bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential Effects of Dehydroepiandrosterone and Testosterone in Prostate and Colon Cancer Cell Apoptosis: The Role of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) Receptors
Authors: Anagnostopoulou Vasileia , Pediaditakis Iosif , Alkahtani Saad , Alarifi Saud A. , Schmidt Eva-Maria , Lang Florian , Gravanis Achille , Charalampopoulos Ioannis , Stournaras Christos 
Published: May 2013

AbstractTumor growth is fostered by inhibition of cell death, which involves the receptiveness of tumor to growth factors and hormones. We have recently shown that testosterone exerts proapoptotic effects in prostate and colon cancer cells through a membrane-initiated mechanism. In addition, we have recently reported that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) can control cell fate, activating nerve growth factor (NGF) receptors, namely tropomyosin-related kinase (Trk)A and p75 neurotrophin receptor, in primary neurons and in PC12 tumoral cells. NGF was recently involved in cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis. In the present study, we explored the cross talk between androgens (testosterone and DHEA) and NGF in regulating apoptosis of prostate and colon cancer cells. DHEA and NGF strongly blunted serum deprivation-induced apoptosis, whereas testosterone induced apoptosis of both cancer cell lines. The antiapoptotic effect of both DHEA and NGF was completely reversed by testosterone. In line with this, DHEA or NGF up-regulated, whereas testosterone down-regulated, the expression of TrkA receptor. The effects of androgens were abolished in both cell lines in the presence of TrkA inhibitor. DHEA induced the phosphorylation of TrkA and the interaction of p75 neurotrophin receptor with its effectors, Rho protein GDP dissociation inhibitor and receptor interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 2. Conversely, testosterone was unable to activate both receptors. Testosterone acted as a DHEA and NGF antagonist, by blocking the activation of both receptors by DHEA or NGF. Our findings suggest that androgens may influence hormone-sensitive tumor cells via their cross talk with NGF receptors. The interplay between steroid hormone and neurotrophins signaling in hormone-dependent tumors offers new insights in the pathophysiology of these neoplasias.
Constitutive Somatostatin Receptor Subtype 2 Activity Attenuates GH Synthesis
Authors: Ben-Shlomo Anat , Pichurin Oxana , Khalafi Ramtin , Zhou Cuiqi , Chesnokova Vera , Ren Song-Guang , Liu Ning-Ai , Melmed Shlomo 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Somatostatin signals predominantly through somatostatin receptor (SSTR) subtype 2 to attenuate GH release. However, the independent role of the receptor in regulating GH synthesis is unclear. Because we had previously demonstrated constitutive SSTR2 activity in mouse corticotrophs, we now analyzed GH regulation in rat pituitary somatotroph (GC) tumor cells, which express SSTR2 exclusively and are devoid of endogenous somatostatin ligand. We demonstrate that moderately stable SSTR2 overexpression (GpSSTR2WT cells) was associated with decreased GH promoter activity, GH mRNA, and hormone levels compared with those of control transfectants (GpCon cells). In contrast, levels of GH mRNA and peptide and GH promoter activity were unchanged in GpSSTR2DRY stable transfectants moderately expressing DRY motif mutated SSTR2 (R140A). GpSSTR2DRY did not exhibit an enhanced octreotide response as did GpSSTR2WT cells; however, both SSTR2WT-enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (eYFP) and SSTR2DRY-eYFP internalized on octreotide treatment. Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, increased GH synthesis in wild-type GC cells and primary pituitary cultures. GpSSTR2WT cells induced GH synthesis more strongly on SAHA treatment, evident by both higher GH peptide and mRNA levels compared with the moderate but similar GH increase observed in GpCon and GpSSTR2DRY cells. In vivo SAHA also increased GH release from GpSSTR2WT but not from control xenografts. Endogenous rat GH promoter chromatin immunoprecipitation showed decreased baseline acetylation of the GH promoter with exacerbated acetylation after SAHA treatment in GpSSTR2WT compared with that of either GpSSTR2DRY or control cells, the latter 2 transfectants exhibiting similar GH promoter acetylation levels. In conclusion, modestly increased SSTR2 expression constitutively decreases GH synthesis, an effect partially mediated by GH promoter histone deacetylation.
C-reactive protein: a poor marker of cardiovascular disease risk in HIV+ populations with a high prevalence of elevated serum transaminases
Authors: Baum M K , Rafie C , Sales S , Lai S , Duan R , Jayaweera D T , Page J B , Campa A 
Published: May 2013

Summary: Blood lipids and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) are used to assess cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. We evaluated in a cross-sectional design the relationship of hsCRP to markers of liver function (aspartate and alanine transaminases [AST and ALT, respectively]), CVD risk factors and HIV-disease progression markers in 226 HIV-1 seropositive drug users. hsCRP showed a significant inverse relationship with ALT and high-density lipoprotein, independent of age, gender, viral load, CD4 cell-count and antiretroviral (ARV) use, and was not significantly associated with HIV-disease progression markers. Serum markers of liver damage, AST and ALT, were associated with lower hsCRP, total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins and triglycerides. Elevated liver enzymes (≥40 IU/L) were predictive of hsCRP levels that are considered a low risk for CVD. In conclusion, hsCRP may not be a reliable marker of CVD risk in populations with HIV at-risk for elevated liver enzymes due to high hepatitis B virus/hepatitis C virus prevalence and ARV use.
Cost effectiveness of enzyme immunoassay and immunoblot testing for the diagnosis of syphilis
Authors: Chuck Anderson , Ohinmaa Arto , Tilley Peter , Singh Ameeta , Jacobs Philip 
Published: May 2013

Summary: The burden of disease and associated healthcare costs of syphilis are significant despite widespread screening and treatment. Our objective was to conduct an economic evaluation using a simulation model when comparing enzyme immunoassay (EIA) initial testing and Inno-Lia (IL) confirmatory testing (EIA + IL) with rapid plasma reagin (RPR) initial testing and Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay (TPPA) and fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption assay (FTA-ABS) confirmatory testing (RPR + TPPA/FTA). Estimates of prevalence, test costs and utilization of services for 2006 were derived from Alberta databases. Estimates of test characteristics were derived from the available literature. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was Canadian $461 per additional correct diagnosis (less costly and more effective). EIA + IL is cost-effective when compared with RPR + TPPA/FTA for screening and diagnosis of syphilis.
Patients’ reasons for attending the genitourinary medicine clinic
Authors: Markos A R 
Published: May 2013

Summary: Patients’ reasons for attending the genitourinary medicine clinic inform and dictate the range of provisions and advice that the staff should provide. The objective analysis of these reasons would better inform the process of triage, clinical services and contractual arrangements (e.g. new to follow-up ratios). Our findings indicate that almost one in every two patients is presenting first with genitourinary symptoms and the majority of the remainder either identified themselves to be at risk or were identified by the attending clinician as having medical concerns and/or risk factors. This patient group could benefit, and must be offered, tests to exclude all sexually transmitted infections (within the condition's own incubation/test window periods).
HIV transmission transcends three generations: can we prevent secondary transmission in India?
Authors: Venkatesh Kartik K , Prasad Lakshmi , Mayer Kenneth H , Kumarasamy N 
Published: May 2013

Summary: This case history documents four instances of HIV secondary transmission within a single family, which could have been stopped at multiple points by timely prevention. These cases of HIV secondary transmission that have occurred since the scale-up of HIV testing, prevention and clinical services in India raises the question whether the current HIV prevention infrastructure is sufficient and comprehensive in resource-limited settings.
Cost effectiveness of couple counselling to enhance infant HIV-1 prevention
Authors: John Francis N , Farquhar Carey , Kiarie James N , Kabura Marjory N , John-Stewart Grace C 
Published: May 2013

Summary: Data collected in the years 2001-2003 from an antenatal clinic in Nairobi, Kenya, were used to assess the benefit of couple counselling and test it as a way of increasing the uptake of interventions in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1. Among 2833 women enrolled, 311 (11%) received couple pretest counselling and 2100 (74%) accepted HIV-1 testing. Among those tested 314 (15%) were HIV-1 seropositive. We incorporated these and other data from the cohort study into a spreadsheetbased model and costs associated with couple counselling were compared with individual counselling in a theoretical cohort of 10,000 women. Voluntary couple counselling and testing (VCT), although more expensive, averted a greater number of infant infections when compared with individual VCT. Cost per disability-adjusted life year was similar to that of individual VCT. Sensitivity analyses found that couple VCT was more cost-effective in scenarios with increased uptake of couple counselling and higher HIV-1 prevalence.
Management of internal genital warts: do we all agree? A postal survey
Authors: Bushby S A , Chauhan M 
Published: May 2013

Summary: A postal survey was undertaken to determine whether there was any consensus of opinion regarding the management of internal genital warts in genitourinary medicine clinics in the UK. Overall, 110 forms were returned (57% response). The majority of clinics would refer patients with cervical warts for colposcopy especially if the patient was over the age of 25 or HIV-positive. Proctoscopy or anoscopy was performed in 60% of clinics for patients with perianal warts to determine the presence of warts within the anal canal or rectum. Only 24% of patients with intra-anal warts are referred directly to surgery for biopsy, increasing to 61% if the patient has HIV infection. Cryotherapy is the main treatment for all types of internal warts. Our findings suggest there is no consensus and we recommend that all HIV-positive patients with anal or cervical condyloma should be investigated for evidence of intraepithelial neoplasia.
A Measure-Correlation-Predict Method for Turbulence Intensity Distribution Assessment
Authors: Casella Livio 
Published: May 2013

A method based on a multiple correlation analysis is proposed in this work that is able to offer a long-term assessment of turbulence intensity ( TI) distribution at a local meteorological mast using a reference wind dataset. The MCP analysis uses a joint probability distribution function which is derived from wind speed, wind direction and TI data which are simultaneously recorded at the two measurement sites. Validation has been carried out using two met-masts which have a high level of correlation in terms of wind speeds. The algorithm properly corrects the local wind dataset, by estimating the “per sector” and “per speed” long-term distribution of TI; this was proved using different short-term data samples. Other tests, opportunely arranged using artificial wind data, help to understand the score of the method when multiple variables are used, highlighting that fine assessment can be always achieved when all the used variables are dependent on each other.
Repowering of Wind Farms — A Case Study
Authors: Nivedh B.S. , Devi R.P. Kumudini , Sreevalsan E. 
Published: May 2013

The main objective of the paper is to devise a method for assessing the repowering potential and to improve the energy output from the wind farms and also to understand the impact on the power quality due to repowering. With repowering, the first-generation wind turbines can be replaced with modern multi-megawatt wind turbines. To carry-out the study an old wind farm located at Kayathar, Tamilnadu is selected. The wind farm was commissioned in 1990's with a capacity of 7.35 MW, which consists of 36 Wind Turbines each with the capacity of 200 kW and 225 kW. The present annual energy generation of the wind farm is 7350 MWhr with the plant load factor of 11.41%. The intent of this study is to predict the annual energy output of the wind farm after the repowering using WAsP (Wind Atlas Analysis Application Program). Further this study analyses the power quality issues of the various Wind Turbines. In addition, the main feeder, in which the wind farm which is taken for the study also modeled and the impact on power quality due to repowering also studied. Simulations were carried out using MATLAB. The results are analyzed to understand the significance of repowering to overcome the energy crisis of the nation since the best locations for wind in India are occupied by old wind turbines. The following are the observations and conclusions from the above study. Plant load factor (PLF) increased to 24%, Energy yield increased to more than 4 times and the capacity of the wind farm became double. And in the view of power quality, comparing to the existing Feeder, Repowered Feeder having less reactive power consumption, and voltage variations except the harmonic distortion.
Current State of Knowledge on Oral Anticoagulant Reversal Using Procoagulant Factors
Authors: Nitzki-George Diane , Wozniak Izabela , Caprini Joseph A 
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVE: To discuss current trends and challenges in the use of procoagulants for treating bleeding caused by use of oral anticoagulants. DATA SOURCES: Literature searches of PubMed (MEDLINE), Google, and Medscape were conducted in February 2013. There were no date limitations. Search terms included anticoagulation agents, anticoagulation reversal, anticoagulation reversal agents, apixaban, clinical studies, dabigatran, 3-factor PCCs, 4-factor PCCs, FEIBA, fresh frozen plasma, human studies, pharmacology, prescribing information, rFVIIa, rivaroxaban, vitamin K, and warfarin. DATA SYNTHESIS: Warfarin has been the mainstay for the treatment and prevention of primary and secondary thrombosis in patients with cardiovascular disorders such as atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and stroke. Three oral anticoagulants have recently become available in the US: a direct thrombin inhibitor, dabigatran etexilate, and 2 direct factor Xa inhibitors, rivaroxaban and apixaban. Reversal strategies for anticoagulant-associated bleeding are well established for warfarin; however, strategies to stop bleeding in a patient who has taken one of the newer anticoagulants are less clear. In the US, agents available for oral anticoagulant reversal include activated prothrombin complex concentrate (APCC), 3-factor PCCs, and recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa). Few studies have evaluated the 3-factor PCCs, and current evidence for APCC and rFVIIa as reversal agents for dabigatran and rivaroxaban is based primarily on laboratory or animal studies, or on small studies in healthy humans and case reports. CONCLUSIONS: Patients contemplating using the new oral anticoagulants should be informed about specific clinical situations that could pose a bleeding risk such as the need for emergency surgery because no reliable antidote is available to stop the bleeding, which could prove fatal.
Cystatin C– and Creatinine-Based Estimates of Renal Function and Their Value for Risk Prediction in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: Results from the PLATelet Inhibition and Patient Outcomes (PLATO) Study
Authors: Åkerblom Axel , Wallentin Lars , Larsson Anders , Siegbahn Agneta , Becker Richard C , Budaj Andrzej , Himmelmann Anders , Horrow Jay , Husted Steen , Storey Robert F , Åsenblad Nils , James Stefan K 
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND
The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) independently predicts cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction (MI) and can be estimated by creatinine and cystatin C concentrations. We evaluated 2 different cystatin C assays, alone or combined with creatinine, in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

METHODS
We analyzed plasma cystatin C, measured with assays from Gentian and Roche, and serum creatinine in 16 279 patients from the PLATelet Inhibition and Patient Outcomes (PLATO) trial. We evaluated Pearson correlation and agreement (Bland–Altman) between methods, as well as prognostic value in relation to cardiovascular death or MI during 1 year of follow up by multivariable logistic regression analysis including clinical variables, biomarkers, c-statistics, and relative integrated discrimination improvement (IDI).

RESULTS
Median cystatin C concentrations (interquartile intervals) were 0.83 (0.68–1.01) mg/L (Gentian) and 0.94 (0.80–1.14) mg/L (Roche). Overall correlation was 0.86 (95% CI 0.85–0.86). The level of agreement was within 0.39 mg/L (2 SD) (n = 16 279).
The areas under the curve (AUCs) in the multivariable risk prediction model with cystatin C (Gentian, Roche) or Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration eGFR (CKD-EPI) added were 0.6914, 0.6913, and 0.6932. Corresponding relative IDI values were 2.96%, 3.86%, and 4.68% (n = 13 050). Addition of eGFR by the combined creatinine–cystatin C equation yielded AUCs of 0.6923 (Gentian) and 0.6924 (Roche) with relative IDI values of 3.54% and 3.24%.

CONCLUSIONS
Despite differences in cystatin C concentrations, overall correlation between the Gentian and Roche assays was good, while agreement was moderate. The combined creatinine–cystatin C equation did not outperform risk prediction by CKD-EPI.
Whole-Genome Sequences of DA and F344 Rats with Different Susceptibilities to Arthritis, Autoimmunity, Inflammation and Cancer
Authors: Guo Xiaosen , Brenner Max , Zhang Xuemei , Laragione Teresina , Tai Shuaishuai , Li Yanhong , Bu Junjie , Yin Ye , Shah Anish A , Kwan Kevin , Li Yingrui , Jun Wang , Gulko Pércio S 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
DA (D-blood group of Palm and Agouti, also known as Dark Agouti) and F344 (Fischer) are two inbred rat strains with differences in several phenotypes, including susceptibility to autoimmune disease models and inflammatory responses. While these strains have been extensively studied, little information is available about the DA and F344 genomes, as only the Brown Norway (BN) and spontaneously hypertensive rat strains have been sequenced to date. Here we report the sequencing of the DA and F344 genomes using next-generation Illumina paired-end read technology and the first de novo assembly of a rat genome. DA and F344 were sequenced with an average depth of 32-fold, covered 98.9% of the BN reference genome, and included 97.97% of known rat ESTs. New sequences could be assigned to 59 million positions with previously unknown data in the BN reference genome. Differences between DA, F344, and BN included 19 million positions in novel scaffolds, 4.09 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (including 1.37 million new SNPs), 458,224 short insertions and deletions, and 58,174 structural variants. Genetic differences between DA, F344, and BN, including high-impact SNPs and short insertions and deletions affecting &gt;2500 genes, are likely to account for most of the phenotypic variation between these strains. The new DA and F344 genome sequencing data should facilitate gene discovery efforts in rat models of human disease.
Ab initio based large-scale screening of hypothetical MOFs for carbon capture application
Authors: Daff Thomas D. , Woo Tom K. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTMetal organic frameworks (MOFs) are porous solids that are potential high performance carbon capture materials. We have mined a hypothetical MOF database for structures that have exceptional low-pressure CO2 adsorption properties. We have applied the REPEAT method to generate accurate atomic charges that regenerate the ab initio electrostatic potential. We show that large scale screening at high accuracy is feasible for thousands of structures. We identify promising synthesis targets, like a simple combination of chrysene linker and vanadium inorganic unit, and examine in detail structural features that make better performing MOFs from those that would not be synthesisable. We find that, although screening large numbers of hypothetical structures is necessary to provide experimental targets, there are limitations to the suggestion of using the this database directly for synthesis targets and propose improvements and constraints that should be incorporated into the design of further generations of such a building-block algorithm to reach the accuracy required for high-quality CO2 adsorption simulation.
N balance and cycling of Inner Mongolia typical steppe: a comprehensive case study of grazing effects
Authors: Giese M. , Brueck H. , Gao Y. Z. , Lin S. , Steffens M. , Kögel-Knabner I. , Glindemann T. , Susenbeth A. , Taube F. , Butterbach-Bahl K. , Zheng X. H. , Hoffmann C. , Bai Y. F. , Han X. G. 
Published: May 2013

Increasing grazing pressure and climate change affect nitrogen (N) dynamics of grassland ecosystems in the Eurasian steppe belt with unclear consequences for future delivery of essential services such as forage production, C sequestration, and diversity conservation. The identification of key processes responsive to grazing is crucial to optimize grassland management. In this comprehensive case study of a Chinese typical steppe, we present an in‐depth analysis of grazing effects on N dynamics, including the balance of N gains and losses, and N cycling. N pools and fluxes were simultaneously quantified on three grassland sites of different long‐term grazing intensities.Dust deposition, wind erosion, and wet deposition were the predominant but most variable processes contributing to N losses and gains. Heavy grazing increased the risk of N losses by wind erosion. Hay‐making and sheep excrement export to folds during nighttime keeping were important pathways of N losses from grassland sites. Compared to these fluxes, gaseous N losses (N2O, NO, N2, and NH3) and N losses via export of sheep live mass and wool were of minor relevance. Our N balance calculation indicated mean annual net N losses of 0.9 ± 0.8 g N/m2 (mean ± SD) at the heavily grazed site, whereas the long‐term ungrazed site was an N sink receiving mean annual inputs of 1.8 ± 1.1 g N/m2, mainly due to dust deposition. Heavy grazing reduced pool sizes of topsoil organic N, above‐ and belowground biomass, and N fluxes with regard to plant N uptake, decomposition, gross microbial N turnover, and immobilization. Most N‐related processes were more intensive in seasons of higher water availability, indicating complex interactions between land use intensity and climate variability. The projected increase of atmospheric N depositions and changes in rainfall pattern imposed by land use change will likely affect N sink–source pathways and N flux dynamics, indicating high potential impact on grassland ecosystem functions. Land use practices will be increasingly important for the management of N dynamics in Chinese typical steppe and, therefore, must be considered as key component to maintain, restore or optimize ecosystem services.