bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of adipose derived stromal cells on oxidative stress level, lung emphysema and white blood cells of guinea pigs model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Ghorbani Ahmad , Feizpour Azadeh , Hashemzahi Milad , Gholami Lila , Hosseini Mahmoud , Soukhtanloo Mohammad , Vafaee Bagheri Farzaneh , Khodaei Esmaeil , Mohammadian Roshan Nema , Boskabady Mohammad Hossein 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a worldwide epidemic disease and a major cause of death and disability. The present study aimed to elucidate pharmacological effects of adipose derived stromal cells (ASCs) on pathological and biochemical factors in a guinea pig model of COPD. Guinea pigs were randomized into 5 groups including: Control, COPD, COPD + intratracheal delivery of PBS as a vehicle (COPD-PBS), COPD + intratracheal delivery of ASCs (COPD-ITASC) and COPD + intravenous injection of ASCs (COPD-IVASC). COPD was induced by exposing animals to cigarette smoke for 3 months. Cell therapy was performed immediately after the end of animal exposure to cigarette smoke and 14 days after that, white blood cells, oxidative stress indices and pathological changes of the lung were measured.

Results
Compared with control group, emphysema was clearly observed in the COPD and COPD-PBS groups (p < 0.001). Lung histopathologic changes of COPD-ITASC and COPD-IVASC groups showed non-significant improvement compared to COPD-PBS group. The COPD-ITASC group showed a significant increase in total WBC compared to COPD-PBS group but there was not a significant increase in this regard in COPD-IVASC group. The differential WBC showed no significant change in number of different types of leukocytes. The serum level of malondialdehyde (MDA) significantly decreased but thiol groups of broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) increased in both cell treated groups (p < 0.05 for all cases). Weight of animals decreased during smoke exposure and improved after PBS or cell therapy. However, no significant change was observed between the groups receiving PBS and the ones receiving ASCs.

Conclusion
Cell therapy with ASCs can help in reducing oxidative damage during smoking which may collectively hold promise in attenuation of the severity of COPD although the lung structural changes couldn’t be ameliorated with these pharmacological therapeutic methods.
Left ventricular remodeling with preserved function after coronary microembolization: the effect of methylprednisolone
Authors: Ma Jianying , Qian Juying , Chang Shufu , Chen Zhangwei , Jin Hang , Zeng Mengsu , Zou Yunzeng , Ge Junbo 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular remodeling after coronary microembolization (CME) and to investigate the protective effects of methylprednisolone (MTP).

Methods
CME was induced by injection of microspheres (42 μm Dynospheres) into left anterior descending artery of mini swine. The animals were divided into two groups. Group 1 (n = 9) received 120,000 microspheres and Group 2 (n = 7) received 120,000 microspheres following intravenous administration of 30 mg/kg MTP. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CeMRI) was performed at baseline, 6 h after intervention, and 1 week later.

Results
In Group 1, LVEF was significantly decreased at 6 h but recovered 1 week. This was accompanied by continuing left ventricular remodeling. In Group 2, LVEF remained unchanged at all assessment times. LVEF measured at 6 h and 1 week after CME in Group 1 and Group 2 was 0.39 ± 0.06 and 0.44 ± 0.04, and 0.44 ± 0.04 and 0.48 ± 0.03, respectively (Both P >0.05). Hyperenchancement at the anterior wall of the left ventricle was shown by MRI at 6 h in Group 1 but not in Group 2. The hyperenhanced area in Group 1 was 7.77 ± 1.49% of left ventricular mass.

Conclusions
The consequence of CME is left ventricular dilation with preserved LVEF. Pretreatment with MTP appears to have a cardioprotective effect on left ventricular remodeling.
Non-invasive multiresidue screening methods for the determination of pesticides in heritage collections
Authors: Rushworth Iain D , Higgitt Catherine , Smith Margaret , Gibson Lorraine T 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
This paper describes the development of a novel non-invasive sampling and analysis method that can be used to assess the presence of volatile pesticides on objects held in heritage collections. Vapour phase sampling was conducted using sampling tubes loaded with Tenax-TA™ and trapped analytes were determined using thermal desorption-gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS). The results of this study are presented in a simple ‘decision tree’ diagram to provide the heritage sector with the best methods to identify the presence of pesticides in collections. To illustrate the use of the methodology developed, the results from two case studies in heritage institutions are presented.

Results
Attempts were made to measure a range of pesticides, known to have been used in heritage collections, in the vapour phase including aldrin, camphor, chloronaphthalene, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (4,4′-DDT), dichlorvos, dieldrin, endrin, a mixture of α-, β-, γ- and δ-hexachlorocyclohexane (hereafter referred to as HCH), naphthalene, and thymol. Of the analytes included in this study, as expected 4,4′-DDT was not sufficiently volatile to be detected in the vapour phase and swab sampling (using hexane) is recommended for this analyte. After method development and validation, the air inside a display case (Swiss Cottage, Isle of Wight) was sampled. The results gave a positive identification for camphor, chloronaphthalene and naphthalene. In contrast, the air around a ceremonial dance mask from the British Museum was analysed but no volatile pesticides were identified. In this case, liquid chromatographic analysis of swab samples from the mask yielded a positive identification of dichlorvos.

Conclusions
The proposed non-invasive sampling methods require sampling of a volume of air around an object. To be detected the pesticide must possess suitable volatility. It was demonstrated that camphor, chloronaphthalene, naphthalene and thymol could be successfully trapped onto Tenax TA™ sorbent tubes and pseudo-quantitatively analysed using TD-GC-MS. Dichlorvos, HCH, aldrin, dieldrin and endrin were also trapped onto Tenax TA™ and qualitatively detected by TD-GC-MS. Although a key objective of the developed methods was non-invasive sampling, the low volatility of 4,4′-DDT precluded it from vapour phase monitoring and hexane swabbing followed by HPLC analysis was required.
Zip nucleic acid: a new reliable method to increase the melting temperature of real-time PCR probes
Authors: Alvandi Ehsan , Koohdani Fariba 
Published: February 2014

AbstractTaqMan genotyping with real-time PCR is a reliable method for single nucleotide polymorphism detection, which is done by probes. These oligonucleotides should be short enough to avoid mismatch hybridization, as well as having 5–10°C higher melting temperature than the primers of real-time PCR reaction. One approach for these qualities is to conjugate the probe with minor groove binder (MGB). Having no access to MGB probes, we searched for an alternative. In the current study, we used Zip Nucleic Acids (ZNA) as probes to increase its stability and melting temperature. Our aim was to genotype the -265 T/C changes of Apolipoprotein A-2 gene. We set up the real-time PCR reaction with ZNA probes, and by repeating the reactions, we confirmed the reliability of this new approach. It is now recommended to use ZNA probes, as an alternative to MGB probes, to increase the probe Tm value and its binding to target DNA.
Beneficial effects of cocoa on lipid peroxidation and inflammatory markers in type 2 diabetic patients and investigation of probable interactions of cocoa active ingredients with prostaglandin synthase-2 (PTGS-2/COX-2) using virtual analysis
Authors: Parsaeyan Nayereh , Mozaffari-Khosravi Hassan , Absalan Abdorrahim , Mozayan Mohammad Reza 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Background and aim
Altered glucose metabolism, oxidative stress, lipid levels and inflammatory markers are important risk factors in diabetes, cardiovascular, and many other diseases. Cocoa has been shown to exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study is twofold: to assess the effect of Cocoa on the lipid profile and peroxidation in addition to the inflammatory markers in type 2 diabetic patients, and to represent a virtual model of probable action mechanism of observed clinical effects of Cocoa consumption using in silico analysis and bioinformatics data.

Methods
One hundred subjects with type 2 diabetes were included in a randomized clinical control trial. Fifty treatment subjects received 10 grams cocoa powder and 10 grams milk powder dissolved in 250 ml of boiling water, and the other fifty control subjects received only 10 grams milk powder dissolved in 250 ml boiling water. Both groups were on the mentioned regimen twice daily for 6 weeks. Blood samples were obtained prior to Cocoa consumption and 6 weeks after intervention. Serum lipids and lipoproteins profile, malondialdehyde and inflammatory markers including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured. For statistical analysis two independent and paired samples t-test and linear regression were used. Bioinformatics and virtual analysis were performed using string data base and Molegro virtual software.

Results
Cocoa consumption lowered blood cholesterol,triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol, and TNF-α, hs-CRP, IL-6 significantly (P < 0.01). The results showed that the levels of HDL-cholesterol decreased significantly (P < 0.05) but Cocoa inhibited lipid peroxidation in treatment group than control group (P < 0.0001). Virtual analysis showed that the most frequent Cocoa ingredients, (+)-Catechin and (−)-Epicatechin, can dock to the enzyme COX-2.

Conclusion
These data support the beneficial effect of Cocoa on the lipid peroxidation prevention and inflammatory markers in type 2 diabetic patients. Cocoa ingredients block the Cox-2 activation and reduce inflammatory prostanoids synthesis according to virtual analysis.
Molecular and stimulus-response profiles illustrate heterogeneity between peripheral and cord blood-derived human mast cells
Authors: Jensen Bettina M , Frandsen Pernille M , Raaby Ellen M , Schiøtz Peter Oluf , Skov Per S , Poulsen Lars K 
Published: February 2014

AbstractDifferent protocols exist for in vitro development of HuMCs from hematopoietic stem cells, which results in distinct mast cells regarding molecular markers and activation patterns. Here, we introduce a SR profile using immunological, neurogenic, and pharmacological stimuli to characterize cellular functionality. Mast cells were obtained from three culture protocols using two types of PBdMCs (CD34+ PBdMC or CD133+ PBdMC) and one type of CBdMC (CD133+ CBdMC). We analyzed resting cells for specific mast cell markers at protein and mRNA levels, thereby creating a molecular profile. To characterize the SR profile, we stimulated cells with anti-IgE, C3a, C5a, Substance P, or Compound 48/80 and measured the release of histamine and cytokines (IL-10, IL-13, GM-CSF, TNF-α). Molecular profiling revealed that CD133+ CBdMC expressed less chymase, FcɛRIα, and CD203c but more CD117 compared with CD34+ and CD133+ PBdMC. The SR profile for histamine release illustrated a functional heterogeneity between PBdMC and CBdMC. PBdMC released &gt;10% histamine upon stimulation with anti-IgE, C3a, Substance P, and Compound 48/80, whereas CBdMC only reacted to C3a. Cytokine secretion was only detected after anti-IgE stimulation. Here, the SR profile identified the CD133+ PBdMC as the most active cells regarding secretion of IL-10, IL-13, GM-CSF, and TNF-α. Cells from all three culture protocols, however, produced IL-10 spontaneously at comparable levels. We recommend validating mast cell cultures by means of molecular and SR profiles to characterize the mast cells and enhance consensus among studies.
Sector Resection With or Without Postoperative Radiotherapy for Stage I Breast Cancer: 20-Year Results of a Randomized Trial
Authors: Wickberg Åsa , Holmberg Lars , Adami Hans-Olov , Magnuson Anders , Villman Kenneth , Liljegren Göran 
Published: February 2014

Purpose To investigate how radiotherapy (XRT) adds to tumor control using a standardized surgical technique with meticulous control of surgical margins in a randomized trial with 20 years of follow-up. Patients and Methods Three hundred eighty-one women with pT1N0 breast cancer were randomly assigned to sector resection with (XRT group) or without (non-XRT group) postoperative radiotherapy to the breast. With follow-up through 2010, we estimated cumulative proportion of recurrence, breast cancer death, and all-cause mortality. Results The cumulative probability of a first breast cancer event of any type after 20 years was 30.9% in the XRT group and 45.1% in the non-XRT group (hazard ratio [HR], 0.58; 95% CI, 0.41 to 0.82). The benefit of radiotherapy was achieved within the first 5 years. After 20 years, 50.4% of the women in the XRT group died compared with 54.0% in the non-XRT group (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.71 to 1.19). The cumulative probability of contralateral cancer or death as a result of cancer other than breast cancer was 27.1% in the XRT group and 24.9% in the non-XRT group (HR, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.77 to 1.77). In an anticipated low-risk group, the cumulative incidence of first breast cancer of any type was 24.8% in the XRT group and 36.1% in the non-XRT group (HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.35 to 1.07). Conclusion Radiotherapy protects against recurrences during the first 5 years of follow-up, indicating that XRT mainly eradicates undetected cancer foci present at primary treatment. The similar rate of recurrences beyond 5 years in the two groups indicates that late recurrences are new tumors. There are subgroups with clinically relevant differences in risk.
Role of Radiotherapy to Bulky Disease in Elderly Patients With Aggressive B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Held Gerhard , Murawski Niels , Ziepert Marita , Fleckenstein Jochen , Pöschel Viola , Zwick Carsten , Bittenbring Jörg , Hänel Mathias , Wilhelm Sibylla , Schubert Jörg , Schmitz Norbert , Löffler Markus , Rübe Christian , Pfreundschuh Michael 
Published: February 2014

Purpose R-CHOP (rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) is standard care for aggressive B-cell lymphoma. A prospective trial was conducted to investigate the role of additive radiotherapy (RT) to bulky and extralymphatic disease. Patients and Methods The best arm of the RICOVER-60 trial (6×R-CHOP–14+2R [R-CHOP administered once every 2 weeks plus two additional applications of rituximab] plus involved-field RT [36 Gy] to sites of initial bulky [≥ 7.5 cm] disease and extralymphatic involvement) was compared with a cohort receiving the same immunochemotherapy but without RT in an amendment to the RICOVER-60 trial (RICOVER-noRTh) in a prospective fashion. Results After a median observation time of 39 months, 164 of 166 RICOVER-noRTh patients were evaluable. In a multivariable analysis of the intention-to-treat population adjusting for International Prognostic Index risk factors and age (> 70 years), event-free survival (EFS) of patients with bulky disease was inferior without additive RT (hazard ratio [HR], 2.1; 95% CI, 1.3 to 3.5; P = .005), with trends for inferior progression-free (PFS; HR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.0 to 3.3; P = .058) and overall survival (OS; HR, 1.6; 95% CI, 0.9 to 3.1; P = .127). In a per-protocol analysis with 11 patients in RICOVER-noRTh excluded for receiving unplanned RT, multivariable analysis revealed HRs of 2.7 (95% CI, 1.3 to 5.9; P = .011) for EFS, 4.4 (95% CI, 1.8 to 10.6; P = .001) for PFS, and 4.3 (95% CI, 1.7 to 11.1; P = .002) for OS for patients not receiving RT to bulky disease. Conclusion Additive RT to bulky sites abrogates bulky disease as a risk factor and improves outcome of elderly patients with aggressive B-cell lymphoma. Whether RT can be spared in patients with (metabolic) complete remission after immunochemotherapy must be addressed in appropriately designed prospective trials.
Quality of Cancer Family History and Referral for Genetic Counseling and Testing Among Oncology Practices: A Pilot Test of Quality Measures As Part of the American Society of Clinical Oncology Quality Oncology Practice Initiative
Authors: Wood Marie E. , Kadlubek Pamela , Pham Trang H. , Wollins Dana S. , Lu Karen H. , Weitzel Jeffrey N. , Neuss Michael N. , Hughes Kevin S. 
Published: February 2014

Purpose Family history of cancer (CFH) is important for identifying individuals to receive genetic counseling/testing (GC/GT). Prior studies have demonstrated low rates of family history documentation and referral for GC/GT. Methods CFH quality and GC/GT practices for patients with breast (BC) or colon cancer (CRC) were assessed in 271 practices participating in the American Society of Clinical Oncology Quality Oncology Practice Initiative in fall 2011. Results A total of 212 practices completed measures regarding CFH and GC/GT practices for 10,466 patients; 77.4% of all medical records reviewed documented presence or absence of CFH in first-degree relatives, and 61.5% of medical records documented presence or absence of CFH in second-degree relatives, with significantly higher documentation for patients with BC compared with CRC. Age at diagnosis was documented for all relatives with cancer in 30.7% of medical records (BC, 45.2%; CRC, 35.4%; P ≤ .001). Referall for GC/GT occurred in 22.1% of all patients with BC or CRC. Of patients with increased risk for hereditary cancer, 52.2% of patients with BC and 26.4% of those with CRC were referred for GC/GT. When genetic testing was performed, consent was documented 77.7% of the time, and discussion of results was documented 78.8% of the time. Conclusion We identified low rates of complete CFH documentation and low rates of referral for those with BC or CRC meeting guidelines for referral among US oncologists. Documentation and referral were greater for patients with BC compared with CRC. Education and support regarding the importance of accurate CFH and the benefits of proactive high-risk patient management are clearly needed.
Activated Carbon Microtubes Prepared from Plant Biomass (Poplar Catkins) and Their Application for Supercapacitors
Authors: Wei Yi 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Activated carbon microtubes (CMTs) have been prepared from poplar catkins by chemical activation with ZnCl2. The as-synthesized porous CMTs have large inner tubes of several micrometers, large Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface areas of up to 1400 m2 g−1, a complex porous structure with predominant micropores (≥80 vol %), and small amount of mesopores (≤20 vol %). Two-electrode supercapacitor cells constructed with the activated CMTs yield a specific capacitance of 206 F g−1 and an energy density of 7.5 W h kg−1 with aqueous electrolyte, values that are much higher than those of an activated carbon (160 F g−1, 5.5 W h kg−1).
1H MRI Detection of Gene Expression in Living Cells by Using Protein Tag and Biotinylation Probe
Authors: Yoshimura Akimasa , Mizukami Shin , Mori Yuki , Yoshioka Yoshichika , Kikuchi Kazuya 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
A new detection method for gene expression by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was developed using a protein-labeling system based on a noncatalytic mutant β-lactamase (BL-tag system). By combining the BL-tag system with a specific biotinylation probe and a streptavidin-conjugated superparamagnetic iron oxide, target gene expression in living cells was successful detected by 1H MRI.
Formation of Stacked Disc-shaped Layered Double Hydroxides by Homogeneous Precipitation Method
Authors: Yokoi Taishi , Kamitakahara Masanobu 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Effect of glycine addition in reaction systems on the morphology of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) was investigated. The morphology of LDH crystals synthesized by homogeneous precipitation changed from hexagonal plate to stacked disc on increasing the glycine concentration. The morphological changes most likely occurred because of the interaction of glycine molecules with the LDH crystal surfaces. These findings may be applicable to the development of highly functional LDH materials through the control of crystal morphology.
Case Article—Markdown Management at Sports Unlimited
Authors: Talebian Masoud , van Ryzin Garrett 
Published: February 2014

The management of a national sporting goods retail chain is not satisfied with the results of the current markdown policy. A consulting team has been hired to help revise the firm's policy in order to increase store revenues. The team is provided with data from a single department and is charged with analyzing the data to see if the firm could improve its decision rules. This case describes the challenges that the team faces in designing the markdown policy and focuses specifically on the analytical aspects of deciding the markdown timing. Case Teaching Note: Interested Instructors please see the Instructor Materials page for access to the restricted materials. To maintain the integrity and usefulness of cases published in ITE, unapproved distribution of the case teaching notes and other restricted materials to any other party is prohibited.
Affective citizenship in multicultural societies: Implications for critical citizenship education
Authors: Zembylas Michalinos 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
This article explores the concept of ‘affective citizenship’ and its potential contribution to citizenship education discourses in multicultural societies. This exploration is grounded in analysing two widespread emotional injunctions in such societies: the calls for ‘embracing the other’ and ‘coping with difference’. The analysis examines how these emotional injunctions imply ambivalent rather than monolithic notions about the ideal of the ‘affective citizen’ that is promoted in schools. A key argument of this article is that the assumptions that inform discourses of citizenship education in multicultural societies – namely assumptions about what constitutes ‘good citizenship’ in a multicultural society that wants to encourage its citizens to cope with difference and embrace the other – need to be critically interrogated for their underlying emotional tensions and the ambivalent obligations they may create. To do this, more attention to issues of affective citizenship is needed in schools and particularly to the ways in which such issues can be used by teachers as points of departure to instill more criticality in students’ understandings of and feelings about citizenship.
Discretionary Acquisition of Firm-Specific Human Capital under Non-verifiable Performance
Authors: Akhmedov Akhmed , Suvorov Anton 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIn this paper we develop a model of discretionary employee investment in firm-specific human capital. When a firm has full bargaining power, the non-contractibility of this investment completely undermines the employee’s incentives. However, the incumbent firm’s inability to observe competing wage offers at the interim stage prevents it from completely expropriating the surplus, thereby creating incentives for the employee to invest. We demonstrate that commitment to a wage floor for the second period destroys the worker’s incentives to acquire human capital, but makes turnover efficient. Therefore, such a commitment has value only if the return on the employee’s deliberate investment in human capital acquisition is sufficiently low. When firms are privately informed about the productivity of their human capital acquisition technology, more productive firms offer higher entry wages to separate themselves from less productive firms. Furthermore, in contrast to the case of symmetric information about human capital acquisition technology, the commitment opportunity now has value for firms with higher return on investment: commitment to a wage floor acts as a substitute for raising the entry wage.