bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Apoptotic and autophagic pathways with relevant small‐molecule compounds, in cancer stem cells
Authors: Zhang Lan , Tong Xupeng , Li Jingjing , Huang Yue , Hu Xinyue , Chen Yi , Huang Jian , Wang Jinhui , Liu Bo 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAccumulating evidence demonstrates existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are suspected of contributing to cancer cell self‐renewal capacity and resistance to radiation and/or chemotherapy. Including evasion of apoptosis and autophagic cell death, CSCs have revealed abilities to resist cell death, making them appealing targets for cancer therapy. Recently, molecular mechanisms of apoptosis and of autophagy in CSCs have been gradually explored, comparing them in stem cells and in cancer cells; distinct expression of these systems in CSCs may elucidate how these cells exert their capacity of unlimited self‐renewal and hierarchical differentiation. Due to their proposed ability to drive tumour initiation and progression, CSCs may be considered to be potentially useful pharmacological targets. Further, multiple compounds have been verified as triggering apoptosis and/or autophagy, suppressing tumour growth, thus providing new strategies for cancer therapy. In this review, we summarized regulation of apoptosis and autophagy in CSCs to elucidate how key proteins participate in control of survival and death; in addition, currently well‐studied compounds that target CSC apoptosis and autophagy are selectively presented. With increasing attention to CSCs in cancer therapy, researchers are now trying to find responses to unsolved questions as unambiguous as possible, which may provide novel insight into future anti‐cancer regimes.
Differential antigen expression and aberrant signaling via PI3/AKT, MAP/ERK, JAK/STAT, and Wnt/β catenin pathways in Lin−/CD38−/CD34+ cells in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Garg Swati , Shanmukhaiah Chandrakala , Marathe Supreet , Mishra Prashant , Babu Rao Vunditi , Ghosh Kanjaksha , Madkaikar Manisha 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAcute myeloid leukemia is often called as stem cell disease that presents with treatment failure and poor disease outcome. Leukemic stem cells in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are enriched in Lineage‐/CD38−/CD34+ compartment of CD34−positive AML. Many markers important for stem cell biology have been reported for their association with leukemic stem cell population, but what remains clinically most important is a rapid identification of prognostic information. In this study, we evaluated four signal transduction pathways and thirteen markers on Lin−/CD38−/CD34+ population in AML. Expressions were compared in different AML subtypes, survival, and treatment outcome groups. We observed that markers important in homing, cell quiescence, and signal propagation such as CD44, CD96, CD90, WT‐1, CD123 and CD25 were most significantly differentially expressed on Lin‐/CD38−/CD34+ population in AML from their normal counterparts (P < 0.05, Mann–Whitney). Constitutive activation of phospho ERK, AKT, and STAT5 in these cells was associated with poor outcome. Also, an increased frequency of putative leukemic stem cell population shows negative impact on treatment outcome and overall survival, suggesting that initial evaluation of AML samples for pLSC frequency and constitutively activated signaling pathway can provide prognostic and therapeutic information at the time of diagnosis.
Inhibitory short‐term plasticity modulates neuronal activity in the rat entopeduncular nucleus in vitro
Authors: Lavian Hagar , Korngreen Alon 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe entopeduncular nucleus (EP) is one of the basal ganglia output nuclei integrating synaptic information from several pathways within the basal ganglia. The firing of EP neurons is modulated by two streams of inhibitory synaptic transmission, the direct pathway from the striatum and the indirect pathway from the globus pallidus. These two inhibitory pathways continuously modulate the firing of EP neurons. However, the link between these synaptic inputs to neuronal firing in the EP is unclear. To investigate this input–output transformation we performed whole‐cell and perforated‐patch recordings from single neurons in the entopeduncular nucleus in rat brain slices during repetitive stimulation of the striatum and the globus pallidus at frequencies within the in vivo activity range of these neurons. These recordings, supplemented by compartmental modelling, showed that GABAergic synapses from the striatum, converging on EP dendrites, display short‐term facilitation and that somatic or proximal GABAergic synapses from the globus pallidus show short‐term depression. Activation of striatal synapses during low presynaptic activity decreased postsynaptic firing rate by continuously increasing the inter‐spike interval. Conversely, activation of pallidal synapses significantly affected postsynaptic firing during high presynaptic activity. Our data thus suggest that low‐frequency striatal output may be encoded as progressive phase shifts in downstream nuclei of the basal ganglia while high‐frequency pallidal output may continuously modulate EP firing.
Crop rotational diversity enhances belowground communities and functions in an agroecosystem
Authors: Tiemann L. K. , Grandy A. S. , Atkinson E. E. , Marin‐Spiotta E. , McDaniel M. D. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBiodiversity loss, an important consequence of agricultural intensification, can lead to reductions in agroecosystem functions and services. Increasing crop diversity through rotation may alleviate these negative consequences by restoring positive aboveground–belowground interactions. Positive impacts of aboveground biodiversity on belowground communities and processes have primarily been observed in natural systems. Here, we test for the effects of increased diversity in an agroecosystem, where plant diversity is increased over time through crop rotation. As crop diversity increased from one to five species, distinct soil microbial communities were related to increases in soil aggregation, organic carbon, total nitrogen, microbial activity and decreases in the carbon‐to‐nitrogen acquiring enzyme activity ratio. This study indicates positive biodiversity–function relationships in agroecosystems, driven by interactions between rotational and microbial diversity. By increasing the quantity, quality and chemical diversity of residues, high diversity rotations can sustain soil biological communities, with positive effects on soil organic matter and soil fertility.
To follow or not? How animals in fusion–fission societies handle conflicting information during group decision‐making
Authors: Merkle Jerod A. , Sigaud Marie , Fortin Daniel 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWhen group members possess differing information about the environment, they may disagree on the best movement decision. Such conflicts result in group break‐ups, and are therefore a fundamental driver of fusion–fission group dynamics. Yet, a paucity of empirical work hampers our understanding of how adaptive evolution has shaped plasticity in collective behaviours that promote and maintain fusion–fission dynamics. Using movement data fromGPS‐collared bison, we found that individuals constantly associated with other animals possessing different spatial knowledge, and both personal and conspecific information influenced an individual's patch choice decisions. During conflict situations, bison used group familiarity coupled with their knowledge of local foraging options and recently sampled resource quality when deciding to follow or leave a group – a tactic that led to energy‐rewarding movements. Natural selection has shaped collective behaviours for coping with social conflicts and resource heterogeneity, which maintain fusion–fission dynamics and play an essential role in animal distribution.
Transcriptional control of late differentiation in human keratinocytes by TAp63 and Notch
Authors: Koh Li Fang , Ng Boon Kiat , Bertrand Juliette , Thierry Françoise 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWe previously showed that in cervical carcinoma cells, the TAp63β isoform of the p63 transcription factor is negatively interfering with the carcinogenic pathways promoting anchorage‐independent growth. In this study, we have defined the mechanisms underlying the effects of TAp63β through a transcriptome analysis of human keratinocytes overexpressing this protein. TAp63β modulated expression of 1203 genes (944 activated and 259 repressed; P‐value <0.05), notably genes involved in epithelial development and keratinocyte differentiation. In comparison, while TAp63γ acts similarly to TAp63β to transactivate a selected panel of target genes, other p63 isoforms, including ΔNp63α, which is highly expressed in keratinocytes, are inactive. Upon induction of differentiation of primary human keratinocytes, we observed endogenous expression of TAp63β and γ isoforms, along with transcriptional activation of selected target genes. Intriguingly, our data also indicated that TAp63β activates transcription of members of the Notch pathway, which is known to promote keratinocyte differentiation. By inhibiting and activating the Notch pathway, we revealed a subset of TAp63β‐activated genes that were co‐dependent on Notch for their expression. Our work demonstrates that the shorter TAp63 isoforms (TAp63β/γ) are specifically induced in human keratinocytes and cooperate with Notch signalling to activate transcription of late differentiation genes supporting their role as putative tumor suppressors in HPV‐associated tumorigenesis.
Towards a global assessment of pyrogenic carbon from vegetation fires
Authors: Santín Cristina , Doerr Stefan H. , Kane Evan S. , Masiello Caroline A. , Ohlson Mikael , de la Rosa Jose Maria , Preston Caroline M. , Dittmar Thorsten 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe production of pyrogenic carbon (PyC; a continuum of organic carbon (C) ranging from partially charred biomass and charcoal to soot) is a widely acknowledged C sink, with the latest estimates indicating that ~50% of the PyC produced by vegetation fires potentially sequesters C over centuries. Nevertheless, the quantitative importance of PyC in the global C balance remains contentious, and therefore, PyC is rarely considered in global C cycle and climate studies. Here we examine the robustness of existing evidence and identify the main research gaps in the production, fluxes and fate of PyC from vegetation fires. Much of the previous work on PyC production has focused on selected components of total PyC generated in vegetation fires, likely leading to underestimates. We suggest that global PyC production could be in the range of 116–385 Tg C yr−1, that is ~0.2–0.6% of the annual terrestrial net primary production. According to our estimations, atmospheric emissions of soot/black C might be a smaller fraction of total PyC (<2%) than previously reported. Research on the fate of PyC in the environment has mainly focused on its degradation pathways, and its accumulation and resilience either in situ (surface soils) or in ultimate sinks (marine sediments). Off‐site transport, transformation and PyC storage in intermediate pools are often overlooked, which could explain the fate of a substantial fraction of the PyC mobilized annually. We propose new research directions addressing gaps in the global PyC cycle to fully understand the importance of the products of burning in global C cycle dynamics.
Association mapping in Salix viminalis L. (Salicaceae) – identification of candidate genes associated with growth and phenology
Authors: Hallingbäck Henrik R. , Fogelqvist Johan , Powers Stephen J. , Turrion‐Gomez Juan , Rossiter Rachel , Amey Joanna , Martin Tom , Weih Martin , Gyllenstrand Niclas , Karp Angela , Lagercrantz Ulf , Hanley Steven J. , Berlin Sofia , Rönnberg‐Wästljung Ann‐Christin 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWillow species (Salix) are important as short‐rotation biomass crops for bioenergy, which creates a demand for faster genetic improvement and breeding through deployment of molecular marker‐assisted selection (MAS). To find markers associated with important adaptive traits, such as growth and phenology, for use in MAS, we genetically dissected the trait variation of a Salix viminalis (L.) population of 323 accessions. The accessions were sampled throughout northern Europe and were established at two field sites in Pustnäs, Sweden, and at Woburn, UK, offering the opportunity to assess the impact of genotype‐by‐environment interactions (G × E) on trait–marker associations. Field measurements were recorded for growth and phenology traits. The accessions were genotyped using 1536 SNP markers developed from phenology candidate genes and from genes previously observed to be differentially expressed in contrasting environments. Association mapping between 1233 of these SNPs and the measured traits was performed taking into account population structure and threshold selection bias. At a false discovery rate (FDR) of 0.2, 29 SNPs were associated with bud burst, leaf senescence, number of shoots or shoot diameter. The percentage of accession variation () explained by these associations ranged from 0.3% to 4.4%, suggesting that the studied traits are controlled by many loci of limited individual impact. Despite this, a SNP in the EARLY FLOWERING 3 gene was repeatedly associated (FDR < 0.2) with bud burst. The rare homozygous genotype exhibited 0.4–1.0 lower bud burst scores than the other genotype classes on a five‐grade scale. Consequently, this marker could be promising for use in MAS and the gene deserves further study. Otherwise, associations were less consistent across sites, likely due to their small estimates and to considerable G × E interactions indicated by multivariate association analyses and modest trait accession correlations across sites (0.32–0.61).
Comprehensive Review of Medicinal Marijuana, Cannabinoids, and Therapeutic Implications in Medicine and Headache: What a Long Strange Trip It's Been …
Authors: Baron Eric P. 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundThe use of cannabis, or marijuana, for medicinal purposes is deeply rooted though history, dating back to ancient times. It once held a prominent position in the history of medicine, recommended by many eminent physicians for numerous diseases, particularly headache and migraine. Through the decades, this plant has taken a fascinating journey from a legal and frequently prescribed status to illegal, driven by political and social factors rather than by science. However, with an abundance of growing support for its multitude of medicinal uses, the misguided stigma of cannabis is fading, and there has been a dramatic push for legalizing medicinal cannabis and research. Almost half of the United States has now legalized medicinal cannabis, several states have legalized recreational use, and others have legalized cannabidiol‐only use, which is one of many therapeutic cannabinoids extracted from cannabis. Physicians need to be educated on the history, pharmacology, clinical indications, and proper clinical use of cannabis, as patients will inevitably inquire about it for many diseases, including chronic pain and headache disorders for which there is some intriguing supportive evidence.ObjectiveTo review the history of medicinal cannabis use, discuss the pharmacology and physiology of the endocannabinoid system and cannabis‐derived cannabinoids, perform a comprehensive literature review of the clinical uses of medicinal cannabis and cannabinoids with a focus on migraine and other headache disorders, and outline general clinical practice guidelines.ConclusionThe literature suggests that the medicinal use of cannabis may have a therapeutic role for a multitude of diseases, particularly chronic pain disorders including headache. Supporting literature suggests a role for medicinal cannabis and cannabinoids in several types of headache disorders including migraine and cluster headache, although it is primarily limited to case based, anecdotal, or laboratory‐based scientific research. Cannabis contains an extensive number of pharmacological and biochemical compounds, of which only a minority are understood, so many potential therapeutic uses likely remain undiscovered. Cannabinoids appear to modulate and interact at many pathways inherent to migraine, triptan mechanisms ofaction, and opiate pathways, suggesting potential synergistic or similar benefits. Modulation of the endocannabinoid system through agonism or antagonism of its receptors, targeting its metabolic pathways, or combining cannabinoids with other analgesics for synergistic effects, may provide the foundation for many new classes of medications. Despite the limited evidence and research suggesting a role for cannabis and cannabinoids in some headache disorders, randomized clinical trials are lacking and necessary for confirmation and further evaluation.
Effect of knowledge on decision making in the context of organic cotton clothing
Authors: Oh Keunyoung , Abraham Liza 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis research was designed to study whether consumer knowledge on organic cotton and relevant issues influences attitude toward and price acceptance of organic cotton clothing. The effect of consumer knowledge was also studied on the way consumers use product label information in purchasing organic cotton clothing. An online survey was developed to measure the variables including experimental choice‐based conjoint models for mandatory and auxiliary label specifications. Four hundred ninety‐eight people completed the survey. The results indicated that moderately and highly knowledgeable participants were more willing to buy organic cotton clothing at higher price points and they had more positive attitudes toward organic cotton clothing than low knowledgeable participants. The results suggest that differentially knowledgeable consumers may attend to different types of information provided on product labels to evaluate organic cotton apparel products. Providing product‐related information on product labels is essential; however, providing additional information on the benefits of using organic cotton and socially responsible business practices may improve consumers’ knowledge and acceptability of organic cotton apparel products.
Evaluation of small‐volume tubes for venous and capillary PT (INR) samples
Authors: Onelöv L. , Basmaji R. , Svensson A. , Nilsson M. , Antovic J. P. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryIntroductionFrequent PT (INR) testing may represent a problem for patients on warfarin treatment, and capillary or small‐volume tubes may be more appropriate for such patients. A demand for small‐volume tubes also comes from pediatric wards. Yet, while various small‐volume tubes are available, they have not been properly evaluated.MethodsThree small‐volume tubes were tested (MiniCollect 3.8% citrate, MiniCollect 3.2% citrate and Microvette EDTA) and compared with a standard 4.5‐mL 3.2% citrated tube. Samples were taken by venipuncture from the back of the hand and by capillary sampling from the tip of the finger. The measures were compared with those after standard venipuncture of the arm fold. A total of 180 samples, using different combinations of tubes and sampling sites, were collected from 30 volunteers.ResultsThere were no differences in the results obtained using citrate tubes for venous samples in comparison with those obtained by standard sampling, while the results when using EDTA tubes were not comparable to those obtained by standard sampling (P < 0.001), expressing systematically lower values (by about 10%). The results observed after capillary sampling were significantly different to those obtained after standard sampling.ConclusionsThe MiniCollect 3.2% tube may be used for PT (INR) venipuncture samples when withdrawal of a small amount of blood is preferable, while EDTA tubes should not be used for PT (INR) testing.
Prospective and randomised evaluation of the protease‐modulating effect of oxidised regenerated cellulose/collagen matrix treatment in pressure sore ulcers
Authors: Kloeters Oliver , Unglaub Frank , de Laat Erik , van Abeelen Marjolijn , Ulrich Dietmar 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIn chronic wounds, excess levels and activity of proteases such as elastase and plasmin have been detected. Oxidised regenerated cellulose/collagen matrix (ORC/collagen matrix) has been reported to ameliorate the wound microenvironment by binding and inactivating excess proteases in wound exudates. In this study, the levels and activity of elastase and plasmin in wound exudates of pressure sore ulcers were measured to determine the beneficial effect of ORC/collagen matrix treatment compared with control treatment with a foam dressing. A total of 33 patients with pressure sores were enrolled in the study and were followed up for 12 weeks after treatment. Ten control patients were treated with a foam hydropolymer dressing (TIELLE®, Systagenix), and the remaining 23 patients were treated with ORC/collagen matrix plus the foam dressing (TIELLE®, Systagenix) on top. Wound assessments were carried out over 12 weeks on a weekly basis, with dressing changes twice a week. Ulcers were photographed and wound exudates were collected on admission and at days 5, 14 and then every 14 days to provide a visual record of any changes in appearance of the ulcer and healing rate and for biochemical analysis of the wound. The levels and activity of elastase and plasmin were measured in wound exudates. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Bonferroni's post hoc test with P‐values <0·05 considered to be significant. Compared with controls, ORC/collagen matrix–treated pressure sore wounds showed a significant faster healing rate, which positively correlated with a decreased activity of elastase and plasmin in wound exudates. No signs of infection or intolerance to the ORC/collagen matrix were observed.
Clinical recommendations and practical guide for negative pressure wound therapy with instillation
Authors: Gupta Subhas , Gabriel Allen , Lantis John , Téot Luc 
Published: May 2015

AbstractEffective wound management involves a comprehensive assessment of the patient and the wound to determine an optimal wound treatment plan. It is critical to identify and address factors that may impair wound healing, prior to selecting the most appropriate therapy for each patient. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a well‐established advanced therapy that has been successful in adjunctive management of acute and chronic wounds. In recent years, the introduction of topical wound solution delivery in combination with NPWT has provided further benefits to wound healing. A commercially available system now offers automated, volumetric control of instilled topical wound solutions with a dwell time in combination with NPWT (NPWTi‐d; V.A.C. VeraFlo™ Therapy, KCI, an Acelity company, San Antonio, TX). This NPWTi‐d system differs from other instillation systems in that a timed, predetermined volume of topical wound solution is intermittently delivered (versus continuously fed) and allowed to dwell in the wound bed (without NPWT), for a user‐selected period of time before NPWT is resumed. This added accuracy and process simplification of solution delivery in tandem with NPWT have prompted use of NPWTi‐d as first‐line therapy in a wider subset of complex wounds. However, considerably more research is required to validate efficacy of NPWTi‐d in various wound types. The purpose of this review is to provide a relevant overview of wound healing, describe current literature supporting the adjunctive use of NPWTi‐d, propose a clinical approach for appropriate application of NPWTi‐d and conclude with case studies demonstrating successful use of NPWTi‐d. Based on this review, we conclude that either a large case series examining effects of NPWTi‐d on different wound types or possibly a large prospective registry evaluating NPWTi‐d with real‐world topical wound solutions versus immediate debridement and closure would be valuable to the medical community in evaluating the efficacy of this promising therapy.