bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sugary food and beverage consumption and epithelial ovarian cancer risk: a population-based case–control study
Authors: King Melony G , Olson Sara H , Paddock Lisa , Chandran Urmila , Demissie Kitaw , Lu Shou-En , Parekh Niyati , Rodriguez-Rodriguez Lorna , Bandera Elisa V 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundOvarian cancer is the deadliest gynecologic cancer in the US. The consumption of refined sugars has increased dramatically over the past few decades, accounting for almost 15% of total energy intake. Yet, there is limited evidence on how sugar consumption affects ovarian cancer risk.MethodsWe evaluated ovarian cancer risk in relation to sugary foods and beverages, and total and added sugar intakes in a population-based case–control study. Cases were women with newly diagnosed epithelial ovarian cancer, older than 21 years, able to speak English or Spanish, and residents of six counties in New Jersey. Controls met same criteria as cases, but were ineligible if they had both ovaries removed. A total of 205 cases and 390 controls completed a phone interview, food frequency questionnaire, and self-recorded waist and hip measurements. Based on dietary data, we computed the number of servings of dessert foods, non-dessert foods, sugary drinks and total sugary foods and drinks for each participant. Total and added sugar intakes (grams/day) were also calculated. Multiple logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for food and drink groups and total and added sugar intakes, while adjusting for major risk factors.ResultsWe did not find evidence of an association between consumption of sugary foods and beverages and risk, although there was a suggestion of increased risk associated with sugary drink intake (servings per 1,000 kcal; OR=1.63, 95% CI: 0.94-2.83).ConclusionsOverall, we found little indication that sugar intake played a major role on ovarian cancer development.
3D pancreatic carcinoma spheroids induce a matrix-rich, chemoresistant phenotype offering a better model for drug testing
Authors: Longati Paola , Jia Xiaohui , Eimer Johannes , Wagman Annika , Witt Michael-Robin , Rehnmark Stefan , Verbeke Caroline , Toftgård Rune , Löhr Matthias , Heuchel Rainer L 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the fourth most common cause of cancer related death. It is lethal in nearly all patients, due to an almost complete chemoresistance. Most if not all drugs that pass preclinical tests successfully, fail miserably in the patient. This raises the question whether traditional 2D cell culture is the correct tool for drug screening. The objective of this study is to develop a simple, high-throughput 3D model of human PDAC cell lines, and to explore mechanisms underlying the transition from 2D to 3D that might be responsible for chemoresistance.

Methods
Several established human PDAC and a KPC mouse cell lines were tested, whereby Panc-1 was studied in more detail. 3D spheroid formation was facilitated with methylcellulose. Spheroids were studied morphologically, electron microscopically and by qRT-PCR for selected matrix genes, related factors and miRNA. Metabolic studies were performed, and a panel of novel drugs was tested against gemcitabine.

Results
Comparing 3D to 2D cell culture, matrix proteins were significantly increased as were lumican, SNED1, DARP32, and miR-146a. Cell metabolism in 3D was shifted towards glycolysis. All drugs tested were less effective in 3D, except for allicin, MT100 and AX, which demonstrated effect.

Conclusions
We developed a high-throughput 3D cell culture drug screening system for pancreatic cancer, which displays a strongly increased chemoresistance. Features associated to the 3D cell model are increased expression of matrix proteins and miRNA as well as stromal markers such as PPP1R1B and SNED1. This is supporting the concept of cell adhesion mediated drug resistance.
Photoprotective and antioxidant effects of Rhubarb: inhibitory action on tyrosinase and tyrosine kinase activities and TNF-α, IL-1α and α-MSH production in human melanocytes
Authors: Silveira Jéssica PS , Seito Leonardo N , Eberlin Samara , Dieamant Gustavo C , Nogueira Cecília , Pereda Maria CV , Di Stasi Luiz C 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes various forms of acute and chronic skin damage, including immunosuppression, inflammation, premature aging and photodamage. Furthermore, it induces the generation of reactive oxygen species, produces proinflammatory cytokines and melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) and increases tyrosinase activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential photoprotective effects of Rheum rhaponticum L. rhizome extract on human UV-stimulated melanocytes.

Methods
The effects of Rheum rhaponticum rhizome extract on tyrosine kinase activity, and on interleukin-1α (IL-1α), tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and α-MSH production in human epidermal melanocytes were evaluated under UV-stimulated and non-stimulated conditions. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by lipid peroxidation and 1,1-dyphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assays, while anti-tyrosinase activity was evaluated by the mushroom tyrosinase method.

Results

Rheum rhaponticum L. rhizome extract showed in vitro antioxidant properties against lipid peroxidation, free radical scavenging and anti-tyrosinase activities, and inhibited the production of IL-1α, TNF-α, α-MSH, and tyrosine kinase activity in melanocytes subjected to UV radiation.

Conclusions
These results support the inclusion of Rheum rhaponticum L. rhizome extract into cosmetic, sunscreen and skin care products for the prevention or reduction of photodamage.
Predicting out of intensive care unit cardiopulmonary arrest or death using electronic medical record data
Authors: Alvarez Carlos A , Clark Christopher A , Zhang Song , Halm Ethan A , Shannon John J , Girod Carlos E , Cooper Lauren , Amarasingham Ruben 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Accurate, timely and automated identification of patients at high risk for severe clinical deterioration using readily available clinical information in the electronic medical record (EMR) could inform health systems to target scarce resources and save lives.

Methods
We identified 7,466 patients admitted to a large, public, urban academic hospital between May 2009 and March 2010. An automated clinical prediction model for out of intensive care unit (ICU) cardiopulmonary arrest and unexpected death was created in the derivation sample (50% randomly selected from total cohort) using multivariable logistic regression. The automated model was then validated in the remaining 50% from the total cohort (validation sample). The primary outcome was a composite of resuscitation events, and death (RED). RED included cardiopulmonary arrest, acute respiratory compromise and unexpected death. Predictors were measured using data from the previous 24 hours. Candidate variables included vital signs, laboratory data, physician orders, medications, floor assignment, and the Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS), among other treatment variables.

Results
RED rates were 1.2% of patient-days for the total cohort. Fourteen variables were independent predictors of RED and included age, oxygenation, diastolic blood pressure, arterial blood gas and laboratory values, emergent orders, and assignment to a high risk floor. The automated model had excellent discrimination (c-statistic=0.85) and calibration and was more sensitive (51.6% and 42.2%) and specific (94.3% and 91.3%) than the MEWS alone. The automated model predicted RED 15.9 hours before they occurred and earlier than Rapid Response Team (RRT) activation (5.7 hours prior to an event, p=0.003)

Conclusion
An automated model harnessing EMR data offers great potential for identifying RED and was superior to both a prior risk model and the human judgment-driven RRT.
Why and how protein aggregation has to be studied in vivo
Authors: Ami Diletta , Natalello Antonino , Lotti Marina , Doglia Silvia Maria 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The understanding of protein aggregation is a central issue in different fields of protein science, from the heterologous protein production in biotechnology to amyloid aggregation in several neurodegenerative and systemic diseases. To this goal, it became more and more evident the crucial relevance of studying protein aggregation in the complex cellular environment, since it allows to take into account the cellular components affecting protein aggregation, such as chaperones, proteases, and molecular crowding. Here, we discuss the use of several biochemical and biophysical approaches that can be employed to monitor protein aggregation within intact cells, focusing in particular on bacteria that are widely employed as microbial cell factories.
Diversity of the var gene family of Indonesian Plasmodium falciparum isolates
Authors: Sulistyaningsih Erma , Fitri Loeki E , Löscher Thomas , Berens-Riha Nicole 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
The large polymorphic protein PfEMP1 is encoded by the var gene family. PfEMP1 has been shown to play an important role as cytoadherence ligand on the surface of infected erythrocytes and thereby contributes to the distinct pathogenesis of malaria. The study explored the diversity of the DBL1α and DBL2β-C2 domains of the protein from Indonesian Plasmodium falciparum field isolates.

Methods
Samples of patients with severe and uncomplicated malaria from two different malaria-endemic areas in Indonesia were collected and DNA directly extracted. Dried blood on filter paper was prepared for RNA extraction. PCR amplicons were either cloned and subsequently sequenced or directly sequenced for analysis on nucleotide and amino acid level. Recently published as well as self-designed primers were used for amplification.

Results
Blood from eight patients was finally used for analysis. Seventy-one different sequences out of over 500 DBL1α sequenced clones were observed, resulting in an average of 8.9 different DBL1α sequences per isolate. The average DBL1α sequence similarity within isolates was similar to between isolates. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated no clustering of sequences regarding strain or geographical origin. The DBL1α sequences were analysed by distribution of semi-conserved features (cysteine/PoLV1-4 grouping) and classified into six sequence groups. The DBL1α cys2 type was observed in all expressed sequences in vivo. Expression of certain DBL sequences implied potential involvement in the pathogenesis. As expected, the DBL2β-C2 domains showed high to moderate homology among each other.

Conclusion
The DBL1α domains of PfEMP1 from clinical Indonesian isolates showed high divergence among same isolates and some similarities with other Asia-Pacific strains. Further investigations of important var gene domains with a larger sample size are required to confirm with statistical significance observed associations with severe malaria in Indonesian samples.
Fabrication and characterization of La2Zr2O7 films on different buffer architectures for YBa2Cu3O7−δ coated conductors by RF magnetron sputtering
Authors: Xu Da , Liu Linfei , Xiao Guina , Li Yijie 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
La2Zr2O7 (LZO) films were grown on different buffer architectures by radio frequency magnetron sputtering for the large-scale application of YBa2Cu3O7−x
(YBCO)-coated conductors. The three different buffer architectures were cerium oxide (CeO2), yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ)/CeO2, and CeO2/YSZ/CeO2. The microstructure and surface morphology of the LZO film were studied by X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The LZO films prepared on the CeO2, YSZ/CeO2, and CeO2/YSZ/CeO2 buffer architectures were preferentially c-axis-oriented and highly textured. The in-plane texture of LZO film on CeO2 single-buffer architecture was ∆ φ = 5.5° and the out-of-plane texture was ∆ ω = 3.4°. All the LZO films had very smooth surfaces, but LZO films grown on YSZ/CeO2 and CeO2/YSZ/CeO2 buffer architectures had cracks. The highly textured LZO film grown on CeO2-seed buffered NiW tape was suitable for the epitaxial growth of YBCO film with high currents.
Effects of the electrical conductivity and orientation of silicon substrate on the synthesis of multi-walled carbon nanotubes by thermal chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Choi Hyonkwang , Gong Jaeseok , Lim Yeongjin , Im Ki Hong , Jeon Minhyon 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
We studied the effects of the electrical conductivity and orientation of silicon substrate on both catalytic Fe thin film and the structure and morphology of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) grown by low-pressure chemical vapor deposition. Both p-type Si(100) and Si(111) substrates with three different doping concentrations (high, low, undoped) were used to evaluate the formation of catalytic nanoparticles and the growth of MWNTs. The morphology of catalytic nanoparticles such as size and density was characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, Cs-corrected energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Structural characteristics of MWNTs grown on different combinations of silicon substrate orientation and electrical conductivities (σ) were also systematically analyzed. Based on the experimental results, growth modes of MWNTs could be controlled by choosing an appropriate combination of σ and orientation of Si substrates.
Estimating HIV prevalence from surveys with low individual consent rates: annealing individual and pooled samples
Authors: Hund Lauren , Pagano Marcello 
Published: February 2013

AbstractMany HIV prevalence surveys are plagued by the problem that a sizeable number of surveyed individuals do not consent to contribute blood samples for testing. One can ignore this problem, as is often done, but the resultant bias can be of sufficient magnitude to invalidate the results of the survey, especially if the number of non-responders is high and the reason for refusing to participate is related to the individual’s HIV status. One reason for refusing to participate may be for reasons of privacy. For those individuals, we suggest offering the option of being tested in a pool. This form of testing is less certain than individual testing, but, if it convinces more people to submit to testing, it should reduce the potential for bias and give a cleaner answer to the question of prevalence. This paper explores the logistics of implementing a combined individual and pooled testing approach and evaluates the analytical advantages to such a combined testing strategy. We quantify improvements in a prevalence estimator based on this combined testing strategy, relative to an individual testing only approach and a pooled testing only approach. Minimizing non-response is key for reducing bias, and, if pooled testing assuages privacy concerns, offering a pooled testing strategy has the potential to substantially improve HIV prevalence estimates.
Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas and concomitant urogenital malformations in a young woman
Authors: Guan Zhi-Wei , Sun Lu , Wang Yan-Qiu , Xu Bai-Xuan 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Abstract
Solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT) of the pancreas is a rare pancreatic tumor with low malignant potential. It occurs characteristically more often in young women. SPT associated with extra- and pancreatic anomalies are occasionally reported. Here we report a case of pancreatic SPT with concomitant urogenital malformations including solitary kidney and uterus didelphys in a 25-year-old woman. The patient underwent central pancreatectomy, and SPT was confirmed with pathological results. Recurrence or metastasis was not found after 14 months of follow-up.

Virtual Slides
The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/4264758678755142
Differentiated embryonic chondrocyte-expressed gene 1 is associated with hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and Ki67 in human gastric cancer
Authors: Jia Yan-Fei , Xiao Dong-Jie , Ma Xiao-Li , Song Yan-Yan , Hu Rui , Kong Yi , Zheng Yan , Han Shu-Yi , Hong Ruan-Li , Wang Yun-Shan 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Gastric cancer is a leading causes of cancer-related deaths ,but the underlying molecular mechanisms of its progression are largely unknown. Differentiated embryonic chondrocyte-expressed gene 1 (DEC1), is an important transcription factor involved in the progression of tumors and has recently been identified to be strongly inducible by hypoxia. Little is known about the contribution of DEC1 to the intracellular hypoxia and proliferation signaling events in gastric cancer.

Methods
Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of DEC1, hypoxia-inducible factor 1(HIF-1α) and Ki67 in 173 human gastric cancer samples and adjacent non-tumor tissues samples. The relationship between DEC1, HIF-1α and Ki67 was evaluated.

Results
DEC1 protein was persistently expressed in the nucleus and cytoplasm of gastric cancer tissue. The protein expression of DEC1 and HIF-1α in tumour tissues was 83.8% and 54.3%, respectively, and was significantly higher than that in adjacent normal tissues (83.8% vs 23.7%, P <0.001; 54.3% vs 12.7%, P< 0.001). The expression of DEC1 and HIF-1α was associated with poor histological differentiation. (P < 0. 01). Furthermore, DEC1 level was positively correlated with HIF-1α (P < 0. 01, r=0.290) and Ki67 expression (P < 0. 01, r=0.249).

Conclusion
The upregulation of DEC1 may play an important role in hypoxia regulation and cell proliferation in gastric cancer. The relevant molecular mechanism requires further investigation.

Virtual Slides
The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1794565980889391
Trypsin-like serine peptidase profiles in the egg, larval, and pupal stages of Aedes albopictus
Authors: Saboia-Vahia Leonardo , Borges-Veloso André , Mesquita-Rodrigues Camila , Cuervo Patricia , Dias-Lopes Geovane , Britto Constança , de Barros Silva Ana Paula , De Jesus Jose B 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background

Aedes albopictus, a ubiquitous mosquito, is one of the main vectors of dengue and yellow fever, representing an important threat to public health worldwide. Peptidases play key roles in processes such as digestion, oogenesis, and metamorphosis of insects. However, most of the information on the proteolytic enzymes of mosquitoes is derived from insects in the adult stages and is often directed towards the understanding of blood digestion. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of active peptidases from the preimaginal stages of Ae. albopictus.

Methods

Ae. albopictus eggs, larvae, and pupae were analyzed using zymography with susbtrate-SDS-PAGE. The pH, temperature and peptidase inhibitor sensitivity was evaluated. In addition, the proteolytic activities of larval instars were assayed using the fluorogenic substrate Z-Phe-Arg-AMC.

Results
The proteolytic profile of the larval stage was composed of 8 bands ranging from 17 to 130 kDa. These enzymes displayed activity in a broad range of pH values, from 5.5 to 10.0. The enzymatic profile of the eggs was similar to that of the larvae, although the proteolytic bands of the eggs showed lower intensities. The pupal stage showed a complex proteolytic pattern, with at least 6 bands with apparent molecular masses ranging from 30 to 150 kDa and optimal activity at pH 7.5. Peptidases from larval instars were active from 10°C to 60°C, with optimal activity at temperatures between 37°C and 50°C. The proteolytic profile of both the larval and pupal stages was inhibited by phenyl-methyl sulfonyl-fluoride (PMSF) and Nα-Tosyl L-lysine chloromethyl ketone hydrochloride (TLCK), indicating that the main peptidases expressed during these developmental stages are trypsin-like serine peptidases.

Conclusion
The preimaginal stages of Ae. albopictus exhibited a complex profile of trypsin-like serine peptidase activities. A comparative analysis of the active peptidase profiles revealed differential expression of trypsin-like isoforms among the preimaginal stages, suggesting that some of these enzymes are stage specific. Additionally, a comparison of the peptidase expression between larvae from eggs collected in the natural environment and larvae obtained from the eggs of female mosquitoes maintained in colonies for a long period of time demonstrated that the proteolytic profile is invariable under such conditions.
Biochemical and physiological bases for utilization of dietary amino acids by young Pigs
Authors: Rezaei Reza , Wang Weiwei , Wu Zhenlong , Dai Zhaolai , Wang Junjun , Wu Guoyao 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Protein is quantitatively the most expensive nutrient in swine diets. Hence it is imperative to understand the physiological roles played by amino acids in growth, development, lactation, reproduction, and health of pigs to improve their protein nutrition and reduce the costs of pork production. Due to incomplete knowledge of amino acid biochemistry and nutrition, it was traditionally assumed that neonatal, post-weaning, growing-finishing, and gestating pigs could synthesize sufficient amounts of all "nutritionally nonessential amino acids" (NEAA) to support maximum production performance. Therefore, over the past 50 years, much emphasis has been placed on dietary requirements of nutritionally essential amino acids as building blocks for tissue proteins. However, a large body of literature shows that NEAA, particularly glutamine, glutamate, arginine and proline regulate physiological functions via cell signaling pathways, such as mammalian target of rapamycin, AMP-activated protein kinase, extracellular signal-related kinase, Jun kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and NEAA-derived gaseous molecules (e.g., nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide). Available evidence shows that under current feeding programs, only 70% and 55% of dietary amino acids are deposited as tissue proteins in 14-day-old sow-reared piglets and in 30-day-old pigs weaned at 21 days of age, respectively. Therefore, there is an urgent need to understand the roles and dietary requirements of NEAA in swine nutrition. This review highlights the basic biochemistry and physiology of absorption and utilization of amino acids in young pigs to enhance the efficacy of utilization of dietary protein and to minimize excretion of nitrogenous wastes from the body.