bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extracellular HMGB1 promotes differentiation of nurse-like cells in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Jia Li , Clear Andrew , Liu Feng-Ting , Matthews Janet , Uddin Nadiha , McCarthy Aine , Hoxha Elena , Durance Catherine , Iqbal Sameena , Gribben John G. 
Published: January 2014

Key Points
HMGB1 and DNA released from CLL cells induce nurse-like cell differentiation. This differentiation appears TLR9/RAGE dependent.
Adherence of pregnant women to Nordic dietary guidelines in relation to postpartum weight retention: results from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study
Authors: von Ruesten Anne , Brantsæter Anne Lise , Haugen Margaretha , Meltzer Helle Margrete , Mehlig Kirsten , Winkvist Anna , Lissner Lauren 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Pregnancy is a major life event for women and often connected with changes in diet and lifestyle and natural gestational weight gain. However, excessive weight gain during pregnancy may lead to postpartum weight retention and add to the burden of increasing obesity prevalence. Therefore, it is of interest to examine whether adherence to nutrient recommendations or food-based guidelines is associated with postpartum weight retention 6 months after birth.

Methods
This analysis is based on data from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) conducted by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. Diet during the first 4-5 months of pregnancy was assessed by a food-frequency questionnaire and maternal weight before pregnancy as well as in the postpartum period was assessed by questionnaires. Two Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores were applied to measure compliance with either the official Norwegian food-based guidelines (HEI-NFG) or the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (HEI-NNR) during pregnancy. The considered outcome, i.e. weight retention 6 months after birth, was modelled in two ways: continuously (in kg) and categorically (risk of substantial postpartum weight retention, i.e. ≥ 5% gain to pre-pregnancy weight). Associations between the HEI-NFG and HEI-NNR score with postpartum weight retention on the continuous scale were estimated by linear regression models. Relationships of both HEI scores with the categorical outcome variable were evaluated using logistic regression.

Results
In the continuous model without adjustment for gestational weight gain (GWG), the HEI-NFG score but not the HEI-NNR score was inversely related to postpartum weight retention. However, after additional adjustment for GWG as potential intermediate the HEI-NFG score was marginally inversely and the HEI-NNR score was inversely associated with postpartum weight retention. In the categorical model, both HEI scores were inversely related with risk of substantial postpartum weight retention, independent of adjustment for GWG.

Conclusions
Higher adherence to either the official Norwegian food guidelines or possibly also to Nordic Nutrition Recommendations during pregnancy appears to be associated with lower postpartum weight retention.
The quinoxaline di-N-oxide DCQ blocks breast cancer metastasis in vitro and in vivo by targeting the hypoxia inducible factor-1 pathway
Authors: Ghattass Khaled , El-Sitt Sally , Zibara Kazem , Rayes Saide , Haddadin Makhluf J , El-Sabban Marwan , Gali-Muhtasib Hala 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Although tumor hypoxia poses challenges against conventional cancer treatments, it provides a therapeutic target for hypoxia-activated drugs. Here, we studied the effect of the hypoxia-activated synthetic quinoxaline di-N-oxide DCQ against breast cancer metastasis and identified the underlying mechanisms.

Methods
The human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 (p53 wildtype) and MDA-MB-231 (p53 mutant) were treated with DCQ under normoxia or hypoxia. Drug toxicity on non-cancerous MCF-10A breast cells was also determined. In vitro cellular responses were investigated by flow cytometry, transfection, western blotting, ELISA and migration assays. The anti-metastatic effect of DCQ was validated in the MDA-MB-231 xenograft mouse model.

Results
DCQ selectively induced apoptosis in both human breast cancer cells preferentially under hypoxia without affecting the viability of non-cancerous MCF-10A. Cancer cell death was associated with an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) independently of p53 and was inhibited by antioxidants. DCQ-induced ROS was associated with DNA damage, the downregulation of hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), and inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion. In MCF-7, HIF-1α inhibition was partially via p53-activation and was accompanied by a decrease in p-mTOR protein, suggesting interference with HIF-1α translation. In MDA-MB-231, DCQ reduced HIF-1α through proteasomal-dependent degradation mechanisms. HIF-1α inhibition by DCQ blocked VEGF secretion and invasion in MCF-7 and led to the inhibition of TWIST in MDA-MB-231. Consistently, DCQ exhibited robust antitumor activity in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer mouse xenografts, enhanced animal survival, and reduced metastatic dissemination to lungs and liver.

Conclusion
DCQ is the first hypoxia-activated drug showing anti-metastatic effects against breast cancer, suggesting its potential use for breast cancer therapy.
Salmonella isolated from individual reptiles and environmental samples from terraria in private households in Sweden
Authors: Wikström Veronica O , Fernström Lise-Lotte , Melin Lennart , Boqvist Sofia 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundThis study investigatesSalmonellaspp. isolated from privately kept reptiles and from environmental samples such as bedding materials or water from the floor of the enclosures (terraria). It also compares isolation ofSalmonellausing Modified Semisolid Rappaport-Vassiliadis (MSRV) medium or selective enrichment in Rappaport-Vassiliadis-Soya (RVS) pepton broth. Cloacal swabs or swabs from the cloacal area were collected from 63 individual reptiles belonging to 14 households. All reptiles were from different terraria and from 62 of these, environmental samples were also collected. Sampling were done by the reptile owners according to written instructions and sent by mail immediately after sampling. All but three samples were analyzed within 24 h after collection. Colonies suspected forSalmonellawere tested for agglutination and serotyped using the White-Kauffmann-Le Minor scheme. The relative sensitivity (se) and specificity (sp) for MSRV compared with RVS, and the agreement coefficient kappa (κ) were calculated.ResultsSalmonellawas isolated from 50/63 (80%) terraria, either from the reptiles (31/63; 49%) or from bedding material (39/62; 63%). The most common subspecies wasSalmonella entericasubspeciesentericafollowed byS. entericasubspeciesdiarizonae. In reptiles, the most commonS. entericasubspeciesentericaserovars were Java (n = 4) and Fluntern (n = 4), compared with the serovars Tennessee (n = 10) and Fluntern (n = 10) in the environmental samples. The exact same set ofSalmonellasubspecies and serovars were not isolated from the individual reptiles and the environmental samples from any of the households. Isolation using MSRV yielded moreSalmonellaisolates 61/113 (54%) than enrichment in RVS 57/125 (46%). Thesewas 97.9% (95% Confidence Interval 93.9-100), thesp78.5% (95% CI 68.5-88.5) and theκ0.74, indicating substantial agreement between the tests.ConclusionsSalmonellacan be expected to be present in environments where reptiles are kept. This constitutes public health risks and should be considered during handling of the reptiles and during cleaning and disposal of bedding. A combination of different culturing techniques may be used to increase the isolation rate.
Prenatal ultrasonography and Doppler sonography for the clinical investigation of isolated ventricular septal defects in a late second-trimester population
Authors: Chiu Wei-Hsiu , Hsiung Ming-Chon , Chen Ran-Chou , Xiao Xiao-Min , Wu Cai-Lin , Tung Tao-Hsin 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of prenatal ultrasonography and Doppler sonography in detecting isolated ventricular septal defects (VSDs) in a late-second-trimester population.MethodsFetal echocardiography, Doppler ultrasound, and biometry were used to evaluate 2,661 singleton fetuses (1,381 male fetuses and 1,280 female fetuses) between 1 August 2006 and 31 May 2010. The efficacy of each fetal biometry, Doppler ultrasound, and nasal bone length (NBL) measurement was evaluated in all of the fetuses. A standard fetal echocardiographic evaluation, including two-dimensional gray-scale imaging and color and Doppler color flow mapping, was performed on all fetuses.ResultsWe detected isolated VSDs in 124 of the 2,661 singleton fetuses between 19 and 24 weeks of gestation. The prevalence of isolated VSDs in the study population was 4.66%. A multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that short fetal NBL (odds ratio = 0.691, 95% confidence interval: 0.551 to 0.868) and the pulsatility index (PI) of the umbilical artery (odds ratio = 8.095, 95% confidence interval: 4.309 to 15.207) and of the middle cerebral artery (odds ratio = 0.254, 95% confidence interval: 0.120 to 0.538) are significantly associated with isolated VSDs.ConclusionLate-second-trimester fetal NBL, umbilical artery PI, and middle cerebral artery PI are useful parameters for detecting isolated VSDs, and can be used to estimate thea prioririsk of VSDs in women at high risk and at low risk of isolated VSDs.
Patient relevant endpoints in oncology: current issues in the context of early benefit assessment in Germany
Authors: Dabisch Inna , Dethling Jürgen , Dintsios Charalabos-Markos , Drechsler Melanie , Kalanovic Daniel , Kaskel Peter , Langer Frank , Ruof Jörg , Ruppert Thorsten , Wirth Daniel 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The German AMNOG healthcare reform includes a mandatory early-benefit-assessment (EBA) at launch. As per German social code, EBA is based on registration trials and includes evaluation of the patient-relevant effect of the new medicines compared to an appropriate comparator as defined by the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA). Current EBA decisions released have unveiled issues regarding the acceptance of some patient-relevant endpoints as G-BA and IQWiG are grading the endpoints, focusing on overall survival as the preferred endpoint in oncology.
A taskforce of experienced German outcomes research, medical, health-technology assessment and biostatistics researchers in industry was appointed. After agreement on core assumptions, a draft position was prepared. Input on iterative versions was solicited from a panel of reviewers from industry and external stakeholders.
Distinctive features of registration trials in oncology need to be considered when these studies form basis for EBA, especially in cancer-indications with long post-progression survival; and with several consecutive therapeutic options available post-progression. Ethical committees, caregivers and patients often demand cross-over-designs diluting the treatment-effect on overall survival. Regulatory authorities require evaluation of morbidity-related study endpoints including survival of patients without their disease getting worse (i.e., progression-free survival). Also, progression requires treatment-changes, another strong indicator for its relevance to patients.
Based on specific guidelines and clinical trial programs that were developed to be consistent with regulatory guidance, endpoints in oncology are thoroughly evaluated in terms of their patient-relevance. This extensive knowledge and experience should be fully acknowledged during EBA when assessing the patient-relevant benefit of innovative medicines in oncology.

JEL codes

D61; H51; I18.
Extracellular matrix remodeling following myocardial infarction influences the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Sullivan Kelly Elizabeth , Quinn Kyle Patrick , Tang Katherine Michele , Georgakoudi Irene , Black Lauren Deems 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Although stem cell therapy is a promising treatment for myocardial infarction, the minimal functional improvements observed clinically limit its widespread application. A need exists to maximize the therapeutic potential of these stem cells by first understanding what factors within the infarct microenvironment affect their ability to regenerate the necrotic tissue. In this study, we assessed both differentiation capacity and paracrine signaling as a function of extracellular matrix remodeling after myocardial infarction.

Methods
Mechanical and compositional changes to the decellularized infarcted myocardium were characterized to understand how the extracellular environment, specifically, was altered as a function of time after coronary artery ligation in Sprague–Dawley rats. These alterations were first modeled in a polyacrylamide gel system to understand how the variables of composition and stiffness drive mesenchymal stem cell differentiation towards a cardiac lineage. Finally, the paracrine secretome was characterized as a function of matrix remodeling through gene and protein expression and conditioned media studies.

Results
The decellularized infarct tissue revealed significant alterations in both the mechanical and compositional properties of the ECM with remodeling following infarction. This altered microenvironment dynamically regulates the potential for early cardiac differentiation. Whereas Nkx2.5 expression is limited in the presence of chronic remodeled matrix of increased stiffness, GATA4 expression is enhanced. In addition, the remodeled matrix promotes the expression of several proangiogenic, prosurvival, antifibrotic, and immunomodulatory growth factors. In particular, an increase in HGF and SDF1 expression and secretion by mesenchymal stem cells can rescue oxidatively stressed cardiomyocytes in vitro.

Conclusions
This study demonstrated that decellularization of diseased tissue allows for the exclusive analysis of the remodeled matrix and its ability to influence significantly the cellular phenotype. Characterization of cell fate as a function of myocardial remodeling following infarction is critical in developing the ideal strategy for cell implantation to maximize tissue regeneration and to ultimately reduce the prevalence and severity of heart failure.
A Rapid and Quantitative Detection of Cellular Protein Kinase Activity Based on MALDI-TOF-MS
Authors: Otsubo Yuki , Ikeda Hiromu , Kamimoto Junpei , Niidome Takuro , Mori Takeshi , Katayama Yoshiki 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
A rapid and quantitative measurement of protein kinase activity based on MALDI-TOF-MS was developed. Here, biotinylated substrate peptides with stable isotope labeling were used to enable the rapid and specific enrichment of the peptides. Protein kinase activities in two samples can be directly compared utlizing the mass-unit difference of the subsrate peptides with different isotope labels. We successfully evaluated the effect of an inhibitory drug on the cellular protein kinase acitivity.
On the efficiency of the formation process of the key competencies of students — future teachers in technology of modular training
Authors: Александрова  , Aleksandrova Anna 
Published: January 2014

The article focuses on the development of key competencies as a key
imperative update of the education system. Considerable attention is paid to
the process of formation of the key competencies of students-future teachers in
technology of modular training. The author of the offered criteria of formation of key
competencies and indicators of their effectiveness.
Effect of Knot Detection Errors When Using a Computed Tomography Log Scanner for Sawing Control
Authors: Breinig Lorenz , Berglund Anders , Grönlund Anders , Brüchert Franka , Sauter Udo H. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Roundwood scanners utilizing X-ray computed tomography (CT) provide the information required for individual log-sawing optimization. However, errors in the automated detection of quality-relevant internal wood features for sawing control may lead to improper log positioning at breakdown, impairing the realization of value recovery potential. It is thus of interest to have an estimation of the impact of feature detection errors on the performance of sawing optimization. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to quantify the effect of errors in knot detection on a breakdown optimization by adjustment of log rotation. Therefore, sawing simulations were performed with the geometric descriptions of log shape and internal knots extracted from the CT scans of 57 Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) logs. Three types of artificially set knot description errors were tested under different pricing and product scenarios, each in different magnitudes as systematic or random error. Errors in knot diameter were found to have the greatest impact for both systematic and random errors. The effect of errors in dead knot border radial position was less pronounced but still substantial for higher error levels, while errors in knot rotational position could be neglected even for the highest magnitudes of error tested. The assumed price differentiation between product qualities had a major influence on the impact of the errors. It could be observed that with errors of higher magnitudes than those reported for present knot detection algorithms, an improvement in value recovery compared with outer-shape–based optimization still resulted in the simulated rotation optimization.
Positive Psychology and Brain Injury Rehabilitation
Authors: Evans Jonathan J. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractPositive psychology (PP) is the scientific study of positive emotion and wellbeing. In recent years, there has been a shift in the focus of PP from understanding the factors that contribute to wellbeing to developing and evaluating interventions to improve wellbeing. This article addresses the question of whether the principles and practice of PP are relevant to brain injury rehabilitation. It is concluded that PP is indeed relevant to brain injury rehabilitation; that much of our current (best) practice is consistent with the principles of PP, but there remain areas where brain injury rehabilitation practice could draw further on the specific methods of PP.
Smoking Cessation Program Targeting Adolescents: Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Lehiany Obaidullah , Stanley David 
Published: January 2014

AbstractWhile developed countries have enjoyed a decreasing incidence of smoking over the last 30 years, in the developing world there are still reports of rapid smoking take-up. It seems that in developing countries tobacco smoking remains the number one cause of preventable death well into the future. To combat this costly habit, many governments have employed smoking cessation strategies since the 1960s. These programs have involved advertising the negative health impacts of smoking, increased taxation, targeted legislation, and even clinical counselling. This project aimed to explore and critically review the body of literature related to smoking cessation strategies in Saudi Arabia and assess their effectiveness. The project also aimed to use the data gathered to recommend legislative changes to smoking cessation programs. For the Saudi Arabian context, the results of the project found that the smoking cessation strategies, despite being revolutionary in many regards, still lacked depth, and that both males and females, particularly adolescents, were adopting smoking in increasing numbers. The recommendations of the project were for Saudi Arabian authorities to review a number of the current initiatives, and initiate further approaches to smoking cessation, such as stringent requirements for health warnings on cigarette packets.
Time Spent With Urges to Smoke and Strength of Urges as Independent Predictors of Self-Rated Difficulty Not Smoking During Abstinence
Authors: Georgiades Chrissa , West Robert 
Published: January 2014

AbstractSelf-perceived difficulty not smoking during a quit attempts is potentially an important factor mediating ability to remain abstinent during quit attempts. We investigated how far this could be explained by specific withdrawal symptoms (e.g., irritability, depressed mood, hunger etc.), strength of the urges to smoke and the time spent with urges to smoke. Thirty-five male and female smokers, who smoked at least 15 cigarettes per day were required to abstain overnight and attended the laboratory the next day and completed the Mood and Physical Symptoms Scale (MPSS), a validated questionnaire assessing cigarette withdrawal symptoms and urges to smoke. They also rated how difficult they had found it not smoking. Difficulty not smoking was independently and strongly predicted by both strength of urges to smoke and time spent with urges, but not by other withdrawal symptoms. The results support the idea that both time spent with urges and strength of urges to smoke are what primarily makes it difficult for smokers to abstain early in a quit attempt and that other withdrawal symptoms play a more modest role. Further research is needed to confirm this finding and examine how far difficulty not smoking mediates failure of quit attempts.
Eco-cinema, sustainability and Africa: A reading of Out of Africa (1985), The Constant Gardener (2005) and District 9 (2010)
Authors: Brereton Pat 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The language of eco-sustainability is seeping into what would otherwise be considered as establishment thinkers and in many ways is beginning to become accepted as part of the common global culture. Meanwhile, developing countries like those in Africa urgently require more immediate poverty and primary health-care issues to be addressed. The danger of environmental issues becoming simply topical and embracing populist, business-driven notions like ‘universal sustainability’ is exacerbated of course by the conflicting directions and often contradictory objectives of the broad ecological movement. The long established tradition of Hollywood films set in Africa almost always appears to use the continent to tell a white and western story, while also reaffirming the western archetype of Africans not being able to live peacefully and wallowing in internecine wars. In this article I signal how an ecological, revisionist reading of three seminal (Hollywood) African films might be made.
The Effect of Chemical Composition of Aggregate on the Performance of Hot and Warm Mix Asphalt in Presence of Water
Authors: Al-Rawashdeh Abdalla S. , Sargand Shad M. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Warm mix asphalt (WMA) is a new technology designed to lower the energy required for asphalt mixture production and to reduce the amount of undesirable odors emitted during the mixing and paving processes. The Warm Asphalt Mix-foam (WAM-Foam) type of WMA is applied in two stages of the mixing process. The first stage is to coat the surface of the aggregate with a soft asphalt binder. Then a foamed hard binder is introduced to the mixture to decrease the mix temperature. This technology can reduce the energy consumption up to 30%. The main objectives of this study were to investigate the chemical and mineralogical compositions of aggregate across the state of Ohio and to assess the performance of WMA foamed asphalt specimens collected in two different locations in Ohio and compare the results with the performance of hot mix asphalt (HMA) specimens in presence of water by using a dynamic modulus test (E*) and asphalt concrete cracking device (ACCD). The aggregate gradation for both projects was almost the same. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the Columbus project mixture contained more silica (SiO2) than the Woodville project mixture. Based on the results obtained from the ACCD, the HMA and WMA from Columbus had a higher strain than the HMA and WMA from Woodville. For each location, the strength of the HMA was higher than the strength of WMA. The dynamic modulus confirmed the stiffness difference, and indicated it may be caused by Ohio's foaming process trapping more water within the aggregate-binder interface.