bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of a facebook-delivered physical activity intervention for post-partum women: a randomized controlled trial protocol
Authors: Kernot Jocelyn , Olds Tim , Lewis Lucy K , Maher Carol 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Physical activity is reduced during the post-partum period. Facebook is frequently used by Australian mothers, and offers flexibility, high levels of engagement and the ability to disseminate information and advice via social contacts. The Mums Step it Up Program is a newly developed 50 day team-based physical activity intervention delivered via a Facebook app. The program involves post-partum women working in teams of 4–8 friends aiming to achieve 10,000 steps per day measured by a pedometer. Women are encouraged to use the app to log their daily steps and undertake social and supportive interactions with their friends and other participants. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the Mums Step it Up Program.

Method/design
A sample of 126 women up to 12 months post-partum will be recruited through community-based health and family services. Participants will be randomly allocated into one of three groups: control, pedometer only and the Mums Step it Up Program. Assessments will be completed at baseline, 6 weeks and 6 months. The primary outcome (objective physical activity) and the secondary outcomes (sleep quality and quantity, depressive symptoms, weight and quality of life) will be used to determine the effectiveness of the Mums Step it Up Program compared with the control and pedometer only groups. Analyses will be undertaken on an intention-to-treat-basis using random effects mixed modeling. The effect of theorized mediators (physical activity attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control) will also be examined.

Discussion
This study will provide information about the potential of a Facebook app for the delivery of health behavior interventions. If this intervention proves to be effective it will be released on a mass scale and promoted to the general public.

Trial registration
Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register: ACTRN12613000069752
High glucose induces upregulation of scavenger receptors and promotes maturation of dendritic cells
Authors: Lu Hao , Yao Kang , Huang Dong , Sun Aijun , Zou Yunzeng , Qian Juying , Ge Junbo 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Both hyperglycaemia and dendritic cells (DCs) play causative roles in atherosclerosis. However, whether they interact in atherosclerosis remains uncertain. Therefore, we examined whether high glucose could regulate the expression of scavenger receptors responsible for oxidised low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) uptake in DCs, a critical step in atherogenesis. In addition, we investigated the impact of glucose on DC maturation regarding changes in phenotype and cytokine secretion.

Methods
Immature DCs were cultured with different concentrations of glucose (5.5 mmol/L, 15 mmol/L, 30 mmol/L) in the absence or presence of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), SB203580 or Bay11-7082 for 24 hours. We used 30 mmol/L mannitol as a high-osmolarity control treatment. The expression of the scavenger receptors SR-A, CD36 and LOX-1 was determined by real-time PCR and western blot analysis. Furthermore, DCs were incubated with DiI-labelled oxLDL. The DiI-oxLDL-incorporated fraction was investigated by flow cytometry analysis. The intracellular production of ROS in DCs was measured by dichlorodihydrofluorescein (DCF) fluorescence using confocal microscopy. Finally, flow cytometry analysis was used to investigate immunophenotypic protein expression (CD83 and CD86). Supernatant cytokine measurements were used for immune function assays.

Results
The incubation of DCs with glucose enhanced, in a dose-dependent manner, the gene and protein expression of SR-A, CD36 and LOX-1. This effect was partially abolished by NAC, SB203580 and Bay11-7082. Incubation of DCs with mannitol (30 mmol/L) did not enhance these scavenger receptors’ expression. High glucose upregulated the production of ROS and expression of p38 MAPK in DCs. NAC partially reversed p38 MAPK upregulation. High glucose increased the oxLDL-uptake capacity of DCs. Blockage of the scavenger receptors SR-A and CD36 reduced oxLDL uptake, but blockage of LOX-1 did not. Furthermore, high-glucose (15 mmol/L or 30 mmol/L) treatment increased CD86 and CD83 in DCs. High glucose also increased IL-6 and IL-12 secretion and decreased IL-10 secretion.

Conclusion
High glucose can increase the expression of the scavenger receptors SR-A, CD36 and LOX-1, which can increase the oxLDL-uptake capacity of DCs. High glucose induces a proinflammatory cytokine profile in human DCs, leading to DC maturation. These results support the hypothesis that atherosclerosis is aggravated by hyperglycaemia-induced DC activation and oxLDL uptake.
Activation of minority-variant Plasmodium vivax hypnozoites following artesunate + amodiaquine treatment in a 23-year old man with relapsing malaria in Antananarivo, Madagascar
Authors: Andrianaranjaka Voahangy , Lin Jessica T , Golden Christopher , Juliano Jonathan J , Randrianarivelojosia Milijaona 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
In endemic areas, Plasmodium vivax relapses are difficult to distinguish from new infections. Genotyping of patients who experience relapse after returning to a malaria-free area can be used to explore the nature of hypnozoite activation and relapse. This paper describes a person who developed P. vivax malaria for the first time after travelling to Boriziny in the malaria endemic coastal area of Madagascar, then suffered two P. vivax relapses 11 weeks and 21 weeks later despite remaining in Antananarivo in the malaria-free central highlands area. He was treated with the combination artesunate + amodiaquine according to the national malaria policy in Madagascar. Genotyping by PCR-RFLP at pvmsp-3α as well as pvmsp1 heteroduplex tracking assay (HTA) showed the same dominant genotype at each relapse. Multiple recurring minority variants were also detected at each relapse, highlighting the propensity for multiple hypnozoite clones to activate simultaneously to cause relapse.
Tumor suppressor gene RBM5 delivered by attenuated Salmonella inhibits lung adenocarcinoma through diverse apoptotic signaling pathways
Authors: Shao Chen , Yang Baoxue , Zhao Lijing , Wang Song , Zhang Jie , Wang Ke 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
RBM5 (RNA-binding motif protein 5, also named H37/LUCA-15) gene from chromosome 3p21.3 has been demonstrated to be a tumor suppressor. Current researches in vitro confirm that RBM5 can suppress the growth of lung adenocarcinoma cells by inducing apoptosis. There is still no effective model in vivo, however, that thoroughly investigates the effect and molecular mechanism of RBM5 on lung adenocarcinoma.

Method
We established the transplanted tumor model on BALB/c nude mice using the A549 cell line. The mice were treated with the recombinant plasmids carried by attenuated Salmonella to induce the overexpression of RBM5 in tumor tissues. RBM5 overexpression was confirmed by immunohistochemistry staining. H&E staining was performed to observe the histological performance on plasmids-treated A549 xenografts. Apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL staining with a TUNEL detection kit. Apoptosis-regulated genes were detected by Western blot.

Results
We successful established the lung adenocarcinoma animal model in vivo. The growth of tumor xenografts was significantly retarded on the mice treated with pcDNA3.1-RBM5 carried by attenuated Salmonella compared to that on mice treated with pcDNA3.1. Overexpression of RBM5 enhanced the apoptosis in tumor xenografts. Furthermore, the expression of Bcl-2 protein was decreased significantly, while the expression of BAX, TNF-α, cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-8, cleaved caspase-9 and cleaved PARP proteins was significantly increased in the pcDNA3.1-RBM5-treated mice as compared to that in the control mice.

Conclusions
In this study, we established a novel animal model to determine RBM5 function in vivo, and concluded that RBM5 inhibited tumor growth in mice by inducing apoptosis. The study suggests that although RBM5’s involvement in the death receptor-mediated apoptotic pathway is still to be investigated, RBM5-mediated growth suppression, at least in part, employs regulation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathways.
Interaction of silicon-based quantum dots with gibel carp liver: oxidative and structural modifications
Authors: Stanca Loredana , Petrache Sorina Nicoleta , Serban Andreea Iren , Staicu Andrea Cristina , Sima Cornelia , Munteanu Maria Cristina , Zărnescu Otilia , Dinu Diana , Dinischiotu Anca 
Published: May 2013

AbstractQuantum dots (QDs) interaction with living organisms is of central interest due to their various biological and medical applications. One of the most important mechanisms proposed for various silicon nanoparticle-mediated toxicity is oxidative stress. We investigated the basic processes of cellular damage by oxidative stress and tissue injury following QD accumulation in the gibel carp liver after intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of 2 mg/kg body weight Si/SiO2QDs after 1, 3, and 7 days from their administration.QDs gradual accumulation was highlighted by fluorescence microscopy, and subsequent histological changes in the hepatic tissue were noted. After 1 and 3 days, QD-treated fish showed an increased number of macrophage clusters and fibrosis, while hepatocyte basophilia and isolated hepatolytic microlesions were observed only after substantial QDs accumulation in the liver parenchyma, at 7 days after IP injection.Induction of oxidative stress in fish liver was revealed by the formation of malondialdehyde and advanced oxidation protein products, as well as a decrease in protein thiol groups and reduced glutathione levels. The liver enzymatic antioxidant defense was modulated to maintain the redox status in response to the changes initiated by Si/SiO2QDs. So, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities were upregulated starting from the first day after injection, while the activity of superoxide dismutase increased only after 7 days. The oxidative damage that still occurred may impair the activity of more sensitive enzymes. A significant inhibition in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and glutathione-S-transferase activity was noted, while glutathione reductase remained unaltered.Taking into account that the reduced glutathione level had a deep decline and the level of lipid peroxidation products remained highly increased in the time interval we studied, it appears that the liver antioxidant defense ofCarassius gibeliodoes not counteract the oxidative stress induced 7 days after silicon-based QDs exposure in an efficient manner.
Research on soybean curd coagulated by lactic acid bacteria
Authors: Jianming Wang , Qiuqian Lin , Yiyun Wang , Xi Chen 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Chinese traditional soybean curd is coagulated by calcium salt. In order to investigate the feasibility of soybean curd coagulation by lactic acid bacteria, we studied the effective factors in soybean curd coagulation when using common soybean curd strains. In soybean curd concentration, incubating time and temperature as well as the inoculated amount and the edible gum additives were studied as the coagulating factors of soybean curd fermented by lactic acid bacteria. Based on the single factor and orthogonal experiment design, the optimized conditions of lactic acid bacteria fermentation curd was determined as follows: soybean curd concentration 12.5%(v/v)and the fermentation conducted at 42°C for 5 hours when the inoculating amount was 4.0% and edible gum additives was 1.4% (carrageenan 1.0% (m/v), soluble starch 0.4% (m/v)). Under the optimum conditions, the water-holding rate of the bean curd was measured as 69.82%, and the gel strength was 25.6 g/cm2. Compared with the traditional tofu coagulated by calcium salt, our products has less off-flavor and softer texture, which was accepted as new type of soybean curd according to the overall sensory evaluation
Selection of Immunostimulant AS15 for Active Immunization With MAGE-A3 Protein: Results of a Randomized Phase II Study of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Melanoma Group in Metastatic Melanoma
Authors: Kruit Wim H.J. , Suciu Stefan , Dreno Brigitte , Mortier Laurent , Robert Caroline , Chiarion-Sileni Vanna , Maio Michele , Testori Alessandro , Dorval Thierry , Grob Jean-Jacques , Becker Juergen C. , Spatz Alan , Eggermont Alexander M.M. , Louahed Jamila , Lehmann Frédéric F. , Brichard Vincent G. , Keilholz Ulrich 
Published: May 2013

Purpose Active immunization against the tumor-specific MAGE-A3 antigen is followed by a few but impressive and durable clinical responses. This randomized phase II trial evaluated two different immunostimulants combined with the MAGE-A3 protein to investigate whether a more robust and persistent immune response could be associated with increased clinical benefit. Patients and Methods Patients with MAGE-A3–positive stage III or IV M1a melanoma were randomly assigned to receive the MAGE-A3 protein combined either with AS02B or with AS15 immunostimulant. Clinical end points were toxicity and rates of objective clinical responses, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Results Seventy-five patients were treated, with 36 eligible patients per arm. Both treatments were well tolerated. In the AS15 arm, four objective responses were observed (three complete responses and one partial response) versus one partial response in the AS02B arm. In the AS15 and AS02B arms, the PFS rates after 6 months were 25% and 14%, respectively; and the median OS times were 33 months and 19.9 months, respectively, with a median observation period of 48 months. Antibodies against MAGE-A3, found in all patients, showed three-fold higher titers in the AS15 arm. The anti–MAGE-A3 cellular response was also more pronounced in the AS15 arm. Conclusion In the MAGE-A3+AS15 arm, clinical activity was higher and the immune response more robust. Therefore, the AS15 immunostimulant was selected for combination with the MAGE-A3 protein in phase III trials.
Vagal Afferent NMDA Receptors Modulate CCK-Induced Reduction of Food Intake Through Synapsin I Phosphorylation in Adult Male Rats
Authors: Campos Carlos A. , Shiina Hiroko , Silvas Michael , Page Stephen , Ritter Robert C. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Vagal afferent nerve fibers transmit gastrointestinal satiation signals to the brain via synapses in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). Despite their pivotal role in energy homeostasis, little is known about the cellular mechanisms enabling fleeting synaptic events at vagal sensory endings to sustain behavioral changes lasting minutes to hours. Previous reports suggest that the reduction of food intake by the satiation peptide, cholecystokinin (CCK), requires activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate-type glutamate receptors (NMDAR) in the NTS, with subsequent phosphorylation of ERK1/2 (pERK1/2) in NTS vagal afferent terminals. The synaptic vesicle protein synapsin I is phosphorylated by pERK1/2 at serines 62 and 67. This pERK1/2-catalyzed phosphorylation increases synaptic strength by increasing the readily releasable pool of the neurotransmitter. Conversely, dephosphorylation of serines 62 and 67 by calcineurin reduces the size of the readily releasable transmitter pool. Hence, the balance of synapsin I phosphorylation and dephosphorylation can modulate synaptic strength. We postulated that CCK-evoked activation of vagal afferent NMDARs results in pERK1/2-catalyzed phosphorylation of synapsin I in vagal afferent terminals, leading to the suppression of food intake. We found that CCK injection increased the phosphorylation of synapsin I in the NTS and that this increase is abolished after surgical or chemical ablation of vagal afferent fibers. Furthermore, fourth ventricle injection of an NMDAR antagonist or the mitogen-activated ERK kinase inhibitor blocked CCK-induced synapsin I phosphorylation, indicating that synapsin phosphorylation in vagal afferent terminals depends on NMDAR activation and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Finally, hindbrain inhibition of calcineurin enhanced and prolonged synapsin I phosphorylation and potentiated reduction of food intake by CCK. Our findings are consistent with a mechanism in which NMDAR-dependent phosphorylation of ERK1/2 modulates satiation signals via synapsin I phosphorylation in vagal afferent endings.
Models of signalling networks – what cell biologists can gain from them and give to them
Authors: Janes Kevin A. , Lauffenburger Douglas A. 
Published: May 2013

Summary
Computational models of cell signalling are perceived by many biologists to be prohibitively complicated. Why do math when you can simply do another experiment? Here, we explain how conceptual models, which have been formulated mathematically, have provided insights that directly advance experimental cell biology. In the past several years, models have influenced the way we talk about signalling networks, how we monitor them, and what we conclude when we perturb them. These insights required wet-lab experiments but would not have arisen without explicit computational modelling and quantitative analysis. Today, the best modellers are cross-trained investigators in experimental biology who work closely with collaborators but also undertake experimental work in their own laboratories. Biologists would benefit by becoming conversant in core principles of modelling in order to identify when a computational model could be a useful complement to their experiments. Although the mathematical foundations of a model are useful to appreciate its strengths and weaknesses, they are not required to test or generate a worthwhile biological hypothesis computationally.
Preparation of Wüstite Nanoparticles by a Solventless Synthetic Procedure
Authors: Nakaya Masafumi , Nishida Ryo , Muramatsu Atsushi 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
The novel synthetic procedure for wüstite nanoparticles with cubic shape was developed in the presence of a large amount of oleylamine and oleic acid against Fe precursor. The pretreatment under reduced pressure at 130 °C facilitated the formation of rather larger particles, 82 nm, by removing vapor during the reaction. The oxidation of FeO to Fe3O4 was precisely controlled so that the magnetic properties could be changed from paramagnetic to ferrimagnetic with the adjustment of the reaction time.
Synthesis and X-ray Structure of Endohedral Fullerene C60 Dimer Encapsulating a Water Molecule in Each C60 Cage
Authors: Zhang Rui , Murata Michihisa , Wakamiya Atsushi , Murata Yasujiro 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Fullerene C60 dimers encapsulating one or two molecules of water in two C60 cages were newly synthesized, demonstrating almost no difference in chemical reactivity between empty C60 and H2O@C60. The X-ray structure of the doubly encapsulating dimer revealed the existance of the water molecules at the center of each C60 cage.
FAM129B is a novel regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signal transduction in melanoma cells
Authors: Conrad Willliam , Major Michael B , Cleary Michele A , Ferrer Marc , Roberts Brian , Marine Shane , Chung Namjin , Arthur William T , Chien Andy J , Berndt Jason D , Moon Randall T 
Published: May 2013

The inability of targeted BRAF inhibitors to produce long-lasting improvement in the clinical outcome of melanoma highlights a need to identify additional approaches to inhibit melanoma growth. Recent studies have shown that activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway decreases tumor growth and cooperates with ERK/MAPK pathway inhibitors to promote apoptosis in melanoma. Therefore, the identification of Wnt/β-catenin regulators may advance the development of new approaches to treat this disease. In order to move towards this goal we performed a large scale small-interfering RNA (siRNA) screen for regulators of β-catenin activated reporter activity in human HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells. Integrating large scale siRNA screen data with phosphoproteomic data and bioinformatics enrichment identified a protein, FAM129B, as a potential regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Functionally, we demonstrated that siRNA-mediated knockdown of FAM129B in A375 and A2058 melanoma cell lines inhibits WNT3A-mediated activation of a β-catenin-responsive luciferase reporter and inhibits expression of the endogenous Wnt/β-catenin target gene, AXIN2. We also demonstrate that FAM129B knockdown inhibits apoptosis in melanoma cells treated with WNT3A. These experiments support a role for FAM129B in linking Wnt/β-catenin signaling to apoptosis in melanoma.
Medical Costs and Hospitalizations Among Patients with Depression Treated with Adjunctive Atypical Antipsychotic Therapy: An Analysis of Health Insurance Claims Data
Authors: Halpern Rachel , Nadkarni Anagha , Kalsekar Iftekhar , Nguyen Hiep , Song Rui , Baker Ross A , Nelson J Craig 
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND Depression is frequently debilitating. The American Psychiatric Association recommends adjunctive atypical antipsychotics as a treatment option when response to antidepressants is inadequate. OBJECTIVE To compare medical costs and hospitalizations among patients with depression treated with adjunctive aripiprazole, olanzapine, or quetiapine. METHODS This retrospective analysis used medical and pharmacy claims data and enrollment information from a large US health plan. Patients were adult members of a commercial health plan who were diagnosed with depression (ie, ICD-9-CM 296.2x, 296.3x, or 311) and who received an antidepressant with adjunctive atypical antipsychotic therapy (aripiprazole, olanzapine, or quetiapine) between January 1, 2004, and January 31, 2010. Patients were continuously enrolled for 6-month pre- and 12-month postaugmentation periods. Those with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder were excluded. Postaugmentation outcomes were total and mental health–related medical costs and hospitalizations. Costs and hospitalizations were modeled with generalized linear models (ie, gamma distribution, log link) and logistic regression, respectively. Regressions controlled for dose, demographics, and general and medical health–related health status. RESULTS A total of 10,292 patients were identified across atypical antipsychotic cohorts: 3849 used aripiprazole, 1033 used olanzapine, and 5410 used quetiapine. Mean (SD) age was 44.1 (11.6) years and 70.3% were female. Compared with patients in the aripiprazole cohort, those in the olanzapine cohort had higher total medical costs (cost ratio [CR] 1.22, 95% CI 1.07–1.39) and higher mental health–related medical costs (CR 1.33, 95% CI 1.11–1.59), as well as higher odds of any (total) hospitalization (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.30–1.92) and any mental health–related hospitalization (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.38–2.38). Similarly, the quetiapine cohort had higher total medical costs (CR 1.27, 95% CI 1.16–1.39) and higher mental health–related medical costs (CR 1.23, 95% CI 1.09–1.39), as well as higher odds of any (total) hospitalization (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.44–1.90) and any mental health–related hospitalizations (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.45–2.18), compared with the aripiprazole cohort. CONCLUSIONS Compared with adjunctive olanzapine or quetiapine, adjunctive aripiprazole was associated with lower mean total and mental health–related medical costs and with lower odds of total and mental health–related hospitalizations in patients with depression.