bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Denileukin diftitox (ONTAK) induces a tolerogenic phenotype in dendritic cells and stimulates survival of resting Treg
Authors: Baur Andreas S. , Lutz Manfred B. , Schierer Stephan , Beltrame Luca , Theiner Gabi , Zinser Elisabeth , Ostalecki Christian , Heidkamp Gordon , Haendle Ina , Erdmann Michael , Wiesinger Manuel , Leisgang Waltraud , Gross Stefanie , Pommer Ansgar J. , Kämpgen Eckhart , Dudziak Diana , Steinkasserer Alexander , Cavalieri Duccio , Schuler-Thurner Beatrice , Schuler Gerold 
Published: August 2013

Key Points
ONTAK blocks DC maturation by coreceptor downmodulation and inhibition of Stat3 phosphorylation to induce a tolerogenic phenotype. ONTAK kills activated CD4 T cells but stimulates antiapoptosis in resting Treg by engagement and stimulation through CD25.
Comprehensive mutational profiling in advanced systemic mastocytosis
Authors: Schwaab Juliana , Schnittger Susanne , Sotlar Karl , Walz Christoph , Fabarius Alice , Pfirrmann Markus , Kohlmann Alexander , Grossmann Vera , Meggendorfer Manja , Horny Hans-Peter , Valent Peter , Jawhar Mohamad , Teichmann Martina , Metzgeroth Georgia , Erben Philipp , Ernst Thomas , Hochhaus Andreas , Haferlach Torsten , Hofmann Wolf-Karsten , Cross Nicholas C. P. , Reiter Andreas 
Published: August 2013

Key PointsAdditional genetic aberrations apart from KIT D816V are found in advanced systemic mastocytosis. Additional genetic aberrations apart from KIT D816V are associated with a significant reduction of overall survival.
Complete mitogenome sequences of four flatfishes (Pleuronectiformes) reveal a novel gene arrangement of L-strand coding genes
Authors: Shi Wei , Dong Xiao-Li , Wang Zhong-Ming , Miao Xian-Guang , Wang Shu-Ying , Kong Xiao-Yu 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Few mitochondrial gene rearrangements are found in vertebrates and large-scale changes in these genomes occur even less frequently. It is difficult, therefore, to propose a mechanism to account for observed changes in mitogenome structure. Mitochondrial gene rearrangements are usually explained by the recombination model or tandem duplication and random loss model.

Results
In this study, the complete mitochondrial genomes of four flatfishes, Crossorhombus azureus (blue flounder), Grammatobothus krempfi, Pleuronichthys cornutus, and Platichthys stellatus were determined. A striking finding is that eight genes in the C. azureus mitogenome are located in a novel position, differing from that of available vertebrate mitogenomes. Specifically, the ND6 and seven tRNA genes (the Q, A, C, Y, S

1

, E, P genes) encoded by the L-strand have been translocated to a position between tRNA-T and tRNA-F though the original order of the genes is maintained.

Conclusions
These special features are used to suggest a mechanism for C. azureus mitogenome rearrangement. First, a dimeric molecule was formed by two monomers linked head-to-tail, then one of the two sets of promoters lost function and the genes controlled by the disabled promoters became pseudogenes, non-coding sequences, and even were lost from the genome. This study provides a new gene-rearrangement model that accounts for the events of gene-rearrangement in a vertebrate mitogenome.
Molecular signatures of mammalian hibernation: comparisons with alternative phenotypes
Authors: Xu Yichi , Shao Chunxuan , Fedorov Vadim B , Goropashnaya Anna V , Barnes Brian M , Yan Jun 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundMammalian hibernators display phenotypes similar to physiological responses to calorie restriction and fasting, sleep, cold exposure, and ischemia-reperfusion in non-hibernating species. Whether biochemical changes evident during hibernation have parallels in non-hibernating systems on molecular and genetic levels is unclear.ResultsWe identified the molecular signatures of torpor and arousal episodes during hibernation using a custom-designed microarray for the Arctic ground squirrel (Urocitellus parryii) and compared them with molecular signatures of selected mouse phenotypes. Our results indicate that differential gene expression related to metabolism during hibernation is associated with that during calorie restriction and that the nuclear receptor protein PPARα is potentially crucial for metabolic remodeling in torpor. Sleep-wake cycle-related and temperature response genes follow the same expression changes as during the torpor-arousal cycle. Increased fatty acid metabolism occurs during hibernation but not during ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice and, thus, might contribute to protection against ischemia-reperfusion during hibernation.ConclusionsIn this study, we systematically compared hibernation with alternative phenotypes to reveal novel mechanisms that might be used therapeutically in human pathological conditions.
Responsiveness of eyes with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy with choroidal hyperpermeability to intravitreal ranibizumab
Authors: Sonoda Shozo , Sakamoto Taiji , Otsuka Hiroki , Yoshinaga Narimasa , Yamashita Toshifumi , Ki-I Yuya , Okubo Akiko , Yamashita Takehiro , Arimura Noboru 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
To determine the role played by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) based on an interventional immunology theory.

Methods
Eyes with PCV were divided in a masked fashion into those with choroidal hyperpermeability (HP group) and those with normal choroidal permeability (NP group) based on the indocyanine green angiograms. The inter-rater agreement rate was evaluated using Fleiss’ kappa. Patients were treated by intravitreal ranibizumab (IVB). The central choroidal thickness and central foveal thickness (CFT) at the baseline and 7 days after the treatment were measured by optical coherence tomography.

Results
Among the 57 consecutive eyes diagnosed with PCV, 42 eyes of 42 patients met the inclusion criteria (21 eyes/HP group vs 21 eyes /NP group). Central choroidal thickness in HP group was significantly thicker than that in the NP group (P < .001, Mann–Whitney U test). The inter-rater agreement was high with a Fleiss’ kappa = 0.95, P < .0001. The percentage reduction in the CFT in HP group (14.0%) was significantly less than that in NP group (20.4%; P = .013, Mann–Whitney U test).

Conclusions
Eyes with PCV that are associated with choroidal hyper-permeability may not be strongly associated with VEGF-related pathology, and may not respond favorably to anti-VEGF monotherapy.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis - a systematic review on methodology for the collection of epidemiological data
Authors: Kaunisto Jaana , Salomaa Eija-Riitta , Hodgson Ulla , Kaarteenaho Riitta , Myllärniemi Marjukka 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundRecent studies suggest that the incidence of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is rising. Accurate epidemiological data on IPF, however, are sparse and the results of previous studies are contradictory. This study was undertaken to gain insight into the various methods used in the epidemiological research of IPF, and to get accurate and comparable data on these different methodologies.MethodsA systematic database search was performed in order to identify all epidemiological studies on IPF after the previous guidelines for diagnosis and treatment were published in 2000. Medline (via Pubmed), Science Sitation Index (via Web of Science) and Embase databases were searched for original epidemiological articles published in English in international peer-reviewed journals starting from 2001. After pre-screening and a full-text review, 13 articles were accepted for data abstraction.ResultsThree different methodologies of epidemiological studies were most commonly used, namely: 1) national registry databases, 2) questionnaire-based studies, and 3) analysis of the health care system’s own registry databases. The overall prevalence and incidence of IPF varied in these studies between 0.5–27.9/100,000 and 0.22–8.8/100,000, respectively. According to four studies the mortality and incidence of IPF are rising.ConclusionsWe conclude that there are numerous ways to execute epidemiological research in the field of IPF. This review offers the possibility to compare the different methodologies that have been used, and this information could form a basis for future studies investigating the prevalence and incidence of IPF.
The interventional therapy for diabetic peripheral artery disease
Authors: Sun Nian-feng , Tian Ai-ling , Tian Yu-ling , Hu San-yuan , Xu Li 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Diabetic peripheral arterial disease is the main cause of lower limb amputation in patients with diabetes. To summarize the technique and experiences and evaluate the clinical effects of blood vessel intervention operation on diabetic peripheral artery disease.

Methods
81 patients with diabetic peripheral artery disease from October 2007 to September 2011, 81 cases of the observation group were treated by balloon PTA. By adopting the Seldinger puncture technology, intubation was placed into a cobra catheter or a pig tail artery catheter and directed to the ipsilateral lower extremity artery. A guidewire was used to reach the lesion part of patients and a long balloon with a diameter of 4–6 mm was used to expand the artery with a pressure of 6–10 atm.

Results
81 patients in the observation group received the PTA surgery. The technical succesful rate was 100%, no complication happened. The skin temperature increased after treatment. The blood supply improved significantly. The pulsation of the foot dorsal artery was strengthened. The numbness and pain symptoms were moderated significantly. We observed better results in the observation group in lower limb vessel diameter and foot ulceration healing. None of the patients received amputation surgery. Its short-term effects were satisfactory.

Conclusion
PTA is a feasible technique for diabetic peripheral artery disease. It has great clinical significance in treating diabetic peripheral arterial disease. Although its short-term effects is satisfactory, the long-term effects is necessary for follow up.
Promoting universal financial protection: evidence from the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) in Gujarat, India
Authors: Devadasan Narayanan , Seshadri Tanya , Trivedi Mayur , Criel Bart 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
India’s health expenditure is met mostly by households through out-of-pocket (OOP) payments at the time of illness. To protect poor families, the Indian government launched a national health insurance scheme (RSBY). Those below the national poverty line (BPL) are eligible to join the RSBY. The premium is heavily subsidised by the government. The enrolled members receive a card and can avail of free hospitalisation care up to a maximum of US$ 600 per family per year. The hospitals are reimbursed by the insurance companies. The objective of our study was to analyse the extent to which RSBY contributes to universal health coverage by protecting families from making OOP payments.

Methods
A two-stage stratified sampling technique was used to identify eligible BPL families in Patan district of Gujarat, India. Initially, all 517 villages were listed and 78 were selected randomly. From each of these villages, 40 BPL households were randomly selected and a structured questionnaire was administered. Interviews and discussions were also conducted among key stakeholders.

Results
Our sample contained 2,920 households who had enrolled in the RSBY; most were from the poorer sections of society. The average hospital admission rate for the period 2010–2011 was 40/1,000 enrolled. Women, elderly and those belonging to the lowest caste had a higher hospitalisation rate. Forty four per cent of patients who had enrolled in RSBY and had used the RSBY card still faced OOP payments at the time of hospitalisation. The median OOP payment for the above patients was US$ 80 (interquartile range, $16–$200) and was similar in both government and private hospitals. Patients incurred OOP payments mainly because they were asked to purchase medicines and diagnostics, though the same were included in the benefit package.

Conclusions
While the RSBY has managed to include the poor under its umbrella, it has provided only partial financial coverage. Nearly 60% of insured and admitted patients made OOP payments. We plea for better monitoring of the scheme and speculate that it is possible to enhance effective financial coverage of the RSBY if the nodal agency at state level would strengthen its stewardship and oversight functions.
Morphological evolution, growth mechanism, and magneto-transport properties of silver telluride one-dimensional nanostructures
Authors: Li GaoMin , Tang XiaoBing , Zhou ShaoMin , Li Ning , Yuan XianYou 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Single crystalline one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures of silver telluride (Ag2Te) with well-controlled shapes and sizes were synthesized via the hydrothermal reduction of sodium tellurite (Na2TeO3) in a mixed solution. The morphological evolution of various 1D nanostructures was mainly determined by properly controlling the nucleation and growth process of Ag2Te in different reaction times. Based on the transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy studies, the formation mechanism for these 1D nanostructures was rationally interpreted. In addition, the current–voltage (I-V) characteristics as a function of magnetic field of the highly single crystal Ag2Te nanowires were systematically measured. From the investigation of I-V characteristics, we have observed a rapid change of the current in low magnetic field, which can be used as the magnetic field sensor. The magneto-resistance behavior of the Ag2Te nanowires with monoclinic structure was also investigated. Comparing to the bulk and thin film materials, we found that there is generally a larger change in R (T) as the sample size is reduced, which indicates that the size of the sample has a certain impact on magneto-transport properties. Simultaneously, some possible reasons resulting in the observed large positive magneto-resistance behavior are discussed.
Evaluation of seven DNA barcodes for differentiating closely related medicinal Gentiana species and their adulterants
Authors: Wong Ka-Lok , But PaulPui-Hay , Shaw Pang-Chui 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Species identification of living organisms by standard DNA sequences has been well-accepted. Consortium for the Barcode of Life (CBOL) recommends chloroplast regions rbcL and matK as the DNA barcodes for the land plants. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and limitations of rbcL, matK, and 5 other commonly used regions as the DNA barcodes for the medicinal Gentiana and their adulterants, Gentiana. rhodantha and Podophyllum hexandrum.

Methods
The species differentiation power of rbcL, matK, nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and 5S rRNA intergenic spacer, and chloroplast trnH-psbA, trnL-F and rpl36-rps8 intergenic spacers were tested in different medicinal Gentiana, including Gentiana scabra, Gentiana triflora, Gentiana manshurica and Gentiana rigescens, from common adulterants such as Gentiana rhodantha and Podophyllum hexandrum (a toxic herb producing podophyllotoxin).

Results
All seven tested loci could be used to differentiate medicinal Gentiana species from their adulterants, and to distinguish Guanlongdan from Jianlongdan. In terms of general differentiation powers, rbcL and matK had no significant advantages over the other five loci. Only the 5S rRNA and trnL-F intergenic spacers were able to discriminate the closely related species G. triflora, G. scabra and G. manshurica.

Conclusion
The DNA barcodes rbcL and matK are useful in differentiation of closely related medicinal species of Gentiana, but had no significant advantages over the other five tested loci.
Thermal behaviour of procaine and benzocaine Part II: compatibility study with some pharmaceutical excipients used in solid dosage forms
Authors: Fuliaş Adriana , Ledeţi Ionuţ , Vlase Gabriela , Popoiu Călin , Hegheş Alina , Bilanin Mihai , Vlase Titus , Gheorgheosu Dorina , Craina Marius , Ardelean Simona , Ferechide Dumitru , Mărginean Otilia , Moş Liana 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
The compatibility study of active substances with excipients finds an important role in the domain of pharmaceutical research, being known the fact that final formulation is the one administered to the patient. In order to evaluate the compatibility between active substance and excipients, different analytical techniques can be used, based on their accuracy, reproducibility and fastness.

Results
Compatibility study of two well-known active substances, procaine and benzocaine, with four commonly used excipients, was carried out employing thermal analysis (TG/DTG/HF) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (UATR-FT-IR). The selected excipients were microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate and talc. Equal proportion of active substance and excipients (w/w) was utilized in the interaction study. The absolute value of the difference between the melting point peak of active substances and the one corresponding for the active substances in the analysed mixture, as well the absolute value of the difference between the enthalpy of the pure active ingredient melting peak and that of its melting peak in the different analysed mixtures were chosen as indexes of the drug-excipient interaction degree. All the results obtained through thermal analysis were also sustained by FT-IR spectroscopy.

Conclusions
The corroboration of data obtained by thermal analysis with the ones from FT-IR spectroscopy indicated that no interaction occurs between procaine and benzocaine, with microcrystalline cellulose and talc, as well for the benzocaine-lactose mixture. Interactions were confirmed between procaine and benzocaine respectively and magnesium stearate, and for procaine and lactose.
A comparative study of Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in three healthy Chinese populations detected using native and recombinant antigens
Authors: Sun Xiaojing , Lu Huijun , Jia Boyin , Chang Zhiguang , Peng Shuai , Yin Jigang , Chen Qijun , Jiang Ning 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundToxoplasmosis is one of the most common parasitic zoonoses. The seroprevalence ofToxoplasma gondiiinfection in humans varies widely worldwide. Detection ofToxoplasma-specific antibodies has been a gold standard method for both epidemiological investigation and clinical diagnosis. Genetic investigation indicated that there is a wide distribution of different genome types or variants of the parasite prevalent in different areas. Thus the reliability of using antigens from parasites of a single genome type for diagnosis and epidemiology purposes needs to be extensively evaluated.MethodsIn this study, the prevalence ofT. gondiiinfection among 880 clinically healthy individuals in China was systematically tested using crude soluble native antigens and purified recombinant antigens of type I and IIT. gondii. TheT. gondii-specific IgG and IgM in the sera was further confirmed using commercial Toxoplasmosis Diagnosis Kits and Western blot assays.ResultsThe sero-prevalence ofT. gondii-specific IgG detected with crude native Type I and type II antigens was 12.2% and 11.3% respectively. Whereas the overall prevalence was more than 20% when combined with the results obtained with recombinant tachyzoite and bradyzoite antigens. There was an obvious variation in immune-recognition of parasite antigens among the individuals studied.ConclusionsThe general prevalence of anti-T. gondiiIgG in the study population was likely much higher than previously reported. The data also suggested that there is more genetic diversity among theT. gondiiisolates in China. Further, combination of recombinant antigens with clear immuno-recognition will be able to generate more sensitive diagnostic results than those obtained with crude antigens ofT. gondiitachyzoites.
Renal cancer-selective Englerin A induces multiple mechanisms of cell death and autophagy
Authors: Williams Richard T , Yu Alice L , Diccianni Mitchell B , Theodorakis Emmanuel A , Batova Ayse 
Published: August 2013

AbstractRenal cell carcinoma (RCC), the most common malignancy of the kidney, is refractory to standard therapy and has an incidence that continues to rise. Screening of plant extracts in search of new agents to treat RCC resulted in the discovery of englerin A (EA), a natural product exhibiting potent selective cytotoxicity against renal cancer cells. Despite the establishment of synthetic routes to the synthesis of EA, very little is known about its mechanism of action. The results of the current study demonstrate for the first time that EA induces apoptosis in A498 renal cancer cells in addition to necrosis. The induction of apoptosis by EA required at least 24 h and was caspase independent. In addition, EA induced increased levels of autophagic vesicles in A498 cells which could be inhibited by nonessential amino acids (NEAA), known inhibitors of autophagy. Interestingly, inhibition of autophagy by NEAA did not diminish cell death suggesting that autophagy is not a cell death mechanism and likely represents a cell survival mechanism which ultimately fails. Apart from cell death, our results demonstrated that cells treated with EA accumulated in the G2phase of the cell cycle indicating a block in G2/M transition. Moreover, our results determined that EA inhibited the activation of both AKT and ERK, kinases which are activated in cancer and implicated in unrestricted cell proliferation and induction of autophagy. The phosphorylation status of the cellular energy sensor, AMPK, appeared unaffected by EA. The high renal cancer selectivity of EA combined with its ability to induce multiple mechanisms of cell death while inhibiting pathways driving cell proliferation, suggest that EA is a highly unique agent with great potential as a therapeutic lead for the treatment of RCC.
A preliminary study of motivational interviewing as a prelude to intensive treatment for an eating disorder
Authors: Weiss Carmen V , Mills Jennifer S , Westra Henny A , Carter Jacqueline C 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Engaging patients with an eating disorder in change is difficult and intensive treatment programs have high drop-out rates. The purpose of the study was to determine whether Motivational Interviewing (MI) in the form of a brief, pre-treatment intervention would be associated with higher completion rates in subsequent intensive treatment for an eating disorder.
Thirty-two participants diagnosed with an eating disorder participated in the study. All participants were on the waitlist for admission to an intensive, hospital-based treatment program. Sixteen participants were randomly assigned to four individual sessions of MI that began prior to entrance into the treatment program (MI condition) and 16 participants were assigned to treatment as usual (control condition). The main outcome was completion of the intensive treatment program. Participants also completed self-report measures of motivation to change.

Results
Participants in the MI condition were significantly more likely to complete intensive treatment (69% completion rate) than were those in the control condition (31%).

Conclusions
MI can be a useful intervention to engage individuals with severe eating disorders prior to participation in intensive treatment. MI as a brief prelude to hospital-based treatment for an eating disorder may help to improve completion rates in such programs. Further research is required to determine the precise therapeutic mechanisms of change in MI.