bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Response to microtubule-interacting agents in primary epithelial ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Pellicciotta Ilenia , Yang Chia-Ping Huang , Venditti Charis A , Goldberg Gary L , Shahabi Shohreh 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Ovarian cancer constitutes nearly 4% of all cancers among women and is the leading cause of death from gynecologic malignancies in the Western world. Standard first line adjuvant chemotherapy treatments include Paclitaxel (Taxol) and platinum-based agents. Taxol, epothilone B (EpoB) and discodermolide belong to a family of anti-neoplastic agents that specifically interferes with microtubules and arrests cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Despite initial success with chemotherapy treatment, many patients relapse due to chemotherapy resistance. In vitro establishment of primary ovarian cancer cells provides a powerful tool for better understanding the mechanisms of ovarian cancer resistance. We describe the generation and characterization of primary ovarian cancer cells derived from ascites fluids of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer.

Methods
Chemosensitivity of these cell lines to Taxol, EpoB and discodermolide was tested, and cell cycle analysis was compared to that of immortalized ovarian cancer cell lines SKOV3 and Hey. The relationship between drug resistance and αβ-tubulin and p53 status was also investigated.

Results
All newly generated primary cancer cells were highly sensitive to the drugs. αβ-tubulin mutation was not found in any primary cell lines tested. However, one cell line that harbors p53 mutation at residue 72 (Arg to Pro) exhibits altered cell cycle profile in response to all drug treatments. Immortalized ovarian cancer cells respond differently to EpoB treatment when compared to primary ovarian cancer cells, and p53 polymorphism suggests clinical significance in the anti-tumor response in patients.

Conclusions
The isolation and characterization of primary ovarian cancer cells from ovarian cancer patients’ specimens contribute to further understanding the nature of drug resistance to microtubule interacting agents (MIAs) currently used in clinical settings.
Gaining a better understanding of respiratory health inequalities among cities: An ecological case study on elderly males in the larger French cities
Authors: Aschan-Leygonie Christina , Baudet-Michel Sophie , Mathian Hélène , Sanders Lena 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundIn recent years, there have been a growing number of studies on spatial inequalities in health covering a variety of scales, from small areas to metropolitan areas or regions, and for various health outcomes. However, few investigations have compared health status between cities with a view to gaining a better understanding of the relationships between such inequalities and the social, economic and physical characteristics. This paper focuses on disparities in respiratory health among the 55 largest French cities. The aim is to explore the relationships between inter-urban health patterns, city characteristics and regional context, and to determine how far a city’s health status relates to the features observed on different geographical scales.MethodsWe used health data describing hospitalizations for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) as a proxy for respiratory health, and the total number of hospitalizations (overall) as a proxy for general health. This last indicator was used as a benchmark. A large set of indicators relating to socioeconomic, physical and amenity aspects of the cities (urban units) was also constructed. Data were analyzed using linear correlations and multiple linear regression models.ResultsThe results suggest that socioeconomic characteristics are major discriminators for inequalities in respiratory health status among urban units. Indeed, once combined to socioeconomic characteristics, only a climate indicator remained significant among the physical indicators. It appeared that the pollution indicators which were significantly correlated with COPD hospitalization rates loosed significance when associated to the socio-economic indicators in a multiple regression. The analysis showed that among the socio-economic indicators, an employment indicator derived at the regional scale, and two indicators reflecting the unequal intra-urban spatial distribution of population according to their education, were the most efficient to describe differences in the respiratory health status of urban units.ConclusionIn order to design effective urban policies, it is essential to gain a better understanding of the differences among cities in their entirety, rather than solely differences across small urban areas or individuals.
The impact of Cysteine-Rich Intestinal Protein 1 (CRIP1) in human breast cancer
Authors: Ludyga Natalie , Englert Sonja , Pflieger Kerstin , Rauser Sandra , Braselmann Herbert , Walch Axel , Auer Gert , Höfler Heinz , Aubele Michaela 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
CRIP1 (cysteine-rich intestinal protein 1) has been found in several tumor types, its prognostic impact and its role in cellular processes, particularly in breast cancer, are still unclear.

Methods
To elucidate the prognostic impact of CRIP1, we analyzed tissues from 113 primary invasive ductal breast carcinomas using immunohistochemistry. For the functional characterization of CRIP1, its endogenous expression was transiently downregulated in T47D and BT474 breast cancer cells and the effects analyzed by immunoblotting, WST-1 proliferation assay and invasion assay.

Results
We found a significant correlation between CRIP1 and HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) expression levels (p = 0.016) in tumor tissues. In Kaplan Meier analyses, CRIP1 expression was significantly associated with the distant metastases-free survival of patients, revealing a better prognosis for high CRIP1 expression (p = 0.039). Moreover, in multivariate survival analyses, the expression of CRIP1 was an independent negative prognostic factor, along with the positive prognosticators nodal status and tumor size (p = 0.029). CRIP1 knockdown in the T47D and BT474 breast cancer cell lines led to the increased phosphorylation of MAPK and Akt, to the reduced phosphorylation of cdc2, and to a significantly elevated cell proliferation in vitro (p < 0.001). These results indicate that reduced CRIP1 levels may increase cell proliferation and activate cell growth. In addition, CRIP1 knockdown increased cell invasion in vitro.

Conclusions
Because the lack of CRIP1 expression in breast cancer tissue is significantly associated with a worse prognosis for patients and low endogenous CRIP1 levels in vitro increased the malignant potential of breast cancer cells, we hypothesize that CRIP1 may act as a tumor suppressor in proliferation and invasion processes. Therefore, CRIP1 may be an independent prognostic marker with significant predictive power for use in breast cancer therapy.
Cardiometabolic risk factors among HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Kiage James N , Heimburger Douglas C , Nyirenda Christopher K , Wellons Melissa F , Bagchi Shashwatee , Chi Benjamin H , Koethe John R , Arnett Donna K , Kabagambe Edmond K 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
HIV and combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) may increase cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. We assessed the early effects of cART on CVD risk markers in a population with presumed low CVD risk.

Methods
Adult patients (n=118) in Lusaka, Zambia were recruited at the time of initiation of cART for HIV/AIDS. Cardiometabolic risk factors were measured before and 90 days after starting cART. Participants were grouped according to cART regimens: Zidovudine + Lamivudine + Nevirapine (n=58); Stavudine + Lamivudine + Nevirapine (n=43); and ‘other’ (Zidovudine + Lamivudine + Efavirenz, Stavudine + Lamivudine + Efavirenz, Tenofovir + Emtricitabine + Efavirenz or Tenofovir + Emtricitabine + Nevirapine, n=17). ANOVA was used to test whether changes in cardiometabolic risk markers varied by cART regimen.

Results
From baseline to 90 days after initiation of cART, the prevalence of low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (<1.04 mmol/L for men and <1.30 mmol/L for women) significantly decreased (78.8% vs. 34.8%, P<0.001) while elevated total cholesterol (TC ≥5.18 mmol/L, 5.1% vs. 11.9%, P=0.03) and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance ≥3.0 (1.7% vs. 17.0%, P<0.001) significantly increased. The prevalence of TC:HDL-c ratio ≥5.0 significantly decreased (44.9% vs. 6.8%, P<0.001). These changes in cardiometabolic risk markers were independent of the cART regimen.

Conclusion
Our results suggest that short-term cART is associated with a cardioprotective lipid profile in Zambia and a tendency towards insulin resistance regardless of the cART regimen.
Electron beam fabrication of a microfluidic device for studying submicron-scale bacteria
Authors: Moolman M Charl , Huang Zhuangxiong , Krishnan Sriram Tiruvadi , Kerssemakers Jacob WJ , Dekker Nynke H 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Controlled restriction of cellular movement using microfluidics allows one to study individual cells to gain insight into aspects of their physiology and behaviour. For example, the use of micron-sized growth channels that confine individual Escherichia coli has yielded novel insights into cell growth and death. To extend this approach to other species of bacteria, many of whom have dimensions in the sub-micron range, or to a larger range of growth conditions, a readily-fabricated device containing sub-micron features is required.

Results
Here we detail the fabrication of a versatile device with growth channels whose widths range from 0.3 μ m to 0.8 μ m. The device is fabricated using electron beam lithography, which provides excellent control over the shape and size of different growth channels and facilitates the rapid-prototyping of new designs. Features are successfully transferred first into silicon, and subsequently into the polydimethylsiloxane that forms the basis of the working microfluidic device. We demonstrate that the growth of sub-micron scale bacteria such as Lactococcus lactis or Escherichia coli cultured in minimal medium can be followed in such a device over several generations.

Conclusions
We have presented a detailed protocol based on electron beam fabrication together with specific dry etching procedures for the fabrication of a microfluidic device suited to study submicron-sized bacteria. We have demonstrated that both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria can be successfully loaded and imaged over a number of generations in this device. Similar devices could potentially be used to study other submicron-sized organisms under conditions in which the height and shape of the growth channels are crucial to the experimental design.
Daily cytokine fluctuations, driven by leptin, are associated with fatigue severity in chronic fatigue syndrome: evidence of inflammatory pathology
Authors: Stringer Elizabeth Ann , Baker Katharine Susanne , Carroll Ian R , Montoya Jose G , Chu Lily , Maecker Holden T , Younger Jarred W 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating disorder characterized by persistent fatigue that is not alleviated by rest. The lack of a clearly identified underlying mechanism has hindered the development of effective treatments. Studies have demonstrated elevated levels of inflammatory factors in patients with CFS, but findings are contradictory across studies and no biomarkers have been consistently supported. Single time-point approaches potentially overlook important features of CFS, such as fluctuations in fatigue severity. We have observed that individuals with CFS demonstrate significant day-to-day variability in their fatigue severity.

Methods
Therefore, to complement previous studies, we implemented a novel longitudinal study design to investigate the role of cytokines in CFS pathophysiology. Ten women meeting the Fukuda diagnostic criteria for CFS and ten healthy age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched women underwent 25 consecutive days of blood draws and self-reporting of symptom severity. A 51-plex cytokine panel via Luminex was performed for each of the 500 serum samples collected. Our primary hypothesis was that daily fatigue severity would be significantly correlated with the inflammatory adipokine leptin, in the women with CFS and not in the healthy control women. As a post-hoc analysis, a machine learning algorithm using all 51 cytokines was implemented to determine whether immune factors could distinguish high from low fatigue days.

Results
Self-reported fatigue severity was significantly correlated with leptin levels in six of the participants with CFS and one healthy control, supporting our primary hypothesis. The machine learning algorithm distinguished high from low fatigue days in the CFS group with 78.3% accuracy.

Conclusions
Our results support the role of cytokines in the pathophysiology of CFS.
Optimization of reaction parameters in hydrothermal synthesis: a strategy towards the formation of CuS hexagonal plates
Authors: Auyoong Yow Loo , Yap Pei Lay , Huang Xing , Abd Hamid Sharifah Bee 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
For decades, copper sulphide has been renowned as the superior optical and semiconductor materials. Its potential applications can be ranged from solar cells, lithium-ion batteries, sensors, and catalyst systems. The synthesis methodologies of copper sulphide with different controlled morphology have been widely explored in the literature. Nevertheless, the understanding on the formation chemistry of CuS is still limited. The ultimate approach undertaking in this article is to investigate the formation of CuS hexagonal plates via the optimization of reaction parameters in hydrothermal reaction between copper (II) nitrate and sodium thiosulphate without appending any assistant agent.

Results
Covellite (CuS) hexagonal plates were formed at copper ion: thiosulphate ion (

Cu

2
+

:

S

2

O
3

2
−

) mole ratio of 1:2 under hydrothermal treatment of 155°C for 12 hours. For synthesis conducted at reaction temperature lower than 155°C, copper sulphate (CuSO4), krohnite (NaCu2(SO4)(H2O)2] and cyclooctasulphur (S8) were present as main impurities with covellite (CuS). When

Cu

2
+

:

S

2

O
3

2
−

mole ratio was varied to 1: 1 and 1: 1.5, phase pure plate-like natrochalcite [NaCu2(SO4)(H2O)] and digenite (Cu9S5) were produced respectively. Meanwhile, mixed phases of covellite (CuS) and cyclooctasulphur (S8) were both identified when

Cu

2
+

:

S

2

O
3

2
−

mole ratio was varied to 1: 2.5, 1: 3 and 1: 5 as well as when reaction time was shortened to 1 hour.

Conclusions
CuS hexagonal plates with a mean edge length of 1 μm, thickness of 100 nm and average crystallite size of approximately (45 ± 2) nm (Scherrer estimation) were successfully synthesized via assisting agent- free hydrothermal method. Under a suitable

Cu

2
+

:

S

2

O
3

2
−

mole ratio, we evidenced that the formation of covellite (CuS) is feasible regardless of the reaction temperature applied. However, a series of impurities were attested with CuS if reaction temperature was not elevated high enough for the additional crystallite phase decomposition. It was also identified that

Cu

2
+

:

S

2

O
3

2
−

mole ratio plays a vital role in controlling the amount of cyclooctasulphur (S8) in the final powder obtained. Finally, reaction time was recognized as an important parameter in impurity decomposition as well as increasing the crystallite size and crystallinity of the CuS hexagonal plates formed.
Production and partial characterization of extracellular amylase enzyme from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens P-001
Authors: Deb Promita , Talukdar Saimon Ahmad , Mohsina Kaniz , Sarker Palash Kumar , Sayem SM Abu 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAmylases are one of the most important enzymes in present-day biotechnology. The present study was concerned with the production and partial characterization of extracellular amylase fromBacillus amyloliquefaciensP-001. The effect of various fermentation conditions on amylase production through shake-flask culture was investigated. Enzyme production was induced by a variety of starchy substrate but corn flour was found to be a suitable natural source for maximum production. Tryptone and ammonium nitrate (0.2%) as nitrogen sources gave higher yield compared to other nitrogen sources. Maximum enzyme production was obtained after 48 hrs of incubation in a fermentation medium with initial pH 9.0 at 42°C under continuous agitation at 150 rpm. The size of inoculum was also optimized which was found to be 1% (v/v). Enzyme production was 2.43 times higher after optimizing the production conditions as compared to the basal media. Studies on crude amylase revealed that optimum pH, temperature and reaction time of enzyme activity was 6.5, 60°C and 40 minutes respectively. About 73% of the activity retained after heating the crude enzyme solution at 50°C for 30 min. The enzyme was activated by Ca2+(relative activity 146.25%). It was strongly inhibited by Mn2+, Zn2+and Cu2+, but less affected by Mg2+and Fe2+.
Characterization of tetraspanins CD9, CD53, CD63, and CD81 in monocytes and macrophages in HIV-1 infection
Authors: Tippett Emma , Cameron Paul U , Marsh Mark , Crowe Suzanne M 
Published: April 2013

AbstractTetraspanins are differentially expressed in monocyte subsets and modified by inflammatory situations including HIV-1 infection.Tetraspanins are a family of membrane-organizing proteins that mediate diverse functions. Little is known of their expression or function in myeloid cells. Here, expression of CD9, CD53, CD63, and CD81, tetraspanins that have been implicated in HIV-1 pathogenesis, were characterized in normal monocyte subsets, in MDM, and in HIV-1-infected donors. We show that tetraspanins are expressed differentially by monocyte subsets, with higher CD9 and CD63 and lower CD53 and CD81 levels on CD14++CD16− monocytes compared with CD14++CD16+ and CD14+CD16++ subsets. Maturation of monocytes resulted in increased CD9 expression and apparent relocation of CD63 and CD53 from surface to intracellular membranes. Expression was modulated by cytokines, and CD9 was a marker of anti-inflammatory and CD53 a marker of proinflammatory MDM. Tetraspanin expression on monocyte subsets from HIV-1-infected donors receiving antiretroviral therapy was unchanged compared with that in uninfected donors. However, CD53 expression was inversely correlated with viral load in HIV-1-infected donors not on therapy. This study is the first to comprehensively characterize tetraspanin expression on monocyte subsets and macrophages in health and during HIV-1 infection. It demonstrates regulation of tetraspanin expression by cytokines, and CD53 expression as a novel correlate of a proinflammatory phenotype. This paper characterizes tetraspanins in myeloid cells and shows that tetraspanins are expressed differentially in monocyte subsets and are modified in inflammatory conditions.
Sleep Duration and Adolescent Obesity
Authors: Mitchell Jonathan A. , Rodriguez Daniel , Schmitz Kathryn H. , Audrain-McGovern Janet 
Published: April 2013

OBJECTIVES:
Short sleep has been associated with adolescent obesity. Most studies used a cross-sectional design and modeled BMI categories. We sought to determine if sleep duration was associated with BMI distribution changes from age 14 to 18.

METHODS:
Adolescents were recruited from suburban high schools in Philadelphia when entering ninth grade (n = 1390) and were followed-up every 6 months through 12th grade. Height and weight were self-reported, and BMIs were calculated (kg/m2). Hours of sleep were self-reported. Quantile regression was used to model the 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th BMI percentiles as dependent variables; study wave and sleep were the main predictors.

RESULTS:
BMI increased from age 14 to 18, with the largest increase observed at the 90th BMI percentile. Each additional hour of sleep was associated with decreases in BMI at the 10th (–0.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: –0.11, 0.03), 25th (–0.12; 95% CI: –0.20, –0.04), 50th (–0.15; 95% CI: –0.24, –0.06), 75th (–0.25; 95% CI: –0.38, –0.12), and 90th (–0.27; 95% CI: -0.45, -0.09) BMI percentiles. The strength of the association was stronger at the upper tail of the BMI distribution. Increasing sleep from 7.5 to 10.0 hours per day at age 18 predicted a reduction in the proportion of adolescents &gt;25 kg/m2 by 4%.

CONCLUSIONS:
More sleep was associated with nonuniform changes in BMI distribution from age 14 to 18. Increasing sleep among adolescents, especially those in the upper half of the BMI distribution, may help prevent overweight and obesity.
Early Readmission of Newborns in a Large Health Care System
Authors: Young Paul C. , Korgenski Kent , Buchi Karen F. 
Published: April 2013

BACKGROUND:
Early readmissions of apparently healthy newborns after discharge from well baby nurseries (WBN) may reflect an inadequate assessment of the newborn’s readiness for discharge.

OBJECTIVE:
To determine the frequency, causes, costs, and variations in rates of early rehospitalization of newborns discharged from 21 WBNs in 1 health care system.

METHODS:
We queried the Enterprise Data Warehouse of Intermountain Healthcare (IH), a large Utah health care system, to identify newborns with gestational ages of 34 to 42 weeks discharged from an IH WBN between 2000 and 2010. We identified all newborns admitted to an IH hospital within 28 days of discharge and recorded their birth hospital, age, reason(s) for admission, length of stay, and inpatient costs.

RESULTS:
During the study period, 296 114 infants were discharged from IH hospital WBNs. Of these, 5308 (17.9/1000) were readmitted within 28 days of discharge. Of the 5308 infants who were readmitted, 41% had feeding problems, 35% had jaundice, and 33% had respiratory distress. The majority of newborns with feeding problems and jaundice were admitted in their first 2 weeks of life. Late preterm and early term newborns had higher rates of readmission than term infants. There were significant variations in readmission rates of newborns born at the 21 hospitals in the IH system.

CONCLUSIONS:
Potentially preventable conditions, including feeding problems and jaundice, account for most early readmissions of newborns. Late preterm and early term newborns have higher rates of readmission and should be assessed for other factors associated with early readmission.