bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of major histocompatibility complex class II expression by non‐hematopoietic cells in autoimmune and inflammatory disorders: facts and fiction
Authors: Duraes F. V. , Thelemann C. , Sarter K. , Acha‐Orbea H. , Hugues S. , Reith W. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractIt is well established that interactions between CD4+ T cells and major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII) positive antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) of hematopoietic origin play key roles in both the maintenance of tolerance and the initiation and development of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. In sharp contrast, despite nearly three decades of intensive research, the functional relevance of MHCII expression by non‐hematopoietic tissue‐resident cells has remained obscure. The widespread assumption that MHCII expression by non‐hematopoietic APCs has an impact on autoimmune and inflammatory diseases has in most instances neither been confirmed nor excluded by indisputable in vivo data. Here we review and put into perspective conflicting in vitro and in vivo results on the putative impact of MHCII expression by non‐hematopoietic APCs—in both target organs and secondary lymphoid tissues—on the initiation and development of representative autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. Emphasis will be placed on the lacunar status of our knowledge in this field. We also discuss new mouse models—developed on the basis of our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate MHCII expression—that constitute valuable tools for filling the severe gaps in our knowledge on the functions of non‐hematopoietic APCs in inflammatory conditions.
Use of plan quality degradation to evaluate tradeoffs in delivery efficiency and clinical plan metrics arising from IMRT optimizer and sequencer compromises
Authors: Wilkie Joel R. , Matuszak Martha M. , Feng Mary , Moran Jean M. , Fraass Benedick A. 
Published: June 2013

Purpose:Plan degradation resulting from compromises made to enhance delivery efficiency is an important consideration for intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatment plans. IMRT optimization and/or multileaf collimator (MLC) sequencing schemes can be modified to generate more efficient treatment delivery, but the effect those modifications have on plan quality is often difficult to quantify. In this work, the authors present a method for quantitative assessment of overall plan quality degradation due to tradeoffs between delivery efficiency and treatment plan quality, illustrated using comparisons between plans developed allowing different numbers of intensity levels in IMRT optimization and/or MLC sequencing for static segmental MLC IMRT plans.Methods:A plan quality degradation method to evaluate delivery efficiency and plan quality tradeoffs was developed and used to assess planning for 14 prostate and 12 head and neck patients treated with static IMRT. Plan quality was evaluated using a physician's predetermined “quality degradation” factors for relevant clinical plan metrics associated with the plan optimization strategy. Delivery efficiency and plan quality were assessed for a range of optimization and sequencing limitations. The “optimal” (baseline) plan for each case was derived using a clinical cost function with an unlimited number of intensity levels. These plans were sequenced with a clinical MLC leaf sequencer which uses >100 segments, assuring delivered intensities to be within 1% of the optimized intensity pattern. Each patient's optimal plan was also sequenced limiting the number of intensity levels (20, 10, and 5), and then separately optimized with these same numbers of intensity levels. Delivery time was measured for all plans, and direct evaluation of the tradeoffs between delivery time and plan degradation was performed.Results:When considering tradeoffs, the optimal number of intensity levels depends on the treatment site and on the stage in the process at which the levels are limited. The cost of improved delivery efficiency, in terms of plan quality degradation, increased as the number of intensity levels in the sequencer or optimizer decreased. The degradation was more substantial for the head and neck cases relative to the prostate cases, particularly when fewer than 20 intensity levels were used. Plan quality degradation was less severe when the number of intensity levels was limited in the optimizer rather than the sequencer.Conclusions:Analysis of plan quality degradation allows for a quantitative assessment of the compromises in clinical plan quality as delivery efficiency is improved, in order to determine the optimal delivery settings. The technique is based on physician‐determined quality degradation factors and can be extended to other clinical situations where investigation of various tradeoffs is warranted.
Cephalalgiaphobia as a feature of high-frequency migraine: a pilot study
Authors: Giannini Giulia , Zanigni Stefano , Grimaldi Daniela , Melotti Roberto , Pierangeli Giulia , Cortelli Pietro , Cevoli Sabina 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundCephalalgiaphobia is the fear of having a headache attack during a pain-free period that may induce patients to use analgesic in the absence of pain to prevent headache and to improve their performances. This study aims at assessing if cephalalgiaphobia is related to migraine frequency or medication overuse, and if it is per se a predictor of increase in migraine frequency.MethodsThis is a pilot prospective cohort study on 126 consecutive migraineurs referred to a tertiary Headache Centre. A headache specialist collected data regarding migraine features, frequency and medications at baseline (T0) and 2 years later (T1). Cephalalgiaphobia was investigated at T0 and T1 through a score determined by a 4 items questionnaire.ResultsModerate-high migraine frequency was associated with higher risk of cephalalgiaphobia (p < 0.001). Chronic migraineurs with medication overuse had higher score of cephalalgiaphobia than those without medication overuse (p < 0.001). Patients with increased migraine frequency between T0 and T1 had higher cephalalgiaphobia score (p < 0.001).ConclusionsCephalalgiaphobia may represent a high-frequency migraine feature and may play a role in chronicization. Therefore, it should be better investigated by clinicians and treated or prevented in order to reduce the risk of disability and the increase in migraine frequency.
Migraine, arousal and sleep deprivation: comment on: “sleep quality, arousal and pain thresholds in migraineurs: a blinded controlled polysomnographic study”
Authors: Vollono Catello , Testani Elisa , Losurdo Anna , Mazza Salvatore , Della Marca Giacomo 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
We discuss the hypothesis proposed by Engstrom and coworkers that Migraineurs have a relative sleep deprivation, which lowers the pain threshold and predispose to attacks. Previous data indicate that Migraineurs have a reduction of Cyclic Alternating Pattern (CAP), an essential mechanism of NREM sleep regulation which allows to dump the effect of incoming disruptive stimuli, and to protect sleep. The modifications of CAP observed in Migraineurs are similar to those observed in patients with impaired arousal (narcolepsy) and after sleep deprivation. The impairment of this mechanism makes Migraineurs more vulnerable to stimuli triggering attacks during sleep, and represents part of a more general vulnerability to incoming stimuli.
ATR-FTIR spectroscopy reveals genomic loci regulating the tissue response in high fat diet fed BXD recombinant inbred mouse strains
Authors: Dogan Ayca , Lasch Peter , Neuschl Christina , Millrose Marion K , Alberts Rudi , Schughart Klaus , Naumann Dieter , Brockmann Gudrun A 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Obesity-associated organ-specific pathological states can be ensued from the dysregulation of the functions of the adipose tissues, liver and muscle. However, the influence of genetic differences underlying gross-compositional differences in these tissues is largely unknown. In the present study, the analytical method of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy has been combined with a genetic approach to identify genetic differences responsible for phenotypic alterations in adipose, liver and muscle tissues.

Results
Mice from 29 BXD recombinant inbred mouse strains were put on high fat diet and gross-compositional changes in adipose, liver and muscle tissues were measured by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. The analysis of genotype-phenotype correlations revealed significant quantitative trait loci (QTL) on chromosome 12 for the content of fat and collagen, collagen integrity, and the lipid to protein ratio in adipose tissue and on chromosome 17 for lipid to protein ratio in liver. Using gene expression and sequence information, we suggest Rsad2 (viperin) and Colec11 (collectin-11) on chromosome 12 as potential quantitative trait candidate genes. Rsad2 may act as a modulator of lipid droplet contents and lipid biosynthesis; Colec11 might play a role in apoptopic cell clearance and maintenance of adipose tissue. An increased level of Rsad2 transcripts in adipose tissue of DBA/2J compared to C57BL/6J mice suggests a cis-acting genetic variant leading to differential gene activation.

Conclusion
The results demonstrate that the analytical method of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy effectively contributed to decompose the macromolecular composition of tissues that accumulate fat and to link this information with genetic determinants. The candidate genes in the QTL regions may contribute to obesity-related diseases in humans, in particular if the results can be verified in a bigger BXD cohort.
Assessment of perceived health status among primary care patients in Southern Italy: findings from a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Manuti Benedetto , Rizza Paolo , Pileggi Claudia , Bianco Aida , Pavia Maria 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
The primary aim of this study was to measure HRQOL of primary care patients in one of the poorest areas of Italy, using SF-12, whereas the secondary aim was to identify subgroups of this population, according to socio-demographics, clinical characteristics, behavioural risk factors, and health services utilization, that manifest poorer HRQOL. These data may be helpful to policy makers to implement health care policies and social interventions for improving HRQOL.

Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Southern Italy on primary care patients aged 18 and over. SF-12 was used to measure perceived health status. Physical component and mental summary scores were obtained. We performed univariate and multivariate analysis to evaluate eventual significant differences of mean PCS-12 and MCS-12 according to various characteristics (demographics, presence of chronic diseases, behavioral risk factors, and utilization of health services).

Results
Of the 1467 participating in our survey, more than one third evaluated their health as unsatisfactory, noted significant limitations and reported problems on all SF-12-scales. Physical and mental summary scores showed an overall mean of 45.9 (SD ± 10.8) and 44.9 (SD ± 11.6), respectively. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in perceived health status by socio-demographic characteristics, such as gender, age, education level and employment status, by behavioral risk factors, chronic diseases and health services utilization.

Conclusions
Our findings seem to indicate that primary care patients in Southern Italy have a poor HRQOL and this perception is even poorer in subgroups of the population, according to several sociodemographic, clinical characteristics, and behavioural risk factors. These results may have significant implications for health care policymakers, since they emphasize the need of developing effective and targeted strategies to improve HRQOL in Southern Italy.
Asymmetric kinase dimer formation is crucial for the activation of oncogenic EGFRvIII but not for ERBB3 phosphorylation
Authors: Kancha Rama Krishna , von Bubnoff Nikolas , Duyster Justus 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Formation of asymmetric kinase dimers is required for wt-EGFR activation upon ligand stimulation. The role of receptor dimerization in oncogenic EGFRvIII mutant activation is not completely understood and the molecular details of EGFRvIII interactions within homo-dimers and hetero-dimers are not elucidated yet.

Findings
By employing mutations that disrupt the asymmetric kinase dimer interface in EGFRvIII, we demonstrate that the mechanism of oncogenic EGFRvIII mutant activation is similar to that of the full-length wild-type EGFR. Surprisingly, the monomeric EGFRvIII lacks autophosphorylation and the formation of asymmetric kinase dimers is indispensable for oncogenic kinase activation. In addition, we show that ERBB3 can act as an activator of EGFRvIII by forming asymmetric kinase dimer in a ligand-independent manner. Interestingly, we found that the formation of asymmetric kinase dimer is dispensable for ERBB3 phosphorylation by the activated EGFR kinase as well as the ERBB2 kinase thus revealing a novel model for receptor function.

Conclusions
Lateral signaling is a novel mechanism of signal propagation via ERBB3 upon activation by EGFR/ERBB2 kinase even in the absence of their ability to form asymmetric kinase dimers.
Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) network: insights from mathematical models
Authors: Cavadas Miguel AS , Nguyen Lan K , Cheong Alex 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Oxygen is a crucial molecule for cellular function. When oxygen demand exceeds supply, the oxygen sensing pathway centred on the hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) is switched on and promotes adaptation to hypoxia by up-regulating genes involved in angiogenesis, erythropoiesis and glycolysis. The regulation of HIF is tightly modulated through intricate regulatory mechanisms. Notably, its protein stability is controlled by the oxygen sensing prolyl hydroxylase domain (PHD) enzymes and its transcriptional activity is controlled by the asparaginyl hydroxylase FIH (factor inhibiting HIF-1).
To probe the complexity of hypoxia-induced HIF signalling, efforts in mathematical modelling of the pathway have been underway for around a decade. In this paper, we review the existing mathematical models developed to describe and explain specific behaviours of the HIF pathway and how they have contributed new insights into our understanding of the network. Topics for modelling included the switch-like response to decreased oxygen gradient, the role of micro environmental factors, the regulation by FIH and the temporal dynamics of the HIF response. We will also discuss the technical aspects, extent and limitations of these models. Recently, HIF pathway has been implicated in other disease contexts such as hypoxic inflammation and cancer through crosstalking with pathways like NFκ B and mTOR. We will examine how future mathematical modelling and simulation of interlinked networks can aid in understanding HIF behaviour in complex pathophysiological situations. Ultimately this would allow the identification of new pharmacological targets in different disease settings.
Bone single photon emission computed tomography with computed tomography disclosing chronic uterine perforation with intrauterine device migration into the anterior wall of the bladder: a case report
Authors: Morland David , Mathelin Carole , Wattiez Arnaud , Namer Izzie Jacques 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Extraosseous uptake of 99mTc-hydroxymethylene diphosphonate is a common situation of variable clinical relevance.

Case presentation
A 52-year-old Caucasian woman presented to our department for breast cancer staging. A 99mTc-hydroxymethylene diphosphonate bone scan was performed and showed focal pelvic hyperfixation that disclosed intrauterine device migration into the anterior wall of the bladder on single photon emission computed tomography with computed tomography.

Conclusion
This observation confirms the major role of single photon emission computed tomography with computed tomography in achieving an exact diagnosis.
Uropathogenic specific protein gene, highly distributed in extraintestinal uropathogenic Escherichia coli, encodes a new member of H-N-H nuclease superfamily
Authors: Zaw Myo Thura , Yamasaki Eiki , Yamamoto Shingo , Nair G Balakrish , Kawamoto Keiko , Kurazono Hisao 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
The uropathogenic specific protein (Usp) and three OrfU proteins (OrfU1, OrfU2 and OrfU3) are encoded in the putative small pathogenicity island which is closely associated with Uropathogenic Escherichia coli. Although homology search revealed that Usp and OrfUs have a homology with nuclease-type bacteriocins, which possess H-N-H nuclease motif, and immunity proteins respectively, the molecular activity of these proteins was never investigated. In this study, we try to over-express Usp in E. coli, purify Usp and characterize its molecular activity.

Method
Recombinant Usp protein was expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3) cells together with 6× Histidine tagged OrfU1 (OrfU1-His) protein, and purified with affinity chromatography using Ni2+ chelating agarose. The nuclease activity of the purified Usp was examined in vitro by using plasmid DNA as a substrate. The importance of H-N-H motif in nuclease activity of Usp was examined by site-directed mutagenesis study.

Results
We revealed that pET expression vector encoding Usp alone could not be maintained in E. coli BL21(DE3), and insertion of the orfUs as well as usp in the constructed plasmid diminished the toxic effect, suggesting that co-expressed OrfUs masked the activity of Usp. To purify Usp protein, we employed the expression vector encoding untagged Usp together with OrfU1-His. A tight complex formation could be observed between Usp and OrfU1-His, which allowed the purification of Usp in a single chromatographic step: binding of Usp/OrfU1-His complex to Ni2+ chelating agarose followed by elution of Usp from the complex with denaturing reagent. The purified free Usp was found to have the nuclease activity, and the activity was constitutively higher than Usp/OrfU1-His complex. H-N-H motif, which is found in various types of nucleases including a subfamily of nuclease-type bacteriocin, had been identified in the C-terminal region of Usp. Site-directed mutagenesis study showed that the H-N-H motif in Usp is indispensable for its nuclease activity.

Conclusion
This is the first evidence of the molecular activity of the new member of H-N-H superfamily and lays the foundation for the biological characterization of Usp and its inhibitor protein, OrfUs.
Visible-light-activated nanocomposite photocatalyst of Cr2O3/SnO2
Authors: Bhosale Rajendra , Pujari Sidram , Muley Gajanan , Pagare Bathuwell , Gambhire Anil 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Visible-light-activated Cr2O3/SnO2 nanocomposite photocatalyst was prepared by coprecipitation method and characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, N2 adsorption-desorption measurement, and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The results show that phase composition, crystallite size, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area, and optical absorption of samples varied significantly with the heat treatment temperatures. The Cr2O3/SnO2 photocatalyst (the molar ratio Cr to Sn is 1:2) calcined at 400°C for 2 h exhibited maximum photocatalytic activity because it has a smaller particle size of 10.05 nm and a higher surface area of 38.75 m2/g. Under visible-light (λ > 400 nm) irradiation, the degradation rate of Rhodamine B reached 98.0% in 60 min, which is about 3.5 times higher than that of the standard P25 photocatalyst.
Bromodimethylsulfonium Bromide (BDMS)-catalyzed Synthesis of Substituted Pyrroles through a One-pot Four-component Reaction
Authors: Bagdi Prasanta Ray , Basha R Sidick , Lal Mohan , Khan Abu T 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Trisubstituted N-benzylpyrrole derivatives were synthesized through a one-pot four-component reaction from β-keto esters, benzylamines, aromatic aldehydes, and nitromethane in the presence of 10 mol % bromodimethylsulfonium bromide (BDMS) as catalyst at room temperature. Some of the salient features of the present protocol are simple and mild reaction conditions, good yields, and applicability with a wide range of substrates.
Fabrication of Ordered Poly[1,6-bis(3-nonyl-9-carbazolyl)-2,4-hexadiyne] Thin Film via Simple Spin-coating Process
Authors: Miyazaki Yuuki , Okamoto Kazuo , Tsuchiya Kousuke , Ogino Kenji 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Diacetylene derivative, 1,6-bis(3-nonyl-9-carbazolyl)-2,4-hexadiyne was designed and synthesized. Compared with nonsubstituted 1,6-di(N-carbazolyl)-2,4-hexadiyne, the solubility was drastically improved, which allowed us the fabrication of a smooth crystalline thin film via a simple spin-coating process. The resulting film was easily polymerized by photoirradiation after thermal annealing. UV–vis absorption and Raman scattering spectra suggested topochemical polymerization. Out-of-plane XRD measurement of spin-coated film showed a strong diffraction. It suggests the interdigitation structure of alkyl chain. In-plane XRD measurements of spin-coated polymerized films showed two small peaks which were not identical to the result of out-of-plane XRD. These results indicated edge-on orientation. AFM image suggests that the film is composed of an aggregation consisting of needle-like nanostructures of polymer crystals.
How do Iranian female adolescents express their health education needs? A needs assessment with qualitative thematic analysis
Authors: Shahhosseini Zohreh , Hamzehgardeshi Zeinab 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Background: Adolescent girls have little knowledge about health information, especially about more sensitive issues. We know little about the perspectives of adolescents about their educational health needs.
Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the perceptions of Iranian female adolescents about their educational health needs.
Subjects: The study participants were 67 female adolescents aged 12–19 years currently in junior high and high schools in the city of Sari, located in northern Iran.
Methods: The present study is a qualitative study of thematic analysis. The 67 female adolescents participated in eight focus group discussions (FGDs). The participants were selected from schools in Mazandaran, Iran. The sampling methods were purposeful sampling and a maximum variance sampling method. All tape-recorded data was fully transcribed, and thematic analysis was performed to identify key themes.
Results: The findings of this research around adolescent health education needs emphasized four overarching themes, including appropriate content, suitable method, well-informed sources and an appropriate age for education.
Conclusion: Our results show that the promotion of reproductive health knowledge and life skills are the most important health education needs. Education about these issues via parents, schools and health care providers could promote the health status of adolescents.