bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Paradoxical expressions of natriuretic peptide receptor-C and neutral endopeptidase account for C-type natriuretic peptide decline during the progression of experimental obstructive nephropathy
Authors: Hu Peng , Zhao Xue Qi , Wang Jing , Kong Hai Bo , Hu Bo , Lu Ling , Qin Yuan Han 
Published: November 2013

Introduction: C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) selectively binds to the guanylyl cyclase coupled natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR)-B and exerts more potent antihypertrophic and antifibrotic properties. Elimination of CNP occurs mainly by neutral endopeptidase (NEP) and NPR-C. Methods: We established a rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) to examine the continuous change of the CNP expression and to assess the correlations of NPR-B, NPR-C, NEP with CNP in the obstructed kidneys. Results: The expressions of CNP mRNA and protein in the obstructed kidneys tended to be higher immediately after ligation and declined at later time points compared to sham-operated rats, measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot analysis. Subsequent correlation analysis indicated that CNP mRNA was positively correlated with NPR-B mRNA ( r=+0.673, p<0.05). In addition, the increased expression of NPR-C ( r=−0.943 and −0.837 for mRNA and protein respectively, p<0.05) and NEP ( r=−0.687 and −0.823 for mRNA and protein respectively, p<0.05) were accompanied by a signiﬁcant decline in CNP. Conclusions: A high level of CNP may contribute to the elevated expression of NPR-B in the early phase of UUO. More interestingly, paradoxical expressions of NPR-C and NEP may account for the decline of CNP in the obstructed kidneys.
Increasing patients’ ability to identify their physicians with a photo album: a prospective study
Authors: Hu Ping-An , Zhu Shai-Hong , Fan Zhi-Li , Wang Lian , Gao Chang-Qing 
Published: November 2013

Objectives Patients in teaching hospitals often encounter difficulty in correctly identifying their physicians. We hypothesized that a photo album of physicians might increase the ability of patients to correctly identify their physicians and hence conducted this study to test the hypothesis. Design A prospective study was conducted. Setting Department of Surgery, The Third XiangYa Hospital. Participants The patients were divided into two groups on admission: group A as intervention group ( n = 75) and group B as control group ( n = 94). All the patients were verbally informed of their medical team but only the patients in group A (the intervention group) were also shown the photos of their medical team. Main outcome measures One day before being discharged, the patients in group A (the intervention group) were asked to return the photo albums, and all the patients from both groups were asked to give the names of their caring physicians prior to departure from the hospital. Results Only 53% of the patients (50 out of 94) in group B (the control group) could give at least one of their physicians’ name, while 85% of the patients (64 out of 75) in group A (the intervention group) could tell at least one of their physicians’ name; there is a significant difference ( p < 0.005, 95% CI, 17.4–44.7%). Conclusion Patients’ ability to identify their physicians can be significantly increased with a photo album.
Nicotine exposure during differentiation causes inhibition of N-myc expression
Authors: Ben-Yehudah Ahmi , Campanaro Becki M , Wakefield Laura M , Kinney Tia N , Brekosky Jill , Eisinger Vonya M , Castro Carlos A , Carlisle Diane L 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
The ability of chemicals to disrupt neonatal development can be studied using embryonic stem cells (ESC). One such chemical is nicotine. Prenatal nicotine exposure is known to affect postnatal lung function, although the mechanisms by which it has this effect are not clear. Since fibroblasts are a critical component of the developing lung, providing structure and secreting paracrine factors that are essential to epithelialization, this study focuses on the differentiation of ESC into fibroblasts using a directed differentiation protocol.

Methods
Fibroblasts obtained from non-human primate ESC (nhpESC) differentiation were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, immunostaining, Affymetrix gene expression array, qPCR, and immunoblotting.

Results
Results of these analyses demonstrated that although nhpESCs differentiate into fibroblasts in the presence of nicotine and appear normal by some measures, including H&E and SMA staining, they have an altered gene expression profile. Network analysis of expression changes demonstrated an over-representation of cell-cycle related genes with downregulation of N-myc as a central regulator in the pathway. Further investigation demonstrated that cells differentiated in the presence of nicotine had decreased N-myc mRNA and protein expression and longer doubling times, a biological effect consistent with downregulation of N-myc.

Conclusions
This study is the first to use primate ESC to demonstrate that nicotine can affect cellular differentiation from pluripotency into fibroblasts, and in particular, mediate N-myc expression in differentiating ESCs. Given the crucial role of fibroblasts throughout the body, this has important implications for the effect of cigarette smoke exposure on human development not only in the lung, but in organogenesis in general.
Cell-specific gene expression in Anabaena variabilis grown phototrophically, mixotrophically, and heterotrophically
Authors: Park Jeong-Jin , Lechno-Yossef Sigal , Wolk Coleman Peter , Vieille Claire 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
When the filamentous cyanobacterium Anabaena variabilis grows aerobically without combined nitrogen, some vegetative cells differentiate into N2-fixing heterocysts, while the other vegetative cells perform photosynthesis. Microarrays of sequences within protein-encoding genes were probed with RNA purified from extracts of vegetative cells, from isolated heterocysts, and from whole filaments to investigate transcript levels, and carbon and energy metabolism, in vegetative cells and heterocysts in phototrophic, mixotrophic, and heterotrophic cultures.

Results
Heterocysts represent only 5% to 10% of cells in the filaments. Accordingly, levels of specific transcripts in vegetative cells were with few exceptions very close to those in whole filaments and, also with few exceptions (e.g., nif1 transcripts), levels of specific transcripts in heterocysts had little effect on the overall level of those transcripts in filaments. In phototrophic, mixotrophic, and heterotrophic growth conditions, respectively, 845, 649, and 846 genes showed more than 2-fold difference (p < 0.01) in transcript levels between vegetative cells and heterocysts. Principal component analysis showed that the culture conditions tested affected transcript patterns strongly in vegetative cells but much less in heterocysts. Transcript levels of the genes involved in phycobilisome assembly, photosynthesis, and CO2 assimilation were high in vegetative cells in phototrophic conditions, and decreased when fructose was provided. Our results suggest that Gln, Glu, Ser, Gly, Cys, Thr, and Pro can be actively produced in heterocysts. Whether other protein amino acids are synthesized in heterocysts is unclear. Two possible components of a sucrose transporter were identified that were upregulated in heterocysts in two growth conditions. We consider it likely that genes with unknown function represent a larger fraction of total transcripts in heterocysts than in vegetative cells across growth conditions.

Conclusions
This study provides the first comparison of transcript levels in heterocysts and vegetative cells from heterocyst-bearing filaments of Anabaena. Although the data presented do not give a complete picture of metabolism in either type of cell, they provide a metabolic scaffold on which to build future analyses of cell-specific processes and of the interactions of the two types of cells.
The association between the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 gene and blood pressure in a cohort study of adolescents
Authors: Malard Lucile , Kakinami Lisa , O’Loughlin Jennifer , Roy-Gagnon Marie-Hélène , Labbe Aurélie , Pilote Louise , Hamet Pavel , Tremblay Johanne , Paradis Gilles 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
The Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE2) gene, located on chromosome X, is believed to be implicated in blood pressure regulation. However the few studies that have examined this association have yielded mixed results. The objective of this study was to assess the association between tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 gene with blood pressure and blood pressure change in adolescents.

Methods
Participants in the Nicotine Dependence in Teens (NDIT) cohort study with blood or saliva samples and at least 3 blood pressure measurements over 5 years were included in the analytic sample (n = 555). Linear growth curve models stratified on sex and ethnicity were used to assess the association between four tag SNPs in the ACE2 gene and systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and blood pressure change.

Results
In males of European descent, rs2074192 and rs233575 were significantly associated with SBP and DBP, and rs2158083 was associated with SBP. In French Canadian males, rs233575 and rs2158083 were significantly associated with DBP. Among females of European descent, rs2074192, rs233575, and rs2158083 were significantly associated with change in SBP over 5 years.

Conclusions
This is the first study to assess the association between the ACE2 gene with blood pressure and blood pressure change in a cohort of adolescents. Results indicate that several ACE2 gene SNPs are associated with blood pressure or blood pressure change in persons of European descent. However the therapeutic potential of these SNPs should be explored.
Higher numbers of circulating endothelial progenitor cells in stroke patients with intracranial arterial stenosis
Authors: Liu Zhizhong , Ding Xiurong , Fang Fang , Wang Ruimin , Chen Yan , Ma Yuetao , Zhang Guojun , Kang Xixiong 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Bone marrow-derived endothelial stem cells participate in vascular repairs. Numbers of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (cEPCs) are associated with atherosclerosis. Fibrinogen plays a key role in atherosclerosis. Objective was to assess if cEPC counts were associated with atherosclerotic intracranial artery stenosis (IAS).

Methods
Three hundred subjects (108 patients with stroke and IAS (IAS), 120 control patients with stroke without IAS (CP), and 72 healthy controls (HC)) were retrospectively analyzed. cEPCs were identified and counted by flow cytometry using CD34, CD133 and KDR. Plasma fibrinogen was measured by immunoturbidimetry. cEPC counts were compared between the three groups.

Results
cEPC numbers were significantly higher in IAS (0.059 ± 0.031%) than in CP (0.026 ± 0.012%) (P < 0.001) and HC (0.021 ± 0.011%) (P < 0.001), but without difference between CP and HC (P = 0.401). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that cEPC levels (OR 3.31, 95%CI 1.26-8.87, P = 0.025; IAS vs. CP) were independent markers of IAS after adjustment for hypertension, diabetes and smoking. No significant correlation between cEPC counts and plasma fibrinogen levels was observed (P > 0.05).

Conclusion
cEPC numbers were associated with degrees of IAS. This measurement may be useful for non-invasive evaluation of atherosclerotic IAS.
Identification of the angiogenic gene signature induced by EGF and hypoxia in colorectal cancer
Authors: Khong Tak L , Thairu Ngayu , Larsen Helene , Dawson Peter M , Kiriakidis Serafim , Paleolog Ewa M 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is characterised by hypoxia, which activates gene transcription through hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF), as well as by expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and EGF receptors, targeting of which has been demonstrated to provide therapeutic benefit in CRC. Although EGF has been demonstrated to induce expression of angiogenic mediators, potential interactions in CRC between EGF-mediated signalling and the hypoxia/HIF pathway remain uncharacterised.

Methods
PCR-based profiling was applied to identify angiogenic genes in Caco-2 CRC cells regulated by hypoxia, the hypoxia mimetic dimethyloxallylglycine (DMOG) and/or EGF. Western blotting was used to determine the role of HIF-1alpha, HIF-2alpha and MAPK cell signalling in mediating the angiogenic responses.

Results
We identified a total of 9 angiogenic genes, including angiopoietin-like (ANGPTL) 4, ephrin (EFNA) 3, transforming growth factor (TGF) β1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), to be upregulated in a HIF dependent manner in Caco-2 CRC cells in response to both hypoxia and the hypoxia mimetic dimethyloxallylglycine (DMOG). Stimulation with EGF resulted in EGFR tyrosine autophosphorylation, activation of p42/p44 MAP kinases and stabilisation of HIF-1α and HIF-2α proteins. However, expression of 84 angiogenic genes remained unchanged in response to EGF alone. Crucially, addition of DMOG in combination with EGF significantly increased expression of a further 11 genes (in addition to the 9 genes upregulated in response to either DMOG alone or hypoxia alone). These additional genes included chemokines (CCL-11/eotaxin-1 and interleukin-8), collagen type IV α3 chain, integrin β3 chain, TGFα and VEGF receptor KDR.

Conclusion
These findings suggest that although EGFR phosphorylation activates the MAP kinase signalling and promotes HIF stabilisation in CRC, this alone is not sufficient to induce angiogenic gene expression. In contrast, HIF activation downstream of hypoxia/DMOG drives expression of genes such as ANGPTL4, EFNA3, TGFβ1 and VEGF. Finally, HIF activation synergises with EGF-mediated signalling to additionally induce a unique sub-group of candidate angiogenic genes. Our data highlight the complex interrelationship between tumour hypoxia, EGF and angiogenesis in the pathogenesis of CRC.
Comparison of localized retinal nerve fiber layer defects in highly myopic, myopic, and non-myopic patients with normal-tension glaucoma: a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Kim Joon Mo , Park Ki Ho , Kim Seon Jeong , Jang Hyo Ju , Noh Eun , Kim Mi Jeung , Kim Tae Woo , Kim Dong Myung , Caprioli Joseph 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between patterns of localized retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) defects and the degree of myopia in patients with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients with high myopia (42 eyes; spherical equivalent [SE] < −6.0 diopters [D]), low to moderate myopia (93 eyes; SE −6.0D ~ and −0.5D), and emmetropia (65 eyes; SE −0.5D ~ +0.5D), all of which were diagnosed as having NTG with localized RNFL defects. On RNFL photographs, the proximity of the RNFL defect to the center of the fovea (angle I) and the sum of the angular width of the defects (angle II) were determined. The patterns of localized RNFL defects were then compared with respect to differences in angles I and II.ResultsAngle I was significantly smaller in the high myopia group than in the low to moderate myopia group (p = 0.028) and the emmetropia group (p = 0.044), while angle II was significantly larger in the high myopia group compared with the low to moderate myopia group and the emmetropia group (p < 0.001, p = 0.007).ConclusionsAmong subjects with NTG, localized RNFL defects are wider and closer to the fovea in eyes with high myopia than those with low to moderate myopia or emmetropia.
Compressional-wave propagation in porous media saturated with two fluids
Authors: Beresnev Igor A. 
Published: November 2013

A theory of porous media with voids filled by two immiscible fluids should comply with Laplace’s law of capillary pressure at the pore level. For the convenience of practical use, it ideally should also involve only the generic elastic coefficients of the mineral grains and pore-filling fluids and avoid the use of “bulk” coefficients of the dry solid frame, whose measurement involves idealized experiments, or poorly understood “phase-coupling” coefficients. It should be reconcilable with the body of empirical data as well. Such a theory and the resulting propagation of the conventional compressional wave can be deduced from principles of linear elasticity. Although the interfacial tension between the fluids is rigorously included, it turns out to have no effect on the velocity of seismic waves. To be reconcilable with observational data, the theory needs to be modified to (1) postulate a power-law effect of the volume fraction of the solid and fluid phases on the reduction of their elastic moduli contributing to the aggregate value and (2) honor the additivity of fluid compressibilities versus bulk moduli to form the effective bulk modulus of the fluids. Empirical calibration of the constants of the power law is necessary to make the theory applicable to a specific class of rock. Constructed this way for well-cemented rocks such as sandstones or limestones, the theory agrees well with the empirical data describing (1) the bulk modulus of the dry solid frame, (2) the bulk modulus of the solid frame filled with one fluid, both as functions of porosity; (3) the data on wave velocity in such rocks filled with one fluid, as a function of porosity, and (4) the measurements of wave velocity in such rocks filled with air and water, as a function of water saturation.
Clinicopathologic Predictors of Sentinel Lymph Node Metastasis in Thin Melanoma
Authors: Han Dale , Zager Jonathan S. , Shyr Yu , Chen Heidi , Berry Lynne D. , Iyengar Sanjana , Djulbegovic Mia , Weber Jaimie L. , Marzban Suroosh S. , Sondak Vernon K. , Messina Jane L. , Vetto John T. , White Richard L. , Pockaj Barbara , Mozzillo Nicola , Charney Kim James , Avisar Eli , Krouse Robert , Kashani-Sabet Mohammed , Leong Stanley P. 
Published: November 2013

PurposeIndications for sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for thin melanoma are continually evolving. We present a large multi-institutional study to determine factors predictive of sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis in thin melanoma.Patients and MethodsRetrospective review of the Sentinel Lymph Node Working Group database from 1994 to 2012 identified 1,250 patients who had an SLNB and thin melanomas (≤ 1 mm). Clinicopathologic characteristics were correlated with SLN status and outcome.ResultsSLN metastases were detected in 65 (5.2%) of 1,250 patients. On univariable analysis, rates of Breslow thickness ≥ 0.75 mm, Clark level ≥ IV, ulceration, and absence of regression differed significantly between positive and negative SLN groups (all P < .05). These four variables and mitotic rate were used in multivariable analysis, which demonstrated that Breslow thickness ≥ 0.75 mm (P = .03), Clark level ≥ IV (P = .05), and ulceration (P = .01) significantly predicted SLN metastasis with 6.3%, 7.0%, and 11.6% of the patients with these respective characteristics having SLN disease. Melanomas < 0.75 mm had positive SLN rates of < 5% regardless of Clark level and ulceration status. Median follow-up was 2.6 years. Melanoma-specific survival was significantly worse for patients with positive versus negative SLNs (P = .001).ConclusionBreslow thickness ≥ 0.75 mm, Clark level ≥ IV, and ulceration significantly predict SLN disease in thin melanoma. Most SLN metastases (86.2%) occur in melanomas ≥ 0.75 mm, with 6.3% of these patients having SLN disease, whereas in melanomas < 0.75 mm, SLN metastasis rates are < 5%. By using a 5% metastasis risk threshold, SLNB is indicated for melanomas ≥ 0.75 mm, but further study is needed to define indications for SLNB in melanomas < 0.75 mm.
Diabetes and Pregnancy: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline
Authors: Blumer Ian , Hadar Eran , Hadden David R , Jovanovič Lois , Mestman Jorge H , Murad M Hassan , Yogev Yariv 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Objective
Our objective was to formulate a clinical practice guideline for the management of the pregnant woman with diabetes.

Participants
The Task Force was composed of a chair, selected by the Clinical Guidelines Subcommittee of The Endocrine Society, 5 additional experts, a methodologist, and a medical writer.

Evidence
This evidence-based guideline was developed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system to describe both the strength of recommendations and the quality of evidence.

Consensus Process
One group meeting, several conference calls, and innumerable e-mail communications enabled consensus for all recommendations save one with a majority decision being employed for this single exception.

Conclusions
Using an evidence-based approach, this Diabetes and Pregnancy Clinical Practice Guideline addresses important clinical issues in the contemporary management of women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes preconceptionally, during pregnancy, and in the postpartum setting and in the diagnosis and management of women with gestational diabetes during and after pregnancy.
TO A QUESTION OF EDUCATION QUALITY MANAGEMENT IN THE CONDITIONS OF GRAMMAR SCHOOL’S INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Дворянцева  , Dvoryantseva Svetlana , Панкова  , Pankova Irina 
Published: November 2013

Authors describe approaches to education
quality management in a grammar school and prove
the importance of specially organized systematic
work with pupils and teachers. The special attention
is paid to infrastructure of educational institution for
providing quality education. The significant part is
assigned to questions of education quality ensuring,
experimental and innovative activity within implementation
of programs related to city’s experimental
platforms.
ACTIVITY APPROACH IN PROFESSIONAL ADAPTATION
Authors: Родионов  , Rodionov V. , Валюженич  , Valyuzhenich M. , Ступницкая  , Stupnitskaya M. 
Published: November 2013

In presented paper the authors consider the process of fi rst-year students’ adaptation as higher school’s psychological and pedagogical problem. The paper authors identify such forms of activity approach as training (training occupations) and design activity qua optimization adaptation methods. Also in the paper the
attention has been paid to an assessment of efficiency related to psychological and pedagogical work with first year students, in particular, to adaptation training.
REGULATING THE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS LABOR MARKET
Authors: Гагаринский  , Gagarinskiy A. , Брязгунова  , Bryazgunova Yu. 
Published: November 2013

Unemployment among young professionals is an objective problwm and
impedes economic development. Lack of work experience and relevant
practical professional skills reduces the competitiveness of youth. In
order to loose tension of this problem the author proposes to engage in
the regulation process all its stakeholders, especially the unemployed
youth. As practical measures it is proposed to develop small business, to
boost investment appeal of a region, to found and operate premises for
regular practical training of young professionals.
JOB-RELATED EXPERIENCE AS A PSYCHOLOGICAL BARRIER TO PERSONNEL DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Сыманюк  , Symanyuk E. 
Published: November 2013

The category of «experience» is discussed and evolution of approaches
to understanding this phenomenon is traced. The concept of «barrier» is
defi ned, its role and functions in the context of personality theory are
considered. The author outlines consequent stages of job-related experience
formation and comparative features of each stage. It is noted that
the inhibitory infl uence of job-related experience on personnel development
tends to grow, the more professional stereotypes get enrooted.