bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitroandin vivoclearance of Rose Bengal Acetate-PhotoDynamic Therapy-induced autophagic and apoptotic cells
Authors: Panzarini Elisa , Inguscio Valentina , Tenuzzo Bernardetta Anna , Dini Luciana 
Published: July 2013

This study focuses on the clearance of Rose Bengal Acetate (RBAc)-PhotoDynamic Therapy (PDT)-generated apoptotic and autophagic HeLa cells by murine and human macrophages. Indeed, phagocytosis of dead cells drives the therapeutic efficacy of PDT through both efficient removal of dead/dying cells and macrophages response evoked during engulfment and, up to now, clearance of dying photosensitized cells has been less investigated than PDT mechanisms of cell death induction. RBAc-PDT ensures a long onset of cytotoxicity and a time-related cell death of HeLa cells by signals originating from or converging on almost all intracellular organelles. On this basis, to clarify whether the efficacious cell death commitment is followed by an efficient clearance mechanism, we primarily focused on the analysis of ‘eat me’ signals exposure and ‘find me’ signals release, and then investigated the migration, recognition, engulfment and response of murine Raw 264.7 and human blood isolated macrophages.Dead cells secreted ‘find me’ signals, i.e. fractalkine and Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP 70), to recruit macrophages and promote their fast phagocytosis. Macrophages phagocytosed apoptotic and autophagic PDT-treated cells more efficiently than the respective positive controls, i.e. puromycin-induced apoptotic and Earle’s balanced salt solution-starved autophagic cells. Phagocytosis depends on the glycans exposed on dead cells. The macrophages internalization of photokilled cells elicits the production of Interleukin-10, Transforming Growth Factor-β and Tumour Necrosis Factor-α by macrophages. TNFα production, along with HSP70 release and plasma membrane translocation on dead cells, suggest an immunogenic impact of RBAc-PDT. In fact, macrophages, activated fibroblasts and endothelial cells colonized the inoculum site of photosensitized cells in rat calf muscles, endorsing the hypothesis of immunogenic elicitation of RBAc-PDT.
Advanced treatment of acute femoropopliteal bypass graft occlusion with Fogarty catheter guidance
Authors: Albayrak Gokhan , Aykut Koray , Guzeloglu Mehmet , Gulcu Aytac , Hazan Eyup 
Published: July 2013

Purpose The guiding role of the Fogarty catheter was investigated among patients suffering from limb ischemia due to acute femoropopliteal bypass graft occlusion. Methods A total of 27 patients with a history of femoropopliteal bypass operation who was admitted with acute limb ischemia were enrolled in this retrospective study. In cases in which the Fogarty catheter could not be passed through the popliteal anastomosis, the popliteal region was explored and a new bypass or patch plasty was performed for the distal anastomosis. The cases in which the blood circulation was observed in the graft, but in which the Fogarty catheter balloon was stuck in the native vessels on the proximal and distal side of the graft and the balloon could be withdrawn by deflation, were referred to conventional angiography. The stenosis observed in native vessels was managed by endovascular stent grafting and/or balloon dilatation. Findings Graft patency was achieved in all patients. In 11 patients, conventional angiography was implemented following embolectomy. In these patients, all the occlusions found as significant on angiography were removed by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. Conclusion Effective use of Fogarty catheter is safe in acute femoropopliteal bypass graft occlusions and in particular, in the planning of further treatment following thrombectomy.
Successful weight management and health behaviour change using a health trainer model
Authors: Jennings Amy , Barnes Sarah , Okereke Uju , Welch Ailsa 
Published: July 2013

Aim: NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney is an area of high deprivation and it is estimated that 49% of the adult population are overweight or obese. The health trainer model, which involves recruiting trainers from local communities, offers an innovative way of supporting individuals in managing their weight through one-to-one support. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a health trainer-led intervention in terms of weight loss and behaviour change. Methods: Data were collected from all participants who visited a health trainer for the purpose of weight loss between February 2008 and March 2011. All participants were seen on a one-to-one basis, with the setting and length of the intervention varying according to individual requirements (median 21 weeks, IQR 12.4–29.6). Weight change was the primary outcome measure; secondary outcomes were blood pressure, fruit and vegetable intake and physical activity levels, measured using established health trainer data recording systems. Data on secondary outcomes were not available for all participants due to lack of compliance. Results: Using intention-to-treat analysis, average weight change was -2.5 kg (95% CI - 2.7 – -2.1, n = 541, p < .001) and weight gain was prevented in 90% of participants ( n = 487). The number of participants classified as hypertensive reduced from 60% ( n = 66) to 41% ( n = 45) over the period of the intervention. In terms of behaviour change, fruit and vegetable intake increased significantly by 2.4 portions per day (95% CI 2.1–2.7, n = 248, p < .001) with 46% ( n = 115) of participants increasing their intake to five portions per day. 68% of participants for whom data were available ( n = 227) reported an increase in moderate physical activity, with time increasing by 59.3 minutes per week (95% CI 46.3–72.4, p < .001). Conclusions: The health trainer service in Great Yarmouth and Waveney may be effective in helping participants to manage their weight and change their health-related behaviour. Although the degree of weight loss reported was moderate given the high levels of deprivation and the health needs of the local population, these were promising findings. To improve the current evidence base for the effectiveness of health trainer-led interventions, studies need to see if these findings are replicable in other population groups and in other settings.
Audit of PSA requesting practices in primary care compared to guidelines established by the Prostate Cancer Risk Management programme in the Avon region of the South West of England
Authors: Hultin S , Hotston M , Day A , Taylor A , Goodall R , Thomas P , Bahl A , Persad R , Gjini A 
Published: July 2013

Background There is considerable challenge in transmitting the complicated information contained in the Prostate Cancer Risk Management (PCRM) programme in the primary care setting. 1 The practices surrounding requesting of PSA should be clearly understood by both GP and patient before requesting this investigation, and in order to further understand the needs and requirements of primary care practitioners in this regard we undertook an audit comparing practices in the Avon region of the Southwest of England compared to the guidelines of the PCRM programme. 1 Methods Our study identified a consistent year-on-year increase in PSA requests over the study period across all age categories and regions of the southwest of England. Results Questionnaire review of practices surrounding the PCRM programme revealed overall good practice but with space for improvement surrounding advice regarding the limitations of prostate biopsy and the relevance of testing in the elderly. Conclusions Despite requesting practices generally conforming to NICE guidelines, nearly half of all abnormal primary-care PSA tests are repeated. Requests in some cases may fall short of best practice.
Digital genotyping of sorghum – a diverse plant species with a large repeat-rich genome
Authors: Morishige Daryl T , Klein Patricia E , Hilley Josie L , Sahraeian Sayed Mohammad Ebrahim , Sharma Arun , Mullet John E 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Rapid acquisition of accurate genotyping information is essential for all genetic marker-based studies. For species with relatively small genomes, complete genome resequencing is a feasible approach for genotyping; however, for species with large and highly repetitive genomes, the acquisition of whole genome sequences for the purpose of genotyping is still relatively inefficient and too expensive to be carried out on a high-throughput basis. Sorghum bicolor is a C4 grass with a sequenced genome size of ~730 Mb, of which ~80% is highly repetitive. We have developed a restriction enzyme targeted genome resequencing method for genetic analysis, termed Digital Genotyping (DG), to be applied to sorghum and other grass species with large repeat-rich genomes.

Results
DG templates are generated using one of three methylation sensitive restriction enzymes that recognize a nested set of 4, 6 or 8 bp GC-rich sequences, enabling varying depth of analysis and integration of results among assays. Variation in sequencing efficiency among DG markers was correlated with template GC-content and length. The expected DG allele sequence was obtained 97.3% of the time with a ratio of expected to alternative allele sequence acquisition of >20:1. A genetic map aligned to the sorghum genome sequence with an average resolution of 1.47 cM was constructed using 1,772 DG markers from 137 recombinant inbred lines. The DG map enhanced the detection of QTL for variation in plant height and precisely aligned QTL such as Dw3 to underlying genes/alleles. Higher-resolution NgoMIV-based DG haplotypes were used to trace the origin of DNA on SBI-06, spanning Ma1 and Dw2 from progenitors to BTx623 and IS3620C. DG marker analysis identified the correct location of two miss-assembled regions and located seven super contigs in the sorghum reference genome sequence.

Conclusion
DG technology provides a cost-effective approach to rapidly generate accurate genotyping data in sorghum. Currently, data derived from DG are used for many marker-based analyses, including marker-assisted breeding, pedigree and QTL analysis, genetic map construction, map-based gene cloning and association studies. DG in combination with whole genome resequencing is dramatically accelerating all aspects of genetic analysis of sorghum, an important genetic reference for C4 grass species.
A non-synonymous SNP within the isopentenyl transferase 2 locus is associated with kernel weight in Chinese maize inbreds (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Weng Jianfeng , Li Bo , Liu Changlin , Yang Xiaoyan , Wang Hongwei , Hao Zhuanfang , Li Mingshun , Zhang Degui , Ci Xiaoke , Li Xinhai , Zhang Shihuang 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Kernel weight, controlled by quantitative trait loci (QTL), is an important component of grain yield in maize. Cytokinins (CKs) participate in determining grain morphology and final grain yield in crops. ZmIPT2, which is expressed mainly in the basal transfer cell layer, endosperm, and embryo during maize kernel development, encodes an isopentenyl transferase (IPT) that is involved in CK biosynthesis.

Results
The coding region of ZmIPT2 was sequenced across a panel of 175 maize inbred lines that are currently used in Chinese maize breeding programs. Only 16 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and seven haplotypes were detected among these inbred lines. Nucleotide diversity (π) within the ZmIPT2 window and coding region were 0.347 and 0.0047, respectively, and they were significantly lower than the mean nucleotide diversity value of 0.372 for maize Chromosome 2 (P < 0.01). Association mapping revealed that a single nucleotide change from cytosine (C) to thymine (T) in the ZmIPT2 coding region, which converted a proline residue into a serine residue, was significantly associated with hundred kernel weight (HKW) in three environments (P <0.05), and explained 4.76% of the total phenotypic variation. In vitro characterization suggests that the dimethylallyl diphospate (DMAPP) IPT activity of ZmIPT2-T is higher than that of ZmIPT2-C, as the amounts of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and adenosine monophosphate (AMP) consumed by ZmIPT2-T were 5.48-, 2.70-, and 1.87-fold, respectively, greater than those consumed by ZmIPT2-C. The effects of artificial selection on the ZmIPT2 coding region were evaluated using Tajima’s D tests across six subgroups of Chinese maize germplasm, with the most frequent favorable allele identified in subgroup PB (Partner B).

Conclusions
These results showed that ZmIPT2, which is associated with kernel weight, was subjected to artificial selection during the maize breeding process. ZmIPT2-T had higher IPT activity than ZmIPT2-C, and this favorable allele for kernel weight could be used in molecular marker-assisted selection for improvement of grain yield components in Chinese maize breeding programs.
DALI: Vitamin D and lifestyle intervention for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) prevention: an European multicentre, randomised trial – study protocol
Authors: Jelsma Judith GM , van Poppel Mireille NM , Galjaard Sander , Desoye Gernot , Corcoy Rosa , Devlieger Roland , van Assche Andre , Timmerman Dirk , Jans Goele , Harreiter Jurgen , Kautzky-Willer Alexandra , Damm Peter , Mathiesen Elisabeth R , Jensen Dorte M , Andersen Liselotte , Dunne Fidelma , Lapolla Annunziata , Di Cianni Graziano , Bertolotto Alessandra , Wender-Oegowska Ewa , Zawiejska Agnieszka , Blumska Kinga , Hill David , Rebollo Pablo , Snoek Frank J , Simmons David 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an increasing problem world-wide. Lifestyle interventions and/or vitamin D supplementation might help prevent GDM in some women.

Methods/design
Pregnant women at risk of GDM (BMI≥29 (kg/m2)) from 9 European countries will be invited to participate and consent obtained before 19+6 weeks of gestation. After giving informed consent, women without GDM will be included (based on IADPSG criteria: fasting glucose<5.1mmol; 1 hour glucose <10.0 mmol; 2 hour glucose <8.5 mmol) and randomized to one of the 8 intervention arms using a 2×(2×2) factorial design: (1) healthy eating (HE), 2) physical activity (PA), 3) HE+PA, 4) control, 5) HE+PA+vitamin D, 6) HE+PA+placebo, 7) vitamin D alone, 8) placebo alone), pre-stratified for each site. In total, 880 women will be included with 110 women allocated to each arm. Between entry and 35 weeks of gestation, women allocated to a lifestyle intervention will receive 5 face-to-face, and 4 telephone coaching sessions, based on the principles of motivational interviewing. The lifestyle intervention includes a discussion about the risks of GDM, a weight gain target <5kg and either 7 healthy eating ‘messages’ and/or 5 physical activity ‘messages’ depending on randomization. Fidelity is monitored by the use of a personal digital assistance (PDA) system. Participants randomized to the vitamin D intervention receive either 1600 IU vitamin D or placebo for daily intake until delivery. Data is collected at baseline measurement, at 24–28 weeks, 35–37 weeks of gestation and after delivery. Primary outcome measures are gestational weight gain, fasting glucose and insulin sensitivity, with a range of obstetric secondary outcome measures including birth weight.

Discussion
DALI is a unique Europe-wide randomised controlled trial, which will gain insight into preventive measures against the development of GDM in overweight and obese women.

Trial registration

ISRCTN70595832
Optimal schedule of bacillus calmette-guerin for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: a meta-analysis of comparative studies
Authors: Zhu Shimiao , Tang Yang , Li Kai , Shang Zhiqun , Jiang Ning , Nian Xuewu , Sun Libin , Niu Yuanjie 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundTo explore the necessity of maintenance, efficacy of low-dose and superiority of various combination therapies of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) in treatment of superficial bladder cancer (BCa).MethodsComprehensive searches of electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library) were performed, then a systematic review and cumulative meta-analysis of 21 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 9 retrospective comparative studies were carried out according to predefined inclusion criteria.ResultsSignificantly better recurrence-free survivals (RFS) were observed respectively in patients who received BCG maintenance, standard-dose and BCG plus epirubicin therapy comparing to those received induction, low-dose and BCG alone. BCG maintenance therapy was also associated with significantly better progression-free survival (PFS), but there were more incidences of adverse events. Pooled results showed no remarkable advantage of BCG combined with Mitomycin C or with interferon α-2b in improving oncologic outcomes. Sensitivity-analyses stratified by study-design and tumor stage led to very similar overall results and often to a decrease of the between-study heterogeneity. Our data confirmed that non-RCT only affected strength rather than direction of the overall results.ConclusionsAll patients with superficial BCa should be encouraged to accept BCG maintenance therapy with standard-dose if well tolerated. Patients can benefit from BCG combined with epirubicin but not from BCG combined with Mitomycin C or interferon α-2b.
Prevalence and risk factors for diabetic retinopathy in a high-risk Chinese population
Authors: Wang Jiao , Zhang Ru-Yi , Chen Rong-Ping , Sun Jia , Yang Rui , Ke Xiao-Yun , Chen Hui , Cai De-Hong 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Lifestyle plays an important role in the development of diabetic retinopathy. The lifestyle in Guangzhou is different from other cities in China as the Cantonese prefer eating rice porridge, but not spicy foods. The objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence and determinants of diabetic retinopathy in a high-risk population of Guangzhou.

Methods
Subjects (619 totals) aged over 45 years old, without known diabetes were recruited from five randomly selected Guangzhou communities in 2009–2010. All participants were invited to complete the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) questionnaire. Subjects with FINDRISC score ≥ 9 were included in the study, and underwent an investigation of demographic data, a standardized physical examination, ocular fundus examination, and laboratory analyses. The minimum criterion for diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy was the presence of at least one microaneurysm.

Results
Of 619 subjects, 208 eligible subjects (122 women) with FINDRISC score ≥ 9 were included in the study. The mean age was 69.2 ± 8.5 years. Diabetic retinopathy was detected in 31 subjects, and the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in subjects with high risk for diabetes was 14.9%. In binary logistic regression analysis, risk factors associated with diabetic retinopathy were history of impaired glucose regulation [odds ratio (OR), 7.194; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.083, 47.810], higher hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c; OR, 2.912; 95% CI: 1.009, 8.402), higher two-hour postprandial plasma glucose level (OR, 1.014; 95% CI: 1.003, 1.025), and presence of microalbuminuria (OR, 5.387; 95% CI: 1.255, 23.129).

Conclusions
Diabetic retinopathy was prevalent in a high-risk Chinese population from Guangzhou. Histories of impaired glucose regulation and microalbuminuria were strong risk factors for diabetic retinopathy.
Decreased levels of physical activity in adolescents with down syndrome are related with low bone mineral density: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Matute-Llorente Ángel , González-Agüero Alejandro , Gómez-Cabello Alba , Vicente-Rodríguez Germán , Casajús José Antonio 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Down syndrome (DS) has been described as one of the main contributors for low bone mineral density (BMD). Physical activity (PA) is a key factor in skeletal health and thus, PA levels might be associated to the risk of developing osteoporosis. Therefore, the aims were (1) to describe PA patterns in adolescents with DS compared to their counterparts and (2) to determine the relationships between PA and the risk of having low bone mass in adolescents with DS.

Methods
Nineteen adolescents (10 girls) with DS and 14 without disabilities (7 girls) participated in the study. Minutes in different PA intensities were objectively assessed with accelerometers (ActiTrainer). Moreover adolescents with DS were classified into PA tertiles taking into account the amount of total minutes of PA at any intensity, resulting in those performing low, medium or high of PA (lowPA, medPA and highPA). BMD was measured at the whole body, hip and lumbar spine with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and the BMD Z-score was calculated for each region taking into account age- and sex-matched reference data. Student’s unpaired t-tests and analysis of covariance were used to compare variables between different conditions (DS vs. control) and PA levels (low, medium and high).

Results
None of the adolescents with DS achieved the minimum of 60 min of daily moderate to vigorous PA (VPA) intensity recommended by PA guidelines; adolescents with DS group spent less time in sedentary and in VPA and more time in light PA than those without DS (p < 0.05). Adolescents with DS showed lower BMD Z-score values than those without (p < 0.05). Those adolescents with DS allocated in the lowPA tertile showed significant lower BMD Z-score at the hip and a general tendency towards lower BMD Z-score was found at whole body and lumbar spine compared to those in highPA tertile and (p < 0.05).

Conclusions
Adolescents with DS in the highPA tertile showed lower risk of developing future osteoporosis by having higher BMD Z-score at the hip. This data provides an idea regarding the importance of accumulated minutes of PA, and not only moderate or vigorous in the bone health in adolescents with DS.
Anti-HIV-1 activity, protease inhibition and safety profile of extracts prepared from Rhus parviflora
Authors: Modi Manoj , Nutan  , Pancholi Boskey , Kulshrestha Shweta , Rawat Ajay Kumar Singh , Malhotra Swadesh , Gupta Satish Kumar 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
In the present study, extracts prepared from the leaves of Rhus parviflora Roxb. (Anacardiaceae) were evaluated for their anti-HIV activity, which have been traditionally used for the treatment of neurological disorders such as anxiety, insomnia and epilepsy.

Methods
Aqueous and 50% ethanolic extracts prepared from leaves of the plant were tested for their cytotoxicity and anti-HIV property using reporter gene based assays as well as human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). Further these extracts were evaluated for their ability to inhibit HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) and protease activity. Safety profile of the extracts was determined on viability of Lactobacillus sp., secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines by vaginal keratinocytes and transepithelial resistance.

Results
Both aqueous (IC50 = 15 μg/ml) and 50% ethanolic (IC50 = 26 μg/ml) extracts prepared from leaves of R. parviflora showed anti-HIV activity in TZM-bl cells wherein the virus was treated with the extracts prior to infection. Further, both the extracts also inhibited virus load in HIV infected CEM-GFP cells and human PBLs. The anti-HIV activity is mediated through inhibition of HIV-1 protease activity. Both the extracts did not disturb the integrity of monolayer formed by intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells. The extracts when tested up to 100 μg/ml did not significantly reduce the viability of L. plantarum, L. fermentum, L. rhamnosus and L. casei. The extracts (100 μg/ml) did not reveal any cytotoxic effect on vaginal keratinocytes (Vk2/E6E7). Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines secreted by Vk2/E6E7 cells treated with both the plant extracts were within the non-inflammatory range.

Conclusions
The studies reported herein showed in vitro anti-HIV activity and preliminary safety profile of the extracts prepared from the leaves of R. parviflora.