bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphometric characterization of microglial phenotypes in human cerebral cortex
Authors: Torres-Platas Susana G , Comeau Samuel , Rachalski Adeline , Bo Gregory Dal , Cruceanu Cristiana , Turecki Gustavo , Giros Bruno , Mechawar Naguib 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundMicroglia can adopt different morphologies, ranging from a highly ramified to an amoeboid-like phenotype. Although morphological properties of microglia have been described in rodents, little is known about their fine features in humans. The aim of this study was to characterize the morphometric properties of human microglia in gray and white matter of dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), a region implicated in behavioral adaptation to neuroinflammation. These properties were compared to those of murine microglia in order to gain a better appreciation of the differences displayed by these cells across species.MethodsPostmortem dACC samples were analyzed from 11 individuals having died suddenly without any history of neuroinflammatory, neurodegenerative, nor psychiatric illness. Tissues were sectioned and immunostained for the macrophage marker Ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA1). Randomly selected IBA1-immunoreactive (IBA1-IR) cells displaying features corresponding to commonly accepted microglial phenotypes (ramified, primed, reactive, amoeboid) were reconstructed in 3D and all aspects of their morphologies quantified using theNeurolucidasoftware. The relative abundance of each morphological phenotype was also assessed. Furthermore, adult mouse brains were similarly immunostained, and IBA1-IR cells in cingulate cortex were compared to those scrutinized in human dACC.ResultsIn human cortical gray and white matter, all microglial phenotypes were observed in significant proportions. Compared to ramified, primed microglia presented an average 2.5 fold increase in cell body size, with almost no differences in branching patterns. When compared to the primed microglia, which projected an average of six primary processes, the reactive and amoeboid phenotypes displayed fewer processes and branching points, or no processes at all. In contrast, the majority of microglial cells in adult mouse cortex were highly ramified. This was also the case following a postmortem interval of 43 hours. Interestingly, the morphology of ramified microglia was strikingly similar between species.ConclusionsThis study provides fundamental information on the morphological features of microglia in the normal adult human cerebral cortex. These morphometric data will be useful for future studies of microglial morphology in various illnesses. Furthermore, this first direct comparison of human and mouse microglia reveals that these brain cells are morphologically similar across species, suggesting highly conserved functions.
HIV serostatus disclosure among people living with HIV/AIDS in Mwanza, Tanzania
Authors: Yonah Gladys , Fredrick Francis , Leyna Germana 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Disclosing HIV serostatus is important for HIV prevention and maintenance of health for people living with HIV their spouses and the community, it plays a role in the social relation which is critical in reducing HIV transmission. The process may have positive and negative effects to the HIV infected people who disclose their status. The present study was undertaken to describe HIV serostatus disclosure among HIV infected people attending care and treatment clinic at Sekou-Toure hospital in Mwanza, Tanzania.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was carried out on 270 HIV infected adults attending Care and Treatment Clinic (CTC) at Sekou-Toure hospital between September and October, 2010. A Swahili questionnaire was used to obtain demographic and HIV disclosure information.

Results
Hundred and ninety five (72.5%) of all recruited participants were females, 88.1% (238/270) were aged above 30 years and 44.1% (119/270) were married. The prevalence of serostatus disclosure was 93.3% (252/270) with participants aged above 30 years having significantly higher proportion of serostatus disclosure compared to those aged below 30 years (94.5% vs. 84.4%, p < 0.05). Among the participants who disclosed their status, 69.3% reported closeness to the disclosed person as the reason for disclosure while 25.8% (65/252) disclosed because they needed help. Two hundred (79.4%) reported to have received emotional support following disclosure while 25.8% and 29.7% received financial support and freedom to use their anti-retroviral drugs around the person they disclosed their status respectively. Thirty four participants reported to have been discriminated following disclosure and 12 participants reported to have been divorced.

Conclusions
Rate of disclosure of HIV serostatus was noted to be high in this study. Delayed disclosure was also noted in small proportion of participants. Negative outcomes following disclosure of serostatus were reported by participants. Efforts need to be increased to promote disclosure of HIV serostatus in Tanzania through health education and awareness for both HIV infected individuals and the community.
Concurrent three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy and chemotherapy for postoperative recurrence of mediastinal lymph node metastases in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a phase 2 single-institution study
Authors: Ma Dai-yuan , Tan Bang-xian , Liu Mi , Li Xian-fu , Zhou Ye-qin , Lu You 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Aim
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of radiotherapy plus concurrent weekly cisplatin chemotherapy on the postoperative recurrence of mediastinal lymph node metastases in esophageal cancer patients.

Methods
Ninety-eight patients were randomly enrolled to receive either three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy alone (group A) or concurrent chemoradiotherapy (group B). A radiation dose of 62–70 Gy/31–35 fractions was delivered to the recurrent tumor. Furthermore, the patients in group B simultaneously received weekly doses of cisplatin (30 mg/m2), and the survival outcomes and toxic effects were compared.

Results
The response rate of group B (91.8%) was significantly greater than that of group A (73.5%) (χ
2 = 5.765, P = 0.016). The 1- and 3-year survival rates of group B (85.7% and 46.9%, respectively) were also greater than those of group A (69.4% and 28.6%, respectively). However, there were no significant differences in the 5-year survival rates. The numbers of patients who died of distant metastases in groups A and B were 13 (26.5%) and 5 (10.2%), respectively (χ
2 = 4.356, P = 0.036). Acute radiation-related esophagitis and granulocytopenia in group B was frequent. However, intergroup differences in terms of late toxicity were not significant.

Conclusions
Three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) is a practical and feasible technique to treat the recurrence of mediastinal lymph node metastases of postoperative esophageal cancer. In addition, concurrent chemotherapy can increase local tumor control, decrease the distant metastasis rate, and increase the long-term survival rate.
The calmodulin intergenic spacer as molecular target for characterization of Leishmania species
Authors: Miranda Aracelis , Samudio Franklyn , Saldaña Azael , Castillo Juan , Brandão Adeilton , Calzada Jose E 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Human leishmaniasis is a neglected disease caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania. Clinical aspects of this disease can vary significantly, reflecting the wide range of parasites in the genus Leishmania. Knowing accurately the Leishmania species infecting humans is important for clinical case management and evaluation of epidemiological risk. Calmodulin is an essential gene in trypanosomatids that modulates the calcium metabolism in various cellular activities. Despite its strong conservation in trypanosomatids, it has been recently observed that its untranslated regions (UTR) diverge among species.

Methods
In this study we analyzed the sequences and the absolute dinucleotide frequency of the intergenic spacer of the calmodulin gene (containing both, 3′ and 5′UTR) in nine reference Leishmania species and ten clinical isolates obtained from patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Results
We show that the short calmodulin intergenic spacers exhibit features that make them interesting for applications in molecular characterization and phylogenetic studies of Leishmania. Dendrograms based on sequence alignments and on the dinucleotide frequency indicate that this particular region of calmodulin gene might be useful for species typing between the Leishmania and Viannia subgenera.

Conclusions
Mutations and composition of the calmodulin intergenic spacer from Leishmania species might have taxonomic value as parameters to define if an isolate is identical to a certain species or belongs to one of the two current subgenera.
Construction of a high-quality genomic BAC library for Chinese peanut cultivar Zhonghua 8 with high oil content
Authors: Chen Yu-Ning , Wei Wen-Hui , Ren Xiao-Ping , Zhao Xue-Ya , Zhou Xiao-Jing , Huang Li , Tang Xing-Chun , Jiang Hui-Fang 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundArachis hypogaeaL. (2n = 4× = 40, AABB) is one of the most important oil and economic crop plants in the word. This species has the largest genome size of about 2,813 Mb among the oil crop species. Zhonghua 8 is a peanut cultivar planted widely in central China and has several superior traits including high oil content, high yield and disease resistance. A high-quality BAC library of Zhonghua 8 was constructed for future researches on the genomics of Chinese peanut cultivars.ResultsAHind III-digested genomic BAC (bacterial artificial chromosome) library was constructed with the genomic DNA from leaves of Zhonghua 8. This BAC library consists of 160,512 clones and the average insert is estimated about 102 kb ranging from 30 to 150 kb. The library represents about 5.55× haploid genome equivalents, and provides a 99.71% probability of finding specific genes. The empty-vector rate is under 5 percent detected from 200 randomly selected clones. Probing of 384 clones with thepsbAgene of barley chloroplast and theatp6gene of rice mitochondrion indicated that the contamination with organellar DNA is insignificant. Successive subculture of three clones showed that the inserts are stable in one hundred generations.ConclusionsThis study presented the construction of a high-quality BAC library for the genome of Chinese cultivated peanut. Many essential experiences were summarized in the present study. This BAC library can serve as a substantial platform for development of molecular marker, isolation of genes and further genome research.
Safety concerns to application of graphene compounds in pharmacy and medicine
Authors: Mogharabi Mehdi , Abdollahi Mohammad , Faramarzi Mohammad Ali 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Graphene, the new allotrope of carbon is a single layer of monocrystalline graphite with sp2 hybridized carbon atoms. This compound has received worldwide attention due to its extraordinary physical and chemical properties. Duo to the widespread application of geraphenes, concerns are raising about its environmental safety or the safety protocols for handling and waste of graphene-based materials. The generation of reactive free radicals, adsorption of important biomolecules, and physical toxicity of graphene also matter. Hereby we criticize the concerns on the toxicity of graphenes to provide some perspective on the potential hazards of future development in graphene-based biomaterials.
Variables correlated with elderly referral from nursing homes to general hospitals
Authors: Wagman Shir , Rishpon Shmuel , Kagan Genady , Dubnov Jonathan , Habib Sonia 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Referring patients from nursing homes to general hospitals exposes them to nosocomial diseases, and may result in the development of a broad spectrum of physical, mental and social damages. Therefore, minimizing the referring of nursing home patients to hospitals is an important factor for keeping the elderly healthy and minimizing health expenditures. In this study we examined the variables related to the referral rates from nursing homes to general hospitals and the relationship between the referral and the mortality rates among the elderly who live in nursing homes in the Haifa Sub-district.

Methods
Thirty-two nursing homes were included in a cross-sectional study. All medical directors and head nurses were interviewed using a structured questionnaire between November 2006 and October 2007. Statistical analysis, including the ANOVA and the nonparametric Spearman tests, were employed to determine the factors that influence referral rates and the correlation between referral rates and mortality rates.

Results
The referral rate ranged between 18 and 222 per 100 financed elderly in a single year. In the multivariate analysis, the absence of a physician from the nursing home at the time of the referral to general hospitals was the only significant variable related to referral rates. No significant relationships were found between referral rates and mortality rates.

Conclusions
Absence of a significant relationship between referral rates and mortality rates may indicate that high referral rates do not necessarily protect the elderly from death. Therefore, any recommendations issued by the Ministry of Health (MOH) should emphasize in-house treatment rather than hospitalization. Clear instructions on referral from nursing homes to general hospitals need to be constructed by the MOH. The MOH should increase the presence of physicians in the nursing homes, especially, when the need to refer a patient arises. Further quantitative and epidemiologic studies should be conducted in order to, more fully and reliably, create guidelines for policy recommendations.
High mechanical strain of primary intervertebral disc cells promotes secretion of inflammatory factors associated with disc degeneration and pain
Authors: Gawri Rahul , Rosenzweig Derek H , Krock Emerson , Ouellet Jean A , Stone Laura S , Quinn Thomas M , Haglund Lisbet 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Excessive mechanical loading of intervertebral discs (IVDs) is thought to alter matrix properties and influence disc cell metabolism, contributing to degenerative disc disease and development of discogenic pain. However, little is known about how mechanical strain induces these changes. This study investigated the cellular and molecular changes as well as which inflammatory receptors and cytokines were upregulated in human intervertebral disc cells exposed to high mechanical strain (HMS) at low frequency. The impact of these metabolic changes on neuronal differentiation was also explored to determine a role in the development of disc degeneration and discogenic pain.

Methods
Isolated human annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) cells were exposed to HMS (20% cyclical stretch at 0.001 Hz) on high-extension silicone rubber dishes coupled to a mechanical stretching apparatus and compared to static control cultures. Gene expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs), neuronal growth factor (NGF) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) was assessed. Collected conditioned media were analysed for cytokine content and applied to rat pheocromocytoma PC12 cells for neuronal differentiation assessment.

Results
HMS caused upregulation of TLR2, TLR4, NGF and TNFα gene expression in IVD cells. Medium from HMS cultures contained elevated levels of growth-related oncogene, interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-8, IL-15, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), MCP-3, monokine induced by γ interferon, transforming growth factor β1, TNFα and NGF. Exposure of PC12 cells to HMS-conditioned media resulted in both increased neurite sprouting and cell death.

Conclusions
HMS culture of IVD cells in vitro drives cytokine and inflammatory responses associated with degenerative disc disease and low-back pain. This study provides evidence for a direct link between cellular strain, secretory factors, neoinnervation and potential degeneration and discogenic pain in vivo.
Vaccines against human HER2 prevent mammary carcinoma in mice transgenic for human HER2
Authors: De Giovanni Carla , Nicoletti Giordano , Quaglino Elena , Landuzzi Lorena , Palladini Arianna , Ianzano Marianna Lucia , Dall’Ora Massimiliano , Grosso Valentina , Ranieri Dario , Laranga Roberta , Croci Stefania , Amici Augusto , Penichet Manuel L , Iezzi Manuela , Cavallo Federica , Nanni Patrizia , Lollini Pier-Luigi 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Introduction
The availability of mice transgenic for the human HER2 gene (huHER2) and prone to the development of HER2-driven mammary carcinogenesis (referred to as FVB-huHER2 mice) prompted us to study active immunopreventive strategies targeting the human HER2 molecule in a tolerant host.

Methods
FVB-huHER2 mice were vaccinated with either IL-12-adjuvanted human HER2-positive cancer cells or DNA vaccine carrying chimeric human-rat HER2 sequences. Onset and number of mammary tumors were recorded to evaluate vaccine potency. Mice sera were collected and passively transferred to xenograft-bearing mice to assess their antitumor efficacy.

Results
Both cell and DNA vaccines significantly delayed tumor onset, leading to about 65% tumor-free mice at 70 weeks, whereas mock-vaccinated FVB-huHER2 controls developed mammary tumors at a median age of 45 weeks. In the DNA vaccinated group, 65% of mice were still tumor-free at about 90 weeks of age. The number of mammary tumors per mouse was also significantly reduced in vaccinated mice. Vaccines broke the immunological tolerance to the huHER2 transgene, inducing both humoral and cytokine responses. The DNA vaccine mainly induced a high and sustained level of anti-huHER2 antibodies, the cell vaccine also elicited interferon (IFN)-γ production. Sera of DNA-vaccinated mice transferred to xenograft-carrying mice significantly inhibited the growth of human HER2-positive cancer cells.

Conclusions
Anti-huHER2 antibodies elicited in the tolerant host exert antitumor activity.
Bortezomib-Melphalan-Prednisone-Thalidomide Followed by Maintenance With Bortezomib-Thalidomide Compared With Bortezomib-Melphalan-Prednisone for Initial Treatment of Multiple Myeloma: Updated Follow-Up and Improved Survival
Authors: Palumbo Antonio , Bringhen Sara , Larocca Alessandra , Rossi Davide , Di Raimondo Francesco , Magarotto Valeria , Patriarca Francesca , Levi Anna , Benevolo Giulia , Vincelli Iolanda Donatella , Grasso Mariella , Franceschini Luca , Gottardi Daniela , Zambello Renato , Montefusco Vittorio , Falcone Antonietta Pia , Omedé Paola , Marasca Roberto , Morabito Fortunato , Mina Roberto , Guglielmelli Tommasina , Nozzoli Chiara , Passera Roberto , Gaidano Gianluca , Offidani Massimo , Ria Roberto , Petrucci Maria Teresa , Musto Pellegrino , Boccadoro Mario , Cavo Michele 
Published: January 2014

PurposeBortezomib-melphalan-prednisone (VMP) has improved overall survival in multiple myeloma. This randomized trial compared VMP plus thalidomide (VMPT) induction followed by bortezomib-thalidomide maintenance (VMPT-VT) with VMP in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.Patients and MethodsWe randomly assigned 511 patients who were not eligible for transplantation to receive VMPT-VT (nine 5-week cycles of VMPT followed by 2 years of VT maintenance) or VMP (nine 5-week cycles without maintenance).ResultsIn the initial analysis with a median follow-up of 23 months, VMPT-VT improved complete response rate from 24% to 38% and 3-year progression-free-survival (PFS) from 41% to 56% compared with VMP. In this analysis, median follow-up was 54 months. The median PFS was significantly longer with VMPT-VT (35.3 months) than with VMP (24.8 months; hazard ratio [HR], 0.58; P < .001). The time to next therapy was 46.6 months in the VMPT-VT group and 27.8 months in the VMP group (HR, 0.52; P < .001). The 5-year overall survival (OS) was greater with VMPT-VT (61%) than with VMP (51%; HR, 0.70; P = .01). Survival from relapse was identical in both groups (HR, 0.92; P = .63). In the VMPT-VT group, the most frequent grade 3 to 4 adverse events included neutropenia (38%), thrombocytopenia (22%), peripheral neuropathy (11%), and cardiologic events (11%). All of these, except for thrombocytopenia, were significantly more frequent in the VMPT-VT patients.ConclusionBortezomib and thalidomide significantly improved OS in multiple myeloma patients not eligible for transplantation.
Conceptualizing the arts as tools for medicine and public health
Authors: Christenson Gary A. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The arts are often neglected in the context of modern medicine. However, they offer opportunities for greater patient understanding, improved patient comfort and treatment results, and enhanced clinical skills, personal enrichment, and resilience in medical practitioners. The application of the arts to medicine can be categorized into five main categories: medical education, prescriptive options, improved patient experience, public health and care for medical personnel.
Developing arts and health – Within creative-arts therapy or separately?
Authors: McNiff Shaun 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
In support of the mission of the Journal of Applied Arts & Health, which ‘defines “health” broadly to include physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, occupational, social and community health’, this article expands upon a keynote talk for the 2013 The Arch of Arts in Health International Conference in Haifa, addressing the degree to which the established creative-arts therapy professions have focused more on mental health rather than embrace this more holistic vision of arts healing. There is an essential conflict between the creative-arts therapy position that therapeutic practice is conducted exclusively within a professional relationship by trained therapists and how arts and health engages artists, volunteers and professionals from various medical fields.
Mandalas as indicators of burnout among end-of-life care workers
Authors: Potash Jordan S. , Bardot Heidi , Wang Xiao Lu , Chan Faye , Ho Andy H. Y. , Cheng Carol 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Hospice and palliative care workers can reduce the potential for burnout by nurturing self-competence and self-awareness in order to manage challenging and painful emotions that arise from the nature of working with dying individuals and bereaved families. An art therapy supervision programme for end-of-life care workers in Hong Kong utilized mandala-making as a tool for cultivating self-awareness. A total of 60 mandalas were collected, rated according to J. Kellogg’s The Archetypal Stages of the Great Round of Mandalas and compared to burnout scores as assessed by the Maslach Burnout Inventory – General Survey. The findings demonstrate associations between mandala stages and burnout and offer implications for mandala-making as an indicator of burnout and coping strategies.
Omnia mutantur: Metamorfosis, de Ovidio a Picasso
Authors: Martín Carlos Alcalde 
Published: January 2014

Las ilustraciones de Picasso a las Metamorfosis de Ovidio evidencian la tradición clásica en distintos aspectos: tema centrado en el hombre, iconografía, estilo y espíritu. Tienen un rasgo fundamental de los mitos, la libertad en el tratamiento que les da permanente vitalidad y actualidad.