bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome‐wide analysis of long non‐coding RNA in primary nasopharyngeal carcinoma by microarray
Authors: Yang Qing‐Qing , Deng Yan‐Fei 
Published: November 2014

AimsAlterations in the expression of several long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found in primary nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, the effect of lncRNA expression on primary NPC as well as the molecular mechanism of lncRNA remains vague. This study was to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs involved in NPC on a genome‐wide scale and predict their potential functions.Methods and resultsUsing high‐throughput microarray with 30 586 lncRNA and 26 109 mRNA probes, 856 lncRNAs and 767 mRNAs were expressed differentially between NPC and chronic nasopharyngitis tissues. Bioinformatic analysis (clustering analysis, gene ontology analysis and pathway analysis) was used for further research. Differentially expressed lncRNAs were subgrouped into three types and differentially expressed mRNAs were clustered into 28 pathways. The first coexpression network analysis revealed that 46 lncRNAs interacting with three mRNAs involved the Janus kinase–signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK–STAT) signalling pathway. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) verified 11 up‐ and down‐regulated lncRNAs and eight mRNAs in NPC. The second coexpression network analysis showed that 23 significantly aberrantly expressed mRNAs interacted with three validated lncRNAs.ConclusionsThis study could provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs and their potential role in NPC for further study. These differentially expressed lncRNAs may act as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for NPC.
Myc protein expression correlates with MYC amplification in small‐cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Hwang David H , Sun Heather , Rodig Scott J , Hornick Jason L , Sholl Lynette M 
Published: November 2014

AimsMyc family members are important contributors to oncogenesis in a variety of tumours. Identification of therapeutic targets is needed in small‐cell lung carcinoma (SCLC), an aggressive disease with limited treatment options. Sequencing studies have identified MYC amplification in 2–7% of SCLCs. This study aims to determine the rate of MYC gene amplification and its correlation with Myc protein overexpression in SCLC.Methods and resultsOne hundred and three cases of formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded SCLC were examined. Myc protein expression was scored according to the extent of immunohistochemical staining. MYC copy number (CN) was evaluated with dual‐colour chromogenic in‐situ hybridization (CISH) for the MYC locus and a chromosome 8 (Chr8) centromeric control. Amplification was defined as a MYC/Chr8 ratio of ≥2. Thirty‐eight per cent of SCLCs had some degree of Myc protein expression, and 9% of cases were MYC‐amplified. MYC CN was significantly correlated with the extent of Myc protein expression (Spearman's ρ = 0.57, P < 0.01). There was no significant association between Myc expression or CN and clinicopathological features.ConclusionsMYC amplification by CISH was identified in 9% of SCLCs, and correlated with protein expression. As novel Myc‐targeted therapies are developed, CISH and IHC should be considered as biomarkers of Myc pathway dysregulation in SCLC.
Alteration in cytochrome P450 3A4 activity as measured by a urine cortisol assay in HIV‐1‐infected pregnant women and relationship to antiretroviral pharmacokinetics
Authors: Aweeka FT , Hu C , Huang L , Best BM , Stek A , Lizak P , Burchett SK , Read JS , Watts H , Mirochnick M , Capparelli EV ,   the International Maternal Pediatric Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials Group (IMPAACT) P1026s Protocol Team
Published: November 2014

ObjectivesPregnancy results in physiological changes altering the pharmacokinetics of drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). The urinary ratio of 6‐β hydroxycortisol to cortisol (6βHF : F) is a marker of CYP3A4 induction. We sought to evaluate its change in antiretroviral (ARV)‐treated HIV‐1‐infected women and to relate this change to ARV pharmacokinetics.MethodsWomen receiving various ARVs had pharmacokinetic evaluations during the third trimester of pregnancy (> 30 weeks) and postpartum with determination of 6βHF : F carried out on the same days. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare the ratio antepartum to postpartum. The relationship between the change in ratio and the change in pharmacokinetics was analysed using Kendall's tau.Results6βHF : F ratios were available for 107 women antepartum, with 54 having postpartum values. The ratio was higher antepartum (P = 0.033) (median comparison 1.35; 95% confidence interval 1.01, 1.81). For 71 women taking a protease inhibitor (PI), the antepartum vs. postpartum 6βHF : F comparison was marginally significant (P = 0.058). When the change in the 6βHF : F ratio was related to the change in the dose‐adjusted ARV area under the plasma concentration vs. time curve (AUC) between antepartum and postpartum, the 35 subjects in the lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) arms demonstrated an inverse relationship (P = 0.125), albeit this correlation did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionsA 35% increase in the urinary 6βHF : F ratio was measured during late pregnancy compared with postpartum, indicating that CYP3A induction occurs during pregnancy. The trend towards an inverse relationship between the change in the 6βHF : F ratio and the change in the LPV AUC antepartum vs. postpartum suggests that CYP3A induction may be one mechanism behind altered LPV exposure during pregnancy.
Assessing the short‐term effects of capture, handling and tagging of sandgrouse
Authors: Casas Fabián , Benítez‐López Ana , García Jesús T. , Martín Carlos A. , Viñuela Javier , Mougeot Francois 
Published: November 2014

Capturing and marking free‐living birds permits the study of important aspects of their biology but may have undesirable effects. Bird welfare should be a primary concern, so it is necessary to evaluate and minimize any adverse effects of procedures used. We assess short‐term effects associated with the capture, handling and tagging with backpack‐mounted transmitters of Pin‐tailed Pterocles alchata and Black‐bellied Pterocles orientalis Sandgrouse, steppe birds of conservation concern. There was a significantly higher mortality (15%) during the first week after capture than during the following weeks (< 2.5%) in Pin‐tailed Sandgrouse, but no significant temporal mortality pattern in Black‐bellied Sandgrouse. In Pin‐tailed Sandgrouse, mortality rate during the first week increased with increasing relative transmitter and harness weight regardless of season, and with increasing handling time during the breeding season. There were no significant differences in mortality rate between study areas, type of tag, sex or age or an effect of restraint time. These results suggest the use of lighter transmitters (< 3% of the bird's weight) and a reduction of handling time (< 20 min), particularly during the breeding season, as essential improvements in procedure to reduce the mortality risk associated with the capture, handling and tagging of these vulnerable species.
Creep in Interlaminar Shear of a Nextel™720/aluminosilicate Composite at 1100°C in Air and in Steam
Authors: Ruggles‐Wrenn Marina , Hilburn Skyler 
Published: November 2014

Creep in interlaminar shear of an oxide–oxide ceramic composite was evaluated at 1100°C in air and in steam. Composite consists of a porous aluminosilicate matrix reinforced with mullite/alumina (Nextel™720) fibers, has no interface between fibers and matrix, and relies on the porous matrix for flaw tolerance. The interlaminar shear strength was 7.6 MPa. Creep behavior was examined for shear stresses of 2–6 MPa. Creep run‐out of 100 h was not achieved. Larger creep strains and higher creep strain rates were produced in steam. However, steam had a beneficial effect on creep lifetimes. Composite microstructure, damage, and failure mechanisms were investigated.
Treatment and outcomes of metastatic colorectal cancer in Australia: defining differences between public and private practice
Authors: Field K. , Shapiro J. , Wong H.‐L. , Tacey M. , Nott L. , Tran B. , Turner N. , Ananda S. , Richardson G. , Jennens R. , Wong R. , Power J. , Burge M. , Gibbs P. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundPrior studies have suggested improved outcomes for cancer patients managed in private centres, despite universal healthcare within Australia.AimsTo compare patient, disease, treatment and survival data for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) managed in private versus public centres.MethodsAnalysis of prospectively collected registry data for consecutive patients with mCRC managed at 16 participating centres from July 2009.ResultsData for 1065 patients were examined. Age, gender and Charlson comorbidity score were similar for public and private patients. Private patients were more commonly Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score 0–1 (85% vs 78%, P = 0.008), in the highest Index of Relative Socioeconomic Advantage and Disadvantage quintile (57% vs 18%, P < 0.001) or had a single metastatic site (62% vs 54%, P = 0.009). Patients treated in private were more likely to receive chemotherapy (84% vs 70%, P < 0.001), bevacizumab (59% vs 50%, P = 0.008), be treated with curative intent (37% vs 26%, P < 0.001) and undergo metastasectomy (30% vs 22%, P = 0.001). These management differences remained statistically significant after adjusting for baseline characteristics. Management in the private setting was associated with superior overall survival (median 27.9 vs 20 months, hazard ratio 0.7, 95% confidence interval: 0.57 to 0.86, P = 0.001), significant in multivariate analysis adjusting for all baseline covariates.ConclusionsSignificant differences in baseline characteristics were noted for private versus public patients. However, these do not explain the higher rates of treatment delivery in the private setting, which likely contributed towards the observed survival difference. Further studies are required to determine if the increased likelihood of intervention in the private setting is driven by patient, clinician and/or institutional factors.
Early and late changes in markers of aortic stiffness with breast cancer therapy
Authors: Grover S. , Lou P. W. , Bradbrook C. , Cheong K. , Kotasek D. , Leong D. P. , Koczwara B. , Selvanayagam J. B. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundAnthracyclines and trastuzumab are well recognised to cause cardiac toxicity. Further to their effects on left ventricular (LV) function, anthracyclines in particular are considered to cause negative arterial remodelling. Whether these changes reverse is unknown. In addition, whether trastuzumab causes specific effects on arterial remodelling is yet undetermined.MethodsPatients receiving these agents for treatment of breast cancer and healthy volunteers prospectively underwent clinical evaluation and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging at baseline, 1, 4 and 14 months post‐therapy, including functional assessment, measurement of aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) using velocity encoded imaging and distensibility at ascending aorta (AA) and proximal descending aorta (PDA).ResultsTwenty‐nine patients pretherapy and 12 volunteers demonstrated no differences in PWV, distensibility and LV function. Among cancer subjects, PWV increased acutely, P = 0.002 (4 months), then decreased by 14 months (P < 0.001). In addition, a decrease was observed in distensibility at the AA within 1 (P = 0.001) and 4 months (P < 0.001) of commencing therapy. At the PDA, only significant reduction was observed at 14 month distensibility when compared with baseline, P < 0.001. Patients with anthracycline exposure only had a greater reduction in aortic distensibility in the AA with time, P = 0.005 at 1 month, P < 0.001 at 4 months and P = 0.009 at 14 months.ConclusionAcute changes are observed in PWV and distensibility at the AA following contemporary breast cancer chemotherapy and partially reverse a year after therapy is discontinued, with more severe effects seen with anthracyclines.
Safeguarding British Identity or Betraying It? The Role of British ‘Tradition’ in the Parliamentary Great Debate on EC Membership, October 1971
Authors: Ludlow N. Piers 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis article will revisit the parliamentary debate in October 1971 which took Britain into the European Economic Community (EEC). It will show that both sides involved viewed the vote as a great matter of principle and invoked a number of British traditions in order to justify their stance. Opponents of entry sought to portray EEC membership as endangering three great traditions: Cobdenite liberalism, British internationalism and the UK's ability to govern itself. Those on the other side of the argument rejected all three of these claims, viewing the choice for Europe as opting for an exciting future rather than clinging unrealistically to former glories, and claimed that they were acting in line with another central British tradition – that of being a country that mattered and had a say when crucial economic and political decisions were being made.
‘One Woman's Prejudice’: Did Margaret Thatcher Cause Britain's Anti‐Europeanism?
Authors: Fontana Cary , Parsons Craig 
Published: November 2014

AbstractWere the British fated to clash with the European Union? Powerful traditions in British political culture certainly inclined the UK to be an ‘awkward partner’ in Europe. Yet traditions are material from which politics is constructed, not fixed frameworks for destiny. This article argues that a careful historical reconstruction of the development and consolidation of today's British Euroscepticism – with its stronghold on the political right – passes substantially through the distinctive personal influence of Margaret Thatcher. The Iron Lady's individual action and legacy, magnified by a series of contingencies, generated the core dynamics that soured Britain's ties to Europe so bitterly. Had Thatcher not personally inspired this course, the traditions of British national identity and British Conservatism in particular could very plausibly have evolved in less anti‐European directions.
Reworking the Eurosceptic and Conservative Traditions into a Populist Narrative: UKIP's Winning Formula?
Authors: Tournier‐Sol Karine 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis article brings the interpretive approach to the study of the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP), with the aim of exploring the different traditions informing UKIP's thinking and the way it has responded to various dilemmas since the party was founded 20 years ago. Three traditions interact in UKIP's thinking: the Eurosceptic tradition, the conservative tradition and the populist tradition. This article examines how the party is positioned in relation to each of these traditions and how they have been incorporated and modified into a distinctive narrative and as responses to dilemmas. It appears that UKIP's populist form of Euroscepticism stands in contrast to the elite‐based form of Euroscepticism embodied by the Conservative Party – to which UKIP is considered as a threat. The article also addresses the implications of the rise of UKIP for the Conservative Party.
Association of variants in CDKN2A/2B and CDKAL1 genes with gestational insulin sensitivity and disposition in pregnant Han Chinese women
Authors: Mei Jie , Liao Shunyao , Liu Yunqiang , Tan Yuande , Wang Hailian , Liang Yaming , Dong Xianjue , Song Wenzhong , Gan Lu , Deng Shaoping 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAims/IntroductionVariants in cell cycle regulation genes, CDKAL1 and CDKN2A/2B, have been suggested to be associated with type 2 diabetes, and also play a role in insulin procession in non‐diabetic European individuals. Rs7754580 in CDKAL1 and rs7020996 in CDKN2A/2B were found to be associated with gestational diabetes in Chinese individuals. In order to understand the metabolism mechanism of greatly upregulated maternal insulin signaling during pregnancy and the pathogenesis of gestational diabetes, we investigated the impact of rs7754580 and rs7020996 on gestational insulin regulation and procession.Materials and MethodsWe recruited 1,146 unrelated, non‐diabetic, pregnant Han Chinese women (age 28.5 ± 4.1 years, body mass index 21.4 ± 2.6 kg/m2), and gave them oral glucose tolerance tests. The indices of insulin sensitivity, insulin disposition, insulin release and proinsulin to insulin conversion were calculated. Rs7754580 in the CDKAL1 gene and rs7020996 in the CDKN2A/2B gene were genotyped. Under an additive model, we analyzed the associations between the variants and gestational insulin indices using logistic regression.ResultsBy adjusting for maternal age, body mass index and the related interactions, CDKAL1 rs7754580 risk allele C was detected to be associated with increased insulin sensitivity (P = 0.011), decreased insulin disposition (P = 0.0002) and 2‐h proinsulin conversion (P = 0.017). CDKN2A/2B rs7020996 risk allele T was found to be related to decreased insulin sensitivity (P = 0.002) and increased insulin disposition (P = 0.0001).ConclusionsThe study showed that cell cycle regulating genes might have a distinctive effect on gestational insulin sensitivity, β‐cell function and proinsulin conversion in pregnant Han Chinese women.
Unilesional folliculotropic mycosis fungoides: a unique variant of cutaneous lymphoma
Authors: Amitay‐Laish I. , Feinmesser M. , Ben‐Amitai D. , Fenig E. , Sorin D. , Hodak E. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundUnilesional folliculotropic mycosis fungoides (UFMF) has been rarely reported.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to describe our experience with UFMF.MethodsData were collected on all patients with clinicopathological UFMF who attended the Department of Dermatology of a tertiary university‐affiliated medical centre in 1996–2013 and were followed prospectively.ResultsThe sample included seven patients (five male, two female) of mean age 38 years at diagnosis; two were aged <18 years. The lesion presented as a solitary patch/plaque with follicular accentuation in five patients, an infiltrated plaque devoid of hair in one and with follicular nodules in one. Four patients had alopecia, and one, secondary anetoderma. The lesion was located on a limb in four patients, the trunk in two, and the face in one. In all cases, the atypical folliculotropic lymphocytes expressed mainly surface CD4+. Monoclonality was detected in three of the six patients analysed. Treatment consisted of localized electron beam in five patients, all of whom had a complete response (CR), and excision in one patient. The remaining patient, a 9‐year‐old boy, was treated with topical psoralen and UVA with CR. The duration of follow‐up was 0.5‐10 years (mean 4). There were no recurrences in six patients and local recurrence in one.ConclusionUFMF presents at a young age, usually with early disease clinical morphology. The treatment goal should be cure. Our experience indicates an excellent prognosis of early UFMF with no multifocal/internal spread.
There is no such a thing as a free cigarette; lining nests with discarded butts brings short‐term benefits, but causes toxic damage
Authors: Suárez‐Rodríguez M. , Macías Garcia C. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAdaptation to human‐modified environments such as cities is poised to be a major component of natural history in the foreseeable future. Birds have been shown to adapt their vocalizations, use of nesting places and activity rhythms to the urban environments, and we have previously reported that some species, including the house finch (Carpodacus mexicanus), use cellulose from smoked cigarette butts as lining material and thus reduce the number of ectoparasites in their nests, probably because the nicotine repels arthropods. Nicotine is only one of hundreds of potentially harmful substances found in cigarette butts. Here, we investigated whether the presence of such chemicals is harmful for house finches adding cigarette butts to their nests. We found that hatching and fledging success and chick immune response were all positively correlated to the proportion of the nest that was made up of butts. However, the signs of genotoxicity in the blood cells also increased with the proportion of butt cellulose in the nests. Although we have not measured the effect of genotoxicity on post‐fledging survival and breeding success, it seems that bringing cigarette butts to the nest has negative consequences that may counterbalance the benefits of using them as ectoparasites repellents.
Alginate/PVA Beads for Levan Production by Zymomonas mobilis
Authors: Lorenzetti Marina F. S. , Moro Marina R. , García‐Cruz Crispin H. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe levan is a biopolymer of great importance to the food industry since it is capable of defining and modifying the structure of one food, acting as stabilizer, thickener, gelling agent and being largely responsible for the texture of processed foods. The levan production by bacterial cell immobilization may potentialize the results of these studies, having advantages such as: high cell concentrations inside the reactor, increase the substrate absorption rate, improve the performance and reduce the risk of microbial contamination. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the levan production by immobilized Zymomonas mobilis in hybrid system of alginate/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) when submitted to different sucrose concentrations (5, 10, 25 and 30%), pH (5.7 and 7.0) and incubation temperature of 30C for 12, 18 and 24 h. The results showed that the best levan production rate was 18.66 g/L at 30% sucrose concentration, with productivity 1.55 g/L/h at pH 7.0.Practical ApplicationsThe biopolymer called levan is a nontoxic, nonmutagenic, odorless, tasteless and soluble dietary fiber; it has physiological effects that depend on its size and linkage type, and its fermentability. It can be produced by bacterial fermentation like Zymomonas mobilis. The administration of levan in human diet (5.5–6 g, twice a day) for 2–3 months reduced body weight and body fat mass. The input of levan showed in some studies an increase of divalent cation (Zn, Mg and Fe) and calcium absorption in rats. In the food industry, levan improves the rheological properties and functional characteristics of dairy products, such as yogurt. Its application includes use as a stabilizer, emulsifier, surface agent, encapsulating agent and flavor and fragrances carrier.