bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phosphoinositide 3-kinase p85beta regulates invadopodium formation
Authors: Cariaga-Martínez Ariel E. , Cortés Isabel , García Esther , Pérez-García Vicente , Pajares María J. , Idoate Miguel A. , Redondo-Muñóz Javier , Antón Inés M. , Carrera Ana C. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT
The acquisition of invasiveness is characteristic of tumor progression. Numerous genetic changes are associated with metastasis, but the mechanism by which a cell becomes invasive remains unclear. Expression of p85β, a regulatory subunit of phosphoinositide-3-kinase, markedly increases in advanced carcinoma, but its mode of action is unknown. We postulated that p85β might facilitate cell invasion. We show that p85β localized at cell adhesions in complex with focal adhesion kinase and enhanced stability and maturation of cell adhesions. In addition, p85β induced development at cell adhesions of an F-actin core that extended several microns into the cell z-axis resembling the skeleton of invadopodia. p85β lead to F-actin polymerization at cell adhesions by recruiting active Cdc42/Rac at these structures. In accordance with p85β function in invadopodium-like formation, p85β levels increased in metastatic melanoma and p85β depletion reduced invadopodium formation and invasion. These results show that p85β enhances invasion by inducing cell adhesion development into invadopodia-like structures explaining the metastatic potential of tumors with increased p85β levels.
Effect of smoking in patients with Crohn's disease
Authors: van Vugt-van Pinxteren MWJ , Jong DJ de 
Published: September 2014

Aim To examine the effects of current smoking status on disease characteristics in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). Method CD patients were asked to fill in a questionnaire about their smoking habits. Their disease characteristics were obtained from medical records. Results The questionnaires were sent to 614 CD patients, and 263 completed the questionnaire. Of them, 252 were included in the statistical analysis. Compared to respondents who never smoked, current smokers had a trend toward the use of more tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-inhibitors, being diagnosed with fistulas, and undergoing bowel surgery more often. Eighty-percent of current smokers were willing to quit smoking. Conclusion The authors found significant differences in the development of fistulas and having bowel surgery in smokers compared with patients who stopped smoking. No differences were found in the use of TNF-inhibitors. Moreover, the proportion of patients willing to quit smoking was high. Therefore, programmes supporting patients to quit smoking may be advocated.
Research roundup: September 2014
Authors: Greener Mark 
Published: September 2014

In brief ▪ Statins appear to reduce the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, but not colon cancer ▪ Study finds increased risk of breast cancer from some newer contraceptive pills ▪ Use of inhaled corticosteroids suppresses growth during the year after children start regular treatment ▪ Regular or as-needed paracetamol does not speed up recovery from acute low-back pain ▪ Funding for research into antibiotic resistance is inadequate in the UK
Parkinson's disease: a guide for care staff
Authors: Walsh Kieran , Bennett Gerry 
Published: September 2014

Parkinson's disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder of the nervous system. It is caused by a deficiency of the neurotransmitter dopamine in a region of the brain called the substantia nigra. This lack of dopamine is responsible for the clinical presentation of Parkinson's disease and is the rationale for drug treatment. The disease can cause a profound deterioration in a patients health and quality of life as well as severe social and financial problems. Mortality is two to five times as high among affected persons as among age-matched controls, resulting in a marked decrease in life expectancy (Morens et al, 1996).
Laboratory medicine in the European Union
Authors: Oosterhuis Wytze P. , Zerah Simone 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe profession of laboratory medicine differs between countries within the European Union (EU) in many respects. The objective of professional organizations of the promotion of mutual recognition of specialists within the EU is closely related to the free movement of people. This policy translates to equivalence of standards and harmonization of the training curriculum. The aim of the present study is the description of the organization and practice of laboratory medicine within the countries that constitute the EU. A questionnaire covering many aspects of the profession was sent to delegates of the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) and Union Européenne de Médecins Spécialistes (UEMS) of the 28 EU countries. Results were sent to the delegates for confirmation. Many differences between countries were identified: predominantly medical or scientific professionals; a broad or limited professional field of interest; inclusion of patient treatment; formal or absent recognition; a regulated or absent formal training program; general or minor application of a quality system based on ISO Norms. The harmonization of the postgraduate training of both clinical chemists and of laboratory physicians has been a goal for many years. Differences in the organization of the laboratory professions still exist in the respective countries which all have a long historical development with their own rationality. It is an important challenge to harmonize our profession, and difficult choices will need to be made. Recent developments with respect to the directive on Recognition of Professional Qualifications call for new initiatives to harmonize laboratory medicine both across national borders, and across the borders of scientific and medical professions.
A Piecewise Solution to the Reconfiguration Problem by a Minimal Spanning Tree Algorithm
Authors: Ramirez Juan M. , Montoya Diana P. 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
This paper proposes a minimal spanning tree (MST) algorithm to solve the networks’ reconfiguration problem in radial distribution systems (RDS). The paper focuses on power losses’ reduction by selecting the best radial configuration. The reconfiguration problem is a non-differentiable and highly combinatorial optimization problem. The proposed methodology is a deterministic Kruskal’s algorithm based on graph theory, which is appropriate for this application generating only a feasible radial topology. The proposed MST algorithm has been tested on an actual RDS, which has been split into subsystems.
The effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Cannabis Sativa on appetite hormone in rat
Authors: Mazidi Mohsen , Baghban Taraghdari Sara , Rezaee Peyman , Kamgar Maryam , Jomezadeh Mohammad Reza , Akbarieh Hasani Omid , Soukhtanloo Mohammad , Hosseini Mahmoud , Gholamnezhad Zahra , Rakhshandeh Hassan , Norouzy Abdolreza , Esmaily Habibollah , Patterson Michael , Nematy Mohsen 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

Background: Ghrelin is an orexigenic peptide which is secreted from stomach. Cannabis sativa is known as an orexigenic herb in Iranian traditional medicine. Little evidence is published about its effect on energy intake and its mechanism. In the current study, the possible effect of hydroalcoholic extract of C. sativa on appetite and ghrelin is evaluated.

Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups. Two control groups were selected, the first group received 0.5 mL water per day (vehicle group) and another group did not receive anything (control group). The other three groups were treated daily with 50, 100 or 150 mg/kg of C. sativa for 7 days, respectively. Daily energy intake of the rats was calculated for 10 days prior to the> intervention and for the 7 day intervention. To investigate changes in plasma ghrelin as a potential mechanism, an orexigenic dose (150 mg/kg) of C. sativa or distilled water (vehicle) was fed to two separate groups of six rats by gavage. Total ghrelin levels in plasma were measured for 3 h post-gavage.

Results: There was no significant difference in energy intake between control and vehicle groups. Treatment with 100 and 150 mg/kg of the extract significantly increased energy intake vs the other groups (p<0.05). Total ghrelin levels were significantly elevated in the C. sativa group vs vehicle 30 and 60 min post-gavage.

Conclusions: This study showed that C. sativa had both positive and dose-related effects on appetite of rats. Future studies are warranted to evaluate the orexigenic effect of this plant in human.
Analysis of Different Harmonic and Intermodulation Distortions for CATV Systems
Authors: Singh Sandeep , Kamaljit Singh Bhatia , Anurag Sharma , Kaur Harsimrat 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIn this paper, after examining all the basic design issues of CATV systems, prominent distortions like harmonic and intermodulation distortions are taken into account for different order. Besides outer distortions for CATV sources, inner distortion of relative intensity to noise is disabled for current analysis.
Towards an Analytical Model of Military Effectiveness for the Early Modern Period: the Military Dynamics of the 1715 Jacobite Rebellion
Authors: Szechi Daniel 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Early modern European rebellions have long been of interest to military historians, yet, with the exception of the 1745 rebellion led by Charles Edward Stuart, the military history of the Jacobite rebellions against the English/British state is little known outside the Anglophone world. Likewise, though there have been many analyses of particular rebellions no analytical model of rebel military capabilities has hitherto been proposed, and thus meaningful comparisons between early modern rebellions located in different regions and different eras has been difficult. This article accordingly offers an analysis of the military effectiveness of the Jacobite rebels in 1715-16 structured by a model adapted from the ›Military Effectiveness‹ framework first advanced by Allan Millett and Williamson Murray. This is with a view to stimulating military-historical interest in Jacobite rebellions other than the ’45, and promoting more systematic discussion of the military effectiveness of early modern European rebel armies.
Nitric oxide synthase in hypoxic or ischemic brain injury
Authors: Liu Haiting , Li Jiao , Zhao Fengyan , Wang Huiqing , Qu Yi , Mu Dezhi 
Published: September 2014

AbstractHypoxic or ischemic stress causes many serious brain injuries, including stroke and neonatal hypoxia ischemia encephalopathy. During brain hypoxia ischemia processes, nitric oxide (NO) may play either a neurotoxic or a neuroprotective role, depending upon factors such as the NO synthase (NOS) isoform, the cell type by which NO is produced, and the temporal stage after the onset of the hypoxic ischemic brain injury. Excessive NO production can be neurotoxic, leading to cascade reactions of excitotoxicity, inflammation, apoptosis, and deteriorating primary brain injury. In contrast, NO produced by endothelial NOS plays a neuroprotective role by maintaining cerebral blood flow and preventing neuronal injury, as well as inhibiting platelet and leukocyte adhesion. Sometimes, NO-derived inducible NOS and neuronal NOS in special areas may also play neuroprotective roles. Therefore, this review summarizes the different roles and the regulation of the three NOS isoforms in hypoxic or ischemic brain injury as revealed in research in recent years, focusing on the neurotoxic role of the three NOS isoforms involved in mechanisms of hypoxic or ischemic brain injury.
Shigella flexneri targets the HP1γ subcode through the phosphothreonine lyase OspF
Authors: Harouz Habiba , Rachez Christophe , Meijer Benoit M , Marteyn Benoit , Donnadieu Françoise , Cammas Florence , Muchardt Christian , Sansonetti Philippe , Arbibe Laurence 
Published: September 2014

AbstractHP1 proteins are transcriptional regulators that, like histones, are targets for post‐translational modifications defining an HP1‐mediated subcode. HP1γ has multiple phosphorylation sites, including serine 83 (S83) that marks it to sites of active transcription. In a guinea pig model for Shigella enterocolitis, we observed that the defective type III secretion mxiD Shigella flexneri strain caused more HP1γ phosphorylation in the colon than the wild‐type strain. Shigella interferes with HP1 phosphorylation by injecting the phospholyase OspF. This effector interacts with HP1γ and alters its phosphorylation at S83 by inactivating ERK and consequently MSK1, a downstream kinase. MSK1 that here arises as a novel HP1γ kinase, phosphorylates HP1γ at S83 in the context of an MSK1‐HP1γ complex, and thereby favors its accumulation on its target genes. Genome‐wide transcriptome analysis reveals that this mechanism is linked to up‐regulation of proliferative gene and fine‐tuning of immune gene expression. Thus, in addition to histones, bacteria control host transcription by modulating the activity of HP1 proteins, with potential implications in transcriptional reprogramming at the mucosal barrier.
Genetic Interactions Between Shox2 and Hox Genes During the Regional Growth and Development of the Mouse Limb
Authors: Neufeld Stanley J , Wang Fan , Cobb John 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
The growth and development of the vertebrate limb relies on homeobox genes of the Hox and Shox families, with their independent mutation often giving dose-dependent effects. Here we investigate whether Shox2 and Hox genes function together during mouse limb development by modulating their relative dosage and examining the limb for nonadditive effects on growth. Using double mRNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in single embryos, we first show that Shox2 and Hox genes have associated spatial expression dynamics, with Shox2 expression restricted to the proximal limb along with Hoxd9 and Hoxa11 expression, juxtaposing the distal expression of Hoxa13 and Hoxd13. By generating mice with all possible dosage combinations of mutant Shox2 alleles and HoxA/D cluster deletions, we then show that their coordinated proximal limb expression is critical to generate normally proportioned limb segments. These epistatic interactions tune limb length, where Shox2 underexpression enhances, and Shox2 overexpression suppresses, Hox-mutant phenotypes. Disruption of either Shox2 or Hox genes leads to a similar reduction in Runx2 expression in the developing humerus, suggesting their concerted action drives cartilage maturation during normal development. While we furthermore provide evidence that Hox gene function influences Shox2 expression, this regulation is limited in extent and is unlikely on its own to be a major explanation for their genetic interaction. Given the similar effect of human SHOX mutations on regional limb growth, Shox and Hox genes may generally function as genetic interaction partners during the growth and development of the proximal vertebrate limb.
Msh4 and Msh5 Function in SC-Independent Chiasma Formation During the Streamlined Meiosis ofTetrahymena
Authors: Shodhan Anura , Lukaszewicz Agnieszka , Novatchkova Maria , Loidl Josef 
Published: September 2014

AbstractZMM proteins have been defined in budding yeast as factors that are collectively involved in the formation of interfering crossovers (COs) and synaptonemal complexes (SCs), and they are a hallmark of the predominant meiotic recombination pathway of most organisms. In addition to this so-called class I CO pathway, a minority of crossovers are formed by a class II pathway, which involves the Mus81-Mms4 endonuclease complex. This is the only CO pathway in the SC-less meiosis of the fission yeast. ZMM proteins (including SC components) were always found to be co-occurring and hence have been regarded as functionally linked. Like the fission yeast, the protist Tetrahymena thermophila does not possess a SC, and its COs are dependent on Mus81-Mms4. Here we show that the ZMM proteins Msh4 and Msh5 are required for normal chiasma formation, and we propose that they have a pro-CO function outside a canonical class I pathway in Tetrahymena. Thus, the two-pathway model is not tenable as a general rule.
Bacterial Prevalence and Antimicrobial Prescribing Trends for Acute Respiratory Tract Infections
Authors: Kronman Matthew P. , Zhou Chuan , Mangione-Smith Rita 
Published: September 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Antimicrobials are frequently prescribed for acute respiratory tract infections (ARTI), although many are viral. We aimed to determine bacterial prevalence rates for 5 common childhood ARTI - acute otitis media (AOM), sinusitis, bronchitis, upper respiratory tract infection, and pharyngitis- and to compare these rates to nationally representative antimicrobial prescription rates for these ARTI.

METHODS:
We performed (1) a meta-analysis of English language pediatric studies published between 2000 and 2011 in Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane library to determine ARTI bacterial prevalence rates; and (2) a retrospective cohort analysis of children age &lt;18 years evaluated in ambulatory clinics sampled by the 2000–2010 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) to determine estimated US ARTI antimicrobial prescribing rates.

RESULTS:
From the meta-analysis, the AOM bacterial prevalence was 64.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 50.5%–77.7%); Streptococcus pyogenes prevalence during pharyngitis was 20.2% (95% CI, 15.9%–25.2%). No URI or bronchitis studies met inclusion criteria, and 1 sinusitis study met inclusion criteria, identifying bacteria in 78% of subjects. Based on these condition-specific bacterial prevalence rates, the expected antimicrobial rescribing rate for ARTI overall was 27.4% (95% CI, 26.5%–28.3%). However, antimicrobial agents were prescribed in NAMCS during 56.9% (95% CI, 50.8%–63.1%) of ARTI encounters, representing an estimated 11.4 million potentially preventable antimicrobial prescriptions annually.

CONCLUSIONS:
An estimated 27.4% of US children who have ARTI have bacterial illness in the post-pneumococcal conjugate vaccine era. Antimicrobials are prescribed almost twice as often as expected during outpatient ARTI visits, representing an important target for ongoing antimicrobial stewardship interventions.
Physiological Response of In Vitro Cultured MAGNOLIASP. to Nutrient Medium Composition
Authors: S. Sokolov Rossen , Y. Atanassova Bistra , T. Iakimova Elena 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess the regeneration response of in vitro cultured Magnolia × soulangeana ‘Alexandrina’ and Magnolia liliiflora ‘Nigra’ to nutrient medium composition. In the primary culture (initiated from dormant axillary buds) combinations of Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal salts with 6-benzylaminopurine and α-naphthaleneacetic acid were tested. The primary explants of cv. ‘Alexandrina’ expressed higher regeneration rate than cv. ‘Nigra’. For both species, the regen eration was most strongly potentiated at addition of 0.25 mg dm−3 of the cytokinin alone. The auxin exerted undesir–able effects. Several basal salts media were applied in proliferation stage and their physiological effects were evaluated in reference to traditionally used MS. At culturing on Chée & Pool C2d Vitis Medium (VM) that is for the first time introduced to magnolia and on MS, M. liliiflora formed more but less elongated shoots than M. soulangeana. However, on VM, substantial increase (25-30%) of the number of axillary shoots and leaves, shoot length and fresh and dry weights over MS was established for both species. This suggested VM as promising composition of nutrients in multiplication stage. Microshoots obtained on MS, VM, Rugini Olive Medium and DKW Juglans Medium were successfully rooted in vitro and subsequently established ex vitro. The findings expand the information on magnolia response to culture conditions and contribute to elaboration of innovative elements of protocols for establishing tissue cultures with high regeneration capacity.
The Influence of Laser Beam and Auxins on Rooting of Leatherleaf Viburnum (VIBURNUM RHYTIDOPHYIIUM Hemsl.) Cuttings
Authors: Szajsner Hanna , Bąbelewski Przemysław 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
The aim of this work is to compare the effect of three- and sixfold irradiation with a semiconductor laser beams of 200 mW power and wavelength equal to 670 nm and the rooting agent on the percentage and quality of rooted cuttings of leatherleaf viburnum. The most effective for root number and root length was threefold irradiation and for fresh root weight threefold irradiation applied together with the rooting agent.
Validation of the Analytical Method for the Determination of Flavonoids in Broccoli
Authors: Tuszyńska Magdalena 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
A simple, accurate and selective HPLC method was developed and validated for determination of quercetin and kaempferol, which are the main flavonols in broccoli. The separation was achieved on a reversed-phase C18 column using a mobile phase composed of methanol/water (60/40) and phosphoric acid 0.2% at a flow rate of 1.0 ml min-1. The detection was carried out on a DAD detector at 370 nm. This method was validated according to the requirements for new methods, which include selectivity, linearity, precision, accuracy, limit of detection and limit of quantitation. The current method demonstrates good linearity, with R2 > 0.99. The recovery is within 98.07-102.15% and 97.92-101.83% for quercetin and kaempferol, respectively. The method is selective, in that quercetin and kaempferol are well separated from other compounds of broccoli with good resolution. The low limit of detection and limit of quantitation of quercetin and kaempferol enable the detection and quantitation of these flavonoids in broccoli at low con–centrations.
Beta oscillations and their functional role in movement perception
Authors: Pavlidou Anastasia , Schnitzler Alfons , Lange Joachim 
Published: September 2014

AbstractNeuronal oscillations refer to periodic changes of neuronal activity. A prominent neuronal oscillation, especially in sensorimotor areas, is the beta-frequency-band (∼ 13–29 Hz). Sensorimotor beta oscillations are predominantly linked to motor-related functions such as preparation and/or execution of movements. In addition, beta oscillations have been suggested to play a role in long-range communication between multiple brain areas. In this review, we assess different studies that show that sensorimotor beta oscillations are additionally involved in the visual perception and imagery of biological movements. We propose that sensorimotor beta oscillations reflect a mechanism of attempted matching to internally stored representations of movements. We additionally, provide evidence that beta oscillations play a role for the integration of visual and sensorimotor areas to a functional network that incorporates perceptual components at specific spatial-temporal profiles and transmits information across different areas.