bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fenofibrate induces apoptosis of triple-negative breast cancer cells via activation of NF-κB pathway
Authors: Li Ting , Zhang Qunling , Zhang Jian , Yang Gong , Shao Zhimin , Luo Jianmin , Fan Minhao , Ni Chen , Wu Zhenhua , Hu Xichun 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
There are a lot of unmet needs in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Fenofibrate, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α) agonist, has been used for decades to treat hypertriglyceridaemia and mixed dyslipidaemia. Recent studies show that it might have anti-tumor effects, however, the mechanism remains unclear. Here, we assessed the ability of fenofibrate to induce apoptosis of TNBC in vitro and in vivo and explored involved mechanisms.

Methods
MTT method was used to evaluate the anti-proliferation effect of fenofibrate, and invert microscope to observe the apoptotic morphological changes. The percentage of apoptotic cells and distribution ratios of cell cycle were determined by flow cytometric analysis. The related protein levels were measured by Western blot method. The changes of genes and pathways were detected by gene expression profiling. The tumor growth in vivo was assessed by MDA-MB-231 xenograft mouse model. Terminal deoxytransferase-catalyzed DNA nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay was employed to estimate the percentage of apoptotic cells in vivo. In order to evaluate the safety of fenofibrate, blood sampled from rat eyes was detected.

Results
We found that fenofibrate had anti-proliferation effects on breast cancer cell lines, of which the first five most sensitive ones were all TNBC cell lines. Its induction of apoptosis was independent on PPAR-α status with the highest apoptosis percentage of 41.8 ± 8.8%, and it occurred in a time- and dose-dependent manner accompanied by up-regulation of Bad, down-regulation of Bcl-xl, Survivin and activation of caspase-3. Interestingly, activation of NF-κB pathway played an important role in the induction of apoptosis by fenofibtate and the effect could be almost totally blocked by a NF-κB specific inhibitor, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC). In addition, fenofibrate led to cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase accompanied by down-regulation of Cyclin D1, Cdk4 and up-regulation of p21, p27/Kip1. In vivo, fenofibrate slowed down tumor growth and induced apoptosis with a good safety profile in the MDA-MB-231 xengograft mouse model.

Conclusions
It is concluded that fenofibrate induces apoptosis of TNBC via activation of NF-κB pathway in a PPAR-α independent way, and may serve as a novel therapeutic drug for TNBC therapy.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of homicide recidivism and Schizophrenia
Authors: Golenkov Andrei , Nielssen Olav , Large Matthew 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to estimate the proportion of homicide recidivists among population studies of homicide offenders with schizophrenia.

Methods
Systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies of homicide associated with schizophrenia conducted in defined populations and indexed in Medline, PsychINFO, or Embase between January 1960 and November 2013. Published data was supplemented with unpublished data about recidivism obtained by personal communication from the authors of published studies of homicide and schizophrenia. Random effects meta-analysis was used to calculate a pooled estimate of the proportion of homicide recidivists.

Results
Three studies reported that 4.3%, 4.5%, and 10.7% of homicide offenders with schizophrenia had committed an earlier homicide. Unpublished data were obtained from the authors of 11 studies of homicide in schizophrenia published in English between 1980 and 2013. The authors of 2 studies reported a single case of homicide recidivism and the authors of 9 studies reported no cases. The rates of homicide recidivism between studies were highly heterogeneous (I-square = 79). The pooled estimate of the proportion of homicide offenders with schizophrenia who had committed an earlier homicide was 2.3% (95% CI (Confidence Interval) 0.07% to 7.2%), a figure that was not reported in any individual study. The pooled proportion of homicide recidivists from published reports was more than ten times greater (8.6%, 95% CI 5.7%-12.9%) than the pooled proportion of homicide recidivists estimated from data provided by personal communication (0.06%, 95% CI 0.02% to 1.8%).

Conclusions
In most jurisdictions, homicide recidivism by people with schizophrenia is less common than published reports have suggested. The reasons for the variation in the rates of homicide recidivism between studies are unclear, although in most jurisdictions long-term secure treatment and supervision after release appears to be effective in preventing homicide recidivism. A prospective study conducted in a large population or in multiple jurisdictions over a long period of time might result in a more accurate estimate the risk of a second homicide by a person with schizophrenia.
New tools for evaluating LQAS survey designs
Authors: Hund Lauren 
Published: February 2014

AbstractLot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) surveys have become increasingly popular in global health care applications. Incorporating Bayesian ideas into LQAS survey design, such as using reasonable prior beliefs about the distribution of an indicator, can improve the selection of design parameters and decision rules. In this paper, a joint frequentist and Bayesian framework is proposed for evaluating LQAS classification accuracy and informing survey design parameters. Simple software tools are provided for calculating the positive and negative predictive value of a design with respect to an underlying coverage distribution and the selected design parameters. These tools are illustrated using a data example from two consecutive LQAS surveys measuring Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) preparation. Using the survey tools, the dependence of classification accuracy on benchmark selection and the width of the ‘grey region’ are clarified in the context of ORS preparation across seven supervision areas. Following the completion of an LQAS survey, estimation of the distribution of coverage across areas facilitates quantifying classification accuracy and can help guide intervention decisions.
ARA 290, a Peptide Derived from the Tertiary Structure of Erythropoietin, Produces Long-Term Relief of Neuropathic Pain Coupled with Suppression of the Spinal Microglia Response
Authors: Swartjes Maarten , van Velzen Monique , Niesters Marieke , Aarts Leon , Brines Michael , Dunne Ann , Cerami Anthony , Dahan Albert 
Published: February 2014

Background: Neuropathic pain is a difficult to treat disorder arising from central or peripheral nervous system lesions. The etiology of neuropathic pain consists of several overlapping pathways converging into an exaggerated pain state with symptoms such as allodynia and hyperalgesia. One of these pathways involves activation of spinal cord microglia and astrocytes, which drive and maintain the inflammatory response following the lesion. These cells are a potential target for drugs for neuropathic pain relief. In this current study, we investigated the dose-effect relationship of the tissue protective peptide ARA 290, derived from the tertiary structure of erythropoietin, on allodynia and concurrent spinal cord microglia and astrocytes. Results: Following a spared nerve injury in rats, vehicle or ARA290 (administered in either one of 4 doses: 3, 10, 30 and 60 μg/kg) was administered on days 1, 3, 6, 8 and 10. ARA290 exerted a dose-response effect by significantly reducing mechanical allodynia up to 20 weeks when compared to vehicle. The reduction of cold allodynia was significant up to 20 weeks for the doses 3, 10, 30 and 60 μg/kg when compared to vehicle. The effect 10 and 30 μg/kg ARA290 and vehicle on the microglia response (iba-1-immunoreactivity, iba-1-IR) and astrocyte reaction (GFAP-immunoreactivity, GFAP-IR) was investigated in animals surviving 2 (group 1) or 20 (group 2) weeks following lesion or sham surgery. In group 1, significant microglia reactivity was observed in the L5 segment of the spinal cord of animals treated with vehicle when compared to sham operated, while animals treated with 10 or 30 μg/kg did not show a increase. In group 2, a more widespread and increased microglia reactivity was observed for animals treated with 0 and 10 μg/kg when compared to sham operated animals, indicated by involvement of more spinal cord segments and higher iba-1-IR. Animals treated with 30 μg/kg did not show increased microglia reactivity. No difference in astrocyte reaction was observed. Conclusions: The erythropoietin-analogue ARA290 dose-dependently reduced allodynia coupled to suppression of the spinal microglia response, suggestive of a mechanistic link between ARA290-induced suppression of central inflammation and relief of neuropathic pain symptoms.
Comparing in-person and webinar delivery of an immunization quality improvement program: a process evaluation of the adolescent AFIX trial
Authors: Gilkey Melissa B , Moss Jennifer L , Roberts Alyssa J , Dayton Amanda M , Grimshaw Amy H , Brewer Noel T 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Immunization quality improvement programs are often limited by the cost and inconvenience associated with delivering face-to-face consultations to primary care providers. To investigate a more efficient mode of intervention delivery, we conducted a process evaluation that compared in-person consultations to those delivered via interactive webinar.

Methods
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Assessment, Feedback, Incentives, and eXchange (AFIX) Program is an immunization quality improvement program implemented in all 50 states. In 2011, we randomly assigned 61 high-volume primary care clinics in North Carolina to receive an in-person or webinar AFIX consultation focused on adolescent immunization. We used surveys of participating vaccine providers and expense tracking logs to evaluate delivery modes on participation, satisfaction, and cost. Clinics served 71,874 patients, ages 11 to 18.

Results
Clinics that received in-person and webinar consultations reported similar levels of participation on key programmatic activities with one exception: more webinar clinics reported improving documentation of previously administered, ‘historical’ vaccine doses. Both in-person and webinar clinics showed sustained improvement in confidence to use reminder/recall systems (both p < 0.05). Participants rated delivery modes equally highly on satisfaction measures such as convenience (mean = 4.6 of 5.0). Delivery cost per clinic was $152 for in-person consultations versus $100 for webinar consultations.

Conclusions
In-person and webinar delivery modes were both well received, but webinar AFIX consultations cost substantially less. Interactive webinar delivery shows promise for considerably extending the reach of immunization quality improvement programs.

Trial registration
Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01544764
How skilled immigration may improve economic equality
Authors: Kahanec Martin , Zimmermann Klaus F 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Mobile workers involve flows of labor and human capital and contribute to a moreefficient allocation of resources. However, migration also changes relative wages,alters the distribution of skills and affects equality in the receiving society. Thepaper suggests that skilled immigration promotes economic equality in advancedeconomies under standard conditions. This is discussed and theoretically derived in acore model, and empirically supported using unique data from the WIID database andOECD.

JEL codes

D33; E25; F22; J15; J61; O15
Maximum polyphyly: Multiple origins and delimitation with plesiomorphic characters require a new circumscription of Minuartia (Caryophyllaceae)
Authors: Dillenberger Markus S. , Kadereit Joachim W. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractMinuartia is one of the larger genera of Caryophyllaceae with about 175 species distributed mainly in the Northern Hemisphere. The taxonomy of the genus has been studied by several authors, resulting in the recognition of numerous infrageneric groups. Previous phylogenies of the Caryophyllaceae showed that Minuartia is polyphyletic, but included only a limited sample of the genus. We here provide a molecular phylogeny of Minuartia including all infrageneric groups recognized in the last revision of the genus. We reconstructed the phylogeny of the genus using DNA sequences of nrITS and plastid matK from 160 ingroup and 105 outgroup samples. The evolution of the morphological character relevant for the delimitation of Minuartia (three styles plus three capsule valves/teeth) was reconstructed. Minuartiahas been defined with a plesiomorphic character and is highly polyphyletic. All four subgenera fall into different lineages containing other genera of the family, and M. subg. Minuartia, as by far the largest subgenus, falls into seven clades, which together do not form a monophylum. These clades are closely related to several other genera, e.g., Sagina, Colobanthus and Scleranthus. In several cases taxonomic groups below subgeneric rank are monophyletic. The type of Minuartia, M. dichotoma, is part of a clade containing M. sect. Plurinerviae and sect. Minuartia. We propose to retain this clade as Minuartia s.str. and to transfer the other species of Minuartia to the genera Cherleria, Eremogone, Facchinia, Mcneillia, Minuartiella, Mononeuria, Pseudocherleria, Rhodalsine, Sabulina and Triplateia.
A molecular phylogeny reveals paraphyly of the large genus Eulophia (Orchidaceae): A case for the reinstatement of Orthochilus
Authors: Martos Florent , Johnson Steven D. , Peter Craig I. , Bytebier Benny 
Published: February 2014

AbstractPhylogenetic relationships were inferred for the African‐centred orchid subtribe Eulophiinae, which includes the large genus Eulophia and three closely related genera, Oeceoclades, Pteroglossaspis and Acrolophia. We sequenced one nuclear (ITS) and four chloroplast (rbcL, trnK‐matK, rpl32‐trnL, trnQ‐5′ rps16) markers for 86 samples, representing 58 species (62 taxa) and one outgroup. The combined sequence matrix had 6525 characters and was analysed using parsimony and Bayesian criteria. Our results show that Acrolophia and Oeceoclades are monophyletic but are nested in Eulophia as currently circumscribed, thus rendering it paraphyletic. We argue for retaining Acrolophia and Oeceoclades, and splitting Eulophia into two genera on the basis of evidence that each of these four clades is genetically and morphologically distinct. We propose to reinstate the genus name Orthochilus for one of the Eulophia clades and transfer 35 taxa, including those assigned to Pteroglossaspis, to Orthochilus. Thirty‐two of these are new combinations.
Neurological Examination in Small Animals
Authors: Paluš Viktor 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
This clinical review about the neurological examination in small animals describes the basics about the first steps of investigation when dealing with neurological patients. The knowledge of how to perform the neurological examination is important, however more important is how to correctly interpret these performed tests. A step-by-step approach is mandatory and examiners should master the order and the style of performing these tests. Neurological conditions can be sometimes very distressing for owners and for pets that might not be the most cooperating. The role of a veterinary surgeon, as a professional, is therefore to collect the most relevant history, to examine a patient in a professional manner and to give owners ad educated opinion about the further treatment and prognosis. However neurological examinations might look challenging for many. But it is only the clinical application of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology to an every-day situation for practicing veterinarians and it does not require any specific in-depth knowledge. This clinical review is aimed not only to provide the information on how to perform the neurological examination but it is also aimed to appeal on veterinarians to challenge their daily routine and to start practicing on neurologically normal patients. This is the best and only way to differentiate between the normal and abnormal in a real situation.
Effect of Ce2O3 and CaO/Al2O3 on the Phase, Melting Temperature and Viscosity of CaO-Al2O3-10 Mass% SiO2 Based Slags
Authors: Wu Chengchuan , Cheng Guoguang , Long Hu 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe melting temperature and viscosity of CaO-Al2O3-10 mass% SiO2 based slag system with various concentrations of Ce2O3 have been studied using the melting point detector and the rotating crucible viscometer. And X-ray diffraction analysis has been used for phase identification. The results show that cerium is stable in Ce3+ state existing mainly as CeAlO3 and Ce4.67(SiO4)3O phase in slags and CeAlO3 phase appears in green color. The melting temperature gently decreases with Ce2O3 additions in 1.57 of CaO/Al2O3. Moreover, the melting temperature increases first and then decreases with the increasing of CaO/Al2O3 from 1.17 to 1.52 at 4.47 mass% Ce2O3. In addition, at 1.57 of CaO/Al2O3, the viscosity increases at the beginning and then decreases with the increasing Ce2O3 content from 4.39 to 11.48 mass%. Furthermore, at 4.47 mass% Ce2O3, the viscosity decreases at the first and then increases with the increasing CaO/Al2O3 from 1.17 to 1.52. Meanwhile, from the slopes of the Arrhenius relationship for viscosity, the activation energy range of viscous flow is from 179.07 to 433.70 kJ/mol. On the basis of these results, slag composition of 45.64 mass% CaO-39.02 mass% Al2O3-10.73 mass% SiO2-3.83 mass% Ce2O3 is melting temperature of 1361 °C and viscosity of 0.398 Pa·s (1500 °C), which has superiority and is more suitable for the actual refining process.
Microstructural Evolution of Aluminum Alloy 2618 During Homogenization and Its Kinetic Analysis
Authors: Liu Tingting , Su Xuping , Liu Ya , Wu Changjun , Wang Jianhua 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe microstructure evolution of aluminum alloy 2618 and its homogenization kinetics were investigated by optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimeter. The results show that the main constituent phases in as-cast alloy 2618 are α–Al, Al9FeNi phase and non-equilibrium binary θ (Al2Cu) phase instead of typical S (Al2CuMg) phase. The θ phase was dissolved into α–Al gradually and the continuous dendritic-network structure was broken with the increase of homogenization temperature and time. DSC analysis shows that the overburnt and liquidus temperatures of as-cast alloy 2618 are 506.4 °C and 638.0 °C, respectively. After the alloy was homogenized at optimized temperature 500 °C for 16 h, the θ phase was completely dissolved in matrix. The size and morphology of Al9FeNi phase had little change, while the liquidus temperature shifted to 641 °C. The calculated homogenization time for alloy 2618 at 500 °C is 15 h, which is in accordance with that obtained in homogenization experiments.
A benchmark study of the Wigner Monte Carlo method
Authors: Sellier Jean Michel , Nedjalkov Mihail , Dimov Ivan , Selberherr Siegfried 
Published: February 2014

Abstract.
The Wigner equation is a promising full quantum model for the simulation
of nanodevices. It is also a challenging numerical problem. Two basic Monte Carlo
approaches to this model exist exploiting, in the time-dependent case,
the so-called particle affinity and, in the stationary case, integer
particle signs. In this paper we extend the second approach for time-dependent simulations and present a validation against a well-known
benchmark model, the Schrödinger equation. Excellent quantitative
agreement is demonstrated by the compared results despite the very
different numerical properties of the utilized stochastic and
deterministic approaches.
Characterisation of three novel CYP11B1 mutations in classic and non-classic 11β-hydroxylase deficiency
Authors: Polat Seher , Kulle Alexandra , Karaca Züleyha , Akkurt Ilker , Kurtoglu Selim , Kelestimur Fahrettin , Grötzinger Joachim , Holterhus Paul-Martin , Riepe Felix G 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundCongenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is one of the most common autosomal recessive inherited endocrine diseases. Steroid 11β-hydroxylase (P450c11) deficiency (11OHD) is the second most common form of CAH.AimThe aim of the study was to study the functional consequences of three novelCYP11B1gene mutations (p.His125Thrfs*8, p.Leu463_Leu464dup and p.Ser150Leu) detected in patients suffering from 11OHD and to correlate this data with the clinical phenotype.MethodsFunctional analyses were done by using a HEK293 cellin vitroexpression system comparing WT with mutant P450c11 activity. Mutant proteins were examinedin silicoto study their effect on the three-dimensional structure of the protein.ResultsTwo mutations (p.His125Thrfs*8 and p.Leu463_Leu464dup) detected in patients with classic 11OHD showed a complete loss of P450c11 activity. The mutation (p.Ser150Leu) detected in a patient with non-classic 11OHD showed partial functional impairment with 19% of WT activity.ConclusionFunctional mutation analysis enables the correlation of novelCYP11B1mutations to the classic and non-classic 11OHD phenotype respectively. Mutations causing a non-classic phenotype show typically partial impairment due to reduced maximum reaction velocity comparable with non-classic mutations in 21-hydroxylase deficiency. The increasing number of mutations associated with non-classic 11OHD illustrate that this disease should be considered as diagnosis in patients with otherwise unexplained hyperandrogenism.
Gender differences in GH response to GHRH+ARG in lipodystrophic patients with HIV: a key role for body fat distribution
Authors: Brigante Giulia , Diazzi Chiara , Ansaloni Anna , Zirilli Lucia , Orlando Gabriella , Guaraldi Giovanni , Rochira Vincenzo 
Published: February 2014

ObjectiveGender influence on GH secretion in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients is poorly known.Design and methodsTo determine the effect of gender, we compared GH response to GH-releasing hormone plus arginine (GHRH+Arg), and body composition in 103 men and 97 women with HIV and lipodystrophy. The main outcomes were IGF1, basal GH, GH peak and area under the curve (AUC) after GHRH+Arg, body composition, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT).ResultsMen had lower GH peak and AUC than women (P<0.001). Of the study population, 21% of women and 37% of men had biochemical GH deficiency (GHD; GH peak <7.5 μg/l). VAT-to-SAT ratio was higher in men than in women with GHD (P<0.05). Unlike women, VAT, SAT, and trunk fat were greater in men with GHD than in men without GHD. IGF1 was significantly lower in women with GHD than in women without GHD, but not in men. At univariate analysis, BMI, trunk fat mass, VAT, and total adipose tissue were associated with GH peak and AUC in both sexes (P<0.05). BMI was the most significant predictive factor of GH peak, and AUC at multiregression analysis. Overall, abdominal fat had a less pronounced effect on GH in females than in males.ConclusionsThese data demonstrate that GH response to GHRH+Arg is significantly lower in HIV-infected males than females, resulting in a higher percentage of GHD in men. Adipose tissue distribution more than fat massper seseems to account for GH gender differences and for the alteration of GH–IGF1 status in these patients.