bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prostaglandin E2 promotes MYCN non‐amplified neuroblastoma cell survival via β‐catenin stabilization
Authors: Jansen Sepp R. , Holman Rian , Hedemann Ilja , Frankes Ewoud , Elzinga Carolina R. S. , Timens Wim , Gosens Reinoud , de Bont Eveline S. , Schmidt Martina 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAmplification of MYCN is the most well‐known prognostic marker of neuroblastoma risk classification, but still is only observed in 25% of cases. Recent evidence points to the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) elevating ligand prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and β‐catenin as two novel players in neuroblastoma. Here, we aimed to define the potential role of PGE2 and cAMP and its potential interplay with β‐catenin, both of which may converge on neuroblastoma cell behaviour. Gain and loss of β‐catenin function, PGE2, the adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin and pharmacological inhibition of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) were studied in two human neuroblastoma cell lines without MYCN amplification. Our findings show that PGE2 enhanced cell viability through the EP4 receptor and cAMP elevation, whereas COX‐2 inhibitors attenuated cell viability. Interestingly, PGE2 and forskolin promoted glycogen synthase kinase 3β inhibition, β‐catenin phosphorylation at the protein kinase A target residue ser675, β‐catenin nuclear translocation and TCF‐dependent gene transcription. Ectopic expression of a degradation‐resistant β‐catenin mutant enhances neuroblastoma cell viability and inhibition of β‐catenin with XAV939 prevented PGE2‐induced cell viability. Finally, we show increased β‐catenin expression in human high‐risk neuroblastoma tissue without MYCN amplification. Our data indicate that PGE2 enhances neuroblastoma cell viability, a process which may involve cAMP‐mediated β‐catenin stabilization, and suggest that this pathway is of relevance to high‐risk neuroblastoma without MYCN amplification.
Uptake and intracytoplasmic storage of pigmented particles by human CD34+ stromal cells/telocytes: endocytic property of telocytes
Authors: Díaz‐Flores Lucio , Gutiérrez Ricardo , García Mª Pino , Sáez Francisco J. , Aparicio Fernando , Díaz‐Flores Lucio , Madrid Juan F. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractWe studied the phagocytic‐like capacity of human CD34+ stromal cells/telocytes (TCs). For this, we examined segments of the colon after injection of India ink to help surgeons localize lesions identified at endoscopy. Our results demonstrate that CD34+ TCs have endocytic properties (phagocytic‐like TCs: phTCs), with the capacity to uptake and store India ink particles. phTCs conserve the characteristics of TCs (long, thin, bipolar or multipolar, moniliform cytoplasmic processes/telopodes, with linear distribution of the pigment) and maintain their typical distribution. Likewise, they are easily distinguished from pigment‐loaded macrophages (CD68+ macrophages, with oval morphology and coarse granules of pigment clustered in their cytoplasm). A few c‐kit/CD117+ interstitial cells of Cajal also incorporate pigment and may conserve the phagocytic‐like property of their probable TC precursors. CD34+ stromal cells in other locations (skin and periodontal tissues) also have the phagocytic‐like capacity to uptake and store pigments (hemosiderin, some components of dental amalgam and melanin). This suggests a function of TCs in general, which may be related to the transfer of macromolecules in these cells. Our ultrastructural observation of melanin‐storing stromal cells with characteristics of TCs (telopodes with dichotomous branching pattern) favours this possibility. In conclusion, intestinal TCs have a phagocytic‐like property, a function that may be generalized to TCs in other locations. This function (the ability to internalize small particles), together with the capacity of these cells to release extracellular vesicles with macromolecules, could close the cellular bidirectional cooperative circle of informative exchange and intercellular interactions.
The New Intergovernmentalism: European Integration in the Post‐Maastricht Era
Authors: Bickerton Christopher J. , Hodson Dermot , Puetter Uwe 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe post‐Maastricht period is marked by an integration paradox. While the basic constitutional features of the European Union have remained stable, EU activity has expanded to an unprecedented degree. This form of integration without supranationalism is no exception or temporary deviation from traditional forms of European integration. Rather, it is a distinct phase of European integration, what is called ‘the new intergovernmentalism’ in this article. This approach to post‐Maastricht integration challenges theories that associate integration with transfers of competences from national capitals to supranational institutions and those that reduce integration to traditional socioeconomic or security‐driven interests. This article explains the integration paradox in terms of transformations in Europe's political economy, changes in preference formation and the decline of the ‘permissive consensus’. It presents a set of six hypotheses that develop further the main claims of the new intergovernmentalism and that can be used as a basis for future research.
Identifying effective pathways in a successful continuous quality improvement programme: the GEDAPS study
Authors: Bodicoat Danielle H. , Mundet Xavier , Gray Laura J. , Cos Xavier , Davies Melanie J. , Khunti Kamlesh , Cano Juan‐Franciso ,   GEDAPS Study Group
Published: September 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesContinuous quality improvement programmes often target several aspects of care, some of which may be more effective meaning that resources could be focussed on these. The objective was to identify the effective and ineffective aspects of a successful continuous quality improvement programme for individuals with type 2 diabetes in primary care.MethodsData were from a series of cross‐sectional studies (GEDAPS) in primary care, Catalonia, Spain, in 55 centres (2239 participants) in 1993, and 92 centres (5819 participants) in 2002. A structural equation modelling approach was used.ResultsThe intervention was associated with improved microvascular outcomes through microalbuminuria and funduscopy screening, which had a direct effect on microvascular outcomes, and through attending 2–4 nurse visits and having ≥1 blood pressure measurement, which acted through reducing systolic blood pressure. The intervention was associated with improved macrovascular outcomes through blood pressure measurement and attending 2–4 nurse visits (through systolic blood pressure) and having ≥3 education topics, ≥1 HbA1c measurement and adequate medication (through HbA1c). Cholesterol measurement, weight measurement and foot examination did not contribute towards the effectiveness of the intervention.ConclusionsThe pathways through which a continuous quality improvement programme appeared to act to reduce microvascular and macrovascular complications were driven by reductions in systolic blood pressure and HbA1c, which were attained through changes in nurse and education visits, measurement and medication. This suggests that these factors are potential areas on which future quality improvement programmes should focus.
Seasonal variation in clinical remission of primary care patients with depression: impact of gender
Authors: Doganer Yusuf C. , Angstman Kurt B. , Kaufman Tara K. , Rohrer James E. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesThe impact of seasonal variation on clinical remission in patients with depression has not been well studied. The hypothesis for this study was that the clinical remission rate would be lower in the winter comparing to the other seasons, specifically evaluated by gender.MethodsThe study cohort comprised 2873 primary care patients with depression as a longitudinal retrospective chart review analysis. The sample was limited to patients who were continuing in care; dropouts were excluded from the analysis.ResultsMultivariate logistic regression analysis of the independent variables for those participants who achieved clinical remission demonstrated that for the male patients, the season of diagnosis did not impact the rate of remission at 6 months while controlling for all other independent variables. For female patients, those that were diagnosed with depression in the fall had increased likelihood of 6‐month remission compared with those patients diagnosed in the winter months (OR 1.300, CI 1.006–1.680, P = 0.045) and the spring and summer patients were not significantly different in their outcome rates. When both genders were combined, the odds of remission at 6 months were not statistically significant for any season of diagnosis.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that in patients who were continuing care, women who were diagnosed with major depression or dysthymia in the fall season have improved 6‐month clinical outcome of remission compared with those women diagnosed in the winter, when controlling for demographic and clinical characteristics. This effect was not seen in men or when the genders were combined into a single cohort. The assessment of the seasonality effect on depression outcomes requires further long‐term follow‐up studies.
Continuous measurement of reticuloruminal pH values in dairy cows during the transition period from barn to pasture feeding using an indwelling wireless data transmitting unit
Authors: Gasteiner J. , Horn M. , Steinwidder A. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryThis study was performed to investigate the effect of the transition from barn feeding to pasture on the pattern of reticuloruminal pH values in 8 multiparous dairy cows. A indwelling wireless data transmitting system for pH measurement was given to 8 multiparous cows orally. Reticuloruminal pH values were measured every 600 s over a period of 42 days. After 7 days of barn feeding (period 1), all of the animals were pastured with increasing grazing times from 2 to 7 h/day over 7 days (period 2). From day 15 to day 21 (period 3), the cows spent 7 h/day on pasture. Beginning on day 22, the animals had 20 h/day access to pasture (day and night grazing). To study reticuloruminal adaptation to pasture feeding, the phase of day and night grazing was subdivided into another 3 weekly periods (periods 4–6). Despite a mild transition period from barn feeding to pasture, significant effects on reticuloruminal pH values were observed. During barn feeding, the mean reticuloruminal pH value for all of the cows was 6.44 ± 0.14, and the pH values decreased significantly (p < 0.001) during period 2 and 3 to 6.24 ± 0.17 and 6.21 ± 0.19 respectively. During periods 4, 5 and 6, the reticuloruminal pH values increased again (pH 6.25 ± 0.22; pH 6.31 ± 0.17; pH 6.37 ± 0.16). Our results showed that the animals had significantly lowered reticuloruminal pH during the periods of feed transition from barn to pasture feeding. Despite these significant changes, the decrease was not harmful, as indicated by data of feed intake and milk production.
Correlations between changes in intestinal microbiota composition and performance parameters in broiler chickens
Authors: Rubio L. A. , Peinado M. J. , Ruiz R. , Suárez‐Pereira E. , Ortiz Mellet C. , García Fernández J. M. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryGrowing male Cobb broiler chickens were fed on diets supplemented with additives reported as able to influence intestinal microbiota composition. The diets used were a balanced commercial diet (no additive), inulin (20 g/kg), fructose caramel (FC, 20 g/kg) and the garlic derivative PTS‐O (propyl propane thiosulfonate, 45 and 90 mg/kg diet). The composition of the intestinal microbiota was analysed by qPCR at different points of the intestinal tract, and a number of nutritional parameters were also determined. The relative amounts of bacteroides (bacteroides/total bacteria) in the ileal contents correlated (p < 0.05) positively with faecal NDF, ADF, hemicellulose and cellulose digestibility. The relative amounts of Escherichia–Shigella (Escherichia–Shigella/total bacteria) in the crop contents correlated (p = 0.05) negatively with weight gain of broilers. Faecal N digestibility correlated (p < 0.05) negatively with total bacteria in the ileal contents of chickens. The relative amounts of Escherichia–Shigella (Escherichia–Shigella/total bacteria) in the caecal contents correlated (p = 0.05) negatively with faecal fat digestibility of broilers. Total bacteria in ileal or caecal contents of growing chickens correlated (p < 0.05) negatively with ileal N digestibility. The results here reported suggest that positive or negative correlations can be found between performance parameters and changes in intestinal microbiota composition of growing broiler chickens.
Selective feeding and foreign plastid retention in an Antarctic dinoflagellate
Authors: Sellers C. Grier , Gast Rebecca J. , Sanders Robert W. 
Published: September 2014

The peridinin‐containing plastid found in most photosynthetic dinoflagellates is thought to have been replaced in a few lineages by plastids of chlorophyte, diatom, or haptophyte origin. Other distinct lineages of phagotrophic dinoflagellates retain functional plastids obtained from algal prey for different durations and with varying source species specificity. 18S rRNA gene sequence analyses have placed a novel gymnodinoid dinoflagellate isolated from the Ross Sea (RSD) in the Kareniaceae, a family of dinoflagellates with permanent plastids of haptophyte origin. In contrast to other species in this family, the RSD contains kleptoplastids sequestered from its prey, Phaeocystis antarctica. Culture experiments were employed to determine whether the RSD fed selectively on P. antarctica when offered in combination with another polar haptophyte or cryptophyte species, and whether the RSD, isolated from its prey and starved, would take up plastids from P. antarctica or from other polar haptophyte or cryptophyte species. Evidence was obtained for selective feeding on P. antarctica, plastid uptake from P. antarctica, and increased RSD growth in the presence of P. antarctica. The presence of a peduncle‐like structure in the RSD suggests that kleptoplasts are obtained by myzocytosis. RSD cells incubated without P. antarctica were capable of survival for at least 29.5 months. This remarkable longevity of the RSD's kleptoplasts and its species specificity for prey and plastid source is consistent with its prolonged co‐evolution with P. antarctica. It may also reflect the presence of a plastid protein import mechanism and genes transferred to the dinokaryon from a lost permanent haptophyte plastid.
Cyclooxygenase‐2 and 5‐Lipoxygenase in Dogs with Chronic Enteropathies
Authors: Dumusc S.D. , Ontsouka E.C. , Schnyder M. , Hartnack S. , Albrecht C. , Bruckmaier R.M. , Burgener I.A. 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundCyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) is a key enzyme in the synthesis of pro‐inflammatory prostaglandins and 5‐lipoxygenase (5‐LO) is the major source of leukotrienes. Their role inIBDhas been demonstrated in humans and animal models, but not in dogs with chronic enteropathies (CCE).HypothesisCOX‐2 and 5‐LOare upregulated in dogs withCCE.AnimalsFifteen healthy control dogs (HCD), 10 dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and 15 dogs with food‐responsive diarrhea (FRD).MethodsProspective study.mRNAexpression of COX‐2, 5‐LO, IL‐1b, IL‐4, IL‐6, TNF, IL‐10 and TFG‐β was evaluated by quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR in duodenal and colonic biopsies before and after treatment.ResultsCOX‐2 expression in the colon was significantly higher inIBDandFRDbefore and after treatment (allP < .01).IL‐1b was higher inFRDin the duodenum after treatment (P = .021).TGF‐β expression was significantly higher in the duodenum ofHCDcompared toFRD/IBDbefore treatment (bothP < .001) andIBDafter treatment (P = .012). There were no significant differences among groups and within groups before and after treatment forIL‐4,IL‐6,TNF, andIL‐10. There was a significant correlation betweenCOX‐2 andIL‐1b in duodenum and colon before treatment inFRDandIBD, whereas 5‐LOcorrelated better withIL‐6 andTNF.IL‐10 andTGF‐β usually were correlated.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceCOX‐2 is upregulated inIBDandFRD, whereasIL‐1b andTGF‐β seem to be important pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines, respectively. The use of dualCOX/5‐LOinhibitors could be an interesting alternative in the treatment ofCCE.
Clinical Presentation and Outcome of Cats with Circumcaval Ureters Associated with a Ureteral Obstruction
Authors: Steinhaus J. , Berent A.C. , Weisse C. , Eatroff A. , Donovan T. , Haddad J. , Bagley D. 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundCircumcaval ureters (CU) are a rare embryological malformation resulting in ventral displacement of the caudal vena cava, which crosses the ureter, potentially causing a ureteral stricture.ObjectivesTo evaluate cats with obstructedCU(s) and report the presenting signs, diagnostics, treatment(s), and outcomes. Cats with obstructedCU(s) were compared to ureterally obstructed cats withoutCU(s).Animals193 cats; 22 circumcaval obstructed (Group 1); 106 non‐circumcaval obstructed (Group 2); 65 non‐obstructed necropsy cases (Group 3).MethodsRetrospective study, review of medical records for cats treated for benign ureteral obstructions fromAMCand University of Pennsylvania between 2009 and 2013. Inclusion criteria: surgical treatment of benign ureteral obstruction, complete medical record including radiographic, ultrasonographic, biochemistry, and surgical findings.ResultsSeventeen percent (22/128) of obstructed cats had aCU(80% right‐sided) compared to 14% (9/65) non‐obstructed necropsy cats (89% right‐sided). Clinical presentation, radiographic findings, and creatinine were not statistically different between Groups 1 and 2. Strictures were a statistically more common (40%) cause of ureteral obstruction in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (17%) (P = .01). TheMSTfor Groups 1 and 2 after ureteral decompression was 923 and 762 days, respectively (P = .62), with theMSTfor death secondary to kidney disease in both groups being >1,442 days. Re‐obstruction was the most common complication in Group 1 (24%) occurring more commonly in ureters of cats treated with a ureteral stent(s) (44%) compared to the subcutaneous ureteral bypass (SUB) device (8%) (P = .01).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceUreteral obstructions in cats with aCU(s) have a similar outcome to those cats with a ureteral obstruction and normal ureteral anatomy. Long‐term prognosis is good for benign ureteral obstructions treated with a double pigtail stent or aSUBdevice. TheSUBdevice re‐obstructed less commonly than the ureteral stent, especially when a ureteral stricture was present.
Multiple Hypersensitivities Including Recurrent Airway Obstruction, Insect Bite Hypersensitivity, and Urticaria in 2 Warmblood Horse Populations
Authors: Kehrli D. , Jandova V. , Fey K. , Jahn P. , Gerber V. 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundMultiple hypersensitivities (MHS) have been described in humans, cats, and dogs, but not horses.HypothesesHorses suffering from recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH), or urticaria (URT) will have an increased risk of also being affected by another one of these hypersensitivities. This predisposition for MHS also will be associated with decreased shedding of strongylid eggs in feces and with a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP BIEC2‐224511), previously shown to be associated with RAO.AnimalsThe first population (P1) included 119 randomly sampled horses representative of the Swiss sporthorse population; the replication population (P2) included 210 RAO‐affected Warmblood horses and 264 RAO‐unaffected controls. All horses were Warmbloods, 14 years or older.MethodsAssociations between disease phenotypes (RAO, IBH, URT, MHS) fecal egg counts, the SNP BIEC2‐224511 as well as management and environmental factors were investigated.ResultsIn P1, RAO‐affected horses had a 13.1 times higher odds ratio (OR) of also suffering from IBH (P = .004). In P2, the respective OR was 7.4 (P = .002) and IBH‐affected horses also showed a 7.1 times increased OR of concomitantly suffering from URT (P < .001). IBH, URT, and MHS phenotypes were significantly associated with the absence of nematode eggs in the feces.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThis is the first report of MHS in horses. Specifically, an increased risk for IBH should be expected in RAO‐affected horses.
Apoptotic‐like phenotype triggered by hydrogen peroxide and amphotericin B in the fungus Rhizopus arrhizus
Authors: Wang Sibu , Li Ruoyu , Yu Jin 
Published: September 2014

SummaryRhizopus is the most common genus of invasive mucormycosis, whose prognosis and outcome was not improved over the past decades. We studied the apoptotic‐like phenotype in Rhizopus arrhizus exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and amphotericin B (AMB). The strain provided by Fungal Genetic Stock centre was studied about the apoptotic‐like phenotype treated with different concentrations of H2O2 and AMB, and then analyzed by fluorescent microscopy (observed by Annexin‐V/FITC and TUNEL staining), flow cytometry (stained with DHR123/PI), and DNA agarose gel electrophores. When R. arrhizus was treated with H2O2 and AMB, there was a loss of viability associated with different phenotype of apoptosis makers. Membrane externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS) on the cell surface, DNA fragmentation, chromatin condensation can be induced and observed obviously by Annexin‐V/FITC, DAPI and TUNEL staining. DNA smear not DNA ladder was also visible in R. arrhizus. Flowcytometry of R. arrhizus cells revealed not only the increase of apoptosis cell stained with DHR123 under the nonfungicida doses but dead cells stained with PI under the fungicida concentrations.This study indicated that both H2O2 and AMB could induce the apoptotic‐like phenotype in R. arrhizus.
A pulse‐chase strategy combining click‐EdU and photoconvertible fluorescent reporter: tracking Golgi protein dynamics during the cell cycle
Authors: Bourge Mickaël , Fort Cécile , Soler Marie‐Noëlle , Satiat‐Jeunemaître Béatrice , Brown Spencer C. 
Published: September 2014

Summary

Imaging or quantifying protein synthesis in cellulo through a well‐resolved analysis of the cell cycle (also defining G1 subcompartments) is a methodological challenge. Click chemistry is the method of choice to reveal the thymidine analogue 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU) and track proliferating nuclei undergoing DNA synthesis. However, the click reaction quenches fluorescent proteins. Our challenge was to reconcile these two tools.

A robust protocol based on a high‐resolution cytometric cell cycle analysis in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) BY2 cells expressing fluorescent Golgi markers has been established. This was broadly applicable to tissues, cell clusters, and other eukaryotic material, and compatible with Scale clearing. EdU was then used with the photoconvertible protein sialyl transferase (ST)‐Kaede as a Golgi marker in a photoconversion pulse‐chase cytometric configuration resolving, in addition, subcompartments of G1.

Quantitative restoration of protein fluorescence was achieved by introducing acidic EDTA washes to strip the copper from these proteins which were then imaged at neutral pH.

The rate of synthesis of this Golgi membrane marker was low during early G1, but in the second half of G1 (30% of cycle duration) much of the synthesis occurred. Marker synthesis then persisted during S and G2. These insights into Golgi biology are discussed in terms of the cell's ability to adapt exocytosis to cell growth needs.