bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microvascular Structure and Network in the Retina of Patients With Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Ong Yi-Ting , De Silva Deidre A. , Cheung Carol Y. , Chang Hui-Meng , Chen Christopher P. , Wong Meng Cheong , Wong Tien Yin , Ikram Mohammad Kamran 
Published: May 2013

Background and Purpose—
Microvascular disease has been implicated in the pathogenesis of stroke. The retina provides a window to assess microcirculation noninvasively. We studied the association between quantitatively measured retinal microvascular characteristics and acute ischemic stroke.

Methods—
We conducted a case-control study with acute ischemic stroke patients recruited from a tertiary hospital in Singapore and controls from the Singapore Epidemiology of Eye Disease program matched by 10-year age strata, sex, and race. Strokes were classified using modified Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) criteria. Retinal vascular parameters were measured from retinal fundus photographs using a computer program. Logistic regression models for stroke were constructed adjusting for age, sex, race, and additionally for smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hypercholesterolemia.

Results—
We included 557 ischemic stroke cases (261 lacunar, 185 large artery, and 54 cardioembolic stroke) and 557 controls. After adjusting for vascular risk factors, decreased arteriolar fractal dimension (odds ratio [OR] per standard deviation [SD] decrease, 2.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.80–2.87) and venular fractal dimension (OR per SD decrease, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.46–2.23), increased arteriolar tortuosity (OR per SD increase, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.25–1.95), and venular tortuosity (OR per SD increase, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.27–1.76), narrower arteriolar caliber (OR per SD decrease, 2.79; 95% CI, 2.21–3.53), and wider venular caliber (OR per SD increase, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.27–1.95) were associated with stroke. Stratification by stroke subtypes and further adjustment for retinopathy signs revealed similar results.

Conclusions—
Patients with ischemic stroke have a sparser and more tortuous microvascular network in the retina. These findings provide insight into the structure and pattern of microcirculation changes in stroke.
Allowing Satan in? Moving Toward a Political Economy of Neo-Pentecostalism in Kenya
Authors: Deacon Gregory , Deacon Gregory , Lynch Gabrielle 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Neo-Pentecostalism provides African elites with an avenue for legitimation of authority and wealth and, to some extent, bolsters power and authority. Simultaneously, ordinary people look for control over their lives—realities that help explain the explosion of neo-Pentecostal beliefs across sub-Saharan Africa that began in the 1980s. The political legitimacy provided is open to contestation and debate, liable to be rejected by some and questioned by others. Neo-Pentecostalism can offer defence mechanisms or strategies that assist with survival, but rarely socioeconomic or political change. Instead, it tends to detract from a class-based identification of and opposition to structural violence, inequality, corruption, and oppression, and often contributes to a general sense of uncertainty and insecurity regarding relevant and appropriate responses. The outcome is an unsteady reinforcement of unequal relations of power and wealth. This paper sets out these arguments with reference to Kenya, and more specifically the declarations and actions of both politicians and slum residents.
Visual analysis of contagion in networks
Authors: von Landesberger Tatiana , Diel Simon , Bremm Sebastian , Fellner Dieter W 
Published: May 2013

Contagion is a process whereby the collapse of a node in a network leads to the collapse of neighboring nodes and thereby sets off a chain reaction in the network. It thus creates a special type of time-dependent network. Such processes are studied in various applications, for example, in financial network analysis, infection diffusion prediction, supply-chain management, or gene regulation. Visual analytics methods can help analysts examine contagion effects. For this purpose, network visualizations need to be complemented with specific features to illustrate the contagion process. Moreover, new visual analysis techniques for comparison of contagion need to be developed. In this paper, we propose a system geared to the visual analysis of contagion. It includes the simulation of contagion effects as well as their visual exploration. We present new tools able to compare the evolution of the different contagion processes. In this way, propagation of disturbances can be effectively analyzed. We focus on financial networks; however, our system can be applied to other use cases as well.
The developing xylem transcriptome and genome-wide analysis of alternative splicing in Populus trichocarpa(black cottonwood) populations
Authors: Bao Hua , Li Eryang , Mansfield Shawn D , Cronk Quentin CB , El-Kassaby Yousry A , Douglas Carl J 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Alternative splicing (AS) of genes is an efficient means of generating variation in protein structure and function. AS variation has been observed between tissues, cell types, and different treatments in non-woody plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) and rice. However, little is known about AS patterns in wood-forming tissues and how much AS variation exists within plant populations.

Results
Here we used high-throughput RNA sequencing to analyze the Populus trichocarpa (P. trichocarpa) xylem transcriptome in 20 individuals from different populations across much of its range in western North America. Deep transcriptome sequencing and mapping of reads to the P. trichocarpa reference genome identified a suite of xylem-expressed genes common to all accessions. Our analysis suggests that at least 36% of the xylem-expressed genes in P. trichocarpa are alternatively spliced. Extensive AS was observed in cell-wall biosynthesis related genes such as glycosyl transferases and C2H2 transcription factors. 27902 AS events were documented and most of these events were not conserved across individuals. Differences in isoform-specific read densities indicated that 7% and 13% of AS events showed significant differences between individuals within geographically separated southern and northern populations, a level that is in general agreement with AS variation in human populations.

Conclusions
This genome-wide analysis of alternative splicing reveals high levels of AS in P. trichocarpa and extensive inter-individual AS variation. We provide the most comprehensive analysis of AS in P. trichocarpa to date, which will serve as a valuable resource for the plant community to study transcriptome complexity and AS regulation during wood formation.
Activity of EGFR-tyrosine kinase and ALK inhibitors for EML4–ALK-rearranged non–small–cell lung cancer harbored coexisting EGFRmutation
Authors: Miyanaga Akihiko , Shimizu Kumi , Noro Rintaro , Seike Masahiro , Kitamura Kazuhiro , Kosaihira Seiji , Minegishi Yuji , Shukuya Takehito , Yoshimura Akinobu , Kawamoto Masashi , Tsuchiya Shinichi , Hagiwara Koichi , Soda Manabu , Takeuchi Kengo , Yamamoto Nobuyuki , Mano Hiroyuki , Ishikawa Yuichi , Gemma Akihiko 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
The EML4–ALK (echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 gene and the anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene) fusion oncogene represents a novel molecular target in a small subset of non–small–cell lung cancers (NSCLCs). The EML4–ALK fusion gene occurs generally in NSCLC without mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and KRAS.

Case presentation
We report that a case of EML4–ALK-positive NSCLC with EGFR mutation had a response of stable disease to both an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) and ALK inhibitor.

Conclusions
We described the first clinical report of a patient with EML4–ALK-positive NSCLC with EGFR mutation that had a response of stable disease to both single-agent EGFR-TKI and ALK inhibitor. EML4–ALK translocation may be associated with resistance to EGFR-TKI, and EGFR signaling may contribute to resistance to ALK inhibitor in EML4–ALK-positive NSCLC.
Antidiabetic and antioxidant properties of Ficus deltoidea fruit extracts and fractions
Authors: Misbah Hasni , Aziz Azlina Abdul , Aminudin Norhaniza 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundDiabetes is a serious metabolic disorder affecting the metabolism of carbohydrate, protein and fat. A number of studies have shown that diabetes mellitus is associated with oxidative stress, leading to an increased production of reactive oxygen species.Ficus deltoideais traditionally used in Malaysia for regulating blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The use ofF.deltoideaas an alternative medicinal herb is increasingly gaining popularity with the sale ofF.deltoideatea bags and capsules in the local market. The present study was undertaken to investigate the antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of the fruits from different varieties ofF.deltoidea, employingin vitromethods.MethodTwo fruit varieties ofF.deltoidea(var.angustifolia(SF) and var.kunstleri(BF)) were extracted separately using double-distilled water. The resulting aqueous extracts were partitioned using ethyl acetate to obtain the ethyl acetate and water fractions. The crude aqueous extracts and the corresponding fractions were evaluated for their phenolic, flavonoid, sugar and protein contents. Protein profiling of the extracts and fractions were also carried out by means of SDS-PAGE and SELDI-TOF MS. Antidiabetic activities were assessed based on the ability of the samples to inhibit yeast and mammalian α-glucosidase as well as α-amylase. Antioxidant capacities were examined by measuring the ability of the samples to reduce ferric ions and to scavenge DPPH, superoxide anion, ABTS and nitric oxide radicals.ResultsThe crude extracts and fractions of SF and BF inhibited both yeast and rat intestinal α-glucosidases in a dose-dependent manner, but did not inhibit porcine pancreatic α-amylase. The water fraction of BF showed the highest percentage of α-glucosidase inhibition while having the highest amount of protein (73.33 ± 4.99 μg/mg fraction). All the extracts and fractions exhibited antioxidant activities, with SF crude extract showing the highest antioxidant activity and phenolic content (121.62 ± 4.86 mg/g extract). Fractionation of the crude extracts resulted in loss of antioxidant activities. There was no positive correlation between phenolic and flavonoid content with α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. However, phenolic content correlated well with antioxidant activities of the crude extracts but not with the fractions.ConclusionsThe antioxidant activities of the fruits ofF.deltoideamight be asserted by the phenolic content but other polar plant components were possibly involved in the antidiabetic properties. The study of these compounds having both antihyperglycemic and antioxidant activities may provide a new approach in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
Folic acid-conjugated silica capped gold nanoclusters for targeted fluorescence/X-ray computed tomography imaging
Authors: Zhou Zhijun , Zhang Chunlei , Qian Qirong , Ma Jiebing , Huang Peng , zhang Xi , Pan Liyuan , Gao Guo , Fu Hualin , Fu Shen , Song Hua , Zhi Xiao , Ni Jian , Cui Daxiang 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Gastric cancer is 2th most common cancer in China, and is still the second most common cause of cancer-related death in the world. Successful development of safe and effective nanoprobes for in vivo gastric cancer targeting imaging is a big challenge. This study is aimed to develop folic acid (FA)-conjugated silica coated gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) for targeted dual-modal fluorescent and X-ray computed tomography imaging (CT) of in vivo gastric cancer cells.

Method
AuNCs were prepared, silica was coated on the surface of AuNCs, then folic acid was covalently anchored on the surface of AuNCs, resultant FA-conjugated AuNCs@SiO2 nanoprobes were investigated their cytotoxicity by MTT method, and their targeted ability to FR(+) MGC803 cells and FR(−) GES-1 cells. Nude mice model loaded with MGC803 cells were prepared, prepared nanoprobes were injected into nude mice via tail vein, and then were imaged by fluorescent and X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging.

Results
FA-conjugated AuNCs@SiO2 nanoprobes exhibited good biocompatibility, and could target actively the FR(+) MGC-803 cells and in vivo gastric cancer tissues with 5 mm in diameter in nude mice models, exhibited excellent red emitting fluorescence imaging and CT imaging.

Conclusion
The high-performance FA-conjugated AuNCs@SiO2 nanoprobes can target in vivo gastric cancer cells, can be used for fluorescent and CT dual-mode imaging, and may own great potential in applications such as targeted dual-mode imaging of in vivo early gastric cancer and other tumors with FR positive expression in near future.
Connexin43 mediates NF-κB signalling activation induced by high glucose in GMCs: involvement of c-Src
Authors: Xie Xi , Lan Tian , Chang Xiuting , Huang Kaipeng , Huang Juan , Wang Shaogui , Chen Cheng , Shen Xiaoyan , Liu Peiqing , Huang Heqing 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signalling plays an important role in diabetic nephropathy. Altered expression of connexin43 (Cx43) has been found in kidneys of diabetic animals. The aim of the current study was to investigate the role of Cx43 in the activation of NF-κB induced by high glucose in glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) and to determine whether c-Src is involved in this process.

Results
We found that downregulation of Cx43 expression induced by high glucose activated NF-κB in GMCs. Orverexpression of Cx43 attenuated NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation induced by high glucose. High glucose inhibited the interaction between Cx43 and c-Src, and enhanced the interaction between c-Src and IκB-α. PP2, a c-Src inhibitor, also inhibited the tyrosine phosphorylation of IκB-α and NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation induced by high glucose. Furthermore, overexpression of Cx43 or inhibition of c-Src attenuated the upregulation of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) and fibronectin (FN) expression induced by high glucose.

Conclusions
In conclusion, downregulation of Cx43 in GMCs induced by high glucose activates c-Src, which in turn promotes interaction between c-Src and IκB-α and contributes to NF-κB activation in GMCs, leading to renal inflammation.
Id1 enhances human ovarian cancer endothelial progenitor cell angiogenesis via PI3K/Akt and NF-κB/MMP-2 signaling pathways
Authors: Su Yajuan , Gao Lingjuan , Teng Lichen , Wang Ying , Cui Jialin , Peng Shiyun , Fu Songbin 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) contribute to tumor angiogenesis and growth. We previously reported that over-expression of an inhibitor of DNA binding/differentiation 1 (Id1) in EPCs can enhance EPC proliferation, migration, and adhesion. In this study, we investigated the role of Id1 in EPC angiogenesis in patients with ovarian cancer and the underlying signaling pathway.

Methods
Circulating EPCs from 22 patients with ovarian cancer and 15 healthy control subjects were cultured. Id1 and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) expression were analyzed by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot. EPC angiogenesis was detected by tube formation assays. Double-stranded DNA containing the interference sequences was synthesized according to the structure of a pGCSIL-GFP viral vector and then inserted into a linearized vector. Positive clones were identified as lentiviral vectors that expressed human Id1 short hairpin RNA (shRNA).

Results
Id1 and MMP-2 expression were increased in EPCs freshly isolated from ovarian cancer patients compared to those obtained from healthy subjects. shRNA-mediated Id1 down-regulation substantially reduced EPC angiogenesis and MMP-2 expression. Importantly, transfection of EPCs with Id1 in vitro induced phosphorylation of Akt (p-Akt) via phosphoinositide 3-kinase and increased the expression of MMP-2 via NF-κB. Blockage of both pathways by specific inhibitors (LY294002 and PDTC, respectively) abrogated Id1-enhanced EPC angiogenesis.

Conclusions
Id1 can enhance EPC angiogenesis in ovarian cancer, which is mainly mediated by the PI3K/Akt and NF-κB/MMP-2 signaling pathways. Id1 and its downstream effectors are potential targets for treatment of ovarian cancer because of their contribution to angiogenesis.
Region-of-interest determination and bit-rate conversion for H.264 video transcoding
Authors: Huang Shu-Fen , Chen Mei-Juan , Tai Kuang-Han , Li Mian-Shiuan 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
This paper presents a video bit-rate transcoder for baseline profile in H.264/AVC standard to fit the available channel bandwidth for the client when transmitting video bit-streams via communication channels. To maintain visual quality for low bit-rate video efficiently, this study analyzes the decoded information in the transcoder and proposes a Bayesian theorem-based region-of-interest (ROI) determination algorithm. In addition, a curve fitting scheme is employed to find the models of video bit-rate conversion. The transcoded video will conform to the target bit-rate by re-quantization according to our proposed models. After integrating the ROI detection method and the bit-rate transcoding models, the ROI-based transcoder allocates more coding bits to ROI regions and reduces the complexity of the re-encoding procedure for non-ROI regions. Hence, it not only keeps the coding quality but improves the efficiency of the video transcoding for low target bit-rates and makes the real-time transcoding more practical. Experimental results show that the proposed framework gets significantly better visual quality.
Is a combination of varenicline and nicotine patch more effective in helping smokers quit than varenicline alone? A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hajek Peter , Smith Katie Myers , Dhanji Al-Rehan , McRobbie Hayden 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and varenicline are both effective in helping smokers quit. There is growing interest in combining the two treatments to improve treatment outcomes, but no experimental data exist on whether this is efficacious. This double-blind randomised controlled trial was designed to evaluate whether adding nicotine patches to varenicline improves withdrawal relief and short-term abstinence rates.

Methods
117 participants seeking help to stop smoking were randomly allocated to varenicline plus placebo patch or varenicline plus nicotine patch (15 mg/16 hour). Varenicline use commenced one week prior to the target quit date (TQD), patch use started on the TQD. Ratings of urges to smoke and cigarette withdrawal symptoms were collected weekly over 4 weeks post-TQD. Medication use and smoking status were established at 1, 4 and 12 weeks. Participants lost to follow-up were included as continuing smokers.

Results
92% of participants used both medications during the first week after the TQD. The combination treatment generated no increase in nausea or other adverse effects. It had no overall effect on urges to smoke or on other withdrawal symptoms. The combination treatment did not improve biochemically validated abstinence rates at 1 week and 4 weeks post-TQD (69% vs 59%, p=0.28 and 60% vs 59%, p=0.91, in the nicotine patch and placebo patch arm, respectively), or self reported abstinence rates at 12 weeks (36% vs. 29%, p=0.39, NS).

Conclusions
The efficacy of varenicline was not enhanced by the addition of nicotine patches, although further trials would be useful to exclude the possibility of type II error.

Trial Registration
Clinicaltrials.gov Registration Number: NCT01184664
U1snRNP-mediated suppression of polyadenylation in conjunction with the RNA structure controls poly (A) site selection in foamy viruses
Authors: Schrom Eva-Maria , Moschall Rebecca , Hartl Maximilian J , Weitner Helena , Fecher David , Langemeier Jörg , Bohne Jens , Wöhrl Birgitta M , Bodem Jochen 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
During reverse transcription, retroviruses duplicate the long terminal repeats (LTRs). These identical LTRs carry both promoter regions and functional polyadenylation sites. To express full-length transcripts, retroviruses have to suppress polyadenylation in the 5′LTR and activate polyadenylation in the 3′LTR. Foamy viruses have a unique LTR structure with respect to the location of the major splice donor (MSD), which is located upstream of the polyadenylation signal.

Results
Here, we describe the mechanisms of foamy viruses regulating polyadenylation. We show that binding of the U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (U1snRNP) to the MSD suppresses polyadenylation at the 5′LTR. In contrast, polyadenylation at the 3′LTR is achieved by adoption of a different RNA structure at the MSD region, which blocks U1snRNP binding and furthers RNA cleavage and subsequent polyadenylation.

Conclusion
Recently, it was shown that U1snRNP is able to suppress the usage of intronic cryptic polyadenylation sites in the cellular genome. Foamy viruses take advantage of this surveillance mechanism to suppress premature polyadenylation at the 5’end of their RNA. At the 3’end, Foamy viruses use a secondary structure to presumably block access of U1snRNP and thereby activate polyadenylation at the end of the genome. Our data reveal a contribution of U1snRNP to cellular polyadenylation site selection and to the regulation of gene expression.
Evidence of association between hepatitis C virus genotype 2b and nosocomial transmissions in hemodialysis centers from southern Brazil
Authors: da Silva Naylê Maria Oliveira , Germano Fabiana Nunes , Mendoza-Sassi Raul Andres , Seuánez Hector Nicolas , Soares Marcelo Alves , de Martinez Ana Maria Barral 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Hepatitis C virus infection is a serious public health problem. Hemodialysis is considered one of the main risk factors of HCV infection, due to several invasive medical procedures and potential nosocomial transmission that patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) are continuously submitted. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of HCV and its genotypes in patients with CRF in hemodialysis units in southern Brazil.

Methods
Demographic data and risk factors for HCV transmission were collected and analyzed. These data were obtained from patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment from January 2009 to August 2010, on two dialysis units of Rio Grande, southern Brazil. Genotyping was carried out by sequencing analysis of HCV NS5b, core-E1 junction and 5′UTR genomic regions.

Results
One hundred fifty-nine patients under regular hemodialysis treatment were studied. HCV prevalence was 23.3%. HCV-infected patients had been on dialysis treatment for 91.9 months, a more prolonged period compared to HCV-negative patients (p = 0.001). While HCV genotypes 1b and 3a were identified as the most frequent strains, a surprisingly high proportion of genotype 2b was observed among patients in one of the dialysis centers compared to the general HCV-infected population of the same area. Hemodialysis treatment exposure time and healthcare working were associated with HCV infection.

Conclusions
Besides the efforts to minimize nosocomial transmission of HCV, some events of transmission are still evidenced in dialysis units.