bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brain biopsy in AIDS patients: diagnostic yield and treatment applications
Authors: Zibly Zion , Levy Itzchak , Litchevski Vlady , Nass Dvora , Hofmann Chen , Barham Jacob , Graves Christian A , Spiegelmann Roberto , Hadani Moshe , Cohen Zvi R 
Published: January 2014

AbstractObjectiveCentral nervous system involvement in AIDS patients can present at any stage of the disease. Brain lesions detected in imaging studies are usually treated empirically. A brain biopsy is indicated in the absence of clinical and radiologic improvement. In the present study, 16 AIDS patients underwent brain biopsy. We evaluated the diagnostic yield of the brain biopsy and the changes in the disease course.Materials and methodsSixteen consecutive AIDS patients (12 men, 4 women; mean age 40.8 years) underwent a brain biopsy at Sheba Medical Center between 1997 and 2009. A retrospective analysis was performed and the clinical outcome was recorded.ResultsMedian CD4 count before biopsy was 62.6. Magnetic resonance images revealed multiple lesions in 12 patients and enhancing lesions in 12 patients. A total of 19 biopsies were performed in 16 patients. In the present series, the initial procedures provided a diagnostic yield of 81.25% (13 diagnostic cases from 16 procedures in 16 patients). Two of these patients underwent repeated biopsies that were eventually diagnostic . If repeated biopsies were taken into consideration, the diagnostic yield was 93.75% (15 diagnostic cases in 16 patients). The rate of hemorrhagic complications was 10.5% (2 hemorrhages in 19 procedures).Pathologic examination revealed parasitic and fungal infections in 6 patients (6/16; 38%), progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in 4 patients (4/16; 25%), AIDS encephalopathy in 4 patients (4/16; 25%), and lymphoma in 1 patient (1/16; 6%). One patient had a nonspecific inflammatory process (6%). The treatment modality was modified in 12 patients and led to clinical and radiologic improvement in 8 patients.ConclusionsBrain biopsy should be considered when empiric treatment of central nervous system lesions in AIDS patients fails. Biopsy is diagnostic in the majority of patients. The diagnosis allows for treatment modifications, which lead to clinical and radiologic improvement in some patients.
Protective effects of flavonol isoquercitrin, against 6-hydroxy dopamine (6-OHDA) - induced toxicity in PC12 cells
Authors: Magalingam Kasthuri Bai , Radhakrishnan Ammu , Haleagrahara Nagaraja 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Free radicals-induced neurodegeneration is one of the many causes of Parkinson’s disease (PD). This study investigated the neuroprotective effects of flavonol isoquercitrin against toxicity induced by 6-hydroxy-dopamine (6-OHDA) in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells.

Methods
PC12 cells were pretreated with different concentrations of isoquercitrin for 4, 8 and 12 hours and incubated with 6-OHDA for 24 hours to induce oxidative cell damage.

Results
A significant cytoprotective activity was observed in isoquercitrin pre-treated cells in a dose-dependent manner. There was a significant increase (P < 0.01) in the antioxidant enzymes namely superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione in isoquercitrin pretreated cells compared to cells incubated with 6-OHDA alone. Isoquercitrin significantly reduced (P < 0.01) lipid peroxidation in 6-OHDA treated cells. These results suggested that isoquercitrin protects PC 12 cells against 6-OHDA–induced oxidative stress.

Conclusions
The present study suggests the protective role of isoquercitrin on 6-hydroxydopamine-induced toxicity by virtue of its antioxidant potential. Isoquercitrin could be a potential therapeutic agent against neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease.
Effectiveness of option B highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) in pregnant HIV women
Authors: Ngemu Erastus K , Khayeka-Wandabwa Christopher , Kweka Eliningaya J , Choge Joseph K , Anino Edward , Oyoo-Okoth Elijah 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Ensuring that no baby is born with HIV is an essential step towards achieving an AIDS-free generation. To achieve this, strategies that decouple links between childbirth and HIV transmission are necessary. Traditional forms of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT), has been recommended. Recognizing the importance and challenges of combination of methods to achieve rapid PMTCT, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended option B Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) for all HIV-positive pregnant women. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the HAART in PMTCT. A cohort of HIV-infected pregnant women in Kenya were obtained from the DREAM Center, Nairobi. The study participants underwent adherence counselling and Option B of HAART [Nevirapine(NVP) + Lamivudine + Zidovudine] at the fourth week of gestation followed by an intravenous NVP administration intrapartum and postpartum NVP syrup to the respective infants for six weeks. Absolute pre-HAART and post-HAART CD4 counts and viral loads counts were determined. Comparison of the CD4 counts and viral loads before and after administration of HAART were done using Wilcoxon’s Matched Pairs Signed-Ranks Test.

Findings
The mean absolute CD4 cell counts in mothers after administration of HAART was significantly higher (Z = 15.664, p < 0.001) than before the administration of HAART). Also the viral load of the mothers significantly (Z = 11.324, p < 0.001) reduced following HAART treatment. Following the HAART administration in mothers, up to 90% of children were confirmed to be HIV negative.

Conclusion
Administration of HAART to mothers and children demonstrated an effective mechanism of PMTCT. However, other aspects of HAART such as adherence, costs, mothers behaviour during HAART, and the child feeding programme during the therapy should further be evaluated and ascertained how they can affect the overall efficacy of option B HAART in PMTCT.
Detection of branch retinal artery occlusions in Susac’s syndrome
Authors: Boukouvala Stavroula , Jacob Saiju , Lane Mark , Denniston Alastair K , Burdon Michael A 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
We report an interesting case of asymptomatic retinal involvement in an encephalopathic patient enabling early identification of Susac’s syndrome.

Case presentation
A 39-year-old Caucasian lady with hearing loss and encephalopathy was referred for ophthalmic assessment, including screening for branch retinal artery occlusions characteristic of Susac’s syndrome. Clinical features included severe headaches, right-sided hypoacusis, dysphasia and poor memory. Routine blood tests were normal. MRI brain showed numerous hyperintense lesions mainly in corpus callosum. Although she was visually asymptomatic, dilated funduscopy detected bilateral multiple peripheral branch retinal artery occlusions which were confirmed on fluorescein angiography. She was subsequently started on intravenous steroids and pulsed cyclophosphamide which improved her symptoms within 48 hours. Full recovery was made with no new arterial occlusions on four months follow-up.

Conclusion
The case further establishes the crucial role of a detailed ophthalmic examination supported by fluorescein angiography in the assessment of these patients, who are at risk of being misdiagnosed and undertreated.
The hypoglycemic effect of Juglans regia leaves aqueous extract in diabetic patients: A first human trial
Authors: Hosseini Saeed , Huseini Hasan Fallah , Larijani Bagher , Mohammad Kazem , Najmizadeh Alireza , Nourijelyani Keramt , Jamshidi Leila 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background

Juglans regia L. (J. regia ) is one of the medicinal plants traditionally used for treatment of diabetes in Iranian medicine. The effect of this plant has already been investigated on animal models; however, this is the first study conducted on human subjects. The aim of this study is to investigate the hypoglycemic effect of J. regia leaves aqueous extract in type 2 diabetes patients. Fifty eight Iranian male and female patients with type 2 diabetes were enrolled. The patients were randomly allocated into two groups. One group (n = 30) received J. regia leaves extract while the other group (n = 28) received placebo. Fasting blood samples were collected at the beginning of the study and after two months for determination of HbA1c and blood glucose level as a main outcome and insulin, SGOT, SGPT, and ALP level as secondary outcome.

Results
Our analysis showed that serum fasting HbA1C and blood glucose levels were significantly decreased and the insulin level was increased in patients in the J. regia arm.

Conclusions
The results indicate that J. regia aqueous extract favorably affects blood levels of glucose, insulin and HbA1C in type 2 diabetic patients.
Increased anxiety in corticotropin-releasing factor type 2 receptor-null mice requires recent acute stress exposure and is associated with dysregulated serotonergic activity in limbic brain areas
Authors: Issler Orna , Carter Roderick N , Paul Evan D , Kelly Paul AT , Olverman Henry J , Neufeld-Cohen Adi , Kuperman Yael , Lowry Christopher A , Seckl Jonathan R , Chen Alon , Jamieson Pauline M 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Corticotropin-releasing factor type 2 receptors (CRFR2) are suggested to facilitate successful recovery from stress to maintain mental health. They are abundant in the midbrain raphe nuclei, where they regulate serotonergic neuronal activity and have been demonstrated to mediate behavioural consequences of stress. Here, we describe behavioural and serotonergic responses consistent with maladaptive recovery from stressful challenge in CRFR2-null mice.

Results
CRFR2-null mice showed similar anxiety levels to control mice before and immediately after acute restraint stress, and also after cessation of chronic stress. However, they showed increased anxiety by 24 hours after restraint, whether or not they had been chronically stressed.
Serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) contents were quantified and the level of 5-HIAA in the caudal dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) was increased under basal conditions in CRFR2-null mice, indicating increased 5-HT turnover. Twenty-four hours following restraint, 5-HIAA was decreased only in CRFR2-null mice, suggesting that they had not fully recovered from the challenge. In efferent limbic structures, CRFR2-null mice showed lower levels of basal 5-HT in the lateral septum and subiculum, and again showed a differential response to restraint stress from controls.
Local cerebral glucose utilization (LCMRglu) revealed decreased neuronal activity in the DRN of CRFR2-null mice under basal conditions. Following 5-HT receptor agonist challenge, LCMRglu responses indicated that 5-HT1A receptor responses in the DRN were attenuated in CRFR2-null mice. However, postsynaptic 5-HT receptor responses in forebrain regions were intact.

Conclusions
These results suggest that CRFR2 are required for proper functionality of 5-HT1A receptors in the raphe nuclei, and are key to successful recovery from stress. This disrupted serotonergic function in CRFR2-null mice likely contributes to their stress-sensitive phenotype. The 5-HT content in lateral septum and subiculum was notably altered. These areas are important for anxiety, and are also implicated in reward and the pathophysiology of addiction. The role of CRFR2 in stress-related psychopathologies deserves further consideration.
A new procedure to analyze the effect of air changes in building energy consumption
Authors: Barkhudaryan Naira , Orosa José A , Roshan Gholamreza 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Today, the International Energy Agency is working under good practice guides that integrate appropriate and cost effective technologies. In this paper a new procedure to define building energy consumption in accordance with the ISO 13790 standard was performed and tested based on real data from a Spanish region.

Results
Results showed that the effect of air changes on building energy consumption can be defined using the Weibull peak function model. Furthermore, the effect of climate change on building energy consumption under several different air changes was nearly nil during the summer season.

Conclusions
The procedure obtained could be the much sought-after solution to the problem stated by researchers in the past and future research works relating to this new methodology could help us define the optimal improvement in real buildings to reduce energy consumption, and its related carbon dioxide emissions, at minimal economical cost.
Interplay of choline metabolites and genes in patient-derived breast cancer xenografts
Authors: Grinde Maria T , Skrbo Nirma , Moestue Siver A , Rødland Einar A , Borgan Eldrid , Kristian Alexandr , Sitter Beathe , Bathen Tone F , Børresen-Dale Anne-Lise , Mælandsmo Gunhild M , Engebraaten Olav , Sørlie Therese , Marangoni Elisabetta , Gribbestad Ingrid S 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Dysregulated choline metabolism is a well-known feature of breast cancer, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, the metabolomic and transcriptomic characteristics of a large panel of human breast cancer xenograft models were mapped, with focus on choline metabolism.

Methods
Tumor specimens from 34 patient-derived xenograft models were collected and divided in two. One part was examined using high-resolution magic angle spinning (HR-MAS) MR spectroscopy while another part was analyzed using gene expression microarrays. Expression data of genes encoding proteins in the choline metabolism pathway were analyzed and correlated to the levels of choline (Cho), phosphocholine (PCho) and glycerophosphocholine (GPC) using Pearson’s correlation analysis. For comparison purposes, metabolic and gene expression data were collected from human breast tumors belonging to corresponding molecular subgroups.

Results
Most of the xenograft models were classified as basal-like (N = 19) or luminal B (N = 7). These two subgroups showed significantly different choline metabolic and gene expression profiles. The luminal B xenografts were characterized by a high PCho/GPC ratio while the basal-like xenografts were characterized by highly variable PCho/GPC ratio. Also, Cho, PCho and GPC levels were correlated to expression of several genes encoding proteins in the choline metabolism pathway, including choline kinase alpha (CHKA) and glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase domain containing 5 (GDPD5). These characteristics were similar to those found in human tumor samples.

Conclusion
The higher PCho/GPC ratio found in luminal B compared with most basal-like breast cancer xenograft models and human tissue samples do not correspond to results observed from in vitro studies. It is likely that microenvironmental factors play a role in the in vivo regulation of choline metabolism. Cho, PCho and GPC were correlated to different choline pathway-encoding genes in luminal B compared with basal-like xenografts, suggesting that regulation of choline metabolism may vary between different breast cancer subgroups. The concordance between the metabolic and gene expression profiles from xenograft models with breast cancer tissue samples from patients indicates that these xenografts are representative models of human breast cancer and represent relevant models to study tumor metabolism in vivo.
Apoptotic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy protects against lung and kidney injury in sepsis syndrome caused by cecal ligation puncture in rats
Authors: Sung Pei-Hsun , Chang Chia-Lo , Tsai Tzu-Hsien , Chang Li-Teh , Leu Steve , Chen Yung-Lung , Yang Chic-Chao , Chua Sarah , Yeh Kuo-Ho , Chai Han-Tan , Chang Hsueh-Wen , Chen Hong-Hwa , Yip Hon-Kan 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Introduction
We tested the hypothesis that apoptotic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (A-ADMSC) are superior to healthy (H)-ADMSC in attenuating cecal ligation puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis-mediated lung and kidney injuries.

Methods
Adult male rats divided into group 1 (sham controls), group 2 (CLP), group 3 [CLP + H-ADMSC administered at 0.5, 6, and 18 hours after CLP], and group 4 [CLP + A-ADMSC administered as in group 3] were sacrificed 72 hours after CLP with blood, lung, and kidney collected for studies.

Results
White blood cell (WBC) count, circulating TNF-α and creatinine levels were higher in groups 2 and 3 than in groups 1 and 4 (all P < 0.001). Kidney and lung damage scores were highest in group 2, lowest in group 1, significantly higher in group 3 than in group 4 (all P < 0.0001). Protein expressions of inflammatory (ICAM-1, MMP-9, TNF-α, NF-κB), oxidative, and apoptotic (Bax, caspase-3, PARP) biomarkers were higher in groups 2 and 3 than groups 1 and 4, whereas anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) and mitochondrial integrity (cytochrome-C) biomarkers were lower in groups 2 and 3 than in groups 1 and 4 (all P < 0.001). Expressions of anti-oxidant biomarkers at protein (GR, GPx, NQO-1, HO-1) and cellular (GR, GPx) levels were highest in group 4 (all P < 0.001). The number of inflammatory cells (CD3+) in lungs and levels of DNA damage marker (γ-H2AX) in kidneys were higher in groups 2 and 3 than in groups 1 and 4 (all P < 0.001).

Conclusions
A-ADMSC therapy was superior to H-ADMSC therapy in protecting major organs from damage in rats with CLP-induced sepsis syndrome.
Construction and accessibility of a cross-species phenotype ontology along with gene annotations for biomedical research
Authors: Köhler Sebastian , Doelken Sandra C , Ruef Barbara J , Bauer Sebastian , Washington Nicole , Westerfield Monte , Gkoutos George , Schofield Paul , Smedley Damian , Lewis Suzanna E , Robinson Peter N , Mungall Christopher J 
Published: January 2014

Phenotype analyses, e.g. investigating metabolic processes, tissue formation, or organism behavior, are an important element of most biological and medical research activities. Biomedical researchers are making increased use of ontological standards and methods to capture the results of such analyses, with one focus being the comparison and analysis of phenotype information between species.We have generated a cross-species phenotype ontology for human, mouse and zebrafish that contains classes from the Human Phenotype Ontology, Mammalian Phenotype Ontology, and generated classes for zebrafish phenotypes. We also provide up-to-date annotation data connecting human genes to phenotype classes from the generated ontology. We have included the data generation pipeline into our continuous integration system ensuring stable and up-to-date releases.This article describes the data generation process and is intended to help interested researchers access both the phenotype annotation data and the associated cross-species phenotype ontology. The resource described here can be used in sophisticated semantic similarity and gene set enrichment analyses for phenotype data across species. The stable releases of this resource can be obtained from http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/hp/uberpheno/.
THEORY AND PRACTICE OF RESEARCH OF ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE
Authors: Дроздова  , Drozdova Ekaterina , Палагутина  , Palagutina N. , Воробьев  , Vorobev A. 
Published: January 2014

In the course of creation of the corporate culture focused on the consumer,
a key role play understanding and acceptance by all employees
of the principles put in a basis of activity of the company. Therefore,
success of the organization rendering services, in the competitive market
substantially depends on organizational culture. It also defines relevance
of the matter. In article the analysis of a current state of researches of
organizational culture is provided in Russia and abroad, and also results
of carried-out diagnostics of organizational culture of one of divisions of
Sberbank of Russia. The theoretical value and the practical importance
of the conducted research consists in identification of a role of organizational
culture in formation of those models of behavior of employees
which are the main component of quality of service and are highly appreciated
by consumers.
THE MODERN SCHOOLS ROLE IN PROMOTING A PEACE AND TOLERANCE CULTURE
Authors: Ушакова  , Ushakova V. , Ушакова  , Ushakova S. 
Published: January 2014

The article argued and proved by the fact that the main role in the formation
of the younger generation of a culture of peace and tolerance in
contemporary Russian reality belongs to the school system.
Very important is to prepare young people for life in a multiethnic and
multicultural world , suggesting the formation of such personality traits
as inter-ethnic tolerance . Condition for the formation of tolerance should
be a favorable social and educational environment in which students
learn skills mutual business communication.
The joint work of teachers, psychologists , representatives of science and
education , and social workers can identify major problems standing in
the way of formation of tolerant thinking.
The high level of ethnic tolerance of modern graduate school is characterized
by: the presence of a genuine national interest in the peculiar
conditions of life, work , relationships, representatives of various ethnic
communities; knowledge of the rules and regulations that govern the
relationship between members of different ethnic communities to develop
their capacity to the particular circumstances of the situation of
inter-ethnic communication the mutual interests of the parties.
MOBBING IN THE WORKPLACE
Authors: Мельникова  , Melnikova Marina , Анисимова  , Anisimova Galina , Дроздова  , Drozdova Ekaterina , Палагутина  , Palagutina N. 
Published: January 2014

The article describes the main causes of mobbing in the workplace, its
phases and types. The features of the behavior of participants in the conflict interaction. The recommendations for the prevention of mobbing
in the organization.
Mobbing as a phenomenon that is widespread in the workforce. It is
a healthy alternative to the inefficient competition. Are increasingly
becoming aware of cases of collective psychological terror against
the workers by their peers, subordinates or superiors. Aggression in
the workplace can manifest itself in different ways: raising voices,
open disputes, false information, and even the use of physical force.
Mobbing can be both horizontal and vertical, the so-called bossing.
There are cases where the «victim» of mobbing and became the chief
executive.
Out of a situation of conflict interaction without loss, turns out not at
all. Workers are asking for pressure and exposed to it, cannot fully
devote themselves to the work being undermined institutional balance,
production problems are not resolved fully, the organization makes
a loss.
Therefore prevention of mobbing has become one of the primary objectives
of effective leadership.