bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Filamin-A is required for the incorporation of tissue factor into cell-derived microvesicles
Authors: Maraveyas Anthony , Ettelaie Camille , Collier Mary E. W. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryWe previously reported that the incorporation of tissue factor (TF) into cell-derived microvesicles (MVs) is regulated by the phosphorylation of the cytoplasmic domain of TF. Since the cytoskeletal protein filamin-A is known to bind to the cytoplasmic domain of TF in a phosphorylation-dependent manner, the involvement of filamin-A in the incorporation of TF into MVs was examined. Endothelial cells were transfected to express TF, whereas MDA-MB-231 cells were used to examine endogenously expressed TF. MV release was induced by activating protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR2). Partial suppression of filamin-A expression using two different filamin-A siRNA sequences resulted in significant reductions in the incorporation of TF antigen into MVs as determined by TF-ELISA and western blot analysis, and was reflected in reduced thrombin-generation and FXa-generation capacities of these MVs. Deletion of the cytoplasmic domain of TF also resulted in reduced incorporation of TF into MVs, whereas the suppression of filamin-A expression had no additional effect on the incorporation of truncated TF into MVs. Partial suppression of filamin-A expression had no effect on the number and size distribution of the released MVs. However, >90% suppression of filamin-A expression resulted in increased MV release, possibly as a result of increased instability of the plasma membrane and underlying cytoskeleton. In conclusion, the presence of filamin-A appears to be essential for the incorporation of TF into MVs following PAR2 activation, but is not required for the process of MV formation and release following PAR2 activation.
Diabatic Balance Model for the Equatorial Atmosphere
Authors: Chan Ian H. , Shepherd Theodore G. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractUsing an asymptotic expansion, a balance model is derived for the shallow-water equations (SWE) on the equatorial β plane that is valid for planetary-scale equatorial dynamics and includes Kelvin waves. In contrast to many theories of tropical dynamics, neither a strict balance between diabatic heating and vertical motion nor a small Froude number is required. Instead, the expansion is based on the smallness of the ratio of meridional to zonal length scales, which can also be interpreted as a separation in time scale. The leading-order model is characterized by a semigeostrophic balance between the zonal wind and meridional pressure gradient, while the meridional wind υ vanishes; the model is thus asymptotically nondivergent, and the nonzero correction to υ can be found at the next order. Importantly for applications, the diagnostic balance relations are linear for winds when inferring the wind field from mass observations and the winds can be diagnosed without direct observations of diabatic heating. The accuracy of the model is investigated through a set of numerical examples. These examples show that the diagnostic balance relations can remain valid even when the dynamics do not, and the balance dynamics can capture the slow behavior of a rapidly varying solution.
Singular Vectors for Barotropic, Hurricane-Like Vortices in Horizontal Shear: Structure and Perturbation Growth Mechanisms
Authors: Scheck Leonhard , Jones Sarah C. , Heuveline Vincent 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn this study the structure and evolution of singular vectors (SVs) for stable and unstable hurricane-like vortices in background flows with horizontal shear are investigated on f and β planes using a nondivergent barotropic model. With increasing shear strength, the singular values for stable vortices increase and the sensitive regions extend farther away from the vortex. The formation of β gyres leads to significant changes in the SV structure but has only weak influence on the singular values. For sufficiently strong anticyclonic shear, the initial SVs are aligned with streamlines connected to stagnation points. The evolved SVs are dominated by dipole structures, indicating a displacement of the vortex. The displacement is caused by the circulation associated with the initial SV perturbation outside of the vortex core, which grows by untilting and unshielding. This process is strongly enhanced by anticyclonic background shear. For both cyclonic and anticyclonic shear, the displacement by the perturbation circulation causes an additional displacement that is proportional to the shear strength. The shear-enhanced barotropic growth mechanism in stable vortices results in singular values that are comparable to those for unstable vortices without background shear. Perturbation growth involving the normal mode in barotropically unstable vortices suffers from background shear. The shear-induced modifications of the outer vortex regions cause a strong decrease of the singular value with increasing shear. For sufficiently strong shear, the SVs for unstable vortices grow by the same mechanism as for stable vortices.
Pilot Evaluation of Parent and Child Enhancement Program for Disadvantaged Families
Authors: Leung Cynthia , Tsang Sandra , Leung Iona 
Published: November 2013

Objective: The present study was a pilot evaluation of the effectiveness of the Parent and Child Enhancement (PACE) program in enhancing child development for disadvantaged families with children aged 2 to 3. Method: Participants included 23 parent–child dyads who attended 2-hr sessions twice weekly for 20 weeks. Parents and children were assessed before and after program participation on child cognitive skills, learning motivation, behavior problems, parental stress, and social support. Where appropriate, teacher-reported measures were obtained. Results: The results indicated significant improvement in child cognitive scores, learning motivation, prosocial behavior, and a significant decrease in child behavior problems. Conclusion: The results provided limited initial but encouraging evidence for the effectiveness of the PACE program in promoting child outcomes. Implications for social work practice were discussed.
A Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy of Oral Transmucosal Fentanyl Citrate in the Treatment of Dyspnea on Exertion in Patients With Advanced Cancer
Authors: Pinna Miguel Ángel Cuervo , Bruera Eduardo , Moralo María José Redondo , Correas Miguel Ángel Sánchez , Vargas Rafael Mota 
Published: November 2013

Background: Morphine is the only opioid which has been clearly demonstrated as effective in the treatment of dyspnea. The role of other opioids has not been sufficiently substantiated. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate (OTFC) in the treatment of dyspnea on exertion in patients with advanced cancer. Design: This is a randomized, double-blind crossover clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of OTFC in dyspnea on exertion after the completion of a 6-minute walk test (6MWT). All patients were attended in 2011 by the Palliative Care Supportive Team from Badajoz. In visit 1, patients were randomly assigned to 1 of the 2 treatment groups. In visit 2, the patients who had been receiving the investigational product were given placebos and vice versa. Results: Thirteen patients were recruited (26 6MWT), with a mean age of 65 years. Of the patients, 11 (76%)were males and lung cancer was the most frequently represented etiology. The patients were classified into 3e categories: better response in the first period, the same response in both the periods, and better response in the second period. No differences between the treatments were demonstrated ( P: 1). There were no differences in changes in oxygen saturation ( P: .7541) nor in the distance walked in the different sequences ( P: .6550). No significant differences were found in relation to the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System, either before or after the 6MWT ( P: .1234). No secondary effects associated with the medication were observed. Conclusion: It could not be demonstrated that the OTFC improved exertion dyspnea in patients with advanced cancer. A placebo effect was observed in all the patients.
A comparative study between holmium laser enucleation of the prostate and transurethral resection of the prostate: 12-month follow-up
Authors: Hamouda Atef , Morsi Gamal , Habib Enmar , Hamouda Hisham , Emam Abdel Basset , Etafy Mohamed 
Published: November 2013

Background This was a prospective randomized clinical trial to compare the safety and efficacy of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate and transurethral resection of the prostate for surgical treatment of patients with bladder outlet obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Patients and methods From December 2009 to October 2010, 60 consecutive patients with lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTs) due to BPH were randomized to either surgical treatment with HOLEP (group 1, n = 30) or standard TURP (group 2, n = 30). Preoperative assessments included American Urological Association (AUA) symptom score, serum prostate-specific antigen, (SPSA), post-void residual urine volume (PVR), transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and uroflowmetry. Perioperative parameters included total operating time, resected tissue weight, hemoglobin loss, presence or absence of blood transfusion, time of catheter removal and duration of hospital stay. Postoperative evaluations were conducted at one, three, six and 12 months. Results Patients in the HOLEP group had shorter catheterization time and hospital stay, but longer operating time. Mean hemoglobin loss was lower in the HOLEP group (0.900 ± 0.419 g/dl vs 1.157 ± 0.918 g/dl). The follow-up results up to 12 months regarding AUA symptom score, PVR urine volume and Qmax showed that both groups were comparable. Complications Complications were similar between the two procedures with no significant difference. Conclusion HOLEP proved to be a safe and highly effective technique for surgical treatment of bladder outlet obstruction due to BPH.
Clustered regulatory elements at nucleosome-depleted regions punctuate a constant nucleosomal landscape in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Soriano Ignacio , Quintales Luis , Antequera Francisco 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Nucleosomes facilitate the packaging of the eukaryotic genome and modulate the access of regulators to DNA. A detailed description of the nucleosomal organization under different transcriptional programmes is essential to understand their contribution to genomic regulation.

Results
To visualize the dynamics of individual nucleosomes under different transcriptional programmes we have generated high-resolution nucleosomal maps in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. We show that 98.5% of the genome remains almost invariable during mitosis and meiosis while remodelling is limited to approximately 1100 nucleosomes in the promoters of a subset of meiotic genes. These inducible nucleosome-depleted regions (NDR) and also those constitutively present in the genome overlap precisely with clusters of binding sites for transcription factors (TF) specific for meiosis and for different functional classes of genes, respectively. Deletion of two TFs affects only a small fraction of all the NDRs to which they bind in vivo, indicating that TFs collectively contribute to NDR maintenance.

Conclusions
Our results show that the nucleosomal profile in S. pombe is largely maintained under different physiological conditions and patterns of gene expression. This relatively constant landscape favours the concentration of regulators in constitutive and inducible NDRs. The combinatorial analysis of binding motifs in this discrete fraction of the genome will facilitate the definition of the transcriptional regulatory networks.
A tandem array of CBF/DREB1 genes is located in a major freezing tolerance QTL region on Medicago truncatula chromosome 6
Authors: Tayeh Nadim , Bahrman Nasser , Sellier Hélène , Bluteau Aurélie , Blassiau Christelle , Fourment Joëlle , Bellec Arnaud , Debellé Frédéric , Lejeune-Hénaut Isabelle , Delbreil Bruno 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundFreezing provokes severe yield losses to different fall-sown annual legumes. Understanding the molecular bases of freezing tolerance is of great interest for breeding programs.Medicago truncatulaGaertn. is an annual temperate forage legume that has been chosen as a model species for agronomically and economically important legume crops. The present study aimed to identify positional candidate genes for a major freezing tolerance quantitative trait locus that was previously mapped toM. truncatulachromosome 6 (Mt-FTQTL6) using the LR3 population derived from a cross between the freezing-tolerant accession F83005-5 and the freezing-sensitive accession DZA045-5.ResultsThe confidence interval of Mt-FTQTL6 was narrowed down to the region comprised between markers MTIC153 and NT6054 using recombinant F7and F8lines. A bacterial-artificial chromosome (BAC) clone contig map was constructed in an attempt to close the residual assembly gap existing therein. Twenty positional candidate genes including twelve C-repeat binding factor (CBF)/dehydration-responsive element binding factor 1 (DREB1) genes were identified from BAC-derived sequences and whole-genome shotgun sequences (WGS).CBF/DREB1genes are organized in a tandem array within an approximately 296-Kb region. ElevenCBF/DREB1genes were isolated and sequenced from F83005-5 and DZA045-5 which revealed high polymorphism among these accessions. Unique features characterizingCBF/DREB1genes fromM. truncatula, such as alternative splicing and large tandem duplication, are elucidated for the first time.ConclusionsOverall, twenty genes were identified as potential candidates to explain Mt-FTQTL6 effect. Their future functional characterization will uncover the gene(s) involved in freezing tolerance difference observed between F83005-5 and DZA045-5. Knowledge transfer for breeding improvement of crop legumes is expected. Furthermore,CBF/DREB1related data will certainly have a large impact on research studies targeting this group of transcriptional activators inM. truncatulaand other legume species.
Developing a toolkit for panel management: improving hypertension and smoking cessation outcomes in primary care at the VA
Authors: Savarimuthu Stella M , Jensen Ashley E , Schoenthaler Antoinette , Dembitzer Anne , Tenner Craig , Gillespie Colleen , Schwartz Mark D , Sherman Scott E 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
As primary care practices evolve into medical homes, there is an increasing need for effective models to shift from visit-based to population-based strategies for care. However, most medical teams lack tools and training to manage panels of patients. As part of a study comparing different approaches to panel management at the Manhattan and Brooklyn campuses of the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, we created a toolkit of strategies that non-clinician panel management assistants (PMAs) can use to enhance panel-wide outcomes in smoking cessation and hypertension.

Methods
We created the toolkit using: 1) literature review and consultation with outside experts, 2) key informant interviews with staff identified using snowball sampling, 3) pilot testing for feasibility and acceptability, and 4) further revision based on a survey of primary care providers and nurses. These steps resulted in progressively refined strategies for the PMAs to support the primary care team.

Results
Literature review and expert consultation resulted in an extensive list of potentially useful strategies. Key informant interviews and staff surveys identified several areas of need for assistance, including help to manage the most challenging patients, providing care outside of the visit, connecting patients with existing resources, and providing additional patient education. The strategies identified were then grouped into 5 areas – continuous connection to care, education and connection to clinical resources, targeted behavior change counseling, adherence support, and patients with special needs.

Conclusions
Although panel management is a central aspect of patient-centered medical homes, providers and health care systems have little guidance or evidence as to how teams should accomplish this objective. We created a toolkit to help PMAs support the clinical care team for patients with hypertension or tobacco use. This toolkit development process could readily be adapted to other behaviors or conditions.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01677533
Chlamydia pneumoniae infection and cerebrovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Juan , Zhu Meijia , Ma Gaoting , Zhao Zhangning , Sun Zhongwen 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
A wealth of published studies have been published on association between Chlamydia pneumoniae (C.pneumoniae) infection and cerebrovascular (CV) disease, but the results were inconsistent. This meta-analysis provides a systematic review of the available evidence from all serological and pathological studies of CV disease and C.pneumoniae.

Methods
A comprehensive research was conducted of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CNKI, WanFang technological periodical database and reference lists of articles to identify eligible case-control and cohort studies. Odds radio (OR) was calculated for each study outcome. Random effect model was used as pooling method and publication bias was estimated for the results.

Results
Fifty-two published studies that met criteria were selected. In case control studies, an association between C.pneumoniae infection and CV disease was revealed by serum specific IgG (OR, 1.61; 95% CI: 1.34 to 1.94), serum IgA (OR, 2.33; 95% CI: 1.76 to 3.08) and PCR technique of C.pneumoniae in peripheral blood cells (OR, 1.90; 95% CI: 1.17 to 3.07). No significant association was found in serum anti-C.pneumonae IgM seropositivity or in-situ-detection of C.pneumoniae in arterial biopsies with CV disease. Subgroup analysis by available studies suggested that C.pneumoniae may paly a role in atherosclerotic stroke, but be less significant in stroke of cardioembolism or other etiologies.

Conclusion
Association between C.pneumoniae infection and CV disease depends on the analytical method adopted, which seems stronger with stroke due to large artery atherosclerosis. Establishing a causal relationship between C.peumoniae infection and CV disease will require more prospective studies with combination of techniques and stratified by etiological subtypes.
HIV trend among Iranian prisoners in 1990s and 2000s; analysis of aggregated data from HIV sentinel sero-surveys
Authors: Haghdoost Ali-Akbar , Mirzazadeh Ali , Shokoohi Mostafa , Sedaghat Abbas , Gouya Mohammad Mahdi 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Using the aggregated data of all sentinel sero-surveys (1991 to 2007), this study aimed to report the HIV trend among Iranian prisoners.

Method
Overall, we analysed the aggregated data from 397 HIV sero-surveys conducted in 72 prisons (included 155,771 prisoners) from 1991 through 2007.

Results
The overall HIV prevalence was 2.8% (95% CI: 1.8%-4.3%). In 1998, HIV prevalence dramatically increased to 4.5% (95% CI: 1.1%-16.8%), which later became stable at level of 2.8%. Prisons were so heterogeneous regarding HIV prevalence (0% to 13.2%).

Conclusion
Since the outbreak, the ministry of health has acknowledged prisoners as one of the high-risk groups for HIV, increased the number of sentinel surveys and on-site harm reduction services to better monitor and response to the HIV epidemic. The downward trend of HIV prevalence after 2005 suggests the effectiveness of such interventions which need to be continued.
In vitro toxicity of different-sized ZnO nanoparticles in Caco-2 cells
Authors: Kang Tianshu , Guan Rongfa , Chen Xiaoqiang , Song Yijuan , Jiang Han , Zhao Jin 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
There has been rapid growth in nanotechnology in both the public and private sectors worldwide, but concern about nanosafety exists. To assess size-dependent cytotoxicity on human cancer cells, we studied the cytotoxic effect of three kinds of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells. Nanoparticles were first characterized by size, distribution, and intensity. Multiple assays have been adopted to measure the cell activity and oxidative stress. The cytotoxicity of ZnO NPs was time dependent and dose dependent. The 24-h exposure was chosen to confirm the viability and accessibility of the cells and taken as the appropriate time for the following test system. The IC50 value was found at a low concentration. The oxidative stress elicited a significant reduction in glutathione with increase in reactive oxygen species and lactate dehydrogenase. The toxicity resulted in a deletion of cells in the G1 phase and an accumulation of cells in the S and G2/M phases. One type of metallic oxide (ZnO) exerted different cytotoxic effects according to different particle sizes. Data from the previous experiments showed that 26-nm ZnO NPs appeared to have the highest toxicity to Caco-2 cells. The study demonstrated the toxicity of ZnO NPs to Caco-2 cells and the impact of particle size, which could be useful in the medical applications.
Angiographic and clinical comparison of novel Orsiro Hybrid sirolimus-eluting stents and Resolute Integrity zotarolimus-eluting stents in all-comers with coronary artery disease (ORIENT trial): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lee Joo Myung , Park Sang-Don , Lim Sang Yup , Doh Joon-Hyung , Cho Jin Man , Kim Ki-Seok , Bae Jang-Whan , Chung Woo-Young , Youn Tae-Jin 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
The Orsiro Hybrid sirolimus-eluting stent is a newly developed third-generation drug-eluting stent, featuring a unique dual-polymer mix. An active bioabsorbable polymer delivers the anti-proliferative drug, sirolimus, via controlled release, while a passive biocompatible polymeric coating shields the metallic strut from surrounding tissue, preventing interaction. To date, the Orsiro Hybrid sirolimus-eluting stent has excelled in terms of late lumen loss at 9 months in a first-in-man single-arm trial. However, the efficacy and safety data for Orsiro Hybrid sirolimus-eluting stents in a broader population of all-comers are limited. The present study offers an angiographic and clinical comparison of the Orsiro Hybrid sirolimus-eluting stent and the Resolute Integrity zotarolimus-eluting stent in the treatment of patients with coronary artery disease.

Methods/design
The ORIENT trial is a multicenter, randomized, open-label, parallel-arm study designed to demonstrate the non-inferiority of the Orsiro Hybrid sirolimus-eluting stent relative to the Resolute Integrity zotarolimus-eluting stent. A total of 375 patients with a spectrum of coronary artery disease will undergo prospective, random assignment to a Orsiro Hybrid sirolimus-eluting stent or Resolute Integrity zotarolimus-eluting stent (2:1 ratio), for a primary endpoint of in-stent late lumen loss at 9 months by quantitative coronary angiography. Secondary 12-month clinical endpoints are death, target lesion revascularization, target vessel revascularization, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis and target lesion failure (a composite of cardiac death, target lesion revascularization and target vessel-related myocardial infarction).

Discussion
The ORIENT trial is the first study to date comparing the Orsiro Hybrid sirolimus-eluting stent with the Resolute Integrity zotarolimus-eluting stent for efficacy and safety in a population of all-comers with coronary artery disease.

Trial registration
Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01826552