bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isolation, identification and characterization of Burkholderia pseudomallei from soil of coastal region of India
Authors: Prakash Archana , Thavaselvam Duraipandian , Kumar Ashu , Kumar Ajith , Arora Sonia , Tiwari Sapana , Barua Anita , Sathyaseelan Kannusamy 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Melioidosis is an emerging infectious disease caused by a free living soil dwelling Gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. The disease is endemic to most parts of Southeast Asia and northern Australia and the organism has been isolated from moist soil and water. In India clinical cases are recently reported from the states of Tamilnadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa, Assam, West Bengal, Pondicherry and Tripura. This study is aimed to confirm the prevalence of this important bacterial species in soil samples collected from coastal areas of Tamilnadu. Forty five soil samples from five different sites were collected from Parangipettai, Tamilnadu and screened for the presence of B. pseudomallei. The study confirmed 4 isolates as B. pseudomallei with the help of conventional bacteriological methods and molecular methods that include; 16S rDNA sequencing, B. pseudomallei specific PCR, fli C gene RFLP and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry based bacterial identification. This study reveals the prevalence and distribution of B. pseudomallei in the soil environment in coastal areas of southern India and further necessitates studies from other parts of the country. It will also be helpful to understand the distribution of B. pseudomallei and to access its epidemiological importance.
Expression and regulation of neurotrophic and angiogenic factors during human intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: LA Binch Abbie , Cole Ashley A , Breakwell Lee M , Michael Anthony LR , Chiverton Neil , Cross Alison K , Le Maitre Christine L 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Introduction
The degenerate intervertebral disc (IVD) becomes innervated by sensory nerve fibres, and vascularised by blood vessels. This study aimed to identify neurotrophins, neuropeptides and angiogenic factors within native IVD tissue and to further investigate whether pro-inflammatory cytokines are involved in the regulation of expression levels within nucleus pulposus (NP) cells, nerve and endothelial cells.

Methods
Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed on 53 human IVDs from 52 individuals to investigate native gene expression of neurotrophic factors and their receptors, neuropeptides and angiogenic factors. The regulation of these factors by cytokines was investigated in NP cells in alginate culture, and nerve and endothelial cells in monolayer using RT-PCR and substance P (SP) protein expression in interleukin-1 (IL-1β) stimulated NP cells.

Results
Initial investigation on uncultured NP cells identified expression of all neurotrophins by native NP cells, whilst the nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor was only identified in severely degenerate and infiltrated discs, and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) receptor expressed by more degenerate discs. BDNF expression was significantly increased in infiltrated and degenerate samples. SP and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were higher in infiltrated samples. In vitro stimulation by IL-1β induced NGF in NP cells. Neurotropin-3 was induced by tumour necrosis factor alpha in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs). SP gene and protein expression was increased in NP cells by IL-1β. Calcitonin gene related peptide was increased in SH-SY5Y cells upon cytokine stimulation. VEGF was induced by IL-1β and interleukin-6 in NP cells, whilst pleiotrophin was decreased by IL-1β. VEGF and pleiotrophin were expressed by SH-SY5Y cells, and VEGF by HDMECs, but were not modulated by cytokines.

Conclusions
The release of cytokines, in particular IL-1β during IVD degeneration, induced significant increases in NGF and VEGF which could promote neuronal and vascular ingrowth. SP which is released into the matrix could potentially up regulate the production of matrix degrading enzymes and also sensitise nerves, resulting in nociceptive transmission and chronic low back pain. This suggests that IL-1β is a key regulatory cytokine, involved in the up regulation of factors involved in innervation and vascularisation of tissues.
Bridging the Gap: A Canadian Perspective on Translational Kidney Research
Authors: Molnar Amber O , Yuen Darren A , Tangri Navdeep , Jensen Victor L 
Published: August 2014

Purpose of review: Chronic kidney disease affects approximately 3 million Canadians. Ongoing investment in high quality kidney research is needed to improve the care of patients with kidney disease. The barriers to translating such research are discussed in this review. Sources of information: Personal knowledge, research funding body websites, and published reports. Findings: In this review, we discuss the meaning of the term translational research and present some of the programs aimed at ensuring efficient translation of scientific discoveries with a discussion of the barriers to translation. We highlight some successes and barriers to kidney research translation using recent examples of research in Canadian nephrology. We present the following examples of kidney research: (1) research aimed at identifying the causative genes for inherited kidney diseases; (2) recent discoveries in cell-based therapies for kidney disease; (3) an examination of the impact of acute kidney injury in renal transplant patients; and (4) the development of a kidney failure risk equation to improve prognosis accuracy. Limitations: This review focuses on research conducted by the authors. Implications: The process of research translation is prolonged and challenging and therefore requires resources, patience, and careful planning. With increased awareness and understanding of the barriers to research translation, researchers and funding bodies can work together to increase the rate at which important research findings reach clinical practice and improve the care of patients with kidney disease.
Lenalidomide Combined With R-CHOP Overcomes Negative Prognostic Impact of Non–Germinal Center B-Cell Phenotype in Newly Diagnosed Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: A Phase II Study
Authors: Nowakowski Grzegorz S. , LaPlant Betsy , Macon William R. , Reeder Craig B. , Foran James M. , Nelson Garth D. , Thompson Carrie A. , Rivera Candido E. , Inwards David J. , Micallef Ivana N. , Johnston Patrick B. , Porrata Luis F. , Ansell Stephen M. , Gascoyne Randy D. , Habermann Thomas M. , Witzig Thomas E. 
Published: August 2014

Purpose Lenalidomide has significant single-agent activity in relapsed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). We demonstrated that lenalidomide can be safely combined with R-CHOP (rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone); this new combination is known as R2CHOP. The goal of this phase II study was to evaluate the efficacy of this combination in newly diagnosed DLBCL. Patients and Methods Eligible patients were adults with newly diagnosed untreated stages II to IV CD20+ DLBCL. Patients received lenalidomide 25 mg orally per day on days 1 through 10 with standard-dose R-CHOP every 21 days for six cycles. All patients received pegfilgrastim on day 2 of each cycle and aspirin prophylaxis throughout. DLBCL molecular subtype was determined by tumor immunohistochemistry and classified as germinal center B-cell (GCB) versus non-GCB in the R2CHOP patients and 87 control patients with DLBCL from the Lymphoma Database who were treated with conventional R-CHOP. Results In all, 64 patients with DLBCL were enrolled, and 60 were evaluable for response. The overall response rate was 98% (59 of 60) with 80% (48 of 60) achieving complete response. Event-free survival and overall survival (OS) rates at 24 months were 59% (95% CI, 48% to 74%) and 78% (95% CI, 68% to 90%), respectively. In R-CHOP patients, 24-month progression-free survival (PFS) and OS were 28% versus 64% (P < .001) and 46% versus 78% (P < .001) in non-GCB DLBCL versus GCB DLBCL, respectively. In contrast, there was no difference in 24-month PFS or OS for R2CHOP patients on the basis of non-GCB and GCB subtype (60% v 59% [P = .83] and 83% v 75% [P = .61] at 2 years, respectively). Conclusion R2CHOP shows promising efficacy in DLBCL. The addition of lenalidomide appears to mitigate a negative impact of non-GCB phenotype on patient outcome.
Inclusion of Endogenous Hormone Levels in Risk Prediction Models of Postmenopausal Breast Cancer
Authors: Tworoger Shelley S. , Zhang Xuehong , Eliassen A. Heather , Qian Jing , Colditz Graham A. , Willett Walter C. , Rosner Bernard A. , Kraft Peter , Hankinson Susan E. 
Published: August 2014

Purpose Endogenous hormones are risk factors for postmenopausal breast cancer, and their measurement may improve our ability to identify high-risk women. Therefore, we evaluated whether inclusion of plasma estradiol, estrone, estrone sulfate, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, prolactin, and sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) improved risk prediction for postmenopausal invasive breast cancer (n = 437 patient cases and n = 775 controls not using postmenopausal hormones) in the Nurses' Health Study. Methods We evaluated improvement in the area under the curve (AUC) for 5-year risk of invasive breast cancer by adding each hormone to the Gail and Rosner-Colditz risk scores. We used stepwise regression to identify the subset of hormones most associated with risk and assessed AUC improvement; we used 10-fold cross validation to assess model overfitting. Results Each hormone was associated with breast cancer risk (odds ratio doubling, 0.82 [SHBG] to 1.37 [estrone sulfate]). Individual hormones improved the AUC by 1.3 to 5.2 units relative to the Gail score and 0.3 to 2.9 for the Rosner-Colditz score. Estrone sulfate, testosterone, and prolactin were selected by stepwise regression and increased the AUC by 5.9 units (P = .003) for the Gail score and 3.4 (P = .04) for the Rosner-Colditz score. In cross validation, the average AUC change across the validation data sets was 6.0 (P = .002) and 3.0 units (P = .03), respectively. Similar results were observed for estrogen receptor–positive disease (selected hormones: estrone sulfate, testosterone, prolactin, and SHBG; change in AUC, 8.8 [P < .001] for Gail score and 5.8 [P = .004] for Rosner-Colditz score). Conclusion Our results support that endogenous hormones improve risk prediction for invasive breast cancer and could help identify women who may benefit from chemoprevention or more screening.
Patterns of Relapse in Patients With Clinical Stage I Testicular Cancer Managed With Active Surveillance
Authors: Kollmannsberger Christian , Tandstad Torgrim , Bedard Philippe L. , Cohn-Cedermark Gabriella , Chung Peter W. , Jewett Michael A. , Powles Tom , Warde Padraig R. , Daneshmand Siamak , Protheroe Andrew , Tyldesley Scott , Black Peter C. , Chi Kim , So Alan I. , Moore Malcom J. , Nichols Craig R. 
Published: August 2014

Purpose To evaluate the performance of active surveillance as a management strategy in broad populations and to inform the development of surveillance schedules by individual patient data regarding timing and type of relapse. Methods Retrospective study including data from 2,483 clinical stage I (CSI) patients, 1,139 CSI nonseminoma and 1,344 CSI seminoma managed with active surveillance, with the majority treated between 1998 and 2010. Clinical outcomes including relapse and death, time distribution, extent of relapse and method of relapse detection observed on active surveillance were recorded. Results Relapse occurred in 221 (19%) CSI-nonseminoma and 173 (13%) CSI-seminoma patients. Median time to relapse was 4 months (range, 2-61 months), 8 months (range, 2-77 months) and 14 months (range, 2-84 months) for lymphovascular invasion–positive CSI nonseminoma, lymphovascular invasion–negative CSI nonseminoma and CSI seminoma. Most relapses were observed within the first 2 years/3 years after orchiectomy for CSI nonseminoma (90%)/CSI seminoma (92%). Relapses were detected by computed tomography scan/tumor-markers in 87%/3% of seminoma recurrences, in 48%/38% of lymphovascular invasion–negative and 41%/61% of lymphovascular invasion–positive patients, respectively. 90% of CSI-nonseminoma and 99% of CSI-seminoma relapses exhibited International Germ Cell Collaborative Group good-risk features. Three patients with CSI nonseminoma died of disease (0.3%). One patient with CSI seminoma and two patients with CSI nonseminoma died because of treatment-related events. Overall, advanced disease was seen in both early- and late-relapse patients. All late recurrences were cured with standard therapy. Five-year disease-specific survival was 99.7% (95% CI, 99.24% to 99.93%). Conclusion Active surveillance for CSI testis cancer leads to excellent outcomes. The vast majority of relapses occur within 2 years of orchiectomy for CSI nonseminoma and within 3 years for CSI seminoma. Late and advanced stage relapse are rarely seen. These data may inform further refinement of rationally designed surveillance schedules.
Triiodothyronine Prevents Cardiac Ischemia/Reperfusion Mitochondrial Impairment and Cell Loss by Regulating miR30a/p53 Axis
Authors: Forini Francesca , Kusmic Claudia , Nicolini Giuseppina , Mariani Laura , Zucchi Riccardo , Matteucci Marco , Iervasi Giorgio , Pitto Letizia 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunctions critically affect cardiomyocyte survival during ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. In this scenario p53 activates multiple signaling pathways that impair cardiac mitochondria and promote cell death. p53 is a validated target of miR-30 whose levels fall under ischemic conditions. Although triiodothyronine (T3) rescues post-ischemic mitochondrial activity and cell viability, no data are available on its role in the modulation of p53 signaling in I/R. Here we test the hypothesis that early T3 supplementation in rats inhibits the post I/R activation of p53 pro-death cascade through the maintenance of miRNA 30a expression.
In our model, T3 infusion improves the recovery of post-ischemic cardiac performance. At the molecular level, the beneficial effect of T3 is associated with restored levels of miR-30a expression in the area at risk (AAR) that correspond to p53 mRNA downregulation. The concomitant decrease in p53 protein content reduces Bax expression and limits mitochondrial membrane depolarization resulting in preserved mitochondrial function and decreased apoptosis and necrosis extent in the AAR. Also in primary cardiomyocyte culture of neonatal rats, T3 prevents both miR-30a downregulation and p53 raise induced by hypoxia. The regulatory effect of T3 is greatly suppressed by miR-30a knockdown. Overall these data suggest a new mechanism of T3-mediated cardioprotection that is targeted to mitochondria and acts, at least in part, through the regulation of miR-30a/p53 axis.
Progesterone Induces RhoA Inactivation in Male Rat Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells Through Up-Regulation of p27kip1
Authors: Wang Hui-Chen , Lee Wen-Sen 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Previously, we showed that progesterone (P4) at physiologic concentrations (5nM–500nM) inhibits proliferation and migration of rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMCs). The P4-induced migration inhibition in RASMC was resulted from Rat sacroma homolog gene family, member A (RhoA) inactivation induced by activating the cSrc/AKT/ERK 2/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase-mediated signaling pathway. We also demonstrated that up-regulation of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (p27kip1) is involved in the P4-induced migration inhibition in RASMC. Because P4 can increase formation of the p27kip1-RhoA complex in RASMC, this finding led us to hypothesize that the P4-induced inactivation in RhoA might be caused by up-regulation of p27kip1. Here, we showed that P4 increased phosphorylation of p27kip1 at Ser10 in the nucleus, which in turn caused p27kip1 translocation from the nucleus to the cytosol, subsequently increasing formation of the p27kip1-RhoA complex. These effects were blocked by knocking-down kinase-interacting stathmin (KIS) using KIS small interfering RNA. Knock-down of p27kip1 abolished the P4-induced decreases in the level of RhoA protein in RASMC. However, pretreatment of RASMC with the proteasome inhibitor, N-(benzyloxycarbonyl)leucinylleucinylleucinal (MG132), prevented the P4-induced degradation of p27kip1 and RhoA. Taken together, our investigation of P4-induced migration inhibition in RASMC showed a sequence of associated intracellular events that included 1) increase in formation of the KIS-p27kip1 complex in the nucleus; 2) phosphorylated nuclear p27kip1 at Ser10; 3) increased cytosolic translocation of p27kip1 and formation of the p27kip1-RhoA complex in the cytosol; and 4) degradation of p27kip1 and RhoA through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. These findings highlight the molecular mechanisms underlying P4-induced migration inhibition in RASMC.
In Vivo Fluorescence Imaging and Urinary Monoamines as Surrogate Biomarkers of Disease Progression in a Mouse Model of Pheochromocytoma
Authors: Ullrich Martin , Bergmann Ralf , Peitzsch Mirko , Cartellieri Marc , Qin Nan , Ehrhart-Bornstein Monika , Block Norman L. , Schally Andrew V. , Pietzsch Jens , Eisenhofer Graeme , Bornstein Stefan R. , Ziegler Christian G. 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Pheochromocytoma (PHEO) is a rare but potentially lethal neuroendocrine tumor arising from catecholamine-producing chromaffin cells. Especially for metastatic PHEO, the availability of animal models is essential for developing novel therapies. For evaluating therapeutic outcome in rodent PHEO models, reliable quantification of multiple organ lesions depends on dedicated small-animal in vivo imaging, which is still challenging and only available at specialized research facilities. Here, we investigated whether whole-body fluorescence imaging and monitoring of urinary free monoamines provide suitable parameters for measuring tumor progression in a murine allograft model of PHEO. We generated an mCherry-expressing mouse PHEO cell line by lentiviral gene transfer. These cells were injected subcutaneously into nude mice to perform whole-body fluorescence imaging of tumor development. Urinary free monoamines were measured by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Tumor fluorescence intensity and urinary outputs of monoamines showed tumor growth–dependent increases (P &lt; .001) over the 30 days of monitoring post-tumor engraftment. Concomitantly, systolic blood pressure was increased significantly during tumor growth. Tumor volume correlated significantly (P &lt; .001) and strongly with tumor fluorescence intensity (rs = 0.946), and urinary outputs of dopamine (rs = 0.952), methoxytyramine (rs = 0.947), norepinephrine (rs = 0.756), and normetanephrine (rs = 0.949). Dopamine and methoxytyramine outputs allowed for detection of lesions at diameters below 2.3 mm. Our results demonstrate that mouse pheochromocytoma (MPC)-mCherry cell tumors are functionally similar to human PHEO. Both tumor fluorescence intensity and urinary outputs of free monoamines provide precise parameters of tumor progression in this sc mouse model of PHEO. This animal model will allow for testing new treatment strategies for chromaffin cell tumors.
Dialog als Prinzip
Authors: Saur Markus 
Published: August 2014

Zusammenfassung
Am Beispiel der beiden Schöpfungsberichte, der Kontextualisierung von Psalm 1 und der Spannung zwischen dem Gottesbild des Dekalogs und des Ezechielbuches wird gezeigt, wie innerbiblische Auslegungsprozesse im antiken Juda verliefen und wie eine produktive Vielstimmigkeit die theologischen Diskussionen bestimmte. Ausgehend von diesen Beobachtungen wird danach gefragt, auf welche Weise biblische Texte die gegenwärtige theologische Arbeit (an)leiten können.
Skizze einer mimetischen Bibeldidaktik Schrifthermeneutik im religionspädagogischen Kontext
Authors: Zimmermann Mirjam , Zimmermann Ruben 
Published: August 2014

Zusammenfassung
Oft klafft zwischen exegetischen Erkenntnissen und bibeldidaktischer Beschäftigung mit den Texten der Bibel ein breiter Graben. Der Artikel zeigt, wie sich dieser mit Hilfe des mimetischen Ansatzes überwinden lässt, indem Kinder und Jugendliche zu „Nachahmerinnen“ und „Nachahmern,“, sei es von Sprach- und Denkformen, Büchern, Figuren etc. der Bibel werden. Nach der theologischen Fundierung wird dies exemplarisch an Gleichnissen sowie an weiteren Textbeispielen (Hiob, JohEv) konkretisiert.
Cyst morphology, germination characteristics, and potential toxicity of Pyrodinium bahamense in the Gulf of California
Authors: Morquecho Lourdes , Alonso-Rodríguez Rosalba , Martínez-Tecuapacho Gladys Anahí 
Published: August 2014

Abstract

Pyrodinium
bahamense is a meroplanktonic dinoflagellate that produces paralytic shellfish toxins that cause human poisoning along tropical and subtropical coasts. Cyst morphology, germination characteristics, and toxicity were investigated using samples from Isla San José in the Gulf of California. Morphology was observed through light and scanning electron microscopy. Germination was tested at different temperature (15°C–35°C) and salinity (15–35) conditions in different culture media (natural seawater, GSe, and f/2). To elucidate toxicity of vegetative cells grown from cyst germination, nine strains were subject to toxin analyses through fluorescence high-performance liquid chromatography. Morphological features and size of cysts generally agree with previous descriptions, particularly morphotypes found in the subtropical North Atlantic, where P. bahamense var. bahamense occurs. Cysts exhibit thermophilic and euryhaline characteristics. Highest germination occurred from 20°C to 35°C with the peak between 25°C and 30°C. Excystment occurred at salinities from 20 to 35. Germination occurred in the three culture media, but was highest in the optimal temperature range in the culture medium that included terrestrial soil extract and selenium. Only one strain exhibited toxicity with high saxitoxin concentration (95 pg STX eq cell-1).
Discrete Riemann surfaces: Linear discretization and its convergence
Authors: Bobenko Alexander , Skopenkov Mikhail 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
We develop linear discretization of complex analysis, originally
introduced by R. Isaacs, J. Ferrand, R. Duffin, and C. Mercat. We prove
convergence of discrete period matrices and discrete Abelian integrals to their continuous
counterparts.
We also prove a discrete counterpart of the Riemann–Roch theorem.
The proofs use energy estimates inspired by electrical
networks.
IMAGe syndrome in the era of genetic testing: clues to diagnosis
Authors: Stokes Adia , Hoffman Suma , Salemi Parissa , Kaplan Julie 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
IMAGe syndrome (Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), Metaphyseal dysplasia, Adrenal hypoplasia congenita, and Genital anomalies) is a rare, multisystem disorder caused by mutations in the PCNA-binding domain of CDKN1C. Reported here is a male infant diagnosed with IMAGe syndrome by CDKN1C sequencing at 3 months of age. He presented with IUGR, primary adrenal insufficiency with adrenal crisis in the neonatal period, dysmorphic facies, and bilateral cryptorchidism. Interestingly, he demonstrates several additional clinical findings not previously reported with IMAGe syndrome including congenital hypothyroidism, recurrent bacterial infections, and severe eczema.
Stratifications of algebras with two simple modules
Authors: Liu Qunhua , Yang Dong 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Let A be a finite-dimensional algebra with two simple modules. It is shown that if the derived category of A admits a stratification with simple factors being the base field k, then A is derived equivalent to a quasi-hereditary algebra. As a consequence, if further k is algebraically closed and A has finite global dimension, then A is either derived simple or derived equivalent to a quasi-hereditary algebra.