2X3 receptor agonist α-β-MeATP elicited pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2′,4′-disulphonic acid(PPADS)-sensitive contractions at all stages investigated. These results indicate the development of an inhibitory nitrergic tonus during metamorphosis and a 5-HT receptor involved in muscle contraction. Also, the development of UTP receptors mediating increased tension and neural UTP receptors decreasing contraction frequency in juveniles is indicated. An adenosine A1-like receptor mediating relaxation and a P2X-like receptor mediating contraction is demonstrated at all stages.
To paddle or not: context dependent courtship display by male blue crabs,Callinectes sapidus
Authors: Kamio Michiya , Reidenbach Matthew A. , Derby Charles D. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYThe nature of the courtship signalling used by a species is shaped by many factors, one of which is its habitat. Male blue crabs, Callinectes sapidus, have a courtship display in which they elevate their body by standing high on their legs, open their chelae and paddle their swimming legs. This courtship display is not reported in other swimming (portunid) crabs and is rarely expressed in laboratory experiments on male blue crabs. In this study, we characterised this display, which we call `courtship stationary paddling', and distinguished it from other types of paddling. To explain the species specificity of courtship stationary paddling, we hypothesised that this behaviour is an adaptation to low visibility and abundant refuges in the habitat of blue crabs, and that this behaviour enhances chemical signalling when females are relatively inaccessible to males. We used particle imaging velocimetry to visualise water currents generated during courtship stationary paddling, showing that it created water currents directed away from the male and towards the female, thus enhancing chemical signalling. We also showed that males did not perform courtship stationary paddling when females were freely walking such that males could quickly contact and cradle carry them. Rather, males typically performed courtship stationary paddling only when females were inaccessible to them. These results indicate that courtship stationary paddling is a context-dependent behaviour, occurring only when females are not accessible to males, and suggesting that it evolved as an adaptation to life in habitats with many refuges and low visibility.
Carotenoid intake does not mediate a relationship between reactive oxygen species and bright colouration: experimental test in a lizard
Authors: Olsson Mats , Wilson Mark , Isaksson Caroline , Uller Tobias , Mott Beth 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY
We performed experiments on male Australian painted dragon lizards(Ctenophorus pictus) to test the hypothesis that carotenoids can scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), protecting the organism from oxidative stress, and that this capacity is reflected in skin colours involved in signalling. Subsequent to 4 weeks of carotenoid treatment we used flow cytometry to analyse unspecified ROS (H2O2, singlet oxygen, superoxide and peroxynitrite level), hereafter termed ROS, and baseline superoxide specifically (bSO in peripheral blood cells). Mean background levels of ROS and bSO did not differ between carotenoid-treated and control males. bSO, which represents the superoxide level in un-manipulated blood, was negatively correlated with colour development in all males,regardless of carotenoid treatment. Thus, carotenoid intake does not reduce circulating levels of ROS or bSO, suggesting that carotenoids are inefficient antioxidants in vivo and, therefore, are unlikely to provide a direct link between oxidative stress and colouration.