bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Symptom experience and subsequent mortality: results from the West of Scotland Twenty-07 study
Authors: Elliott Alison M , Hannaford Philip C , Smith Blair H , Wyke Sally , Hunt Kate 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
Background
Associations between symptom experience and mortality have rarely been investigated. One study has suggested that the number of symptoms people experience may be an important predictor of mortality. This novel and potentially important finding may have important implications but needs to be tested in other cohorts.

Methods
858 people aged around 58 years were interviewed by nurses in 1990/1 as part of the West of Scotland Twenty-07 Study. They were asked about the presence of symptoms in the last month from a checklist of 33 symptoms. Measures of morbidity included symptom type (respiratory, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, mental health, neurological, systemic) and symptom summary measures looking at the number and impact of symptoms (total number; number participants tended to have; number participants did not tend to have; number which restricted usual activities; number which led to GP consultation). Hazard ratios for thirteen-year all-cause mortality were calculated for symptom types, symptom summary measures, and self-assessed health with and without adjustment.

Results
On unadjusted analysis, and after adjusting for gender, socio-economic status and smoking, mortality was elevated in individuals reporting respiratory, systemic and mental health symptoms. After additional adjustment for chronic conditions and self-assessed health, only the association between mental health symptoms and mortality remained significant. On unadjusted analysis, and after adjusting for gender, socio-economic status and smoking, mortality was elevated in individuals with many (≥ 6) symptoms in four of the symptom summary measures examined. These relationships were no longer significant after additional adjustment for chronic conditions and self-assessed health. A clear trend of increasing mortality as self-assessed health became poorer was observed. This pattern remained statistically significant after adjustment for gender, socio-economic status, smoking, chronic conditions and the total number of symptoms experienced.

Conclusion
Symptoms often thought of as minor may have important consequences later in life especially for those reporting mental health-related symptoms or those experiencing many symptoms. In this study however, self-assessed health appeared to be a better predictor of mortality than the type or number of symptoms experienced, even when the tendency to have and impact of the symptoms were taken into account.
Versatile modeling and optimization of fed batch processes for the production of secreted heterologous proteins with Pichia pastoris
Authors: Maurer Michael , Kühleitner Manfred , Gasser Brigitte , Mattanovich Diethard 
Published: December 2006

Abstract

Background
Secretion of heterologous proteins depends both on biomass concentration and on the specific product secretion rate, which in turn is not constant at varying specific growth rates. As fed batch processes usually do not maintain a steady state throughout the feed phase, it is not trivial to model and optimize such a process by mathematical means.

Results
We have developed a model for product accumulation in fed batch based on iterative calculation in Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, and used the Solver software to optimize the time course of the media feed in order to maximize the volumetric productivity. The optimum feed phase consisted of an exponential feed at maximum specific growth rate, followed by a phase with linearly increasing feed rate and consequently steadily decreasing specific growth rate. The latter phase could be modeled also by exact mathematical treatment by the calculus of variations, yielding the explicit shape of the growth function, however, with certain indeterminate parameters. To evaluate the latter, one needs a numerical optimum search algorithm. The explicit shape of the growth function provides additional evidence that the Excel model results in correct data. Experimental evaluation in two independent fed batch cultures resulted in a good correlation to the optimized model data, and a 2.2 fold improvement of the volumetric productivity.

Conclusion
The advantages of the procedure we describe here are the ease of use and the flexibility, applying software familiar to every scientist and engineer, and rapid calculation which makes predictions extremely easy, so that many options can be tested in silico quickly. Additional options like further biological and technological constraints or different functions for specific productivity and biomass yield can easily be integrated.
Effect of ret/PTC 1 rearrangement on transcription and post-transcriptional regulation in a papillary thyroid carcinoma model
Authors: Cahill Susanne , Smyth Paul , Finn Stephen P , Denning Karen , Flavin Richard , O'Regan Esther M , Li Jinghuan , Potratz Astrid , Guenther Simone M , Henfrey Richard , O'Leary John J , Sheils Orla 
Published: December 2006

AbstractBackgroundmicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of non-coding single stranded RNAs measuring approximately 22 nt in length that have been found to control cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis. miRNAs negatively regulate their target genes and recently have been implicated in tumourigenesis. Furthermore, miRNA expression profiling correlates with various cancers, with these genes thought to act as both tumour suppressors and oncogenes. ret/PTC 1 is an oncogene with constitutive kinase activity implicated in the development of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). This rearrangement leads to aberrant MAPK activation that is implicated in PTC tumourigenesis.AimThe aim of this study was to identify the effect that ret/PTC 1 has on transcription and post-transcriptional regulation in PTC by using DNA microarray and microRNA analysis.ResultsDNA microarray analysis revealed a group of genes differentially expressed between normal thyroid cell lines and those harbouring a ret/PTC 1 rearrangement.Furthermore, a unique miRNA expression signature differentiated between PTC cell lines with ret/PTC 1 and a normal thyroid cell line. 21 miRNAs showed significant overexpression and 14 miRNAs showed underexpression in these cell lines when compared to normal thyroid. Several of these up/down regulated miRNAs may be involved in PTC pathogenesis.
Valproic acid and butyrate induce apoptosis in human cancer cells through inhibition of gene expression of Akt/protein kinase B
Authors: Chen Jihong , Ghazawi Feras M , Bakkar Wafae , Li Qiao 
Published: December 2006

Abstract

Background
In eukaryotic cells, the genomic DNA is packed with histones to form the nucleosome and chromatin structure. Reversible acetylation of the histone tails plays an important role in the control of specific gene expression. Mounting evidence has established that histone deacetylase inhibitors selectively induce cellular differentiation, growth arrest and apoptosis in variety of cancer cells, making them a promising class of anticancer drugs. However, the molecular mechanisms of the anti-cancer effects of these inhibitors have yet to be understood.

Results
Here, we report that a key determinant for the susceptibility of cancer cells to histone deacetylase inhibitors is their ability to maintain cellular Akt activity in response to the treatment. Also known as protein kinase B, Akt is an essential pro-survival factor in cell proliferation and is often deregulated during tumorigenesis. We show that histone deacetylase inhibitors, such as valproic acid and butyrate, impede Akt1 and Akt2 expression, which leads to Akt deactivation and apoptotic cell death. In addition, valproic acid and butyrate induce apoptosis through the caspase-dependent pathway. The activity of caspase-9 is robustly activated upon valproic acid or butyrate treatment. Constitutively active Akt is able to block the caspase activation and rescues cells from butyrate-induced apoptotic cell death.

Conclusion
Our study demonstrates that although the primary target of histone deacetylase inhibitors is transcription, it is the capacity of cells to maintain cellular survival networks that determines their fate of survival.
Rituximab induced hypoglycemia in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Authors: Hussain Badrudeen M , Geetha N , Lali V , Pandey Manoj 
Published: December 2006

Abstract

Background
Hypoglycemia is a vary rare toxicity of rituximab. The exact mechanism of rituximab induced hypoglycemia is not clear.

Case presentation
A 50 year old female presented with a left tonsillar non Hodgkin's lymphoma and was started on R-CHOP chemotherapy. Twenty four hours after the first rituximab infusion, she developed hypoglycemia which was managed by IV glucose infusion.

Conclusion
Hypoglycemia following rituximab administration is rare. Possibilities of hypoglycemia should be kept in mind in patients developing symptoms like fatigue, restlessness, and sweating while on rituximab therapy.
Contribution to the knowledge of the veterinary science and of the ethnobotany in Calabria region (Southern Italy)
Authors: Passalacqua Nicodemo G , De Fine Giuseppe , Guarrera Paolo Maria 
Published: December 2006

Abstract

Background
A series of preliminary research projects on plants used in Calabria (Southern Italy) in veterinary science and in other ethno-botanical fields (minor nourishment, domestic and handicraft sector) was carried out in the last twenty years. From the ethno-botanical point of view, Calabria is one of the most interesting region, since in the ancient times it was subject to the dominant cultures of several people (Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans etc.). Until some decades ago the road network was poorly developed and villages were isolated, so that the culture of the "subsistence" and some archaic customs were kept.

Methods
Data were collected by means of "open" interviews to farmers, shepherds and housewives in the last twenty years. More than 100 informants were interviewed, mostly over 50 years old. Plants were identified by local informants through gathering in the area or through examination of the fresh plants collected by the researchers. The collected data were compared with pharmacobotanical papers mainly of southern Italy and with other studies, in order to highlight novelties or concordances of uses.

Results
The use of 62 taxa distributed into 34 families are described. Among these, 8 are or were employed in veterinary science, 8 as anti-parasitic agents, 19 in minor nourishment, 5 as seasoning, 38 for other uses. Some toxic species for cattle are also mentioned.

Conclusion
Among the major findings: the use of Helleborus bocconei for bronchitis of bovines and of Scrophularia canina for lameness in veterinary science; Nerium oleander and Urginea maritima as anti-parasitic agents; Epilobium angustifolium, Centaurea napifolia L. and C. sphaerocephala L. in minor nourishment.
Dynamic usage of transcription start sites within core promoters
Authors: Kawaji Hideya , Frith Martin C , Katayama Shintaro , Sandelin Albin , Kai Chikatoshi , Kawai Jun , Carninci Piero , Hayashizaki Yoshihide 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
Background
Mammalian promoters do not initiate transcription at single, well defined base pairs, but rather at multiple, alternative start sites spread across a region. We previously characterized the static structures of transcription start site usage within promoters at the base pair level, based on large-scale sequencing of transcript 5' ends.

Results
In the present study we begin to explore the internal dynamics of mammalian promoters, and demonstrate that start site selection within many mouse core promoters varies among tissues. We also show that this dynamic usage of start sites is associated with CpG islands, broad and multimodal promoter structures, and imprinting.

Conclusion
Our results reveal a new level of biologic complexity within promoters - fine-scale regulation of transcription starting events at the base pair level. These events are likely to be related to epigenetic transcriptional regulation.
Interaction of monocytic cells with respiratory syncytial virus results in activation of NF-κB and PKC-α/β leading to up-regulation of IL-15 gene expression
Authors: Ennaciri Jamila , Ahmad Rasheed , Menezes José 
Published: December 2006

AbstractRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major human respiratory pathogen, particularly for infants. RSV is also a powerful inducer of cytokines, one of which is IL-15, an important immunoregulatory cytokine. IL-15 plays a key role in NK and T cell development and differentiation and also regulates NK cell/macrophage interaction, as well as monocyte/macrophage and granulocyte function. We have shown previously that different viruses up-regulate IL-15 gene expression in human PBMCs. Recently, we found that RSV induces the expression of IL-15 mRNA in the monocytic line THP-1. The signaling pathway involved in such virus-induced up-regulation of IL-15 has not yet been identified. We report here a study describing this mechanism. Because of the involvement of the protein kinase C (PKC) and the transcription factor NF-κB in the regulation of others cytokines by RSV as well as the involvement of NF-κB in the transactivation of IL-15, our hypothesis was that RSV induced the expression of IL-15 in THP-1 cells through the PKC and NF-κB activation. We demonstrate here that RSV-induced up-regulation of IL-15 expression in THP-1 cells involves the phosphorylation of PKC-α/β. Further, inhibition of PKC by different specific inhibitors blocks this up-regulation. Using the electromobility shift assay, we show that the activated form of NF-κB binds to the IL-15 promoter sequence. We further confirm, using an ELISA assay, the involvement of p65 in the transcription of IL-15. This study, demonstrating the ability of RSV to induce IL-15 expression, might explain, at least in part, the exacerbated, inflammatory response triggered by RSV infection.
Optimization of a myeloid cell transfusion strategy for infected neutropenic hosts
Authors: Spellberg Brad J , Collins Mary , Avanesian Valentina , Gomez Mayela , Edwards John E , Cogle Christopher , Applebaum David , Fu Yue , Ibrahim Ashraf S 
Published: December 2006

AbstractAlthough granulocyte transfusion is a logical, therapeutic option for neutropenic patients with refractory infections, significant technical barriers have prevented its widespread use. A novel phagocyte transfusion strategy has been developed based on activation of a human myeloid cell line HL-60. To further define the potential for HL-60 cells to recapitulate white cell transfusions, a shortened duration of activation was evaluated, facile quality control markers were defined, and the impact of low-dose irradiation on cell function was determined. Three days of activation resulted in increased cell viability and in vitro candidacidal capacity but with slightly higher cell replication compared with 7 days of activation. Cell viability and several flow cytometric measurements were accurate, quality control markers for HL-60 activation. In combination with activation, low-dose irradiation abrogated replication while sparing the candidacidal effects of the HL-60 cells. Infusion of irradiated, activated HL-60 cells improved survival of neutropenic, candidemic mice significantly. In summary, activated, irradiated HL-60 cells are microbicidal, have virtually no replicative capacity, and are safe and effective at protecting neutropenic mice against an otherwise 100% fatal candidal infection. With continued development, this strategy to recapitulate neutrophil functions has the potential to serve as an effective alternative to granulocyte transfusions.
Zoledronic Acid Prevents Cancer Treatment–Induced Bone Loss in Premenopausal Women Receiving Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy for Hormone-Responsive Breast Cancer: A Report From the Austrian Breast and Colorectal Cancer Study Group
Authors: Gnant Michael F.X. , Mlineritsch Brigitte , Luschin-Ebengreuth Gero , Grampp Stephan , Kaessmann Helmut , Schmid Marianne , Menzel Christian , Piswanger-Soelkner Jutta Claudia , Galid Arik , Mittlboeck Martina , Hausmaninger Hubert , Jakesz Raimund 
Published: December 2006

Purpose Adjuvant therapy for breast cancer can be associated with decreased bone mineral density (BMD) that may lead to skeletal morbidity. This study examined whether zoledronic acid can prevent bone loss associated with adjuvant endocrine therapy in premenopausal patients. Patients and Methods This study is a randomized, open-label, phase III, four-arm trial comparing tamoxifen (20 mg/d orally) and goserelin (3.6 mg every 28 days subcutaneously) ± zoledronic acid (4 mg intravenously every 6 months) versus anastrozole (1 mg/d orally) and goserelin ± zoledronic acid for 3 years in premenopausal women with hormone-responsive breast cancer. In a BMD subprotocol at three trial centers, patients underwent serial BMD measurements at 0, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. Results Four hundred one patients were included in the BMD subprotocol. Endocrine treatment without zoledronic acid led to significant (P < .001) overall bone loss after 3 years of treatment (BMD, −14.4% after 36 months; mean T score reduction, −1.4). Overall bone loss was significantly more severe in patients receiving anastrozole/goserelin (BMD, −17.3%; mean T score reduction, −2.6) compared with patients receiving tamoxifen/goserelin (BMD, −11.6%; mean T score reduction, −1.1). In contrast, BMD remained stable in zoledronic acid–treated patients (P < .0001 compared with endocrine therapy alone). No interactions with age or other risk factors were noted. Conclusion Endocrine therapy caused significant bone loss that increased with treatment duration in premenopausal women with breast cancer. Zoledronic acid 4 mg every 6 months effectively inhibited bone loss. Regular BMD measurements and initiation of concomitant bisphosphonate therapy on evidence of bone loss should be considered for patients undergoing endocrine therapy.
Adjuvant Chemotherapy Followed By Goserelin Compared With Either Modality Alone: The Impact on Amenorrhea, Hot Flashes, and Quality of Life in Premenopausal Patients—The International Breast Cancer Study Group Trial VIII
Authors: Bernhard Jürg , Zahrieh David , Castiglione-Gertsch Monica , Hürny Christoph , Gelber Richard D. , Forbes John F. , Murray Elizabeth , Collins John , Aebi Stefan , Thürlimann Beat , Price Karen N. , Goldhirsch Aron , Coates Alan S. 
Published: December 2006

Purpose The purpose of this article is to compare quality of life (QOL) and menopausal symptoms among premenopausal patients with lymph node-negative breast cancer receiving chemotherapy, goserelin, or their sequential combination, and to investigate differential effects by age. Patients and Methods We evaluated QOL data from 874 pre- and perimenopausal women with lymph node-negative breast cancer who were randomly assigned to receive six courses of classical cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil (CMF) chemotherapy, ovarian suppression with goserelin for 24 months, or six courses of classical CMF followed by 18 months of goserelin. We report QOL data collected during 3 years after random assignment in patients without disease recurrence. Results Overall, patients receiving goserelin alone showed a marked improvement or less deterioration in QOL measures over the first 6 months than those patients treated with CMF. There were no differences at 3 years after random assignment according to treatment except for hot flashes. As reflected in the hot flashes scores, patients in all three treatment groups experienced induced amenorrhea, but the onset of ovarian function suppression was slightly delayed for patients receiving chemotherapy. Younger patients (< 40 years) who received goserelin alone returned to their premenopausal status at 6 months after the cessation of therapy, while those who received CMF showed marginal changes from their baseline hot flashes scores. Conclusion Age-adjusted risk profiles that consider patient-reported outcomes enable patients to adapt to their disease and treatment, such as considering the trade-offs between delayed endocrine symptoms, but higher risk of permanent menopause with chemotherapy, and immediate but reversible endocrine symptoms with goserelin, in younger premenopausal patients.
Zoledronic Acid Inhibits Adjuvant Letrozole–Induced Bone Loss in Postmenopausal Women With Early Breast Cancer
Authors: Brufsky Adam , Harker W. Graydon , Beck J. Thaddeus , Carroll Robert , Tan-Chiu Elizabeth , Seidler Christopher , Hohneker John , Lacerna Leo , Petrone Stephanie , Perez Edith A. 
Published: December 2006

Purpose Treatment with aromatase inhibitors decreases bone mineral density (BMD) and may increase the risk of fractures in postmenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer. The addition of zoledronic acid to adjuvant letrozole therapy may protect against bone loss. Patients and Methods Patients receiving adjuvant letrozole were randomly assigned to receive either upfront or delayed-start zoledronic acid (4 mg intravenously every 6 months). The delayed group received zoledronic acid when lumbar spine (LS) or total hip (TH) T score decreased to less than −2.0 or when a nontraumatic fracture occurred. The primary end point of this study was to compare the change in LS BMD at month 12 between the groups. Secondary end points included change in TH BMD and changes in serum bone turnover markers at month 12. Results The upfront and delayed groups each included 301 patients. At month 12, LS BMD was 4.4% higher in the upfront group than in the delayed group (95% CI, 3.7% to 5.0%; P < .0001), and TH BMD was 3.3% higher (95% CI, 2.8% to 3.8%; P < .0001). In the upfront group, mean serum N-telopeptide and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase concentrations decreased by 15.1% (P < .0001) and 8.8% (P = .0006), respectively, at month 12, whereas concentrations increased significantly in the delayed group by 19.9% (P = .013) and 24.3% (P < .0001), respectively. Conclusion With 1 year of follow-up, results of the primary end point of the Zometa-Femara Adjuvant Synergy Trial (Z-FAST) indicate that upfront zoledronic acid therapy prevents bone loss in the LS in postmenopausal women receiving adjuvant letrozole for early-stage breast cancer.
Quality of Life After Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy in Newly Diagnosed High-Risk Breast Cancer Patients Who Underwent BRCA1/2 Gene Testing
Authors: Tercyak Kenneth P. , Peshkin Beth N. , Brogan Barbara M. , DeMarco Tiffani , Pennanen Marie F. , Willey Shawna C. , Magnant Colette M. , Rogers Sarah , Isaacs Claudine , Schwartz Marc D. 
Published: December 2006

Purpose Recent studies indicate that high-risk breast cancer patients (ie, women who carry mutations in BRCA1/2 genes) who opt for contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) have a substantially reduced risk of developing contralateral breast cancer. However, the immediate and long-term impact of this decision on women's quality of life and psychosocial functioning is largely unknown. In this study, we compared the impact of BRCA1/2 genetic test result and CPM on these outcomes among newly diagnosed breast cancer patients who opted for CPM at the time of their definitive surgical treatment versus patients who did not. Patients and Methods Participants were 149 high-risk women who underwent genetic counseling and testing for alterations in the BRCA1/2 genes. We measured self-reported quality of life, cancer-specific distress, and genetic testing–specific distress using standardized instruments before receipt of genetic test results and again 1 and 12 months later. Results Compared with patients who chose breast conservation or unilateral mastectomy, those who chose mastectomy of the affected breast and CPM of the unaffected breast did not report diminished quality of life or elevated distress. Conclusion With respect to quality of life and distress, patients who choose CPM fare as well as those who do not in the first year after surgery.