bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DNA damage activates a complex transcriptional response in murine lymphocytes that includes both physiological and cancer-predisposition programs
Authors: Innes Cynthia L , Hesse Jill E , Palii Stela S , Helmink Beth A , Holub Abigail J , Sleckman Barry P , Paules Richard S 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Double strand (ds) DNA breaks are a form of DNA damage that can be generated from both genotoxic exposures and physiologic processes, can disrupt cellular functions and can be lethal if not repaired properly. Physiologic dsDNA breaks are generated in a variety of normal cellular functions, including the RAG endonuclease-mediated rearrangement of antigen receptor genes during the normal development of lymphocytes. We previously showed that physiologic breaks initiate lymphocyte development-specific transcriptional programs. Here we compare transcriptional responses to physiological DNA breaks with responses to genotoxic DNA damage induced by ionizing radiation.

Results
We identified a central lymphocyte-specific transcriptional response common to both physiologic and genotoxic breaks, which includes many lymphocyte developmental processes. Genotoxic damage causes robust alterations to pathways associated with B cell activation and increased proliferation, suggesting that genotoxic damage initiates not only the normal B cell maturation processes but also mimics activated B cell response to antigenic agents. Notably, changes including elevated levels of expression of Kras and mmu-miR-155 and the repression of Socs1 were observed following genotoxic damage, reflecting induction of a cancer-prone phenotype.

Conclusions
Comparing these transcriptional responses provides a greater understanding of the mechanisms cells use in the differentiation between types of DNA damage and the potential consequences of different sources of damage. These results suggest genotoxic damage may induce a unique cancer-prone phenotype and processes mimicking activated B cell response to antigenic agents, as well as the normal B cell maturation processes.
Comparative genomics and functional study of lipid metabolic genes in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Zhang Yuru , Zou Xiaoju , Ding Yihong , Wang Haizhen , Wu Xiaoyun , Liang Bin 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Animal models are indispensable to understand the lipid metabolism and lipid metabolic diseases. Over the last decade, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has become a popular animal model for exploring the regulation of lipid metabolism, obesity, and obese-related diseases. However, the genomic and functional conservation of lipid metabolism from C. elegans to humans remains unknown. In the present study, we systematically analyzed genes involved in lipid metabolism in the C. elegans genome using comparative genomics.

Results
We built a database containing 471 lipid genes from the C. elegans genome, and then assigned most of lipid genes into 16 different lipid metabolic pathways that were integrated into a network. Over 70% of C. elegans lipid genes have human orthologs, with 237 of 471 C. elegans lipid genes being conserved in humans, mice, rats, and Drosophila, of which 71 genes are specifically related to human metabolic diseases. Moreover, RNA-mediated interference (RNAi) was used to disrupt the expression of 356 of 471 lipid genes with available RNAi clones. We found that 21 genes strongly affect fat storage, development, reproduction, and other visible phenotypes, 6 of which have not previously been implicated in the regulation of fat metabolism and other phenotypes.

Conclusions
This study provides the first systematic genomic insight into lipid metabolism in C. elegans, supporting the use of C. elegans as an increasingly prominent model in the study of metabolic diseases.
Localized Histoplasma capsulatum osteomyelitis of the fibula in an immunocompetent teenage boy: a case report
Authors: Huang Lu , Wu Yongping , Miao Xudong 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Infection of local bone with Histoplasma capsulatum is rare and difficult to diagnosis, and occurs particularly in immunocompetent subjects, who are more likely to be affected by a wide range of organisms.

Case presentation
An 11-year-old boy presented with localized histoplasmosis osteomyelitis in the left fibula without any evidence of abnormal immunological function or systemic disease. After surgical clearance of the lesion and homologous cancellous bone, the patient was treated orally with voriconazole for 6 months. The patient completely recovered with full function of his left leg during the 5-year follow-up.

Conclusions
Histoplasmosis osteomyelitis can occasionally occur in immunocompetent individuals and can be complete cured by surgical clearance of the lesion and antibiotic treatment.
Interventions to reduce suicides at suicide hotspots: a systematic review
Authors: Cox Georgina R , Owens Christabel , Robinson Jo , Nicholas Angela , Lockley Anne , Williamson Michelle , Cheung Yee Tak Derek , Pirkis Jane 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
‘Suicide hotspots’ include tall structures (for example, bridges and cliffs), railway tracks, and isolated locations (for example, rural car parks) which offer direct means for suicide or seclusion that prevents intervention.

Methods
We searched Medline for studies that could inform the following question: ‘What interventions are available to reduce suicides at hotspots, and are they effective?’

Results
There are four main approaches: (a) restricting access to means (through installation of physical barriers); (b) encouraging help-seeking (by placement of signs and telephones); (c) increasing the likelihood of intervention by a third party (through surveillance and staff training); and (d) encouraging responsible media reporting of suicide (through guidelines for journalists). There is relatively strong evidence that reducing access to means can avert suicides at hotspots without substitution effects. The evidence is weaker for the other approaches, although they show promise.

Conclusions
More well-designed intervention studies are needed to strengthen this evidence base.
Cancer survivor rehabilitation and recovery: Protocol for the Veterans Cancer Rehabilitation Study (Vet-CaRes)
Authors: Naik Aanand D , Martin Lindsey A , Karel Michele , Wachen Jennifer Schuster , Mulligan Elizabeth , Gosian Jeffrey S , Herman Levi Ian , Moye Jennifer 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Cancer survivors are a rapidly growing and aging population in the U.S., but there are many challenges associated with the survivorship experience such as functional disabilities and psychosocial distress. When viewed next to the general population, Veterans are especially at risk for these challenges as they are older and have a high incidence of co-morbid conditions. While the Institute of Medicine (IOM) has called for further cancer survivorship research to address these challenges, we still know little about this experience from the perspective of aging Veterans.

Methods/design
We conducted a longitudinal, mixed-methods study over the course of three and a half years at the Boston and Houston VA Medical Centers. We recruited 170 Veterans diagnosed with head and neck, colorectal and esophageal/gastric cancers that were identified from the VA tumor registry. Veterans completed three in-depth interviews, conducted at 6, 12 and 18 months after pathology confirmation, measuring the physical, social and psychological factors related to cancer survivorship. The longitudinal design allowed us to assess any changes in cancer related disability and distress over time.

Discussion
Weekly teleconference study team meetings were a key aspect to the research process. Issues related to recruitment, data management and analysis, and the dissemination of research results was discussed. Interviewers presented detailed case reports of completed interviews that allowed us to refine our interview protocols. We also discussed issues relevant to the Veteran population of which we were previously unaware and some of the challenges of the research process itself. This novel study produced a robust data set that documents the functional and psychosocial cancer survivorship experiences of aging Veterans. The longitudinal design will help us more fully understand the recovery patterns for this specific population, and identify the unique needs and gaps in health services.
The new modified Ishikawa iteration method for the approximate solution of different types of differential equations
Authors: Bildik Necdet , Bakır Yasemin , Mutlu Ali 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
In this article, the new Ishikawa iteration method is presented to find the approximate solution of an ordinary differential equation with an initial condition. Additionally, some numerical examples with initial conditions are given to show the properties of the iteration method. Furthermore, the results of absolute errors are compared with Euler, Runge-Kutta and Picard iteration methods. Finally, the present method, namely the new modified Ishikawa iteration method, is seen to be very effective and efficient in solving different type of the problem.

MSC:65K15, 65L07, 65L06, 65L70.
Preventing the acute skin side effects in patients treated with radiotherapy for breast cancer: the use of corneometry in order to evaluate the protective effect of moisturizing creams
Authors: Di Franco Rossella , Sammarco Elena , Calvanese Maria Grazia , De Natale Flora , Falivene Sara , DiLecce Ada , Giugliano Francesca Maria , Murino Paola , Manzo Roberto , Cappabianca Salvatore , Muto Paolo , Ravo Vincenzo 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background and purpose
The purpose of this study was to add, to the objective evaluation, an instrumental assessment of the skin damage induced by radiation therapy.

Materials and methods
A group of 100 patients affected by breast cancer was recruited in the study over one year. Patients were divided into five groups of 20 patients. For each group it was prescribed a different topical treatment. The following products were used: Betaglucan, sodium hyaluronate (Neoviderm®), Vitis vinifera A. s-I-M.t-O.dij (Ixoderm®), Alga Atlantica plus Ethylbisiminomethylguaicolo and Manganese Cloruro (Radioskin1®) and Metal Esculetina plus Ginko Biloba and Aloe vera (Radioskin 2®); Natural triglycerides-fitosterols (Xderit®); Selectiose plus thermal water of Avene (Trixera+®). All hydrating creams were applied twice a day starting 15 days before and one month after treatment with radiations. Before and during treatment patients underwent weekly skin assessments and corneometry to evaluate the symptoms related to skin toxicity and state of hydration. Evaluation of acute cutaneous toxicity was defined according to the RTOG scale.

Results
All patients completed radiotherapy; 72% of patients presented a G1 cutaneous toxicity, 18% developed a G2 cutaneous toxicity, 10% developed a G3 toxicity, no one presented G4 toxicity. The corneometry study confirmed the protective role of effective creams used in radiation therapy of breast cancer and showed its usefulness to identify radiation-induced dermatitis in a very early stage.

Conclusions
The preventive use of topic products reduces the incidence of skin side effects in patients treated with radiotherapy for breast cancer. An instrumental evaluation of skin hydration can help the radiation oncologist to use strategies that prevent the onset of toxicity of high degree. All moisturizing creams used in this study were equally valid in the treatment of skin damage induced by radiotherapy.
Influence of maturation on anthropometry and body composition in Japanese junior high school students
Authors: Fukunaga Yuko , Takai Yohei , Yoshimoto Takaya , Fujita Eiji , Yamamoto Masayoshi , Kanehisa Hiroaki 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to examine maturity-related differences in anthropometry and body composition in Japanese youth within a single year.MethodsTwo hundred and ten Japanese youth aged from 13 to 13.99 years participated in this study. Their maturity status was assessed using a self-assessment of stage of pubic hair development. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to estimate percent body fat and lean body mass (LBM). Muscle thickness of the anterior thigh, posterior lower leg and rectus abdominis muscles were measured by ultrasound.ResultsFor boys, height, body weight, and LBM in less mature groups were lower than that in more mature groups. The maturity-related differences were still significant after adjusting for chronological age. On the other hand, muscle thickness values in the lower extremity and abdomen differed among the groups at different stages of pubic hair development, whereas there was no maturity-related difference in the relative values corrected by LBM, except for those thickness values measured at the abdomen. For girls, only the muscle thickness at the anterior thigh and muscle thickness relative to LBM1/3at the posterior lower leg was significantly affected by maturity status, but significant maturity-related difference was not found after adjusting for chronological age.ConclusionsAt least for Japanese boys and girls aged 13 years, maturity status affected body size in boys, but not in girls, and the influence of maturation on the muscularity of the lower extremity and trunk muscles is less in both sexes.
Utility of two novel multiplexing assays for the detection of gastrointestinal pathogens – a first experience
Authors: Kahlau Pascal , Malecki Monika , Schildgen Verena , Schulz Christine , Winterfeld Ingo , Messler Sabine , Mattner Frauke , Schildgen Oliver 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Cause for gastroenteritis range from viral, bacterial to parasitic pathogens. Rapid Multiplexing techniques like ProGastro_SSCS and xTAG_GPP can detect broad panels of pathogens simultaneously.
We performed a field test with a total number of 347 stool samples from adult hospitalized patients that were tested with the Luminex xTAG GPP assay; of the 157 samples positively tested for at least one pathogen by xTAG GPP a total number of 30 samples was retested with the ProGastro SSCS assay. Assays were compared to standard routine diagnostics.

Findings
Multiplexing significantly reduced the time to the initial identification of a pathogen. Moreover, multiplexing detected pathogens for which a diagnostic assays was not requested by the physician and thus may be an important tool for avoiding nosocomial outbreaks.

Conclusion
This first frontline approach with these assays approves their utility compared to conventional microbiological methods.
Measuring the Improving Quality of Outpatient Care in Medical Oncology Practices in the United States
Authors: Neuss Michael N. , Malin Jennifer L. , Chan Stephanie , Kadlubek Pamela J. , Adams John L. , Jacobson Joseph O. , Blayney Douglas W. , Simone Joseph V. 
Published: March 2013

Purpose The American Society of Clinical Oncology Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI) has provided a method for measuring process-based practice quality since 2006. We sought to determine whether QOPI scores showed improvement in measured quality over time and, if change was demonstrated, which factors in either the measures or participants were associated with improvement. Methods The analysis included 156 practice groups from a larger group of 308 that submitted data from 2006 to 2010. One hundred fifty-two otherwise eligible practices were excluded, most commonly for insufficient data submission. A linear regression model that controlled for varied initial performance was used to estimate the effect of participation over time and evaluate participant and measure characteristics of improvement. Results Participants completed a mean of 5.06 (standard deviation, 1.94) rounds of data collection. Adjusted mean quality scores improved from 0.71 (95% CI, 0.42 to 0.91) to 0.85 (95% CI, 0.60 to 0.95). Overall odds ratio of improvement over time was 1.09 (P < .001). The greatest improvement was seen in measures that assessed newly introduced clinical information, in which the mean scores improved from 0.05 (95% CI, 0.01 to 0.17) to 0.69 (95% CI, 0.33 to 0.91; P < .001). Many measures showed no change over time. Conclusion Many US oncologists have participated in QOPI over the past 6 years. Participation over time was highly correlated with improvement in measured performance. Greater and faster improvement was seen in measures concerning newly introduced clinical information. Some measures showed no change despite opportunity for improvement.
Arabidopsis thaliana VOZ (Vascular plant One-Zinc finger) transcription factors are required for proper regulation of flowering time
Authors: Celesnik Helena , Ali Gul S. , Robison Faith M. , Reddy Anireddy S. N. 
Published: March 2013

Summary
Transition to flowering in plants is tightly controlled by environmental cues, which regulate the photoperiod and vernalization pathways, and endogenous signals, which mediate the autonomous and gibberellin pathways. In this work, we investigated the role of two Zn2+-finger transcription factors, the paralogues AtVOZ1 and AtVOZ2, in Arabidopsis thaliana flowering. Single atvoz1-1 and atvoz2-1 mutants showed no significant phenotypes as compared to wild type. However, atvoz1-1 atvoz2-1 double mutant plants exhibited several phenotypes characteristic of flowering-time mutants. The double mutant displayed a severe delay in flowering, together with additional pleiotropic phenotypes. Late flowering correlated with elevated expression of FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC), which encodes a potent floral repressor, and decreased expression of its target, the floral promoter FD. Vernalization rescued delayed flowering of atvoz1-1 atvoz2-1 and reversed elevated FLC levels. Accumulation of FLC transcripts in atvoz1-1 atvoz2-1 correlated with increased expression of several FLC activators, including components of the PAF1 and SWR1 chromatin-modifying complexes. Additionally, AtVOZs were shown to bind the promoter of MOS3/SAR3 and directly regulate expression of this nuclear pore protein, which is known to participate in the regulation of flowering time, suggesting that AtVOZs exert at least some of their flowering regulation by influencing the nuclear pore function. Complementation of atvoz1-1 atvoz2-1 with AtVOZ2 reversed all double mutant phenotypes, confirming that the observed morphological and molecular changes arise from the absence of functional AtVOZ proteins, and validating the functional redundancy between AtVOZ1 and AtVOZ2.
High efficiency TALENs enable F0 functional analysis by targeted gene disruption in Xenopus laevis embryos
Authors: Suzuki Ken-ichi T. , Isoyama Yukiko , Kashiwagi Keiko , Sakuma Tetsushi , Ochiai Hiroshi , Sakamoto Naoaki , Furuno Nobuaki , Kashiwagi Akihiko , Yamamoto Takashi 
Published: March 2013

Summary
Recently, gene editing with transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) has been used in the life sciences. TALENs can be easily customized to recognize a specific DNA sequence and efficiently introduce double-strand breaks at the targeted genomic locus. Subsequent non-homologous end-joining repair leads to targeted gene disruption by base insertion, deletion, or both. Here, to readily evaluate the efficacy of TALENs in Xenopus laevis embryos, we performed the targeted gene disruption of tyrosinase (tyr) and pax6 genes that are involved in pigmentation and eye formation, respectively. We constructed TALENs targeting tyr and pax6 and injected their mRNAs into fertilized eggs at the one-cell stage. Expectedly, introduction of tyr TALEN mRNA resulted in drastic loss of pigmentation with high efficiency. Similarly, for pax6, TALENs led to deformed eyes in the injected embryos. We confirmed mutations of the target alleles by restriction enzyme digestion and sequence analyses of genomic PCR products. Surprisingly, not only biallelic but also paralogous, gene disruption was observed. Our results demonstrate that targeted gene disruption by TALENs provides a method comparable to antisense morpholinos in analyzing gene function in Xenopus F0 embryos, but also applies beyond embryogenesis to any life stage.
Effect of crystalline structure on the mechanical response of polypropylene under cyclic deformation
Authors: Drozdov Aleksey D. , Klitkou Rasmus , de C.Christiansen Jesper 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
To evaluate the influence of crystalline structure on the mechanical behavior of polypropylene (PP), uniaxial tensile cyclic tests with a mixed program (oscillations between fixed maximum strains and the zero minimum stress) were performed on isotactic PP (iPP) manufactured by the Ziegler-Natta catalysis method, metallocene catalyzed PP (mPP), and annealed mPP. Although the stress-strain diagrams of iPP and mPP under tension are quite similar, their responses under unloading differ markedly. The residual strain (measured as the strain under retraction down to the zero stress) of iPP strongly exceeds that of non-annealed mPP, and annealing of mPP increases this difference. To rationalize these findings, constitutive equations are developed in cyclic viscoelasticity and viscoplasticity of semicrystalline polymers, and adjustable parameters in the stress-strain relations are found by fitting the observations. The ability of the model to describe the observed phenomenon and to predict the mechanical response in multi-cycle tensile tests, with various deformation programs, is demonstrated by numerical simulation.
Fast and Saturating Thrust Direction Control for a Quadrotor Helicopter
Authors: Fritsch Oliver , Henze Bernd , Lohmann Boris 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
In this paper we design a continuous, nonlinear state feedback controller that aligns the body-fixed thrust direction of a quadrotor helicopter with a constant desired direction given in an inertial coordinate system. The controller is designed based on an energy shaping approach and is able to saturate the control torques. Almost global asymptotic stability of the desired thrust direction is proven for arbitrary unknown moment of inertia matrices. Performance of the closed loop system is verified by simulations.
Verkopplungsregelung von linearen verteilt-parametrischen Systemen
Authors: Deutscher Joachim 
Published: March 2013

ZusammenfassungIn diesem Beitrag wird die Vollständige Modale Synthese von konzentriert-parametrischen Verkopplungsregelungen auf eine Klasse verteilt-parametrischer Systeme verallgemeinert. Bei dieser Entwurfsmethode lässt sich die verkoppelnde Zustandsrückführung durch die Regelungseigenwerte und deren Parametervektoren charakterisieren. Für diese Entwurfsgrößen und das zugehörige Vorfilter werden Bestimmungsgleichungen hergeleitet, so dass die Augangsgrößen des geregelten Systems vorgegebene algebraische Beziehungen einhalten. Die für den Verkopplungsentwurf benötigten geometrischen Eigenschaften der Regelungseigenvektoren lassen sich dabei vorab anhand eines einfachen Algorithmus bestimmen. Darüber hinaus wird eine einfach auszuwertende hinreichende Bedingung für die Verkoppelbarkeit angegeben. Ein Wärmeleiter dient zur Verdeutlichung der Ergebnisse der Arbeit.