bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In Vitro antibacterial and antibiotic-potentiation activities of four edible plants against multidrug-resistant gram-negative species
Authors: Noumedem Jaurès AK , Mihasan Marius , Kuiate Jules R , Stefan Marius , Cojocaru Dumitru , Dzoyem Jean P , Kuete Victor 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
The present study was designed to investigate the antibacterial activities of the methanol extracts of four Cameroonian edible plants, locally used to treat microbial infections, and their synergistic effects with antibiotics against a panel of twenty nine Gram-negative bacteria including Multi-drug resistant (MDR) phenotypes expressing active efflux pumps.

Methods
The broth microdilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the extracts [alone and in the presence of the efflux pumps inhibitor (EPI) Phenylalanine-Arginine β- Naphtylamide (PAβN)], and those of antibiotics in association with the two of the most active ones, Piper nigrum and Telfairia occidentalis. The preliminary phytochemical screening of the extracts was conducted according to the standard phytochemical methods.

Results
Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids and flavonoids in all studied extracts. Other chemical classes of secondary metabolites were selectively present in the extracts. The results of the MIC determination indicated that the crude extracts from P. nigrum and V. amygdalina were able to inhibit the growth of all the twenty nine studied bacteria within a concentration range of 32 to 1024 μg/mL. At a similar concentration range (32 to 1024 μg/mL) the extract from T. occidentalis inhibited the growth of 93.1% of the tested microorganisms. At MIC/2 and MIC/5, synergistic effects were noted between the extracts from P. nigrum and T. occidentalis and seven of the tested antibiotics on more than 70% of the tested bacteria.

Conclusion
The overall results of the present study provide information for the possible use of the studied edible plants extracts in the control of bacterial infections including MDR phenotypes.
Global structure of positive solutions for three-point boundary value problems
Authors: Gu Jia-Ping , Hu Liang-Gen , Zhang Huai-Nian 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
In this paper, we are concerned with the three-point boundary value problem for second-order differential equations

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MSC:34B10, 34B18, 34G20.
Silencing CDK4 radiosensitizes breast cancer cells by promoting apoptosis
Authors: Hagen Katie R , Zeng Xiangbin , Lee Mi-Young , Tucker Kahn Shannon , Harrison Pitner Mary Kathryn , Zaky Sandra S , Liu Yuan , O’Regan Ruth M , Deng Xingming , Saavedra Harold I 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe discovery of molecular markers associated with various breast cancer subtypes has greatly improved the treatment and outcome of breast cancer patients. Unfortunately, breast cancer cells acquire resistance to various therapies. Mounting evidence suggests that resistance is rooted in the deregulation of the G1 phase regulatory machinery.MethodsTo address whether deregulation of the G1 phase regulatory machinery contributes to radiotherapy resistance, the MCF10A immortalized human mammary epithelial cell line, ER-PR-Her2+ and ER-PR-Her2- breast cancer cell lines were irradiated. Colony formation assays measured radioresistance, while immunocytochemistry, Western blots, and flow cytometry measured the cell cycle, DNA replication, mitosis, apoptosis, and DNA breaks.ResultsMolecular markers common to all cell lines were overexpressed, including cyclin A1 and cyclin D1, which impinge on CDK2 and CDK4 activities, respectively. We addressed their potential role in radioresistance by generating cell lines stably expressing small hairpin RNAs (shRNA) against CDK2 and CDK4. None of the cell lines knocked down for CDK2 displayed radiosensitization. In contrast, all cell lines knocked down for CDK4 were significantly radiosensitized, and a CDK4/CDK6 inhibitor sensitized MDA-MB-468 to radiation induced apoptosis. Our data showed that silencing CDK4 significantly increases radiation induced cell apoptosis in cell lines without significantly altering cell cycle progression, or DNA repair after irradiation. Our results indicate lower levels of phospho-Bad at ser136 upon CDK4 silencing and ionizing radiation, which has been shown to signal apoptosis.ConclusionBased on our data we conclude that knockdown of CDK4 activity sensitizes breast cancer cells to radiation by activating apoptosis pathways.
Variations of circulating endothelial progenitor cells and transforming growth factor-beta-1 (TGF-β1) during thoracic radiotherapy are predictive for radiation pneumonitis
Authors: Liu Yunfang , Xia Tingyi , Zhang Wenjun , Zhong Yongjie , Zhang Luhua , Wang Xuan , Yu Huiming 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
The vascular endothelial cells are important targets of radiotherapy, which may be involved in the pathogenesis of radiation pneumonitis (RP). This study investigated the variations of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and transforming growth factor-beta-1 (TGF-β1) during three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) in patients with non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and analyzed the correlation between these variations with the occurrence of RP.

Patients and methods
From November 2008 to November 2009, eighty-four consecutive patients receiving 3D-CRT for stage III disease were evaluated prospectively. Circulating EPCs and TGF-β1 levels were measured at baseline, every 2 weeks during, and at the end of treatment. RP was evaluated prospectively at 6 weeks after 3D-CRT.

Results
Thirty-eight patients (47.5%) experienced score 1 or more of RP. The baseline levels of EPCs and TGF-β1 were analyzed, no difference was found between patients with and without RP during and after 3D-CRT. By serial measurement of TGF-β1 and EPCs levels, we found that the mean levels of EPCs in the whole population remained stable during radiotherapy, but the mean levels of TGF-β1 increased slowly during radiotherapy. TGF-β1 and EPCs levels were all significantly higher at week 2, week 4 and week 6 in patients with RP than that in patients without RP, respectively. During the period of radiation treatment, TGF-β1 levels began to increase in the first 2 weeks and became significantly higher at week 6 (P < 0.01). EPCs levels also began to increase in the first 2 weeks and reached a peak at week 4. Using an ANOVA model for repeated-measures, we found significant associations between the levels of TGF-β1 and EPCs during the course of 3D-CRT and the risk of developing RP (P < 0.01). Most of the dosimetric factors showed a significant association with RP.

Conclusion
Early variations of TGF-β1 and EPCs levels during 3D-CRT are significantly associated with the risk of RP. Variations of circulating TGF-β1 and EPCs levels during 3D-CRT may serve as independent predictive factors for RP.

Trial registration
Trials registration number: 20070618
Comparison of direct versus concentrated smear microscopy in detection of pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Uddin Mohammad Khaja Mafij , Chowdhury Md Raihan , Ahmed Shahriar , Rahman Md Toufiq , Khatun Razia , van Leth Frank , Banu Sayera 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Sputum smear microscopy is fast and inexpensive technique for detecting tuberculosis (TB) in high incidence areas but has low sensitivity. Physical and chemical sputum processing along with centrifugation have been found to show promise in overcoming this limitation. Our objective was to compare the sensitivity of smear microscopy obtained with smears made directly from respiratory specimens to those from concentrated specimens.

Methods
By active screening, 915 TB suspects were identified from Dhaka Central Jail and sputum specimens were aseptically collected. Direct smears were prepared by taking a small portion of the purulent part of the sputum with a sterile loop. The specimens were then processed by a standard N-acetyl-L-cysteine-NaOH digestion-decontamination method to prepare concentrated specimens. Both smears were then air dried, heat fixed, and stained by the Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. The stained slides were examined under oil immersion and were graded following International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases guidelines. All the specimens were inoculated into Lowenstein-Jensen (L-J) media and culture results were considered as gold standard to calculate sensitivity.

Results
Of 915 specimens, 73 (8%) specimens were positive both on direct and concentrated methods, one sample was positive on direct microscopy but was negative on concentrated method. An extra 14 (1.5%) samples were positive on concentrated method which were negative on direct smear. In L-J media 105 specimens were found positive for TB bacilli and of them, 74 (70.5%) and 87 (82.9%) were positive in direct and concentrated smear, respectively. The sensitivity of direct and concentrated smear microscopy was different when using positive culture as the gold standard (71% vs. 83%).

Conclusions
The results showed that concentrated technique increases the sensitivity of microscopy up to 12%. Therefore, the national programs in high TB burden countries may consider incorporating the technique into their guidelines at least in the district and higher level laboratories to improve case finding strategy.
β1-integrin via NF-κB signaling is essential for acquisition of invasiveness in a model of radiation treated in situ breast cancer
Authors: Nam Jin-Min , Ahmed Kazi M , Costes Sylvain , Zhang Hui , Onodera Yasuhito , Olshen Adam B , Hatanaka Kanako C , Kinoshita Rumiko , Ishikawa Masayori , Sabe Hisataka , Shirato Hiroki , Park Catherine C 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is characterized by non-invasive cancerous cell growth within the breast ducts. Although radiotherapy is commonly used in the treatment of DCIS, the effect and molecular mechanism of ionizing radiation (IR) on DCIS are not well understood, and invasive recurrence following radiotherapy remains a significant clinical problem. This study investigated the effects of IR on a clinically relevant model of Akt-driven DCIS and identified possible molecular mechanisms underlying invasive progression in surviving cells.

Methods
We measured the level of phosphorylated-Akt (p-Akt) in a cohort of human DCIS specimens by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and correlated it with recurrence risk. To model human DCIS, we used Akt overexpressing human mammary epithelial cells (MCF10A-Akt) which, in three-dimensional laminin-rich extracellular matrix (lrECM) and in vivo, form organotypic DCIS-like lesions with lumina expanded by pleiomorphic cells contained within an intact basement membrane. In a population of cells that survived significant IR doses in three-dimensional lrECM, a malignant phenotype emerged creating a model for invasive recurrence.

Results
P-Akt was up-regulated in clinical DCIS specimens and was associated with recurrent disease. MCF10A-Akt cells that formed DCIS-like structures in three-dimensional lrECM showed significant apoptosis after IR, preferentially in the luminal compartment. Strikingly, when cells that survived IR were repropagated in three-dimensional lrECM, a malignant phenotype emerged, characterized by invasive activity, up-regulation of fibronectin, α5β1-integrin, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and loss of E-cadherin. In addition, IR induced nuclear translocation and binding of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) to the β1-integrin promoter region, associated with up-regulation of α5β1-integrins. Inhibition of NF-κB or β1-integrin signaling abrogated emergence of the invasive activity.

Conclusions
P-Akt is up-regulated in some human DCIS lesions and is possibly associated with recurrence. MCF10A-Akt cells form organotypic DCIS-like lesions in three-dimensional lrECM and in vivo, and are a plausible model for some forms of human DCIS. A population of Akt-driven DCIS-like spheroids that survive IR progresses to an invasive phenotype in three-dimensional lrECM mediated by β1-integrin and NF-κB signaling.
One-Year Progression-Free Survival of Therapy-Naive Patients With Malignant Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma
Authors: Hescot Ségolène , Leboulleux Sophie , Amar Laurence , Vezzosi Delphine , Borget Isabelle , Bournaud-Salinas Claire , de la Fouchardiere Christelle , Libé Rossella , Do Cao Christine , Niccoli Patricia , Tabarin Antoine , Raingeard Isabelle , Chougnet Cécile , Giraud Sophie , Gimenez-Roqueplo Anne-Paule , Young Jacques , Borson-Chazot Francoise , Bertherat Jérôme , Wemeau Jean-Louis , Bertagna Xavier , Plouin Pierre-Francois , Schlumberger Martin , Baudin Eric ,   for the French group of Endocrine and Adrenal tumors (Groupe des Tumeurs Endocrines-REseau NAtional des Tumeurs ENdocrines and COrtico-MEdullo Tumeurs Endocrines networks)
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Context:
The natural history of malignant pheochromocytoma or paragangliomas (MPP) remain unknown.

Objective:
The primary aim of this study was to define progression-free survival at 1 year in therapy-naive patients with MPP. Secondary objectives were to characterize MPP and to look for prognostic parameters for progression at 1 year.

Design and Setting:
The files of MPP followed up between January 2001 and January 2011 in two French Endocrine Networks were retrospectively reviewed. Therapy-naive patients were enrolled.

Main Outcome Measures:
The main outcome was progression-free survival at 1 year in therapy-naive MPP patients according to Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors 1.1 criteria.

Results:
Ninety files (46 men, 44 women, mean age of 47.5 ± 15 years) were reviewed on site by one investigator. MPP characteristics were as follows: presence of an adrenal primary, a mitotic count exceeding 5 per high power field, hypertension, inherited disease, and presence of bone metastases in 50%, 22%, 60%, 49%, and 56% patients, respectively. Fifty-seven of the 90 patients with MPP (63%) were classified as therapy-naive. The median follow-up of these 57 patients was 2.4 years (range, 0.4–5.7). At 1 year, progression-free survival was 46% (CI 95: 33–59). Twenty-six of 30 (87%) patients with progression at 1 year had exhibited progressive disease at the first imaging workup performed after a median of 5.7 months. No prognostic parameter was identified.

Conclusions:
Half of the therapy-naive patients with MPP achieved stable disease at 1 year. In symptom-free patients with MPP, a wait-and-see antitumor policy seems appropriate as first line. Modality for a prospective follow-up is proposed.
How Do Their Initial Goals Impact Students' Chances to Graduate? An Exploration of Three Types of Commitment
Authors: Graunke Steven S. , Woosley Sherry A. , Helms Laura L. 
Published: July 2013

Although previous research has not consistently shown that uncertainty about academic major negatively impacts graduation, commitment is largely believed to affect college students' success. We investigated the impact of institutional commitment, commitment to an educational goal, and commitment to an academic major on the probabilities of graduation for a cohort of first-time first-year students. Results indicate that students with high institutional commitment and commitment to an educational goal were the most likely to graduate within 6 years, while commitment to an academic major was negatively associated with probabilities of degree completion. Suggested implications for advisors include fostering educational development, enhancing a student's bond with the institution, and encouraging students to explore academic major options.Relative emphasis: * theory, research, practice
Learning about Students with General Education Development Diplomas on College Campuses: Implications for Academic Advisors
Authors: Tokpah Christopher , Padak Nancy , Baycich Dianna , Trehan Dawn Marie , Turnidge Darrell 
Published: July 2013

As the numbers of students who earn the general educational development (GED) high school equivalency diploma increase, so too does the presence of GED credential holders on college campuses. Yet in large universities, they make up a relatively small demographic group whose advising needs may go unnoticed. In this article, we describe a series of studies undertaken to learn more about Kent State University students who hold GED diplomas, and we focus on results that have implications for academic advisors. The studies were designed to summarize and analyze demographic, academic, and interview data so that a portrait of students with GED diplomas could be developed. We hope that these portraits provide a more complete understanding of the academic needs and aspirations of GED holders in higher education.
Relative emphasis: * research, theory, practice
Using the Survey of Academic Orientations to Predict Undergraduates' Stress Levels
Authors: Davidson William B. , Beck Hall P. 
Published: July 2013

The Survey of Academic Orientations (SAO) measures six orientations in college students believed to represent desirable or undesirable perspectives. Previous research established the connections of SAO orientations with grades and persistence. This study shows the extended utility of the SAO as an early warning indicator, enabling advisors to identify those students most likely to experience high levels of academic stress.
Relative emphasis: theory, practice, research
Gifted Students in College: Suggestions for Advisors and Faculty Members
Authors: Kem Lee , Navan Joy L. 
Published: July 2013

The definition and the need for appropriate services to the gifted college population are not as apparent in the postsecondary environment as in the K-12 schools. Many college educators perceive that college curricula provide the needed rigor and enrichment for gifted and honors students to make continuous progress in their learning. We explore perceptions of college honors students who were in gifted programs in their secondary learning environments. Through focus group discussions, students report that often college courses do not meet their need for more challenging learning opportunities. Based on our findings, we suggest ways that college advisors and faculty members can serve honors students in ways that challenge their learning and address their unique psychosocial needs.
Relative emphasis: practice, research, theory
The Trickle-Down Effect of Institutional Vision: Vision Statements and Academic Advising
Authors: Abelman Robert , Atkin David , Dalessandro Amy , Snyder-Suhy Sharon , Janstova Patricie 
Published: July 2013

A description of the kinds of educated humans to be cultivated at a particular institution can be found in the college or university vision statement. The extent that vision is reflected in the governing models of advising operations, known by personnel, and transformed into day-to-day activities was assessed through a NACADA membership survey. Findings suggest a significant disconnect between the lofty educational aspirations and priorities stated in vision statements and the pragmatics of academic advising operations. The trickle-down effect of institutional vision through advising units is further impeded by a lack of access to and familiarity with vision statements, particularly at large, public institutions. Increased advising-supervisor access to upper administration and more carefully crafted vision statements can make visions actionable.Relative Emphasis: theory, practice, research
Editor Observations about the NACADA Journal's First 25 Years
Authors: Kuhn Terry 
Published: July 2013

From tape-recorded telephone interviews with each of the former NACADA Journal editors, I transcribed and analyzed their observations to create a history of the first 25 years of the NACADA Journal. Editors were asked to comment on the definition of a research journal, primary audience of the Journal as well as challenges, strengths, weaknesses, and obstacles they had faced. They were also asked for any advice they might offer for current and future editors.
Relative Emphasis:practice, research, theory
Graduate Students' Perceptions of Outstanding Graduate Advisor Characteristics
Authors: Bloom Jennifer L. , Propst Cuevas Amanda E. , Hall James Warren , Evans Christopher V. 
Published: July 2013

The advising literature confirms the graduate student–graduate advisor relationship as the most important factor in graduate student success. To better understand the characteristics of graduate advisors that students find most helpful, we conducted a grounded theory study with a constructivist design that involved a qualitative textual analysis of Outstanding Graduate Advisor of the Year Award nominations from MD-PhD students enrolled in the Medical Scholars Program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Five major themes emerged from this analysis, and the results indicate that students perceive the following graduate-advisor characteristics to be most helpful: demonstrated care for students, accessibility, role models in professional and personal matters, individually tailored guidance, and proactive integration of students into the profession.Relative Emphasis: research, practice, theory
Academic Advisors and Students with Disabilities: A National Survey of Advisors' Experiences and Needs
Authors: Preece Julie E. , Roberts Norman L. , Beecher Mark E. , Rash Phillip D. , Shwalb David A. , Martinelli Edward A. 
Published: July 2013

During the last 25 years, the number of students with disabilities seeking higher education has tripled. However, these students may not readily identify their disability to those responsible for coordinating disability services. Consequently, academic advisors may be among the first campus employees to become aware of an individual's disability. We investigated the responses of collegiate academic advisors (N ≈ 1,500) regarding their training, experience, comfort level, and knowledge of working with students with disabilities. While 83% of advisors reported advising students with disabilities, only 44% had taken a college course dealing with disabilities, and 47% have had no training on the Americans with Disabilities Act. Many advisors also reported student disclosures of thoughts about suicide and self-harm.
Relative Emphasis: research, practice, theory
Advising is Advising: Toward Defining the Practice and Scholarship of Academic Advising
Authors: Schulenberg Janet K. , Lindhorst Marie J. 
Published: July 2013

Academic advising has emerged as a distinct interdisciplinary field and profession, but the description of its role has recently relied on analogies and metaphors. While helpful in clarifying practice, their continual use obscures the uniqueness of academic advising and masks the importance of the scholarship that underlies its practice. We use the development of archaeology as a distinct profession and scholarly field to highlight critical developments in academic advising and draw examples of key aspects in the professionalization of academic advising from The Pennsylvania State University. The scholar-practitioner model must be nurtured for all who engage in academic advising and for a distinct scholarly identity to be established within higher education. Efforts must proceed at national and local levels.
Relative Emphasis: theory, practice, research