bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Altered expression of noncanonical Wnt pathway genes in paediatric and adult adrenocortical tumours
Authors: Mermejo Livia M. , Leal Leticia F. , Colli Leandro M. , Fragoso Maria C.B.V. , Latronico Ana C. , Tone Luiz G. , Scrideli Carlos A. , Tucci Silvio , Martinelli Carlos E. , Yunes Jose A. , Mastellaro Maria J. , Seidinger Ana L. , Brandalise Silvia R. , Moreira Ayrton C. , Ramalho Leandra N. , Antonini Sonir R. , Castro Margaret 
Published: April 2014

SummaryContextThe role of planar cell polarity (Wnt/PCP) and calcium‐dependent (Wnt/Ca) noncanonical Wnt pathways in adrenocortical tumours (ACTs) is unknown.ObjectivesTo investigate the gene expression of Wnt/PCP and Wnt/Ca pathways and its association with TP53 p.R337H and CTNNB1 mutations in paediatric and adult ACTs and to correlate these findings with clinical outcome.PatientsExpression of noncanonical Wnt‐related genes was evaluated in 91 ACTs (66 children and 25 adults) by qPCR and the expression of beta‐catenin, P53 and protein effectors of Wnt/Ca (NFAT) and Wnt/PCP (JNK) by immunohistochemistry. TP53 and CTNNB1 genes were sequenced.ResultsTP53 p.R337H mutation frequency was higher in children (86% vs 28%), while CTNNB1 mutation was higher in adults (32% vs 6%). Mortality was higher in adults harbouring TP53 p.R337H and in children with CTNNB1 mutations. Overexpression of WNT5A, Wnt/Ca ligand, was observed in children and adults. Overexpression of MAPK8 and underexpression of PRICKLE, Wnt/PCP mediators, were observed in paediatric but not in adult cases. Cytoplasmic/nuclear beta‐catenin and P53 accumulation was observed in the majority of paediatric and adult ACTs as well as NFAT and JNK. Overexpression of MAPK8 and underexpression of PRICKLE were associated with mortality in children, while overexpression of WNT5A and underexpression of PRICKLE were associated with mortality in adults.ConclusionsIn our study, TP53 p.R337H and CTNNB1 mutations correlated with poor prognosis in adults and children, respectively. We demonstrate, for the first time, the activation of Wnt/PCP and Wnt/Ca noncanonical pathway genes, and their association with poor outcome in children and adults, suggesting their putative involvement in ACTs aggressiveness.
An exploratory study of family‐centred help‐giving practices in early intervention: families of young children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Coogle Christan Grygas , Hanline Mary Frances 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe purpose of this exploratory qualitative study was to investigate the early intervention (EI) experiences of mothers who have a young child at risk for autism spectrum disorder. Data were collected through observations, interviews and document analyses. Results of the study suggest (i) interpersonal skills of practitioners and provisions for family choice and collaboration lead to positive experiences for mothers; (ii) asset‐based attitudes lead to family progress and competence; (iii) effective partnerships are developed through supportive provider communication techniques; and (iv) satisfaction with EI services results from practitioner responsiveness to help families access resources and facilitate child development.
Demanding to Be Seen and Heard: Latino Immigrant Organizing and the Defense of Human Rights in Houston
Authors: KOVIC CHRISTINE 
Published: April 2014

AbstractLatino migrants in Houston mobilize in myriad ways to defend their rights in the current context of increased enforcement and restrictive laws. Through an exploration of the mobilization strategies of Living Hope Wheelchair Association, an organization of Latino migrants with spinal cord injuries, this article considers the ways this organization reframes migration as an issue of human rights and social justice rather than one of criminalization. It explores Living Hope's demands for rights as its members are excluded from the nation and the city based on immigration status, ethnicity, and physical disability as well as the ways the association's claims for rights addresses the profoundly unequal relationships between the United States and Latin American nations.
Patients with osteoporosis have higher incidence of sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Kahveci O.K. , Demirdal U.S. , Yücedag F. , Cerci U. 
Published: April 2014

ObjectiveOsteoporosis is a common metabolic disorder that causes progressive changes in bone structure. Metabolic changes and possible degeneration of middle ear ossicles or the cochlear capsule may cause hearing loss in patients with osteoporosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hearing function and otolaryngologic symptoms of patients with osteoporosis.MethodsOne hundred patients with osteoporosis, 50 osteopenic patients and 25 healthy controls were evaluated prospectively. Bone mineral density (BMD) of patients was measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Otorhinolaryngologic examinations were performed on all patients together with an otologic symptoms survey, pure tone audiometry, word recognition test and distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE).ResultsPatients with osteoporosis showed higher incidence of sensorineural type of hearing loss (SNHL). Mean pure tone audiometry findings of the patients and controls were significantly different in 500–8000 Hz frequencies (P < 0.01 for 500–2000 Hz, P < 0.05 for 4000–8000 Hz). Distortion product otoacoustic emission results of patients with osteoporosis at 6 kHz were significantly lower than controls and osteopenic patients (P < 0.05). Tinnitus complaints were remarkably higher in patients with osteoporosis (P < 0.01). No correlation was found between BMD scores and hearing levels.ConclusionThe data show that osteoporosis may be associated with SNHL. Cochlear dysfunction may play role in this hearing loss.
Piloting a Nationally Disseminated, Interactive Human Subjects Protection Program for Community Partners: Unexpected Lessons Learned from the Field
Authors: Solomon Stephanie , Bullock Sherita , Calhoun Karen , Crosby Lori , Eakin Brenda , Franco Zeno , Hardwick Emily , Leinberger‐Jabari Andrea , Newton Gail , Odell Jere , Paberzs Adam , Spellecy Ryan 
Published: April 2014

AbstractFunders, institutions, and research organizations are increasingly recognizing the need for human subjects protections training programs for those engaged in academic research. Current programs tend to be online and directed toward an audience of academic researchers. Research teams now include many nonacademic members, such as community partners, who are less likely to respond to either the method or the content of current online trainings. A team at the CTSA‐supported Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research at the University of Michigan developed a pilot human subjects protection training program for community partners that is both locally implemented and adaptable to local contexts, yet nationally consistent and deliverable from a central administrative source. Here, the developers of the program and the collaborators who participated in the pilot across the United States describe 10 important lessons learned that align with four major themes: The distribution of the program, the implementation of the program, the involvement of community engagement in the program, and finally lessons regarding the content of the program. These lessons are relevant to anyone who anticipates developing or improving a training program that is developed in a central location and intended for local implementation.
Ivermectin sensitivity is an ancient trait affecting all ecdysozoa but shows phylogenetic clustering among sepsid flies
Authors: Puniamoorthy Nalini , Schäfer Martin A. , Römbke Jörg , Meier Rudolf , Blanckenhorn Wolf U. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAvermectins are potent and popular veterinary pharmaceuticals used globally to fight parasites of livestock and humans. By disturbing ion channel transport through the membrane, avermectins are effective against endo‐ and ectoparasitic round and horsehair worms (Nematoida), insects, or ticks (Arthropoda), but not against Plathelminthes, including flatworms (Trematoda) and tapeworms (Cestoda), or segmented worms (Annelida). Unfortunately, excreted avermectins have strong nontarget effects on beneficial arthropods such as the insect community decomposing livestock dung, ultimately impeding this important ecosystem function to the extent that regulators mandate standardized eco‐toxicological tests of dung organisms worldwide. We show that the ancient phylogenetic pattern and qualitative mechanism of avermectin sensitivity is conserved and compatible with most recent phylogenomic hypotheses grouping the Nematoida with the Arthropoda as Ecdysozoa (molting animals). At the species level, we demonstrate phylogenetic clustering in ivermectin sensitivities of 23 species of sepsid dung flies (Diptera: Sepsidae). This clustered 500‐fold quantitative variation in sensitivity may indicate recent lineage‐specific responses to selection, but more likely reflects pre‐existing genetic variation with pleiotropic effects on eco‐toxicological responses to pollutants. Regardless, our results question the common practice in eco‐toxicology of choosing single test species to infer detrimental effects on entire species communities, which should ideally assess a representative taxonomic sample.
The coexistence of an equal amount of Alzheimer's amyloid‐β 40 and 42 forms structurally stable and toxic oligomers through a distinct pathway
Authors: Chang Yu‐Jen , Chen Yun‐Ru 
Published: April 2014

Fibrillar amyloid‐β (Aβ) is the major constituent of senile plaques in the brain of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aβ is a short peptide generated from amyloid precursor protein with two main isoforms, Aβ40 and Aβ42, with the latter having two additional hydrophobic residues at the C‐terminus. The two isoforms have distinct characteristics, in which Aβ42 plays a more pathogenic role. Some early‐onset familial AD cases possess an elevated Aβ42/Aβ40 level, and biochemical studies show the two species interact with each other. Therefore, understanding structural conversion in the aggregation of mixed Aβ isoforms is essential for elucidating AD pathogenesis. Here, we systematically examined the differences between Aβ42, Aβ40 and various Aβ42/Aβ40 mixtures by monitoring the fibrillization kinetics, epitope changes, assembly, morphology and induced cytotoxicity. We found that the minor Aβ species in different mixing ratios modulated the major aggregation pathway. Size exclusion chromatography, circular dichroism spectroscopy and photo‐crosslinking assay showed that soluble Aβ42 oligomers were stabilized after Aβ40 addition, and the equimolar Aβ42/Aβ40 mixture rapidly formed spherical oligomers. These oligomers were the most toxic among those examined as evidenced by neurite degeneration and neuronal toxicity. However, the oligomers were not responsible for intracellular calcium elevation. Overall, our results demonstrated that differently mixed Aβ species repartitioned oligomer intermediates on the major aggregation pathway. Furthermore, the equimolar mixture rapidly formed structurally stable and the most toxic oligomers. These results provided information on the potential pathological mechanisms underlying the elevated Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio in familial AD patients and in the local environment of sporadic AD brains.Structured digital abstract

Abeta40 and Abeta42 bind by fluorescence technology (View interaction); by filter binding (View interaction); by electron microscopy (View interaction); by molecular sieving (View interaction) and by cross-linking study (View interaction)

Abeta42 and Abeta42 bind by fluorescence technology (View interaction); by filter binding (View interaction); by electron microscopy (View interaction); by molecular sieving (View interaction) and by cross-linking study (View interaction)

Abeta40 and Abeta40 bind by fluorescence technology (View interaction); by filter binding (View interaction); by electron microscopy (View interaction); by molecular sieving (View interaction) and by cross-linking study (View interaction)
Safe switching from a pdFIX (Immunine®) to a rFIX (Bax326)
Authors: Solano Trujillo M. H. , Stasyshyn O. , Rusen L. , Serban M. , Lamas J. L. , Perina F. G. , Urasinski T. , Oh M. , Knowlton W. B. , Valenta‐Singer B. , Pavlova B. G. , Abbuehl B. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryThe ability to switch between coagulation factors safely is of common interest to haemophilia patients and treating physicians. This is the first formal prospective comparative evaluation of safety, efficacy and incremental recovery of a plasma‐derived FIX (pdFIX) and a recombinant FIX (rFIX) in the same haemophilia B patients following a switch from pdFIX Immunine® to a recently developed rFIX Bax326 product. Patients (aged <65 years) who completed a pretreatment study which prospectively documented the exposure to Immunine® and monitored FIX inhibitors while receiving prophylactic treatment were transitioned into pivotal (patients aged 12–65 years) and paediatric (patients aged <12 years) clinical studies investigating prophylaxis and treatment of bleeding episodes with Bax326. None of the 44 patients developed inhibitory or specific binding anti‐FIX antibodies during the course of the studies. A total of 38 unrelated adverse events (AEs) were occurred in 20/44 (45.5%) subjects during the Immunine® study. Following a switch to Bax326, 51 AEs were reported in 25/44 (56.8%) subjects. The incidence of AEs related to Bax326 treatment (two episodes of dysgeusia in one patient) was low (2.3%); there were no serious adverse reactions. The comparison between Immunine® and Bax326 demonstrated analogous haemostatic characteristics and annualized bleeding rates. Overall, there is direct evidence indicating a safe and clinically effective transition from a pdFIX (Immunine®) to a newly developed rFIX (Bax3261) for prophylaxis and treatment of bleeding in previously treated patients of all age cohorts with severe or moderately severe haemophilia B.
Hepatitis B virus surface antigen and anti‐hepatitis C virus rapid tests underestimate hepatitis prevalence among HIV‐infected patients
Authors: Hønge BL , Jespersen S , Medina C , Té DS , da Silva ZJ , Østergaard L , Laursen AL , Wejse C , Krarup H , Erikstrup C ,   Bissau HIV cohort study group
Published: April 2014

ObjectivesIn the case of coinfection with HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) and/or hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatic disease progression is often accelerated, with higher rates of liver cirrhosis and liver‐related mortality. We aimed to evaluate the performance of the rapid tests used routinely to detect HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti‐HCV among HIV‐infected patients in Guinea‐Bissau.MethodsBlood samples from HIV‐infected patients in Guinea‐Bissau were stored after testing for HBsAg and anti‐HCV with rapid tests. Samples were subsequently re‐tested for HBsAg and anti‐HCV in Denmark.ResultsTwo rapid tests were used in Guinea‐Bissau: HBsAg Strip Ref 2034 (VEDA.LAB, Alençon, France; sensitivity 62.3%; specificity 99.2%) and HEPA‐SCAN (Bhat Bio‐Tech, Bangalore, India; sensitivity 57.1%; specificity 99.7%). In the two tests the ability to obtain the correct outcome depended on the antigen and antibody concentrations, respectively. Sex, age, CD4 cell count and antiretroviral therapy status did not differ between false negative and true positive samples in either of the tests. The study is limited by a low number of anti‐HCV positive samples.ConclusionsNew diagnostic rapid tests should always be evaluated in the setting in which they will be used before implementation.
Enhanced Piezoelectric and Dielectric Responses in 92.5%(Bi0.5Na0.5) TiO3 ‐7.5%BaTiO3 Ceramics
Authors: Anthoniappen J. , Lin C.‐H. , Tu C. S. , Chen P.‐Y. , Chen C.‐S. , Chiu S.‐J. , Lee H.‐Y. , Wang S.‐F. , Hung C.‐M. 
Published: April 2014

Structure and piezoelectric coefficient (d33) of lead‐free 7.5% mole BaTiO3‐doped (Bi0.5Na0.5) TiO3 (BNT‐7.5%BT) polycrystalline piezoceramics have been characterized systematically as a function of poling electric (E) field. Dielectric permittivity and loss were also measured as functions of frequency and temperature. The piezoelectric coefficient d33 after poling at E = 35 kV/cm can reach d33~186 pC/N, which is the highest value reported among (1−x) BNT–xBT compositions. A prior poling E field can reduce rhomobherdal lattice distortion, and enhance tetragonal phase and polarization ordering, that contribute significantly to the rapid raise of d33 and lower depolarizing temperature (Td). The reduced dielectric permittivity for the poled sample is attributed to ordered state and the pinning of field‐induced nanodomain walls by the presence of oxygen vacancies.
Synthesis of Single‐Phase Gd‐Doped Ceria Nanopowders by Radio Frequency Thermal Plasma Treatment
Authors: Lee Mi‐Yeon , Song Min‐Kyung , Kim Jeong‐Soo , Seo Jun‐Ho , Kim Min‐Ho 
Published: April 2014

Gd‐doped ceria nanopowders were synthesized using Radio Frequency (RF) thermal plasma. The powders were prepared by ball‐milling Gd2O3 and CeO2 powders of several tens of μm in size at the cation ratio of 8:2 and 9:1. The prepared precursors were treated by RF thermal plasma at a plate power level of ~140 kVA, and then, small‐sized powders (~50 nm) were retrieved by filtration. Transmission Electron Microscopy, Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy, and Selected‐Area Electron‐Diffraction images of the as‐synthesized powders showed that Gd atoms were incorporated into the CeO2 particles. In addition, no crystalline peak for Gd2O3 appeared in the X‐ray diffraction patterns of the as‐synthesized powders, which is attributed to the solid solution of Gd3+ into the CeO2 lattices. Finally, Inductively Coupled Plasma‐Optical Emission Spectrometry analysis data revealed relatively small changes within 3 at.% in the cation composition between the ball milled powder mixtures and the nanoscale powders prepared from these mixtures.
Phase Structure and Property Evaluation of (Ba,Ca)(Ti,Sn)O3 Sintered with Li2CO3 Addition at Low Temperature
Authors: Zhao Lei , Zhang Bo‐Ping , Zhou Peng‐Fei , Zhao Xiao‐Kun , Zhu Li‐Feng 
Published: April 2014

A series of Li2CO3‐added (Ba0.95Ca0.05)(Ti0.90Sn0.10)O3 (BCTS) ceramics were prepared by normal sintering at a low temperature of 1300°C; Their microstructure and electrical property evaluation were investigated with special emphases on the effect of Li2CO3 addition. Adding Li2CO3 significantly improves the sinterability of BCTS ceramics, resulting in a reduced sintering temperature by more than 150°C. The coexistence of R and T phases is confirmed by the Raman spectrum at room temperature for all samples and at a temperature range from −80°C to 40°C for sample with 3% mol Li2CO3 addition. The specific ratio of R to T phase decreases with increasing temperature or Li2CO3 addition. A higher εr is observed in T phase compared to R phase in the studied BCTS system. Better properties with d33 = 485 pC/N, kp = 39%, and Qm = 191 were obtained for BCTS sample with 3% mol Li2CO3 addition, which is attributed to the increased grain size and density along with the variation in the specific ratio of R to T phase.
Initial Persistence With Antihypertensive Therapies Is Associated With Depression Treatment Persistence, But Not Depression
Authors: Schmittdiel Julie A. , Dyer Wendy , Uratsu Connie , Magid David J. , O'Connor Patrick J. , Beck Arne , Butler Melissa , Ho Michael P. , Vazquez‐Benitez Gabriela , Adams Alyce S. 
Published: April 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the presence of clinical depression and persistence to drug therapy treatment for depression with early nonpersistence to antihypertensive therapies in a large, diverse cohort of newly treated hypertension patients. Using a hypertension registry atKaiserPermanenteNorthernCalifornia, the authors conducted a retrospective cohort study of 44,167 adults (18 years and older) with hypertension who were new users of antihypertensive therapy in 2008. We used multivariate logistic regression analysis to model the relationships between the presence of clinical depression and early nonpersistence (defined as failing to refill the first prescription within 90 days after the end of the first fill days' supply) to antihypertensive therapies, controlling for sociodemographic and clinical risk factors. Within the group of 1484 patients who had evidence of clinical depression in the 12 months prior to the initiation of antihypertensive therapy, the authors examined the relationship between drug therapy treatment for depression and 6‐month persistence with antidepressant therapy with early nonpersistence with antihypertensive therapies. No association was found between the presence of clinical depression and early nonpersistence to antihypertensive therapies after adjustment for individual demographic and clinical characteristics and neighborhood‐level socioeconomic status. However, among the subset of 1484 patients with documented evidence of clinical depression in the 12 months prior to the initiation of antihypertensive therapy, being prescribed and persistence with antidepressant therapy was strongly associated with lower odds of early nonpersistence to antihypertensive medications (odds ratio,0.64;confidence interval, 0.42–0.96). In an integrated delivery system, the authors found that treatment for depression was associated with higher levels of antihypertensive persistence. Improving quality of depression care in patients with comorbid hypertension may be an important strategy in decreasingcardiovascular diseaserisk in these patients.
Retinoic acid reduces migration of human breast cancer cells: role of retinoic acid receptor beta
Authors: Flamini Marina Inés , Gauna Gisel Valeria , Sottile Mayra Lis , Nadin Beatriz Silvina , Sanchez Angel Matias , Vargas‐Roig Laura María 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBreast cancer is the most common malignancy in women and the appearance of distant metastases produces the death in 98% of cases. The retinoic acid receptor β (RARβ) is not expressed in 50% of invasive breast carcinoma compared with normal tissue and it has been associated with lymph node metastasis. Our hypothesis is that RARβ protein participates in the metastatic process. T47D and MCF7 breast cancer cell lines were used to perform viability assay, immunobloting, migration assays, RNA interference and immunofluorescence. Administration of retinoic acid (RA) in breast cancer cells induced RARβ gene expression that was greatest after 72 hrs with a concentration 1 μM. High concentrations of RA increased the expression of RARβ causing an inhibition of the 60% in cell migration and significantly decreased the expression of migration‐related proteins [moesin, c‐Src and focal adhesion kinase (FAK)]. The treatment with RARα and RARγ agonists did not affect the cell migration. On the contrary, the addition of the selective retinoid RARβ‐agonist (BMS453) significantly reduced cell migration comparable to RA inhibition. When RARβ gene silencing was performed, the RA failed to significantly inhibit migration and resulted ineffective to reduce moesin, c‐Src and FAK expressions. RARβ is necessary to inhibit migration induced by RA in breast cancer cells modulating the expression of proteins involved in cell migration.