bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Community-Based Pharmacists’ Needs for HIV-Related Training and Experience
Authors: Kibicho Jennifer , Pinkerton Steven D. , Owczarzak Jill 
Published: December 2013

Objective: To examine pharmacists’ self-reported competence in providing care to persons living with HIV (PLWH) and their HIV-related training and experience needs. Methods: We interviewed 28 community-based pharmacists providing care to PLWH in 4 Midwestern cities. Results: Less than half (46%) of the pharmacists considered themselves competent to provide PLWH care, and less than a third (29%) worked with PLWH during their pharmacy residency. Specialty pharmacists need training on opportunistic infections and HIV-related comorbidities, nonspecialty pharmacists need general training in HIV treatment and patient communications skills, and all pharmacists require a mechanism to keep updated in the latest HIV treatment recommendations. Conclusion: In the current era of patient-centered care, a pharmacist that is well rounded—not just in dispensing antiretroviral medications but highly knowledgeable in different aspects of ART and HIV-specific patient care—can make a valuable contribution to the health care team. Pharmacy school curricula and continuing professional education need to be aligned to meet the knowledge and competency needs of community pharmacists who are strategically positioned to provide care to PLWH.
Impact of a Pharmacist on Compliance With Hospital Core Measures
Authors: Oliphant Carrie S. , Twilla Jennifer D. 
Published: December 2013

Purpose: The role of a pharmacist in achieving compliance with hospital core measures is described. Summary: Core measures for hospitals, also known as quality measures, were introduced by the Department of Health and Human Services as an initiative to improve health care through accountability and public disclosure. Hospitals receive financial incentives for compliance with these core measures, but most importantly, these measures ensure that evidence-based therapy is consistently provided to each patient. If a core measure is not met, documentation must be provided to ensure that there is not a failure to meet the measure. Pharmacists were granted the authority to provide core measure documentation in 2007. There are a total of 44 core measures, 22 (50%) of which are medication related and can be documented by a pharmacist. Over a 5-year period, clinical pharmacists have recorded 1281 interventions for core measure documentation. In an analysis of a 1-year period of charts with missing core measure documentation, pharmacists prevented failure to meet the measure in 96% of the cases. Conclusion: Given the great impact that pharmacists can have on hospital core measure compliance, each hospital’s Pharmacy Department should evaluate ways to improve involvement in the quality programs at their hospitals.
Common fixed point theorems for multi-valued mappings in complex-valued metric spaces
Authors: Azam Akbar , Ahmad Jamshaid , Kumam Poom 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Azam et al. (Numer. Funct. Anal. Optim. 33(5):590-600, 2012) introduced the notion of complex-valued metric spaces and established a common fixed point result in the context of complex-valued metric spaces. In this paper, the existence of common fixed points is established for multi-valued mappings on the complex-valued metric spaces. Our results unify, generalize and complement the comparable results from the current literature.

MSC:46S40, 47H10, 54H25.
Perturbation analysis of the stochastic algebraic Riccati equation
Authors: Chiang Chun-Yueh , Fan Hung-Yuan , Lin Matthew M , Chen Hsin-An 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIn this paper we study a general class of stochastic algebraic Riccati equations (SARE) arising from the indefinite linear quadratic control and stochasticH∞problems. Using the Brouwer fixed point theorem, we provide sufficient conditions for the existence of a stabilizing solution of the perturbed SARE. We obtain a theoretical perturbation bound for measuring accurately the relative error in the exact solution of the SARE. Moreover, we slightly modify the condition theory developed by Rice and provide explicit expressions of the condition number with respect to the stabilizing solution of the SARE. A numerical example is applied to illustrate the sharpness of the perturbation bound and its correspondence with the condition number.MSC:Primary 15A24; 65F35; secondary 47H10, 47H14.
Analysis of cell hyperplasia and parietal cell dysfunction induced by Ostertagia ostertagi infection
Authors: Mihi Belgacem , Van Meulder Frederik , Rinaldi Manuela , Van Coppernolle Stefanie , Chiers Koen , Van den Broeck Wim , Goddeeris Bruno , Vercruysse Jozef , Claerebout Edwin , Geldhof Peter 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Infections in cattle with the gastric nematode Ostertagia ostertagi are associated with decreased acid secretion and profound physio-morphological changes of the gastric mucosa. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the mechanisms triggering these pathophysiological changes. O. ostertagi infection resulted in a marked cellular hyperplasia, which can be explained by increased transcriptional levels of signaling molecules related to the homeostasis of gastric epithelial cells such as HES1, WNT5A, FGF10, HB-EGF, AREG, ADAM10 and ADAM17. Intriguingly, histological analysis indicated that the rapid rise in the gastric pH, observed following the emergence of adult worms, cannot be explained by a loss of parietal cells, as a decrease in the number of parietal cells was only observed following a long term infection of several weeks, but is likely to be caused by an inhibition of parietal cell activity. To investigate whether this inhibition is caused by a direct effect of the parasites, parietal cells were co-cultured with parasite Excretory/Secretory products (ESP) and subsequently analyzed for acid production. The results indicate that adult ESP inhibited acid secretion, whereas ESP from the L4 larval stages did not alter parietal cell function. In addition, our data show that the inhibition of parietal cell activity could be mediated by a marked upregulation of inflammatory factors, which are partly induced by adult ESP in abomasal epithelial cells. In conclusion, this study shows that the emergence of adult O. ostertagi worms is associated with marked cellular changes that can be partly triggered by the worm’s Excretory/secretory antigens.
Vernalization treatment induces site-specific DNA hypermethylation at the VERNALIZATION-A1 (VRN-A1) locus in hexaploid winter wheat
Authors: Khan Abdul Rehman , Enjalbert Jérôme , Marsollier Anne-Charlotte , Rousselet Agnès , Goldringer Isabelle , Vitte Clémentine 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
Certain temperate species require prolonged exposure to low temperature to initiate transition from vegetative growth to flowering, a process known as vernalization. In wheat, winter cultivars require vernalization to initiate flowering, making vernalization requirement a trait of key importance in wheat agronomy. The genetic bases of vernalization response have been largely studied in wheat, leading to the characterization of a regulation pathway that involves the key gene VERNALIZATION1 (VRN1). While previous studies in wheat and barley have revealed the functional role of histone modification in setting VRN1 expression, other mechanisms might also be involved. Here, we were interested in determining whether the cold-induced expression of the wheat VRN-A1 gene is associated with a change in DNA methylation.

Results
We provide the first DNA methylation analysis of the VRN-A1 gene, and describe the existence of methylation at CG but also at non CG sites. While CG sites show a bell-shape profile typical of gene-body methylation, non CG methylation is restricted to the large (8.5 kb) intron 1, in a region harboring fragments of transposable elements (TEs). Interestingly, cold induces a site-specific hypermethylation at these non CG sites. This increase in DNA methylation is transmitted through mitosis, and is reset to its original level after sexual reproduction.

Conclusions
These results demonstrate that VRN-A1 has a particular DNA methylation pattern, exhibiting rapid shift within the life cycle of a winter wheat plant following exposure to particular environmental conditions. The finding that this shift occurs at non CG sites in a TE-rich region opens interesting questions onto the possible consequences of this type of methylation in gene expression.
Molecular mechanism of apoptosis induction in skin cancer cells by the centipedegrass extract
Authors: Badaboina Srilatha , Bai Hyoung-Woo , Park Chul-Hong , Jang Dong Min , Choi Bo Yun , Chung Byung Yeoup 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
Centipedegrass extract (CGE) is mainly composed of maysin and its derivatives, which are recognized internationally as natural compounds. Compared to other flavonoids, maysin has a unique structure in that mannose is bound to the flavonoid backbone. CGE exhibits some biological properties in that it can function as an anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-adipogenic, and insecticidal. Whether CGE has other biological functions, such as anti-cancer activity, is unknown.

Methods
B16F1 (mouse) and SKMEL-5 (human) cells were treated with CGE, and their subsequent survival was determined using MTT assay. We performed a cell cycle analysis using propidium iodide (PI), and detected apoptosis using double staining with annexin V-FITC/PI. In addition, we examined mitochondrial membrane potentials using flow cytometry, as well as signaling mechanisms with an immunoblotting analysis.

Results
CGE inhibited skin cancer cell growth by arresting the cell cycle in the G2/M phase, and increased both early and late apoptotic cell populations without affecting normal cells. Furthermore, we observed mitochondrial transmembrane depolarization, increased cytochrome-c release, caspase-3 and caspase-7 activation, and increased poly ADP-ribose polymerase degradation. CGE also downregulated activation of p-AKT, p-glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), and p-BAD in a time-dependent manner. LY294002 inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) significantly sensitized skin cancer cells, which led to an increase in CGE-induced apoptosis.

Conclusions
CGE controlled skin cancer cell growth by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway and activating the effector caspases. This study is the first to demonstrate anti-cancer properties for CGE, and that CGE may be an effective therapeutic agent for treating skin cancer.
Antioxidant and cytoprotective activities of Piper betle, Areca catechu, Uncaria gambir and betel quid with and without calcium hydroxide
Authors: Nur Sazwi Nordin , Nalina Thurairajah , Rahim Zubaidah Haji Abdul 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
Betel quid chewing is a popular habit in Southeast Asia. It is believed that chewing betel quid could reduce stress, strengthen teeth and maintain oral hygiene. The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant and cytoprotective activities of each of the ingredients of betel quid and compared with betel quid itself (with and without calcium hydroxide). The correlation of their cytoprotective and antioxidant activities with phenolic content was also determined.

Methods
Five samples (betel leaf, areca nut, gambir, betel quid and betel quid containing calcium hydroxide) were extracted in deionized distilled water for 12 hours at 37°C. Antioxidant activities were evaluated for radical scavenging activity using DPPH assay, ferric reducing activity using FRAP assay and lipid peroxidation inhibition activity using FTC assay. Total phenolic content (TPC) was determined using Folin-Ciocalteu procedure. Phenolic composition was analyzed using LC-MS/MS. Cytoprotective activity towards human gingival fibroblast cells was examined using MTT assay.

Results
Among the ingredients of betel quid, gambir demonstrated the highest antioxidant (DPPH - IC50 = 6.4 ± 0.8 μg/mL, FRAP - 5717.8 ± 537.6 μmol Fe(II)/mg), total phenolic content (TPC - 1142.5 ± 106.8 μg TAE/mg) and cytoprotective (100.1 ± 4.6%) activities. Betel quid when compared with betel quid containing calcium hydroxide has higher antioxidant (DPPH - IC50 =59.4 ± 4.4 μg/mL, FRAP - 1022.2 ± 235.7 μmol Fe(II)/mg), total phenolic content (TPC - 140.0 ± 22.3 μg TAE/mg), and cytoprotective (113.5 ± 15.9%) activities. However, all of the five samples showed good lipid peroxidation inhibition compared to vitamin E. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed the presence of quinic acid as the major compound of gambir and betel quid. A positive correlation was observed between TPC and radical scavenging (r = 0.972), reducing power (r = 0.981) and cytoprotective activity (r = 0.682).

Conclusions
The betel quid has higher TPC, and antioxidant and cytoprotective activities than betel quid with calcium hydroxide. The quinic acid in betel quid may play an important role in the oral health protection.
Analysis of the effects of exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls and chlorinated pesticides on serum lipid levels in residents of Anniston, Alabama
Authors: Aminov Zafar , Haase Richard F , Pavuk Marian , Carpenter David O ,   Anniston Environmental Health Research Consortium
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
Anniston, Alabama, is the site of a former Monsanto plant where polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were manufactured from 1929 until 1971. Residents of Anniston are known to have elevated levels of PCBs. The objective of the study was to test the hypothesis that levels of the various lipid components (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides) are differentially associated with concentrations of total PCBs and total pesticides, and further that different congeners, congener groups and different pesticides do not have identical associations in serum samples obtained from Anniston residents in a cross-sectional study.

Methods
Fasting serum samples were obtained from 575 residents of Anniston who were not on any lipid-lowering medication and were analyzed for 35 PCB congeners, nine chlorinated pesticides, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. Associations between toxicant concentrations and lipid levels were determined using multiple linear regression analysis.

Results
We observed that elevated serum concentrations of lipids were associated with elevated serum concentrations of ΣPCBs and summed pesticides in analyses adjusted for age, race, gender, BMI, alcohol consumption, smoking and exercising status. The strongest associations were seen for PCB congeners with three, four, or at least eight substituted chlorines. Mono-ortho substituted congeners 74 and 156, di-ortho congeners 172 and 194, and tri- and tetra-ortho congeners 199, 196–203, 206 and 209 each were significantly associated with total lipids, total cholesterol and triglycerides. Serum concentrations of HCB and chlordane also had strong associations with lipid components.

Conclusions
Increased concentrations of PCBs and organochlorine pesticides are associated with elevations in total serum lipids, total cholesterol and triglycerides, but the patterns are different for different groups of PCBs and different pesticides. These observations show selective effects of different organochlorines on serum concentrations of different groups of lipids. This elevation in concentrations of serum lipids may be the basis for the increased incidence of cardiovascular disease found in persons with elevated exposures to PCBs and chlorinated pesticides.
Frequency of NFKBIA deletions is low in glioblastomas and skewed in glioblastoma neurospheres
Authors: Patanè Monica , Porrati Paola , Bottega Elisa , Morosini Sara , Cantini Gabriele , Girgenti Vita , Rizzo Ambra , Eoli Marica , Pollo Bianca , Sciacca Francesca L , Pellegatta Serena , Finocchiaro Gaetano 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
The NF-kB family of transcription factors is up-regulated in inflammation and different cancers. Recent data described heterozygous deletions of the NF-kB Inhibitor alpha gene (NFKBIA) in about 20% of glioblastomas (GBM): deletions were mutually exclusive with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) amplification, a frequent event in GBM. We assessed the status of NFKBIA and EGFR in 69 primary GBMs and in corresponding neurospheres (NS). NFKBIA deletion was investigated by the copy number variation assay (CNV); EGFR amplification by CNV ratio with HGF; expression of EGFR and EGFRvIII by quantitative PCR or ReverseTranscriptase PCR. Heterozygous deletions of NFKBIA were present in 3 of 69 primary GBMs and, surprisingly, in 30 of 69 NS. EGFR amplification was detected in 36 GBMs: in corresponding NS, amplification was lost in 13 cases and reduced in 23 (10 vs 47 folds in NS vs primary tumors; p < 0.001). The CNV assay was validated investigating HPRT1 on chromosome X in females and males. Results of array-CGH performed on 3 primary GBMs and 1 NS line were compatible with the CNV assay. NS cells with NFKBIA deletion had increased nuclear activity of p65 (RelA) and increased expression of the NF-kB target IL-6. In absence of EGF in the medium, EGFR amplification was more conserved and NFKBIA deletion less frequent point to a low frequency of NFKBIA deletions in GBM and suggest that EGF in the culture medium of NS may affect frequency not only of EGFR amplifications but also of NFKBIA deletions.
Analysis of 20alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase expression in the corpus luteum of the buffalo cow: effect of prostaglandin F2-alpha treatment on circulating 20alpha-hydroxyprogesterone levels
Authors: Sudeshna Tripathy , Anand Kumarasamy , Medhamurthy Rudraiah 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
During female reproductive cycles, a rapid fall in circulating progesterone (P4) levels is one of the earliest events that occur during induced luteolysis in mammals. In rodents, it is well recognized that during luteolysis, P4 is catabolized to its inactive metabolite, 20alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (20alpha-OHP) by the action of 20alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20alpha-HSD) enzyme and involves transcription factor, Nur77. Studies have been carried out to examine expression of 20alpha-HSD and its activity in the corpus luteum (CL) of buffalo cow.

Methods
The expression of 20alpha-HSD across different bovine tissues along with CL was examined by qPCR analysis. Circulating P4 levels were monitored before and during PGF2alpha treatment. Expression of 20alpha-HSD and Nur77 mRNA was determined in CL at different time points post PGF2alpha treatment in buffalo cows. The chromatographic separation of P4 and its metabolite, 20alpha-OHP, in rat and buffalo cow serum samples were performed on reverse phase HPLC system. To further support the findings, 20alpha-HSD enzyme activity was quantitated in cytosolic fraction of CL of both rat and buffalo cow.

Results
Circulating P4 concentration declined rapidly in response to PGF2alpha treatment. HPLC analysis of serum samples did not reveal changes in circulating 20alpha-OHP levels in buffalo cows but serum from pseudo pregnant rats receiving PGF2alpha treatment showed an increased 20alpha-OHP level at 24 h post treatment with accompanying decrease in P4 concentration. qPCR expression of 20alpha-HSD in CL from control and PGF2alpha-treated buffalo cows showed higher expression at 3 and 18 h post treatment, but its specific activity was not altered at different time points post PGF2alpha treatment. The Nur77 expression increased several fold 3 h post PGF2alpha treatment similar to the increased expression observed in the PGF2alpha-treated pseudo pregnant rats which perhaps suggest initiation of activation of apoptotic pathways in response to PGF2alpha treatment.

Conclusions
The results taken together suggest that synthesis of P4 appears to be primarily affected by PGF2alpha treatment in buffalo cows in contrast to increased metabolism of P4 in rodents.
Challenges in cardiac device innovation: is neuroimaging an appropriate endpoint? Consensus from the 2013 Yale-UCL Cardiac Device Innovation Summit
Authors: Meller Stephanie M , Baumbach Andreas , Voros Szilard , Mullen Michael , Lansky Alexandra J 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundNeurological events associated with transcatheter aortic valve implantation are major contributors to morbidity and mortality. Choosing an appropriate endpoint to determine neuroprotection device efficacy is a key difficulty inhibiting the translation of the innovation from the laboratory to the bedside. Cost and sample size limitations inhibit the feasibility of using the rate of clinical (such as stroke or other cerebral) events as the primary efficacy endpoint. This paper focuses on consensus opinions from the 2013 Yale-University College London (UCL) Device Innovation Summit.DiscussionNeuroimaging, specifically diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW MRI), may serve as a surrogate endpoint for clinical studies detecting cerebral events in which cost and sample-size limitations prohibit the use of clinical outcomes. A major limitation of using imaging to prove efficacy in cardiac device studies is that no standardized endpoint exists. Ongoing trials investigating cerebral protection devices for transcatheter aortic valve implantation are utilizing and reporting various qualitative and quantitative DW MRI values; however, single lesion volume, number of new lesions, and total lesion volume have been found to be the most reproducible and prognostically important imaging measures.SummaryDW MRI may be a useful surrogate endpoint for clinical studies detecting cerebral events to determine the device’s success in neurological protection. Consensus from the 2013 Yale-UCL Device Innovation Summit specifically recommends the reporting of mean single lesion volume, number of new lesions, and total volume, and encourages European Union (EU)-US regulatory consensus in the guidance of implementing this endpoint.