bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduced expression of TRIM21/Ro52 predicts poor prognosis in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma patients with and without rheumatic disease
Authors: Brauner S. , Zhou W. , Backlin C. , Green T. M. , Folkersen L. , Ivanchenko M. , Löfström B. , Xu‐Monette Z. Y. , Young K. H. , Møller Pedersen L. , Boe Møller M. , Sundström C. , Enblad G. , Baecklund E. , Wahren‐Herlenius M. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractObjectiveTRIM21 (also known as Ro52) is an autoantigen in rheumatic disease and is predominantly expressed in leucocytes. Overexpression is associated with decreased proliferation, and the TRIM21 gene maps to a tumour suppressor locus. We therefore investigated the expression of TRIM21 in patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and its potential usefulness as a prognostic biomarker.Materials and methodsTRIM21 expression levels were assessed by immunohistochemistry in lymphoma biopsies from three cohorts of patients with DLBCL: 42 patients with rheumatic disease treated with a cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin and prednisone (CHOP)‐like regimen, 76 CHOP‐treated and 196 rituximab‐CHOP‐treated nonrheumatic patients. Expression was correlated with clinical and biomedical parameters. TRIM21 expression was assessed in relation to lymphocyte proliferation by quantitative PCR and correlated with 3H‐thymidine incorporation and propidium iodine staining.ResultsTRIM21 expression levels differed in the lymphomas compared to normal lymphoid tissue, with reduced expression correlating with shorter overall survival in all three cohorts. In the two larger cohorts, progression‐free survival was assessed and was also found to correlate with TRIM21 expression. The association was independent of commonly used clinical prognostic scores, lymphoma subtype and several previously reported prognostic biomarkers. In agreement with this clinical observation, we noted an inverse correlation between TRIM21 expression and proliferation of leucocytes in vitro.ConclusionsWe show that loss of TRIM21 expression is associated with more aggressive lymphoma and increased proliferation, whereas maintenance of TRIM21 expression is associated with better prognosis in patients with DLBCL. Based on our findings, we suggest that TRIM21 should be considered as a novel biomarker for lymphoma characterization and for predicting patient survival.
Growth differentiation factor 15 as a radiation‐induced marker in oral carcinoma increasing radiation resistance
Authors: Schiegnitz Eik , Kämmerer Peer W. , Rode Katharina , Schorn Thomas , Brieger Jürgen , Al‐Nawas Bilal 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundGrowth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is involved in tumor pathogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The aim of this study was an investigation of the potential influence of GDF15 on radioresistance of OSCC cells in vitro.MethodsOral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines were irradiated with 0, 2, or 6 Gy, and GDF15 expression in the supernatant per survived cell colony was examined with ELISA. Non‐irradiated and OSCC cell lines irradiated with 6 Gy were evaluated for GDF15 expression using immunofluorescent staining. For further investigation of GDF15 effects on radioresistance, a GDF15 knockdown model in a human OSCC cell line was established, and apoptotic activity after radiation was measured using the Caspase‐Glo 3/7 system.ResultsELISA and immunofluorescent staining indicated an increased GDF15 expression in 5 OSCC cell lines compared with human gingival epithelial cells. Irradiation with two and six gray resulted in a significant elevation of GDF15 expression per survived cell colony in the irradiated OSCC cell lines (P < 0.001). Furthermore, a dose‐dependent expression of GDF15 was seen. Immunofluorescent staining confirmed an elevated GDF15 expression in irradiated OSCC cell lines (n = 10; P ≤ 0.001). Apoptotic activity was significantly increased after irradiation in the GDF15 knockdown group compared with control cells (n = 24; P < 0.001).ConclusionThis study describes for the first time the vital role of GDF15 both in tumorigenesis and in radioresistance of OSCC cells. With its anti‐apoptotic effects, GDF15 possibly promotes tumor progression and might protect carcinoma cells against irradiation effects. Consequently, GDF15 may be a promising therapeutic target in oral cancer.
School Staff Perspectives on the Challenges and Solutions to Working With Court‐Involved Students
Authors: Crosby Shantel D. , Day Angelique G. , Baroni Beverly A. , Somers Cheryl L. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDCourt‐involved students, such as those in foster care and the juvenile justice system, generally experience high incidences of both acute and chronic trauma, adversely impacting their educational well‐being and overall academic trajectory. Utilizing perceptions of teachers and other school staff, this study explores the challenges and needs of school personnel working with this student population.METHODSParticipants were school personnel employed at a Midwest, urban, public charter school during the 2012‐2013 academic year. Focus groups explored the perceptions of school staff members working with court‐involved students to develop a staff training curriculum. Focus groups also were conducted after the training intervention to get feedback from participants and identify remaining challenges. Focus group data were analyzed and results were member‐checked with study participants.RESULTSFindings included 7 major themes (14 subthemes) regarding student behaviors that were challenging for school staff to manage. Themes included trauma‐related behaviors, attachment‐related behaviors, staff preintervention needs, intervention feedback, and staff postintervention needs.CONCLUSIONSTeachers and school staff can play a role in the educational well‐being of court‐involved youth. However, they need trauma‐specific knowledge and resources to be effective.
Temperature Effects on the Onset of Sporulation by Phytophthora ramorum on Rhododendron ‘Cunningham's White’
Authors: Tooley Paul W. , Browning Marsha 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe effect of temperature and moist period on the onset of sporangia production by Phytophthora ramorum on Rhododendron ‘Cunningham's White’ was examined with misted detached leaves held in humid chambers. Following wound inoculation with sporangia, leaves were pre‐incubated at 20°C for either 24 or 72 h prior to placement at six different temperatures (4, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30°C). The overall mean moist period required for first occurrence of sporulation over all six temperatures was 3.24 days with the 24‐h pre‐incubation time, compared with 1.49 days for the 72‐h pre‐incubation time. Following 24 h pre‐incubation at 20°C and at an incubation temperature of 15°C, sporangia were first collected from leaves following a 24 h incubation. At 10 and 20°C, sporangia were first collected after 48 h, whereas at 4, 25 and 30°C, sporangia were first collected after 3 days. Following 72 h pre‐incubation at 20°C, sporulation generally occurred within 1 day, even at temperatures such at 4 and 30°C that are suboptimal for sporulation. The highest levels of P. ramorum sporulation were observed at 20°C. P. ramorum formed sporangia on host tissue under moist conditions within the same time frame reported for P. phaseoli, P. palmivora and P. nicotianae, but substantially more slowly than certain other species such as P. infestans. Quantifying moisture and temperature conditions for initiation of sporangia production provides knowledge which leads to a greater understanding of the epidemic potential of P. ramorum.
Shikonin inhibits the cell viability, adhesion, invasion and migration of the human gastric cancer cell line MGC-803 via the Toll-like receptor 2/nuclear factor-kappa B pathway
Authors: Liu Ji Ping , Liu Dan , Gu Jun Fei , Zhu Mao Mao , Cui Li 
Published: April 2015

Abstract

Objectives
Shikonin is an active naphthoquinone pigment isolated from the root of Lithospermum erythrorhizon. This study was designed to explore the inhibition of Shikonin on cell viability, adhesion, migration and invasion ability of gastric cancer (GC) and its possible mechanism.

Methods
3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was performed for cell viability and adhesion ability of MGC-803 cells. Cell scratch repair experiments were conducted for the determination of migration ability while transwell assay for cell invasion ability. Western blot analysis and real-time polymerase chain reaction assay were used for the detection of protein and mRNA expressions.

Key findings
Fifty per cent inhibitory concentration of Shikonin on MGC-803 cells was 1.854 μm. Shikonin (1 μm) inhibited significantly the adhesion, invasion and migratory ability of MGC-803 cells. Interestingly, Shikonin in the presence or absence of anti-Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) antibody (2 μg) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) inhibitor MG-132 (10 μm) could decrease these ability of MGC-803 cells markedly, as well as the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2, MMP-7, TLR2 and p65 NF-κB. In addition, the co-incubation of Shikonin and anti-TLR2/MG-132 has a significant stronger activity than anti-TLR2 or MG-132 alone.

Conclusions
The results indicated that Shikonin could suppress the cell viability, adhesion, invasion and migratory ability of MGC-803 cells through TLR2- or NF-κB-mediated pathway. Our findings provide novel information for the treatment of Shikonin on GC.
Role of density and resource competition in determining aggressive behaviour in salamanders
Authors: Manenti R. , Pennati R. , Ficetola G. F. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIntraspecific aggression is an important aspect of social behaviour that can significantly affect individual survivorship and population dynamics. Aggressiveness may be particularly important in food‐deprived habitats, like caves, but few studies have investigated behavioural and ecological determinants of aggressiveness and cannibalism in cave vertebrates. In this study, we evaluated the role of density, competition for food, starvation and rearing history under cave‐like conditions in promoting aggression. We performed a behavioural experiment on larvae collected from multiple underground springs and neighbouring streams, and we reared them under two different settings: total darkness and outdoor conditions. Intraspecific attacks were very scarce in hatchlings, and increased after 1 month. Starvation periods and high density clearly increased aggressiveness. Furthermore, aggressiveness strongly increased under competition conditions (presence of other larvae feeding). Aggressiveness increased with age more quickly in larvae from caves than in those from streams. Environmental features typically experienced by cave populations, such as starvation and high density, increase intraspecific attacks and might promote cannibalism. Strong plasticity for aggression may enhance the possibility to successfully colonize and exploit food‐deprived environments where no other predators can survive, such as underground environments.
Positive and purifying selection in mitochondrial genomes of a bird with mitonuclear discordance
Authors: Morales Hernán E. , Pavlova Alexandra , Joseph Leo , Sunnucks Paul 
Published: April 2015

AbstractDiversifying selection on metabolic pathways can reduce intraspecific gene flow and promote population divergence. An opportunity to explore this arises from mitonuclear discordance observed in an Australian bird Eopsaltria australis. Across >1500 km, nuclear differentiation is low and latitudinally structured by isolation by distance, whereas two highly divergent, parapatric mitochondrial lineages (>6.6% in ND2) show a discordant longitudinal geographic pattern and experience different climates. Vicariance, incomplete lineage sorting and sex‐biased dispersal were shown earlier to be unlikely drivers of the mitonuclear discordance; instead, natural selection on a female‐linked trait was the preferred hypothesis. Accordingly, here we tested for signals of positive, divergent selection on mitochondrial genes in E. australis. We used codon models and physicochemical profiles of amino acid replacements to analyse complete mitochondrial genomes of the two mitochondrial lineages in E. australis, its sister species Eopsaltria griseogularis, and outgroups. We found evidence of positive selection on at least five amino acids, encoded by genes of two oxidative phosphorylation pathway complexes NADH dehydrogenase (ND4 and ND4L) and cytochrome bc1 (cyt‐b) against a background of widespread purifying selection on all mitochondrial genes. Three of these amino acid replacements were fixed in ND4 of the geographically most widespread E. australis lineage. The other two replacements were fixed in ND4L and cyt‐b of the geographically more restricted E. australis lineage. We discuss whether this selection may reflect local environmental adaptation, a by‐product of other selective processes, or genetic incompatibilities, and propose how these hypotheses can be tested in future.
Do stressed mothers have heavier children? A meta‐analysis on the relationship between maternal stress and child body mass index
Authors: Tate E. B. , Wood W. , Liao Y. , Dunton G. F. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryChild obesity continues to be a prevalent public health issue. This meta‐analysis synthesized 17 studies investigating the association between levels of psychological stress experienced by mothers and the body mass index of their children. The overall standardized mean difference effect size was positive and significantly different from zero in cross‐sectional d = 0.20 (k = 14, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.06, 0.34) and longitudinal studies d = 0.18 (k = 5, 95% CI: 0.00, 0.351) and had significant heterogeneity in both (cross‐sectional, Q[13] = 193.00, P < 0.001; longitudinal, Q[4] = 29.46, P < 0.001). In longitudinal studies, effect sizes were larger when children also would have experienced the stressor, Q(6) = 4.68, P < 0.05, for toddlers than infants, Q(4) = 5.04, P < 0.05, and in higher quality studies, Q(4) = 14.58, P < 0.05. Results highlight the potential benefits of including a parent stress management component in childhood obesity prevention programmes.
Translation, Cultural Adaptation, and Validation of Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) and Self‐Complete Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (S‐LANSS) Questionnaires into the Greek Language
Authors: Batistaki Chrysanthi , Lyrakos George , Drachtidi Kalliopi , Stamatiou Georgia , Kitsou Maria‐Chrysanthi , Kostopanagiotou Georgia 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe LANSS and S‐LANSS questionnaires represent two widely accepted and validated instruments used to assist the identification of neuropathic pain worldwide.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the LANSS and S‐LANSS questionnaires into the Greek language.MethodsForward and backward translations of both questionnaires were performed from the English to Greek language. The final versions were assessed by a committee of clinical experts, and they were then pilot‐tested in 20 patients with chronic pain. Both questionnaires were validated in 200 patients with chronic pain (100 patients for each questionnaire), using as the “gold standard” the diagnosis of a clinical expert in pain management. Sensitivity and specificity of questionnaires were assessed, as well as the internal consistency (using Cronbach's alpha coefficient) and correlation with the “gold standard” diagnosis (using Pearson correlation coefficient).ResultsSensitivity and specificity of the LANSS questionnaire were calculated to be 82.76% and 95.24%, while for the S‐LANSS 86.21% and 95.24%, respectively. Positive predictive value for neuropathic pain was 96% for the LANSS and 96.15% for the S‐LANSS. Cronbach's alpha was revealed to be acceptable for both questionnaires (0.65 for LANSS and 0.67 for the S‐LANSS), while a significant correlation was observed compared to the “gold standard” diagnosis (rLANSS = 0.79 και tSLANSS = 0.77, respectively, P = 0.01).ConclusionsThe LANSS and the S‐LANSS diagnostic tools have been translated and validated into the Greek language and can be adequately used to assist the identification of neuropathic pain in everyday clinical practice.
Epidemiology of Frequently Occurring Skin Diseases in Italian Children from 2006 to 2012: A Retrospective, Population‐Based Study
Authors: Cantarutti Anna , Donà Daniele , Visentin Federica , Borgia Eleonora , Scamarcia Antonio , Cantarutti Luigi , Peruzzi Elena , Egan Colin Gerard , Villa Marco , Giaquinto Carlo ,   Pedianet
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundRecent estimates indicate an increase in the prevalence of skin diseases in children. Few large epidemiologic studies have examined prevalence trends in Europe. This study evaluated the incidence and prevalence of frequently occurring pediatric skin diseases (PSDs) in Italy as seen by family pediatricians (FPs).MethodsData were retrospectively extracted from the Pedianet database (2006–2012) in children ages 0 to 14 years presenting with a skin disease at their FP. The incidence and prevalence estimates were calculated per year and stratified according to sex, age, and geographic area.ResultsA mean of 145,233 children (52.1% male) across five Italian regions were registered with their participating FP for a total of 913,253 person‐years of follow‐up. The majority of patients were from the northeast (44.6%) and 37.7% were ages 5–9 years. Incidence estimates (new cases/1,000 person‐years) for most PSDs increased from 2006 to 2012, the highest being for atopic dermatitis (AD) (14.1 vs 16.5), acute urticaria (10.1 vs 11.6), and contact dermatitis (9.3 vs 10.8), whereas psoriasis remained unchanged over the 7 years (0.61 vs 0.57). In contrast, prevalence estimates (cases/100 patients) increased two to three times for several PSDs, including AD (2.7% vs 8.5%), seborrheic dermatitis (0.5% vs 1.6%), chronic urticaria (0.4% vs 0.8%), and psoriasis (0.09% vs 0.22%). Differences in prevalence according to age range and geographic area were observed for psoriasis, AD, and urticaria.ConclusionThis study provides comprehensive evidence of the increasing prevalence and incidence of PSDs across Italy. Additional causality studies to address this important clinical and psychosocial problem are recommended.
Phylogeny, distribution and pathogenicity of Lasiodiplodia species associated with dieback of table grape in the main Brazilian exporting region
Authors: Correia K. C. , Silva M. A. , de Morais M. A. , Armengol J. , Phillips A. J. L. , Câmara M. P. S. , Michereff S. J. 
Published: April 2015

Botryosphaeria dieback is an important disease of table grape in the São Francisco Valley, the main Brazilian exporting region. The objectives of this study were to identify species of Lasiodiplodia associated with botryosphaeria dieback of table grapes in the São Francisco Valley, investigate the prevalence and distribution of the species in the region, and evaluate their pathogenicity and virulence in green shoots of table grape. A total of 112 Lasiodiplodia isolates were obtained from 14 vineyards, located in Casa Nova, Juazeiro and Petrolina. Fungal identifications were made using phylogenetic analysis based on partial sequences of translation elongation factor 1‐α (EF1‐α) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences, in combination with morphometric characteristics of conidia. Eight species of Lasiodiplodia were identified: L. brasiliense, L. crassispora, L. egyptiacae, L. euphorbicola, L. hormozganensis, L. jatrophicola, L. pseudotheobromae and L. theobromae. Except for L. crassispora, L. pseudotheobromae and L. theobromae, all the other species are reported for the first time on grapevine worldwide. The distribution of Lasiodiplodia species differed between the three table grape populations of São Francisco Valley. All Lasiodiplodia species isolated in this study were present in the population of Casa Nova and Lasiodiplodia theobromae was the most prevalent. All species of Lasiodiplodia were pathogenic on detached green shoots of grapevine, with L. brasiliense being the most virulent.
Quality of life of Nepali patients with ear disease before and after corrective surgery
Authors: Maile Edward John , Tharu Puran Bahadur , Blanchford Hannah L. K. , Edmiston Rachel , Youngs Robin 
Published: April 2015

AbstractObjectivesHearing impairment is a significant burden in the developing world. However, no suitable quality of life (QoL) measures exist for use in Nepal. We aimed to amend and translate the Glasgow Health Status Inventory (GHSI), assessing QoL at any given time, and the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI), assessing change in QoL following intervention, into Nepali and to assess the impact of ear disease and effect of surgery on QoL.MethodsThe GHSI and GBI were translated into Nepali and independently verified. The GHSI was administered by interview to patients before surgery, and the GBI was administered 6 months after surgery. The Mann–Whitney U‐test was used for hypothesis testing.ResultsThe GHSI was administered to 242 patients. In total, 205 had chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) without cholesteatoma and 37 had cholesteatoma. The mean GHSI score was 47.9. There was no significant difference in GHSI scores between patients with CSOM without cholesteatoma and those with cholesteatoma. The GBI was administered to 161 patients, 73 of whom had also been in the GHSI group. In total, 130 had CSOM without cholesteatoma, 31 had cholesteatoma. The mean GBI score was +38.4 with no significant difference between disease groups.ConclusionsEar disease in Nepal is associated with reduced QoL, and surgical intervention is associated with improved QoL. There is no difference in QoL or benefit following surgery for CSOM between patients with or without cholesteatoma. There are few QoL measures suitable for the developing world. It is essential to invest in these measures to guide health interventions.
Expression of the tetrahydrofolate‐dependent nitric oxide synthase from the green alga Ostreococcus tauri increases tolerance to abiotic stresses and influences stomatal development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Foresi Noelia , Mayta Martín L. , Lodeyro Anabella F. , Scuffi Denise , Correa‐Aragunde Natalia , García‐Mata Carlos , Casalongué Claudia , Carrillo Néstor , Lamattina Lorenzo 
Published: April 2015

SummaryNitric oxide (NO) is a signaling molecule with diverse biological functions in plants. NO plays a crucial role in growth and development, from germination to senescence, and is also involved in plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. In animals, NO is synthesized by well‐described nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzymes. NOS activity has also been detected in higher plants, but no gene encoding an NOS protein, or the enzymes required for synthesis of tetrahydrobiopterin, an essential cofactor of mammalian NOS activity, have been identified so far. Recently, an NOS gene from the unicellular marine alga Ostreococcus tauri (OtNOS) has been discovered and characterized. Arabidopsis thaliana plants were transformed with OtNOS under the control of the inducible short promoter fragment (SPF) of the sunflower (Helianthus annuus) Hahb‐4 gene, which responds to abiotic stresses and abscisic acid. Transgenic plants expressing OtNOS accumulated higher NO concentrations compared with siblings transformed with the empty vector, and displayed enhanced salt, drought and oxidative stress tolerance. Moreover, transgenic OtNOS lines exhibited increased stomatal development compared with plants transformed with the empty vector. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments indicate that OtNOS, unlike mammalian NOS, efficiently uses tetrahydrofolate as a cofactor in Arabidopsis plants. The modulation of NO production to alleviate abiotic stress disturbances in higher plants highlights the potential of genetic manipulation to influence NO metabolism as a tool to improve plant fitness under adverse growth conditions.