bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stages of change, treatment outcome and therapeutic alliance in adult inpatients with chronic anorexia nervosa
Authors: Mander Johannes , Teufel Martin , Keifenheim Katharina , Zipfel Stephan , Giel Katrin Elisabeth 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is associated with high rates of chronicity and relapse risk is a considerable therapeutic challenge in the disorder. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of stages of change and outcome with a focus on the relapse struggle in the maintenance stage in patients with predominantly chronic AN. Further, therapeutic alliance and stages of change associations were explored.

Methods
As an instrument measuring relapse struggle in the maintenance stage, we applied the short form of the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment-Short (URICA-S). We assessed stages of change in 39 patients with a predominantly chronic course of AN in early, middle, and late stages of inpatient psychotherapy. General symptom severity as assessed by the SCL-90-R and weight change were investigated as outcome measures.

Results
In-line with earlier evidence, contemplation significantly predicted therapeutic alliance. Further, we demonstrated that relapse risk as operationalized by URICA-S maintenance is an important predictor of general psychopathology. BMI change was not predicted by stages of change.

Conclusions
The URICA-S maintenance scale might be applied to help identify patients at relapse risk. High URICA-S maintenance scores could be considered as one critical aspect of AN patients who might especially benefit from relapse-preventing aftercare programs.
Activation of renin-angiotensin system is involved in dyslipidemia-mediated renal injuries in apolipoprotein E knockout mice and HK-2 cells
Authors: Ni Jie , Ma Kun-Ling , Wang Chang-Xian , Liu Jing , Zhang Yang , Lv Lin-Li , Ni Hai-Feng , Chen Ya-Xi , Ruan Xiong-Zhong , Liu Bi-Cheng 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Dyslipidemia and activation of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) contribute to the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study investigated possible synergistic effects of intrarenal RAS activation with hyperlipidemia in renal injuries.

Methods
Apolipoprotein knockout mice were fed with normal chow diet (control) or high fat diet (HF group) for eight weeks. Human proximal tubular epithelial cell line (HK-2) was treated without (control) or with cholesterol (30 μg/ml) plus 25-hydroxycholesterol (1 μg/ml) (lipid group) for 24 hours. The plasma lipid profile and RAS components were determined by clinical biochemistry assay and radiommunoassay, respectively. Collagen deposition in kidneys was evaluated by Masson-staining. The gene and protein expressions of molecules involved in RAS components and biomarkers of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) were examined by real-time PCR, immunochemical staining, and Western blot.

Results
The mice fed with high-fat diet showed significant hyperlipidemia with collagen deposition in renal tubular interstitium compared to controls. The plasma levels of renin, angiotensin I, and angiotensin II were no difference in two groups. However, the kidneys of HF group showed up-regulated RAS components, which were positively associated with increased plasma levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, and LDL. These effects were further confirmed by in vitro studies. Lipid loading induced HK-2 cells underwent EMT, which was closely associated with the increased expressions of intracellular RAS components.

Conclusions
Local RAS activation was involved in hyperlipidemia-mediated renal injuries, suggesting that there are synergistic effects resulting from RAS activation with hyperlipidemia that accelerates the progression of CKD.
Surface modification of TPGS-b-(PCL-ran-PGA) nanoparticles with polyethyleneimine as a co-delivery system of TRAIL and endostatin for cervical cancer gene therapy
Authors: Zheng Yi , Chen Hongbo , Zeng Xiaowei , Liu Zhigang , Xiao Xiaojun , Zhu Yongqiang , Gu Dayong , Mei Lin 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
The efficient delivery of therapeutic genes into cells of interest is a critical challenge to broad application of non-viral vector systems. In this research, a novel TPGS-b-(PCL-ran-PGA) nanoparticle modified with polyethyleneimine was applied to be a vector of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and endostatin for cervical cancer gene therapy. Firstly, a novel biodegradable copolymer, TPGS-b-(PCL-ran-PGA), was synthesized and characterized. The nanoparticles were fabricated by an emulsion/solvent evaporation method and then further modified with polyethyleneimine (PEI) carrying TRAIL and/or endostatin genes. The uptake of pIRES2-EGFP and/or pDsRED nanoparticles by HeLa cells were observed by fluorescence microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The cell viability of TRAIL/endostatin-loaded nanoparticles in HeLa cells was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay. Severe combined immunodeficient mice carrying HeLa tumor xenografts were treated in groups of six including phosphate-buffered saline control, blank TPGS-b-(PCL-ran-PGA) nanoparticles, blank TPGS-b-(PCL-ran-PGA)/PEI nanoparticles, and three types of gene nanoparticles. The activity was assessed using average increase in survival time, body weight, and solid tumor volume. All the specimens were then prepared as formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue sections for hematoxylin-eosin staining. The data showed that the nanoparticles could efficiently deliver plasmids into HeLa cells. The cytotoxicity of the HeLa cells was significantly increased by TRAIL/endostatin-loaded nanoparticles when compared with control groups. The use of TPGS in combination with TRAIL and endostatin had synergistic antitumor effects. In conclusion, the TRAIL/endostatin-loaded nanoparticles offer considerable potential as an ideal candidate for in vivo cancer gene delivery.
Gender, Variation in Opioid Receptor Genes and Sensitivity to Experimental Pain
Authors: Sato Hiroe , Droney Joanne , Ross Joy , Olesen Anne Estrup , Staahl Camilla , Andresen Trine , Branford Ruth , Riley Julia , Arendt-Nielsen Lars , Drewes Asbjørn Mohr 
Published: April 2013

Background Pain tolerance is subject to considerable inter-individual variation, which may be influenced by a number of genetic and non-genetic factors. The mu, delta and kappa opioid receptors play a role in pain perception and are thought to mediate different pain modalities. The aim of this study was to explore associations between pain thresholds and gender and genetic variants in the three opioid receptor genes ( OPRM, OPRD and OPRK). Experimental multi-modal pain data from previously published studies carried out in healthy Caucasian volunteers were used in order to limit the number of confounders to the study outcome. Data on thermal skin pain (n=36), muscle pressure pain (n=31) and mechanical visceral pain (n=50)) tolerance thresholds were included. Results Nineteen genetic polymorphisms were included in linear regression modeling. Males were found to tolerate higher thermal and muscle pressure pain than females (p=0.003 and 0.02). Thirty four percent of variability in thermal skin pain was accounted for by a model consisting of OPRK rs6473799 and gender. This finding was just outside significance when correction for multiple testing was applied. Variability in muscle pressure pain tolerance was associated with OPRK rs7016778 and rs7824175. These SNPs accounted for 43% of variability in muscle pressure pain sensitivity and these findings remained significant after adjustment for multiple testing. No association was found with mechanical visceral pain. Conclusion This is a preliminary and hypothesis generating study due to the relatively small study size. However, significant association between the opioid receptor genes and experimental pain sensitivity supports the influence of genetic variability in pain perception. These findings may be used to generate hypotheses for testing in larger clinical trials of patients with painful conditions.
Early differentiation patterning of mouse embryonic stem cells in response to variations in alginate substrate stiffness
Authors: Candiello Joseph , Singh Satish S , Task Keith , Kumta Prashant N , Banerjee Ipsita 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have been implicated to have tremendous impact in regenerative therapeutics of various diseases, including Type 1 Diabetes. Upon generation of functionally mature ESC derived islet-like cells, they need to be implanted into diabetic patients to restore the loss of islet activity. Encapsulation in alginate microcapsules is a promising route of implantation, which can protect the cells from the recipient’s immune system. While there has been a significant investigation into islet encapsulation over the past decade, the feasibility of encapsulation and differentiation of ESCs has been less explored. Research over the past few years has identified the cellular mechanical microenvironment to play a central role in phenotype commitment of stem cells. Therefore it will be important to design the encapsulation material to be supportive to cellular functionality and maturation.

Results
This work investigated the effect of stiffness of alginate substrate on initial differentiation and phenotype commitment of murine ESCs. ESCs grown on alginate substrates tuned to similar biomechanical properties of native pancreatic tissue elicited both an enhanced and incrementally responsive differentiation towards endodermal lineage traits.

Conclusions
The insight into these biophysical phenomena found in this study can be used along with other cues to enhance the differentiation of embryonic stem cells toward a specific lineage fate.
Development of an electrotransformation protocol for genetic manipulation of Clostridium pasteurianum
Authors: Pyne Michael E , Moo-Young Murray , Chung Duane A , Chou C Perry 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Reducing the production cost of, and increasing revenues from, industrial biofuels will greatly facilitate their proliferation and co-integration with fossil fuels. The cost of feedstock is the largest cost in most fermentation bioprocesses and therefore represents an important target for cost reduction. Meanwhile, the biorefinery concept advocates revenue growth through complete utilization of by-products generated during biofuel production. Taken together, the production of biofuels from low-cost crude glycerol, available in oversupply as a by-product of bioethanol production, in the form of thin stillage, and biodiesel production, embodies a remarkable opportunity to advance affordable biofuel development. However, few bacterial species possess the natural capacity to convert glycerol as a sole source of carbon and energy into value-added bioproducts. Of particular interest is the anaerobe Clostridium pasteurianum, the only microorganism known to convert glycerol alone directly into butanol, which currently holds immense promise as a high-energy biofuel and bulk chemical. Unfortunately, genetic and metabolic engineering of C. pasteurianum has been fundamentally impeded due to lack of an efficient method for deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) transfer.

Results
This work reports the development of an electrotransformation protocol permitting high-level DNA transfer to C. pasteurianum ATCC 6013 together with accompanying selection markers and vector components. The CpaAI restriction-modification system was found to be a major barrier to DNA delivery into C. pasteurianum which we overcame by in vivo methylation of the recognition site (5’-CGCG-3’) using the M.FnuDII methyltransferase. With proper selection of the replication origin and antibiotic-resistance marker, we initially electroporated methylated DNA into C. pasteurianum at a low efficiency of 2.4 × 101 transformants μg-1 DNA by utilizing conditions common to other clostridial electroporations. Systematic investigation of various parameters involved in the cell growth, washing and pulse delivery, and outgrowth phases of the electrotransformation procedure significantly elevated the electrotransformation efficiency, up to 7.5 × 104 transformants μg-1 DNA, an increase of approximately three order of magnitude. Key factors affecting the electrotransformation efficiency include cell-wall-weakening using glycine, ethanol-mediated membrane solubilization, field strength of the electric pulse, and sucrose osmoprotection.

Conclusions

C. pasteurianum ATCC 6013 can be electrotransformed at a high efficiency using appropriately methylated plasmid DNA. The electrotransformation method and tools reported here should promote extensive genetic manipulation and metabolic engineering of this biotechnologically important bacterium.
Autologous keratinocyte suspension in platelet concentrate accelerates and enhances wound healing – a prospective randomized clinical trial on skin graft donor sites: platelet concentrate and keratinocytes on donor sites
Authors: Guerid Samia , Darwiche Salim E , Berger Mette M , Applegate Lee Ann , Benathan Messod , Raffoul Wassim 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Wound healing involves complex mechanisms, which, if properly chaperoned, can enhance patient recovery. The abilities of platelets and keratinocytes may be harnessed in order to stimulate wound healing through the formation of platelet clots, the release of several growth factors and cytokines, and cell proliferation. The aim of the study was to test whether autologous keratinocyte suspensions in platelet concentrate would improve wound healing. The study was conducted at the Lausanne University Hospital, Switzerland in 45 patients, randomized to three different topical treatment groups: standard treatment serving as control, autologous platelet concentrate (PC) and keratinocytes suspended in autologous platelet concentrate (PC + K). Split thickness skin graft donor sites were chosen on the anterolateral thighs of patients undergoing plastic surgery for a variety of defects. Wound healing was assessed by the duration and quality of the healing process. Pain intensity was evaluated at day five.

Results
Healing time was reduced from 13.9 ± 0.5 days (mean ± SEM) in the control group to 7.2 ± 0.2 days in the PC group (P < 0.01). An addition of keratinocytes in suspension further reduced the healing time to 5.7 ± 0.2 days. Pain was reduced in both the PC and PC + K groups. Data showed a statistically detectable advantage of using PC + K over PC alone (P < 0.01).

Conclusion
The results demonstrate the positive contribution of autologous platelets combined with keratinocytes in stimulating wound healing and reducing pain. This strikingly simple approach could have a significant impact on patient care, especially critically burned victims for whom time is of the essence.

Clinical trial registry information
Protocol Record Identification Number: 132/03
Registry URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
Randomized Controlled Trial of Cetuximab Plus Chemotherapy for Patients With KRAS Wild-Type Unresectable Colorectal Liver-Limited Metastases
Authors: Ye Le-Chi , Liu Tian-Shu , Ren Li , Wei Ye , Zhu De-Xiang , Zai Sheng-Yong , Ye Qing-Hai , Yu Yiyi , Xu Bo , Qin Xin-Yu , Xu Jianmin 
Published: April 2013

Purpose To assess the effects of cetuximab plus chemotherapy as first-line treatment for unresectable colorectal liver metastases (CLMs). Patients and Methods After resection of their primary tumors, patients with KRAS wild-type synchronous nonresectable liver-limited metastases from colorectal cancer were randomly assigned to receive chemotherapy (FOLFIRI [fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan] or mFOLFOX6 [modified fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin]) plus cetuximab (arm A) or chemotherapy alone (arm B). The primary end point was the rate of patients converted to resection for liver metastases. Secondary end points included tumor response and survival. Results The intent-to-treat population comprised 138 patients; 70 patients were randomly assigned to arm A and 68 to arm B. After a median of 25.0 months of follow-up, the 3-year overall survival (OS) rate and median survival time (MST) for all patients were 30% and 24.4 months, respectively. The R0 resection rates for liver metastases were 25.7% (18 of 70 patients) in arm A and 7.4% (five of 68 patients) in arm B, which were significantly different (P < .01). Patients in arm A had improved objective response rates (57.1% v 29.4%; P < .01), increased 3-year OS rate (41% v 18%; P = .013) and prolonged MST (30.9 v 21.0 months; P = .013) compared with those in arm B. In addition, in arm A, patients who had resection of liver metastases had a significantly improved MST (46.4 v 25.7 months; P < .01) compared with those who did not undergo surgery. Conclusion For patients with initially unresectable KRAS wild-type CLMs, cetuximab combined with chemotherapy improved the resectability of liver metastases and improved response rates and survival compared with chemotherapy alone.
Adherence to the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research Recommendations for Cancer Prevention Is Associated With Better Health-Related Quality of Life Among Elderly Female Cancer Survivors
Authors: Inoue-Choi Maki , Lazovich DeAnn , Prizment Anna E. , Robien Kim 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe 2007 World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) diet and physical activity guidelines encourage cancer survivors to follow its cancer prevention recommendations. We evaluated whether adherence to the WCRF/AICR recommendations was associated with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among elderly female cancer survivors.Patients and MethodsA total of 2,193 women with a confirmed cancer diagnosis (1986 through 2002) in the Iowa Women's Health Study were identified. We calculated a WCRF/AICR recommendation adherence score (range, 0 to 7), assigning one point each for seven recommendations. Physical and mental component summary scores (PCS, MCS) from the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form–36 Health Survey were compared by recommendation adherence scores.ResultsMean adherence score was 4.0 ± 1.2. Overall, higher adherence to the WCRF/AICR guidelines was significantly associated with better PCS and MCS after adjustment for age, education, marital status, number of comorbidities, smoking, cancer stage, and current cancer treatment (Ptrend< .001 for both). PCS was 43.5 versus 37.0 and MCS was 54.2 versus 52.0 among women with adherence scores ≥ 5 compared with women scoring ≤ 3. Adherence to the physical activity recommendation was associated with higher PCS and MCS after adjusting for demographic and medical confounders, body mass index, and dietary recommendation adherence. For the body weight recommendation, adherence was associated with higher PCS but lower MCS, whereas adherence to the dietary recommendations was associated with higher MCS only.ConclusionFollowing the lifestyle guidelines for cancer prevention may improve HRQOL among elderly female cancer survivors. Physical activity may be a key lifestyle factor to improve HRQOL.
cAMP-Responsive Element Binding Protein: A Vital Link in Embryonic Hormonal Adaptation
Authors: Schindler Maria , Fischer Sünje , Thieme René , Fischer Bernd , Santos Anne Navarrete 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe transcription factor cAMP responsive element-binding protein (CREB) and activating transcription factors (ATFs) are downstream components of the insulin/IGF cascade, playing crucial roles in maintaining cell viability and embryo survival. One of the CREB target genes is adiponectin, which acts synergistically with insulin. We have studied the CREB-ATF-adiponectin network in rabbit preimplantation development in vivo and in vitro. From the blastocyst stage onwards, CREB and ATF1, ATF3, and ATF4 are present with increasing expression for CREB, ATF1, and ATF3 during gastrulation and with a dominant expression in the embryoblast (EB). In vitro stimulation with insulin and IGF-I reduced CREB and ATF1 transcripts by approximately 50%, whereas CREB phosphorylation was increased. Activation of CREB was accompanied by subsequent reduction in adiponectin and adiponectin receptor (adipoR)1 expression. Under in vivo conditions of diabetes type 1, maternal adiponectin levels were up-regulated in serum and endometrium. Embryonic CREB expression was altered in a cell lineage-specific pattern. Although in EB cells CREB localization did not change, it was translocated from the nucleus into the cytosol in trophoblast (TB) cells. In TB, adiponectin expression was increased (diabetic 427.8 ± 59.3 pg/mL vs normoinsulinaemic 143.9 ± 26.5 pg/mL), whereas it was no longer measureable in the EB. Analysis of embryonic adipoRs showed an increased expression of adipoR1 and no changes in adipoR2 transcription. We conclude that the transcription factors CREB and ATFs vitally participate in embryo-maternal cross talk before implantation in a cell lineage-specific manner. Embryonic CREB/ATFs act as insulin/IGF sensors. Lack of insulin is compensated by a CREB-mediated adiponectin expression, which may maintain glucose uptake in blastocysts grown in diabetic mothers.
Incorporating Direct Marketing Activity into Latent Attrition Models
Authors: Schweidel David A. , Knox George 
Published: April 2013

When defection is unobserved, latent attrition models provide useful insights about customer behavior and accurate forecasts of customer value. Yet extant models ignore direct marketing efforts. Response models incorporate the effects of direct marketing, but because they ignore latent attrition, they may lead firms to waste resources on inactive customers. We propose a parsimonious model that allows direct marketing to impact three relevant behaviors in latent attrition models—the frequency with which customers conduct transactions, the size of the transactions, and the duration for which customers remain active. Our model also accounts for how the organization targets its direct marketing across individuals and over time. Using donation data from a nonprofit organization, we find that direct marketing increases donation incidence for active donors. However, our analysis also shows that direct marketing has the potential to shorten the length of a donor's relationship. We find that our proposed model offers superior predictive performance compared with models that ignore the impact of direct marketing activity or latent attrition. We demonstrate the managerial applicability of our modeling approach by estimating the impact of direct marketing on donation behavior and identifying those donors most likely to conduct transactions in the future.