bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduction of prostate cancer incidence by naftopidil, an α1‐adrenoceptor antagonist and transforming growth factor‐β signaling inhibitor
Authors: Yamada Daisuke , Nishimatsu Hiroaki , Kumano Shintaro , Hirano Yoshikazu , Suzuki Motofumi , Fujimura Tetsuya , Fukuhara Hiroshi , Enomoto Yutaka , Kume Haruki , Homma Yukio 
Published: April 2013

ObjectivesQuinazoline‐based α1‐adrenoceptor antagonists are known to inhibit prostate tumor growth through induction of apoptosis. We investigated the effect of a naphthalene‐based α1‐adrenoceptor antagonist, naftopidil, on prostate cancer incidence, apoptosis of prostatic cell and transforming growth factor‐β signaling.MethodsPrescription records were linked to pathological data for men who continued naftopidil (n = 766) or tamsulosin (n = 1015) for 3 months or longer between 2003 and 2010. Prostate cancer incidence was analyzed by log–rank test and the Cox proportional hazards model. Apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in human tissues were assessed by immunohistochemical detection of Bcl2 and p21, respectively. Growth inhibition and apoptosis treatment with naftopidil and tamsulosin were assessed in cancer cell lines. Interference with transforming growth factor‐β signaling was examined by western blot analysis.ResultsProstate cancer incidence was significantly lower in men who received naftopidil for 3 months or longer compared with tamsulosin (P = 0.035). Multivariate analysis confirmed a decreased hazard ratio, 0.46, for naftopidil use (P = 0.013), which was more evident with longer treatment. Immunohistochemical positivity for Bcl2, a marker for resistance to apoptosis, was less frequently detected in prostate cancer cells of men who received naftopidil compared with tamsulosin (P < 0.05). Naftopidil inhibited cancer cell growth, induced apoptosis and blocked Smad2 phosphorylation activated by transforming growth factor‐β in cell lines, with a half maximal inhibitory concentration of 1.1 µmol/L.ConclusionsNaftopidil seems to reduce prostate cancer incidence, possibly by inducing apoptosis, preferentially in cancer cells, and blocking transforming growth factor‐β signaling.
Lingual versus buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty for anterior urethral stricture: A prospective comparative analysis
Authors: Sharma Adittya K , Chandrashekar Ratkal , Keshavamurthy Ramaiah , Nelvigi Girish G , Kamath Ananth J , Sharma Satyam , Venkatesh GK 
Published: April 2013

ObjectiveTo compare lingual and buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty for anterior urethral stricture with respect to intraoperative, postoperative parameters and urethroplasty outcome.MethodsFrom January 2011 to December 2011, a total of 30 patients with anterior urethral stricture whereas group 2 underwent dorsal onlay buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty. Patients were evaluated for postoperative, tongue protrusion, oral opening, and difficulty in speech and swallowing pain score. Surgical outcome was evaluated with pre‐ and postoperative work‐up involving retrograde urethrogram, uroflow and urethroscopy.ResultsMean age, stricture length and overall pain score were comparable in two groups. All the patients were mostly pain free by postoperative day 7. Group 1 patients had significant difficulty in speech and delayed return to normal diet as compared with group 2. The group 2 patients had a significant reduction in oral opening for the first week after surgery. In group 1, approximately 20% patients (with bilateral lingual grafts and stricture length >7 cm) complained of a change in speech character with restricted tongue movement in the long term, whereas there was no significant long‐term morbidity in group 2. At mean follow up of 14.5 months, urethroplasty outcome was comparable in the two groups with one failure in group 1, and two failures in group 2.ConclusionLingual mucosa graft urethroplasty provides outcomes equivalent to those of buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty. Postoperative morbidity and long‐term change in speech make it a second choice for strictures >7 cm, only for cases where buccal mucosa graft is unavailable.
Circulating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells are activated in inflammatory bowel disease and are associated with plasma markers of inflammation
Authors: Funderburg Nicholas T. , Stubblefield Park Samantha R. , Sung Hannah C. , Hardy Gareth , Clagett Brian , Ignatz‐Hoover James , Harding Clifford V. , Fu Pingfu , Katz Jeffry A. , Lederman Michael M. , Levine Alan D. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by damage to the gut mucosa and systemic inflammation. We sought to evaluate the role of chronic inflammation on circulating T‐cell activation in human subjects with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. We studied 54 patients with IBD and 28 healthy controls. T‐cell activation and cycling were assessed in whole blood samples by flow cytometry. Levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were measured in serum by Limulus amoebocyte lysate assay, and plasma levels of inflammatory markers and LPS‐binding proteins were measured by ELISA. The proportions of circulating CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in cycle (Ki67+) are increased in patients with IBD compared with these proportions in controls. CD8+ T cells from patients with IBD are also enriched for cells that expressed CD38 and HLA‐DR, and proportions of these cells are related to plasma levels of interleukin‐6 and C‐reactive protein in these patients. Intracellular interleukin‐2 and interferon‐γ levels were elevated in resting and polyclonally activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in patients with IBD when compared with levels from healthy controls. Surprisingly, we did not find increased levels of LPS in the serum of patients with IBD. We did, however, find a signature of recent microbial translocation, as levels of LPS‐binding protein are increased in the plasma of patients with IBD compared with plasma levels in healthy controls; LPS‐binding protein levels are also directly related to proportions of CD38 HLA‐DR‐expressing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Local damage to the gastrointestinal tract in IBD may result in systemic inflammation and T‐cell activation.
Ecological correlates of daily mating frequency in a wild population of ambush bugs
Authors: PUNZALAN DAVID , ROWE LOCKE 
Published: April 2013

Ecological variables can exert considerable influence on the dynamics of mating systems, determining the population mean and variance in mating success.
Sex‐specific daily estimates of mating frequency in a wild population of Phymata americana Melin were determined and the way in which these covaried with three ecological variables was evaluated.
Average daily temperature had strong influence on the mating frequency of both sexes, with evidence of a maximum at intermediate values.
Female mating frequency covaried with sex ratio but density did not predict mating frequency of either sex.
Tasa de desempleo: ¿puede medir los problemas de absorción de la fuerza de trabajo en países en desarrollo?
Authors: SYLLA Ndongo Samba 
Published: April 2013

Resumen.La definición estadística «estándar» de desempleo suele criticarse porque excluye a muchas personas, consideradas ocupadas o inactivas, cuya situación es comparable en realidad a la de desempleo. El autor analiza los problemas metodológicos y estadísticos asociados a esta definición, así como su inadecuación a los países en desarrollo, donde el empleo es muy heterogéneo. Demuestra además que la tasa de desempleo tiende a subestimar el excedente de oferta de mano de obra y es un mal indicador del déficit de trabajo decente. Por último, destaca sus límites en tanto que orientador de la política económica.
Segregación por género en el sector manufacturero formal de la India
Authors: CHATTOPADHYAY Molly , CHAKRABORTY Sonali , ANKER Richard 
Published: April 2013

Resumen.Mediante el cálculo de un índice de disimilitud con datos de la Encuesta Anual de Industrias, los autores constatan que la segregación por género en las manufacturas indias entre 1989–1990 y 2000–2001 disminuyó, aunque debido sobre todo a cambios en la estructura sectorial del empleo, y no tanto a la integración de género. El índice resultó sensible al número de grupos de industrias establecido en la clasificación utilizada para el cálculo. Tanto a escala nacional como estatal, las mujeres tienen muy pocas oportunidades de empleo formal, concentradas en ciertos sectores manufactureros tradicionalmente femeninos, como los de alimentos, tabaco, confección, hilado y textil.
Use and Acceptance of AAC Systems by Children with Angelman Syndrome
Authors: Calculator Stephen N. 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundThis investigation of children with Angelman syndrome (AS) examined reported uses of electronic augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices (i.e. VOCAs), including speech generating devices, in relation to other aided and unaided methods of communication.Materials and MethodA total of 122 parents of children with AS, mostly from the USA self‐administered a survey over the Internet. Qualitative methods based primarily on thematic analysis were used to organize and examine data.ResultsChildren relied heavily on unaided methods of communication such as natural gestures, regardless of their experiences with electronic communication devices. Parents cited various reasons for children's acceptance or rejection of their most advanced devices.DiscussionClinical implications are discussed in relation to children's needs for multimodal methods of communication, including accurately matching children's capabilities to AAC device characteristics. Practitioners are encouraged to consider reasons that parents cited for children's acceptance versus rejection of devices when implementing AAC programs.
New‐Generation Drug‐Eluting Stents: Focus on Xience V® Everolimus‐Eluting Stent and Resolute® Zotarolimus‐Eluting Stent
Authors: VAN DYCK CHRISTOPHE J. , HOYMANS VICKY Y. , HAINE STEVEN , VRINTS CHRISTIAAN J. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractCompared to bare metal stent angioplasty, first‐generation drug‐eluting stents (DES) have markedly reduced the incidence of in‐stent restenosis. However, given the increased concerns over late and very late stent thrombosis, newer‐generation DES were developed. To date, these DES have virtually replaced the use of first‐generation DES worldwide. In this review article, we carefully consider the pre‐clinical and clinical trials that have been performed with currently available, european conformity‐marked and Food and Drug Administration–approved new‐generation Resolute® and Xience V® DES. (J Interven Cardiol 2013;26:278–286)
Synaptic dysfunction in human immunodeficiency virus type‐1‐positive subjects: inflammation or impaired neuronal plasticity?
Authors: Avdoshina V. , Bachis A. , Mocchetti I. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractMany people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus type‐1 (HIV) exhibit mild or severe neurological problems, termed HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND), even when receiving antiretroviral therapy. Thus, novel adjunctive therapies must be developed to overcome the neurotoxic effect of HIV. New therapies require a better understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of HIV‐induced neurotoxicity and the risk factors that, besides inflammation and T‐cell depletion and drugs of abuse, render the central nervous system (CNS) a target of HIV‐induced neurotoxicity. HIV appears to impair neuronal plasticity, which refers to the innate ability of the CNS respond to injury and promote recovery of function. The availability of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a potent neurotrophic factor that is present in abundance in the adult brain, is essential for neuronal plasticity. BDNF acts through a receptor system composed of Trk and p75NTR. Here, we present experimental evidence that some of the clinical features of HIV‐mediated neurological impairment could result from altered BDNF/TrkB/p75NTR regulation and function.
Does Language Affect Personality Perception? A Functional Approach to Testing the Whorfian Hypothesis
Authors: Chen Sylvia Xiaohua , Benet‐Martínez Verónica , Ng Jacky C. K. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractWhether language shapes cognition has long been a controversial issue. The present research adopts a functional approach to examining the effects of language use on personality perception and dialectical thinking. We propose that language use activates corresponding cultural mindsets, which in turn influence social perception, thinking, and behavior. Four studies recruited Chinese‐English bilinguals (N = 129 in Study 1, 229 in Study 2, 68 in Study 3, 106 in Study 4) and used within‐subjects and between‐subjects design, written and behavioral reports, and self‐ and other perceptions. The four studies converged to show that Chinese‐English bilinguals exhibit higher dialectical thinking and more variations in self‐ and observer ratings of personality when using the Chinese language than when using English. Furthermore, dialectical thinking predicted more self‐ and other‐perceived variations in personality and behavior across bilingual contexts. These results highlight the important role of culture in understanding the relations between language and cognition, and attest to the malleability of personality perception and dialectical thinking within and across individuals in response to culture‐related linguistic cues.
Sesamol prevents doxorubicin-induced oxidative damage and toxicity on H9c2 cardiomyoblasts
Authors: Nayak Pawan G , Paul Piya , Bansal Punit , Kutty Nampurath Gopalan , Pai Karkala Sreedhara Ranganath 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Objectives
Exposure to toxicants like doxorubicin (Dox) damages cellular components by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). This can be attenuated using free radical scavengers and/or antioxidants.

Methods
Dox-exposed cardiac myoblasts (H9c2 cells) were treated with sesamol (12.5, 25 and 50 μm), a natural phenolic compound. Intracellular ROS inhibition, cell viability and analysis of antioxidant and biochemical markers such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, reduced/oxidized glutathione, lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl content were performed. The effect of sesamol treatment on the cytotoxic and genotoxic parameters was studied by monitoring the signalling proteins involved in the apoptotic pathway.

Key findings
Dox triggered cellular and genetic damage by increasing levels of intracellular ROS, thereby decreasing cell viability and increasing apoptosis. Sesamol reversed the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of Dox. In addition, sesamol attenuated the pro-apoptotic proteins and improved the anti-apoptotic status. Sesamol pre-treatment also alleviated the disturbed antioxidant milieu by preventing ROS production and improving endogenous enzyme levels.

Conclusions
Among the different doses tested, 50 μm of sesamol showed maximum protection against Dox-induced oxidative damage. This reflects the significance of sesamol in ameliorating the deleterious effects associated with cancer chemotherapy.
Nutrient enrichment increased species richness of leaf litter fungal assemblages in a tropical forest
Authors: Kerekes Jennifer , Kaspari Michael , Stevenson Bradley , Nilsson R. Henrik , Hartmann Martin , Amend Anthony , Bruns Thomas D. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractMicrobial communities play a major role in terrestrial ecosystem functioning, but the determinates of their diversity and functional interactions are not well known. In this study, we explored leaf litter fungal diversity in a diverse Panama lowland tropical forest in which a replicated factorialN,P,Kand micronutrient fertilization experiment of 40 × 40 m plots had been ongoing for nine years. We extractedDNAfrom leaf litter samples and used fungal‐specific amplification and a 454 pyrosequencing approach to sequence two loci, the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the nuclear ribosomal large subunit (LSU)D1 region. Using a 95% sequence similarity threshold forITS1 spacer recovered a total of 2523 OTUs, and the number of uniqueITS1OTUs per 0.5–1.0 g leaf litter sample ranged from 55 to 177.Ascomycotawere the dominant phylum among the leaf litter fungi (71% of theOTUs), followed byBasidiomycota(26% of theOTUs). In contrast to our expectations based on temperate ecosystems, long‐term addition of nutrients increased, rather than decreased, species richness relative to controls. Effect of individual nutrients was more subtle and seen primarily as changes in community compositions especially at lower taxonomic levels, rather than as significant changes in species richness. For example, plots receiving P tended to show a greater similarity in community composition compared to the other nutrient treatments, the +PK, +NKand +NPKplots appeared to be more dominated by theNectriaceaethan other treatments, and indicator species for particular nutrient combinations were identified.
Architecture and assembly of the Gram‐positive cell wall
Authors: Beeby Morgan , Gumbart James C. , Roux Benoît , Jensen Grant J. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryThe bacterial cell wall is a mesh polymer of peptidoglycan – linear glycan strands cross‐linked by flexible peptides – that determines cell shape and provides physical protection. While the glycan strands in thin ‘Gram‐negative’ peptidoglycan are known to run circumferentially around the cell, the architecture of the thicker ‘Gram‐positive’ form remains unclear. Using electron cryotomography, here we show that Bacillus subtilis peptidoglycan is a uniformly dense layer with a textured surface. We further show it rips circumferentially, curls and thickens at free edges, and extends longitudinally when denatured. Molecular dynamics simulations show that only atomic models based on the circumferential topology recapitulate the observed curling and thickening, in support of an ‘inside‐to‐outside’ assembly process. We conclude that instead of being perpendicular to the cell surface or wrapped in coiled cables (two alternative models), the glycan strands in Gram‐positive cell walls run circumferentially around the cell just as they do in Gram‐negative cells. Together with providing insights into the architecture of the ultimate determinant of cell shape, this study is important because Gram‐positive peptidoglycan is an antibiotic target crucial to the viability of several important rod‐shaped pathogens including Bacillus anthracis, Listeria monocytogenes, and Clostridium difficile.
Seeking the Pathos of God in a Secular Age: Theological Reflections on Mystical Experience in the Twentieth Century
Authors: Bingemer Maria Clara 
Published: April 2013

AbstractOur current context is a “moving” and unstable one. We are facing not only a time of change, but what Pope Benedict XVI terms “an epochal change.” The impact of this transformation upon religion is unmistakable. In this article I reflect on one aspect of this impact: the one that affects and transforms the experience of God, also called mystical experience. I explore the concept of experience, trying to give a more precise idea of what we understand by mystical experience. I then reflect on the importance of mystical biographies and narratives to theology, including the particular characteristics that emerge when this narrative is about the mystical experiences of twentieth‐century people of faith. I present the specific “case” of Dorothy Day as an exemplification of mystical experience. I conclude with several reflections about how human beings find the way towards God in our secular.
Derivation and validation of a prediction score for acute kidney injury in patients hospitalized with acute heart failure in a Chinese cohort
Authors: Wang Yin‐na , Cheng Hong , Yue Tong , Chen Yi‐pu 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAimsAcute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication among patients hospitalized for acute heart failure (AHF), and is associated with increased mortality. The goal of this study was to derive and validate a prediction score for AKI in AHF patients.MethodsThe hospital medical records of 1709 patients with AHF were reviewed. AKI was defined as an increase in serum creatinine (SCr) of ≥26.4 μmol/L or ≥50% within 48 h. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was undertaken to develop a new prediction score. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the Hosmer‐Lemeshow goodness‐of‐fit statistic test were calculated to assess the discrimination and calibration of the prediction score, respectively.ResultsAcute kidney injury developed in 32.2% of patients with AHF. Factors independently associated with the risk of AKI included: ≥70 years of age, ≥3 previous hospital admissions for AHF, systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg, serum sodium <130 mmol/L, heart functional class IV, proteinuria, SCr ≥104 μmol/L and intravenous furosemide dose ≥80 mg/day. A prediction score for AKI was derived based on the β coefficients of each risk factor. Patients with ≥8 points would be considered at high risk for development of AKI (55.1% incidence vs 18% in those with <8 points, P < 0.001). Both the derived and validated datasets showed adequate discrimination (area under ROC curve was 0.76 in both datasets) and calibration (Hosmer‐Lemeshow statistic test, P = 0.98 and 0.13, respectively).ConclusionThe newly derived and validated clinical prediction score may effectively predict AKI in the patients hospitalized with AHF.
Jasmonate signalling: a copycat of auxin signalling?
Authors: PÉREZ A. CUÉLLAR , GOOSSENS A. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractPlant hormones regulate almost all aspects of plant growth and development. The past decade has provided breakthrough discoveries in phytohormone sensing and signal transduction, and highlighted the striking mechanistic similarities between the auxin and jasmonate (JA) signalling pathways. Perception of auxin and JA involves the formation of co‐receptor complexes in which hormone‐specific E3‐ubiquitin ligases of the SKP1‐Cullin‐F‐box protein (SCF) type interact with specific repressor proteins. Across the plant kingdom, the Aux/IAA and the JASMONATE‐ZIM DOMAIN (JAZ) proteins correspond to the auxin‐ and JA‐specific repressors, respectively. In the absence of the hormones, these repressors form a complex with transcription factors (TFs) specific for both pathways. They also recruit several proteins, among which the general co‐repressor TOPLESS, and thereby prevent the TFs from activating gene expression. The hormone‐mediated interaction between the SCF and the repressors targets the latter for 26S proteasome‐mediated degradation, which, in turn, releases the TFs to allow modulating hormone‐dependent gene expression. In this review, we describe the similarities and differences in the auxin and JA signalling cascades with respect to the protein families and the protein domains involved in the formation of the pathway‐specific complexes.
Identification of MAIN, a factor involved in genome stability in the meristems of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Wenig Ulrich , Meyer Stefan , Stadler Ruth , Fischer Simon , Werner Dagmar , Lauter Anja , Melzer Michael , Hoth Stefan , Weingartner Magdalena , Sauer Norbert 
Published: April 2013

SummaryStem cells in the root and shoot apical meristem provide the descendant cells required for growth and development throughout the lifecycle of a plant. We found that mutations in the Arabidopsis MAINTENANCE OF MERISTEMS (MAIN) gene led to plants with distorted stem cell niches in which stem cells are not maintained and undergo premature differentiation or cell death. The malfunction of main meristems leads to short roots, mis‐shaped leaves, reduced fertility and partial fasciation of stems. MAIN encodes a nuclear‐localized protein and is a member of a so far uncharacterized plant‐specific gene family. As main mutant plants are hypersensitive to DNA‐damaging agents, expression of genes involved in DNA repair is induced and dead cells with damaged DNA accumulate in the mutant meristems, we propose that MAIN is required for meristem maintenance by sustaining genome integrity in stem cells and their descendants cells.