bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma using network-based bioinformatics methods
Authors: Zhang Lingyan , Guo Ying , Li Bibo , Qu Juan , Zang Chunbao , Li Fang , Wang Ying , Pang Hua , Li Shaolin , Liu Qingjun 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. Despite several efforts to elucidate molecular mechanisms involved in this cancer, they are still not fully understood.

Methods
To acquire further insights into the molecular mechanisms of HCC, and to identify biomarkers for early diagnosis of HCC, we downloaded the gene expression profile on HCC with non-cancerous liver controls from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and analyzed these data using a combined bioinformatics approach.

Results
The dysregulated pathways and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, including hub nodes that distinguished HCCs from non-cancerous liver controls, were identified. In total, 29 phenotype-related differentially expressed genes were included in the PPI network. Hierarchical clustering showed that the gene expression profile of these 29 genes was able to differentiate HCC samples from non-cancerous liver samples. Among these genes, CDC2 (Cell division control protein 2 homolo g), MMP 2 (matrix metalloproteinase-2) and DCN (Decorin were the hub nodes in the PPI network.

Conclusions
This study provides a portfolio of targets useful for future investigation. However, experimental studies should be conducted to verify our findings.
Identification of harmful cyanobacteria in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and Clear Lake, California by DNA barcoding
Authors: Kurobe Tomofumi , Baxa Dolores V , Mioni Cécile E , Kudela Raphael M , Smythe Thomas R , Waller Scott , Chapman Andrew D , Teh Swee J 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Accurate identification of cyanobacteria using traditional morphological taxonomy is challenging due to the magnitude of phenotypic plasticity among natural algal assemblages. In this study, molecular approach was utilized to facilitate the accurate identification of cyanobacteria in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and in Clear Lake in Northern California where recurring blooms have been observed over the past decades. Algal samples were collected from both water bodies in 2011 and the samples containing diverse cyanobacteria as identified by morphological taxonomy were chosen for the molecular analysis. The 16S ribosomal RNA genes (16S rDNA) and the adjacent internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions were amplified by PCR from the mixed algal samples using cyanobacteria generic primers. The obtained sequences were analyzed by similarity search (BLASTN) and phylogenetic analysis (16S rDNA) to differentiate species sharing significantly similar sequences. A total of 185 plasmid clones were obtained of which 77 were successfully identified to the species level: Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, Dolichospermum lemmermannii (taxonomic synonym: Anabaena lemmermannii), Limnoraphis robusta (taxonomic synonym: Lyngbya hieronymusii f. robusta) and Microcystis aeruginosa. To date, Dolichospermum and Limnoraphis found in Clear Lake have only been identified to the genus lavel by microscopy. During the course of this study, morphological identification and DNA barcoding confirmed A. flos-aquae as the predominant cyanobacterium in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta indicating a shift from M. aeruginosa that have dominated the blooms in the past decade. Lastly, the species-specific identification of Limnoraphis robusta in Clear Lake is another significant finding as this cyanobacterium has, thus far, only been reported in Lake Atitlan blooms in Guatemala.
Perceptions of dental professionals and laypeople to altered dental esthetics in cases with congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisors
Authors: Rosa Marco , Olimpo Alessia , Fastuca Rosamaria , Caprioglio Alberto 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
The smile perception of patients is not strictly related to standardized protocols and technical implications which certainly affect clinicians' decisions. The absence of maxillary lateral incisors could affect smile esthetics either with treatment or not. The aim of the present study was to investigate if different perceptions on altered smiles due to missing maxillary lateral incisors, with or without treatment, exist among different groups of people (laypersons, adult orthodontic patients, general dentists, and orthodontists).

Methods
An ideal smile model was selected and altered simulating different malocclusions and treatment options. Twelve simulations were submitted to four categories of respondents: laypeople, adult orthodontic patients, general dentists and orthodontists. They were asked to express smile perception for each simulation by ranking and rating simulations using a 0 to 100 visual analog scale. Analysis of variance was used to determine if there were statistically significant differences in values assigned among the four categories of respondents for each simulation.

Results
Significant differences in smile perceptions were found between professionals (dentists and orthodontists) and laypeople. Presence of dental tipping and marked diastema in the arch were disharmonious aspects less tolerated in a smile by all categories of evaluators. Simulations associated with space closure orthodontic treatment were ranked as the most attractive smile and significantly ranked higher by dental professionals than patients and laypeople.

Conclusions
Treatment, absence of diastema, and symmetry were the most accepted characteristics by all categories of respondents. Ideal orthodontic treatment options might be overestimated by clinicians when compared to laypeople's smile perception.
Analysis of the characteristics of slot design affecting resistance to sliding during active archwire configurations
Authors: Nucera Riccardo , Giudice Antonino Lo , Matarese Giovanni , Artemisia Alessandro , Bramanti Ennio , Crupi Paolo , Cordasco Giancarlo 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
During orthodontic treatment, a low resistance to slide (RS) is desirable when sliding mechanics are used. Many studies showed that several variables affect the RS at the bracket-wire interface; among these, the design of the bracket slot has not been deeply investigated yet. This study aimed to clarify the effect of different slot designs on the RS expressed by five types of low-friction brackets in vertical and horizontal active configurations of the wire.

Methods
Five low-friction brackets (Damon SL II, Ormco, Orange, CA, USA; In-Ovation, GAC International, Bohemia, NY, USA; Quick, Forestadent, Pforzheim, Germany; Time 2, AO, Sheboygan, WI, USA; Synergy, RMO, Denver, CO, USA) coupled with an 0.014-in NiTi thermal wire (Therma-Lite, AO) were tested in two three-bracket experimental models simulating vertical and horizontal bracket displacements. A custom-made machine was used to measure frictional resistance with tests repeated on ten occasions for each bracket-wire combination. Design characteristics such as the mesio-distal slot width, slot depth, and presence of chamfered edges at the extremities of the slot were evaluated on SEM images (SUPRA, Carl Zeiss, Oberkochen, Germany) and analyzed in relation to the data of RS recorded.

Results
Time 2 was found to show the higher frictional forces (1.50 and 1.35 N) in both experimental models (p < 0.05), while Quick and Synergy brackets showed the lower frictional values in the vertical (0.66 N) and in the horizontal (0.68 N) bracket displacements, respectively. With vertically displaced brackets, the increased mesio-distal slot width and the presence of clear angle at mesial and distal slot edges increase the values of RS. With brackets horizontally displaced, the RS expressed by the wire is influenced simultaneously by the depth of the slot, the mesio-distal slot width, and the presence of clear angle at the extremities of the slot base, the clip, or the slide.

Conclusion
In order to select the proper low-friction bracket system, clinicians should consider specific characteristics of slot design apart from the wire engaging method.
Epidemiology of critically ill patients in intensive care units: a population-based observational study
Authors: Garland Allan , Olafson Kendiss , Ramsey Clare D , Yogendran Marina , Fransoo Randall 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Epidemiologic assessment of critically ill people in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) is needed to ensure the health care system can meet current and future needs. However, few such studies have been published.

Methods
Population-based analysis of all adult ICU care in the Canadian province of Manitoba, 1999 to 2007, using administrative data. We calculated age-adjusted rates and trends of ICU care, overall and subdivided by age, sex and income.

Results
In 2007, Manitoba had a population of 1.2 million, 118 ICU beds in 21 ICUs, for 9.8 beds per 100,000 population. Approximately 0.72% of men and 0.47% of women were admitted to ICUs yearly. The age-adjusted, male:female rate ratio was 1.75 (95% CI 1.64 to 1.88). Mean age was 64.5 ± 16.4 years. Rates rose rapidly after age 40, peaked at age 75 to 80, and declined for the oldest age groups. Rates were higher among residents of lower income areas, for example declining from 7.9 to 4.4 per 100,000 population from the poorest to the wealthiest income quintiles (p <0.0001). Rates of ICU admission slowly declined over time, while cumulative yearly ICU bed-days slowly rose; changes were age-dependent, with faster declines in admission rates with older age. There was a high rate of recidivism; 16% of ICU patients had received ICU care previously.

Conclusions
These temporal trends in ICU admission rates and cumulative bed-days used have significant implications for health system planning. The differences by age, sex and socioeconomic status, and the high rate of recidivism require further research to clarify their causes, and to devise strategies for reducing critical illness in high-risk groups.
CD8+ dendritic cell-mediated tolerance of autoreactive CD4+ T cells is deficient in NOD mice and can be corrected by blocking CD40L
Authors: Price Jeffrey D , Beauchamp Nicole M , Rahir Gwendoline , Zhao Yongge , Rieger Cosima C , Lau-Kilby Annie W , Tarbell Kristin V 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTDCs are important mediators of peripheral tolerance for the prevention of autoimmunity. Chimeric αDEC-205 antibodies with attached antigens allow in vivo antigen-specific stimulation of T cells by CD8+ DCs, resulting in tolerance in nonautoimmune mice. However, it is not clear whether DC-mediated tolerance induction occurs in the context of ongoing autoimmunity. We assessed the role of CD8+ DCs in stimulation of autoreactive CD4+ T cells in the NOD mouse model of type 1 diabetes. Targeting of antigen to CD8+ DCs via αDEC-205 led to proliferation and expansion of β-cell specific BDC2.5 T cells. These T cells also produced IL-2 and IFN-γ and did not up-regulate FoxP3, consistent with an activated rather than tolerant phenotype. Similarly, endogenous BDC peptide-reactive T cells, identified with I-Ag7 tetramers, did not become tolerant after antigen delivery via αDEC-205: no deletion or Treg induction was observed. We observed that CD8+ DCs from NOD mice expressed higher surface levels of CD40 than CD8+ DCs from C57BL/6 mice. Blockade of CD40–CD40L interactions reduced the number of BDC2.5 T cells remaining in mice, 10 days after antigen targeting to CD8 DCs, and blocked IFN-γ production by BDC2.5 T cells. These data indicate that the ability of autoreactive CD4+ T cells to undergo tolerance mediated by CD8+ DCs is defective in NOD mice and that blocking CD40–CD40L interactions can restore tolerance induction.
Differential role of all-transretinoic acid in promoting the development of CD4+ and CD8+ regulatory T cells
Authors: Ma Jilin , Liu Ya , Li Yang , Gu Jian , Liu Justin , Tang Jiayou , Wang Julie , Ryffel Bernhard , Shen Yi , Brand David , Liu Zhongmin , Zheng Song Guo 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTIt is known that ATRA promotes the development of TGF-β-induced CD4+Foxp3+ iTregs, which play a vital role in the prevention of autoimmune diseases; however, the role of ATRA in facilitating the differentiation and function of CD8+Foxp3+ iTregs remains elusive. Using a head-to-head comparison, we found that ATRA promoted expression of Foxp3 and development of CD4+ iTregs, but it did not promote Foxp3 expression on CD8+ cells. Using a standard in vitro assay, we demonstrated that CD8+ iTregs induced by TGF-β and ATRA were not superior to CD8+ iTregs induced by TGF-β alone. In cGVHD, in a typical lupus syndrome model where DBA2 spleen cells were transferred to DBA2xC57BL/6 F1 mice, we observed that both CD8+ iTregs induced by TGF-β and ATRA and those induced by TGF-β alone had similar therapeutic effects. ATRA did not boost but, conversely, impaired the differentiation and function of human CD8+ iTregs. CD8+ cells expressed the ATRA receptor RAR and responded to ATRA, similar to CD4+ cells. We have identified the differential role of ATRA in promoting Foxp3+ Tregs in CD4+ and CD8+ cell populations. These results will help to determine a protocol for developing different Treg cell populations and may provide novel insights into clinical cell therapy for patients with autoimmune diseases and those needing organ transplantation.
Compulsion in the community: mental health professionals' views and experiences of CTOs
Authors: Coyle Delphine , Macpherson Rob , Foy Chris , Molodynski Andrew , Biju Maya , Hayes Joseph 
Published: October 2013

Aims and methodWe surveyed the views and experiences of all mental health professionals in adult community mental health teams and approved mental health professionals in 2Gether and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trusts, regarding the use of community treatment orders (CTOs).ResultsA total of 288 surveys were completed (response rate 48%). Forty-eight (83%) psychiatrists and 142 (67%) non-psychiatrist mental health professionals were in favour of CTOs. The decision-making regarding CTOs was overwhelmingly clinically oriented for all professional groups. However, there were significant differences in views between groups regarding the effects of bureaucracy, the infringement of human rights and coercion.Clinical implicationsMultidisciplinary team involvement is crucial in decisions regarding CTOs and may protect against idiosyncratic or unhelpful practice. Further training for staff is urgently required and there may be a case for creating small local reference groups that can develop expertise and provide advice and support for clinical teams.
The Impact of Depot GnRH Agonist on AMH Levels in Healthy Reproductive-Aged Women
Authors: Su H. Irene , Maas Kevin , Sluss Patrick M. , Chang R. Jeffrey , Hall Janet E. , Joffe Hadine 
Published: October 2013

Context:
GnRH agonists (GnRHa) are being used experimentally in an attempt to preserve fertility in young female cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) produced by ovarian granulosa cells may serve as a marker of ovarian reserve, but it is not clear whether this marker is useful during GnRHa treatment.

Objective:
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a depot GnRHa on AMH levels.

Design:
Depot leuprolide (3.75 mg) was administered in the midluteal phase (MLP) in healthy women. Assessments of AMH, FSH, LH, estradiol, and progesterone were performed in the early follicular phase (EFP) and MLP before GnRHa treatment and approximately 7, 14, and 30 days after GnRHa administration.

Setting:
The study was conducted in a university research center.

Patients:
Participants were 33 healthy, premenopausal women aged 18 to 45 years old with regular menses.

Results:
EFP and MLP AMH levels were similar before GnRHa administration. Relative to MLP AMH levels, AMH decreased 7 days after GnRHa administration by a median of 24% (P &lt; .001) and then increased above pretreatment levels 14 and 30 days after GnRHa by 13% and 32%, respectively (P &lt; .001). Changes in AMH levels did not correlate with changes in gonadotropins, estradiol, or progesterone.

Conclusions:
Significant changes in AMH levels occur in the first 4 weeks after depot leuprolide administration, suggesting that AMH may not be a reliable marker of ovarian reserve during this interval. Changes in AMH occurred independent of gonadotropin levels, supporting a direct effect of GnRHa on granulosa cell expression of AMH or an indirect effect of GnRHa on the development and/or dynamics of the follicle pool.
Corporate Governance In Transition Economies- Comparative Analysis Of Contemporary Corporate Governance Issues In Selected Of This Economies In South-Eastern Europe. The Albanian Case.
Authors: Dibra Rezart 
Published: October 2013

This article aims at introducing the main corporate governance mechanism’ influence on governance in South Eastern Europe (Western Balkans) transition economies: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia. The implementation of corporate governance in transition economies, where Albania is one of the countries that have implemented such corporate governance principles, require a suitable legal framework and relevant protection of minority shareholders. In 2008 the new law “On entrepreneurs and commercial companies”was enacted.The latter introduced new practices and concepts, some of them not familiar to the Albanian legal system. This paper discusses comparative insight on the most pressing issues of corporate governance in selected economies of South-East Europe (Western Balkans). It is widely accepted that both private sector and governments can benefit from identification of the most important determinants and implications of good corporate governance. Corporate governance systems have a common goal – protection of investor’s rights and transparency of the system in which transactions take place. However, it is also well recognized that systems of corporate governance in attempt to gain necessary level of harmonization and consistency rely heavily on contextual factors of specific economy. Specifically, the research covers corporate governance in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia.
Mitochondrial Defects And Their Role In Development Of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Kotrikadze Nanuli , Alibegashvili Manana , Ramishvili Liana , Gordeziani Manana , Chigogidze Nato , Chigogidze Teimuraz , Managadze Laurent , Managadze Laurent 
Published: October 2013

Introduction and Objectives: One of the characteristic changes of tumor formation is accumulation of genetic disorders in mitochondrial and nuclear genome. Mitochondrial disorders, from its side, are responsible for failure of metabolism, apoptosis, cell growth, formation of reactive oxygen species, etc. Overprpoduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) significantly impacts the respiration chain enzymes and entirely the antioxidant system of mitochondria. Finally this may become a favorable condition for normal cells transformation.The purpose of the presented work was to study the mitochondrial defects and to establish their role in prostate cancer development.Results: Experimental results demonstrate significant increase of the activity of mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenaze (complex II) of the malignant epithelial cells of prostate, and slight changes in cytochrome oxydase (complex IV) activity. Also significant activation of the antioxidant system (glutathione-dependant system) of mitochondria in prostate malignant epithelial cells was revealed.Conclusion: The above mentioned mitochondrial changes (II and IV complexes of respiration chain, activity of the antioxidant system) partially demonstrate the alterations in mitochondrial energy metabolism, which from its side, may indicate to resistance of prostate cancer cells and correspondingly to intensification of proliferation processes.
Understanding Minimalist Film Music: The Case of Man on Wire
Authors: Siôn Pwyll Ap 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
This article sets out to analyse the use of pre-existing minimalist music in film and media by looking at the film documentary Man on Wire. The application of pre-existing music in film has been the subject of recent studies by Stilwell and Powrie (2006), Citron (2011) and Vincent (2011), but the focus has been more on the analysis of pre-existing Classical or pop music than minimalist or post-minimalist styles. During the 1980s and 1990s Michael Nyman’s music was frequently used in a variety of contexts by film directors such as Peter Greenaway and Michael Winterbottom, but James Marsh’s recent Oscar-winning film documentary on the extraordinary life of tightrope walker Philip Petit (which culminated in his walk across the towers of the World Trade Centre in 1974) is the first to draw exhaustively on pre-existing pieces by Nyman. This article contextualises Nyman’s music, and by extension, the minimalist genre in general, by comparing multiple functions of the same music from a variety of films, ranging from The Draughtsman’s Contract, A Zed and Two Noughts, Drowning by Numbers and The Libertine.
How colonization factors are linked to outbreaks of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: the roles of SasX and ACME
Authors: Otto Michael 
Published: October 2013

AbstractMethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is the most frequent cause of hospital-associated morbidity and mortality. One reason why MRSA has remained a serious threat to public health is that new clones of MRSA constantly keep re-emerging. These new clones are better adapted to thrive in the hospital environment or even the community than their predecessors because they have developed increased and diversified antibiotic resistance and/or enhanced virulence. In addition, non-symptomatic colonization has been identified as a risk factor for subsequent MRSA infection; therefore, acquisition of factors promoting colonization has gained increased attention regarding the surge of MRSA outbreak clones. Two specific genes or genetic loci, namely sasX and the arginine catabolic mobile element (ACME), could recently be linked to the epidemiological success of MRSA clones, supporting the notion that colonization factors play a crucial role in MRSA outbreaks. SasX is a surface protein that enhances nasal colonization. ACME contains an arc arginine deiminase gene cluster promoting the survival of MRSA in the acidic skin environment, in addition to a polyamine resistance gene that deals with the increased production of toxic polyamines by the host that is prompted by arc. Notably, a better understanding of MRSA colonization on the molecular level may lead to eradication strategies based on vaccination or bacterial interference, with great promise to decrease MRSA infection rates.