bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased knowledge of the effects of smoking and second-hand smoke encourages smoke-free homes
Authors: Fenton Brenda , Thankappan Kavumpurathu Raman , Champagne Beatriz , Lv Jun , Anthony Denis 
Published: April 2014

Objective To establish the drivers for smoke-free homes among current daily smokers. Design A cross-sectional study employing interviews (adults) and self-completed surveys (schoolchildren). Sample Children aged 12 and 14 in schools in four cities in China, India, Mexico and England. Adults in the community. Measurements Knowledge, attitude, beliefs and behaviour relevant to second-hand smoke in home. Intervention None. Results A total of 8994 adults and 14,756 children were surveyed. Knowledge of some of the effects of tobacco is high, but other effects are poorly understood in all cities. In Thiruvananthapuram, there is a lack of awareness of the addictiveness of tobacco, and Hangzhou has poor knowledge in general. Conclusions Messages about reducing tobacco usage are effective in support of smoke-free homes in the city with poorest knowledge (Hangzhou) but other factors are more important where knowledge is high.
Pearson marrow pancreas syndrome in patients suspected to have Diamond-Blackfan anemia
Authors: Gagne Katelyn E. , Ghazvinian Roxanne , Yuan Daniel , Zon Rebecca L. , Storm Kelsie , Mazur-Popinska Magdalena , Andolina Laura , Bubala Halina , Golebiowska Sydonia , Higman Meghan A. , Kalwak Krzysztof , Kurre Peter , Matysiak Michal , Niewiadomska Edyta , Pels Salley , Petruzzi Mary Jane , Pobudejska-Pieniazek Aneta , Szczepanski Tomasz , Fleming Mark D. , Gazda Hanna T. , Agarwal Suneet 
Published: April 2014

Key Points
PS can be overlooked in the differential diagnosis of children with severe congenital anemia. mtDNA deletion testing should be included in the genetic evaluation of patients with congenital anemia of unclear etiology.
SDF-1 dynamically mediates megakaryocyte niche occupancy and thrombopoiesis at steady state and following radiation injury
Authors: Niswander Lisa M. , Fegan Katherine H. , Kingsley Paul D. , McGrath Kathleen E. , Palis James 
Published: April 2014

Key PointsSDF-1 acutely affects megakaryocyte spatial distribution in the bone marrow at steady state and in the setting of radiation injury. SDF-1-directed localization of megakaryocytes into the vascular niche increases platelet output.
Altering gene expression by aminocoumarins: the role of DNA supercoiling in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Schröder Wiebke , Bernhardt Jörg , Marincola Gabriella , Klein-Hitpass Ludger , Herbig Alexander , Krupp Guido , Nieselt Kay , Wolz Christiane 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
It has been shown previously that aminocoumarin antibiotics such as novobiocin lead to immediate downregulation of recA expression and thereby inhibit the SOS response, mutation frequency and recombination capacity in Staphylococcus aureus. Aminocoumarins function by inhibiting the ATPase activity of DNA gyrase subunit B with a severe impact on DNA supercoiling.

Results
Here, we have analysed the global impact of the DNA relaxing agent novobiocin on gene expression in S. aureus. Using a novobiocin-resistant mutant, it became evident that the change in recA expression is due to gyrase inhibition. Microarray analysis and northern blot hybridisation revealed that the expression levels of a distinct set of genes were increased (e.g., recF-gyrB-gyrA, the rib operon and the ure operon) or decreased (e.g., arlRS, recA, lukA, hlgC and fnbA) by novobiocin. The two-component ArlRS system was previously found to decrease the level of supercoiling in S. aureus. Thus, downregulation of arlRS might partially compensate for the relaxing effect of novobiocin. Global analysis and gene mapping of supercoiling-sensitive genes did not provide any indication that they are clustered in the genome. Promoter fusion assays confirmed that the responsiveness of a given gene is intrinsic to the promoter region but independent of the chromosomal location.

Conclusions
The results indicate that the molecular properties of a given promoter, rather than the chromosomal topology, dictate the responsiveness to changes in supercoiling in the pathogen Staphylococcus aureus.
Protective factors against suicide among young-old Chinese outpatients
Authors: Chen Ying-Jen , Tsai Yun-Fang , Lee Shwu-Hua , Lee Hsiu-Lan 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundSuicide is common among the elderly worldwide. However, no literature could be found on the beliefs/expectations that protect young-old people from attempting suicide. The purpose of this study was to explore young-old outpatients’ reasons for not killing themselves in Taiwan.MethodData for this qualitative descriptive study were extracted from a large research series. From the 83 elderly outpatients in the original sample, 31 were chosen for this study because they were young-old (65–74 years old) and from two randomly selected medical centers in northern Taiwan. Data on participants’ reasons for not killing themselves in unhappy situations were collected in individual interviews using a semi-structured guide and analyzed by content analysis.ResultsAnalysis of interview data identified six major themes: satisfied with one’s life, suicide cannot resolve problems, fear of humiliating one’s children, religious beliefs, never thought about suicide, and living in harmony with nature.ConclusionThese identified protective factors (reasons for living) could be added to suicide-prevention programs for the elderly. Our findings may also serve as a reference for geriatric researchers in western countries with increasing numbers of elderly ethnic minority immigrants.
Enhanced hypoglycemic effect of biotin-modified liposomes loading insulin: effect of formulation variables, intracellular trafficking, and cytotoxicity
Authors: Zhang Xingwang , Qi Jianping , Lu Yi , Hu Xiongwei , He Wei , Wu Wei 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Peroral protein/peptide delivery has been one of the most challenging, but encouraging topics in pharmaceutics. This article was intended to explore the potential of biotin-modified liposomes (BLPs) as oral insulin delivery carriers. By incorporating biotin-DSPE into the lipid bilayer, we prepared BLPs using reverse evaporation/sonication method. We investigated hypoglycemic effects in normal rats after oral administration of BLPs, and the possible absorption mechanism by a series of in vitro tests. The relative pharmacological bioavailability of BLPs was up to 11.04% that was as much as 5.28 folds of conventional liposomes (CLPs). The results showed that the enhanced oral absorption of insulin mainly attributed to biotin ligand-mediated endocytosis. The results provided proof of BLPs as effective carriers for oral insulin delivery.
Detection of subtle neurological alterations by the Catwalk XT gait analysis system
Authors: Chen Ying-Ju , Cheng Fu-Chou , Sheu Meei-Ling , Su Hong-Lin , Chen Chun-Jung , Sheehan Jason , Pan Hung-Chuan 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
A new version of the CatWalk XT system was evaluated as a tool for detecting very subtle alteration in gait based on higher speed sample rate; the system could also demonstrate minor changes in neurological function. In this study, we evaluated the neurological outcome of sciatic nerve injury intervened by local injection of hyaluronic acid. Using the CatWalk XT system, we looked for differences between treated and untreated groups and differences within the same group as a function of time so as to assess the power of the Catwalk XT system for detecting subtle neurological change.

Methods
Peripheral nerve injury was induced in 36 Sprague–Dawley rats by crushing the left sciatic nerve using a vessel clamp. The animals were randomized into one of two groups: Group I: crush injury as the control; Group II: crush injury and local application with hyaluronic acid. These animals were subjected to neurobehavior assessment, histomorphology evaluation, and electrophysiology study periodically. These data were retrieved for statistical analysis.

Results
The density of neurofilament and S-100 over the distal end of crushed nerve showed significant differences either in inter-group comparison at various time points or intra-group comparison from 7 to 28 days. Neuronal structure architecture, axon counts, intensity of myelination, electrophysiology, and collagen deposition demonstrate significant differences between the two groups. There was significant difference of SFI and angle of ankle in inter- group analysis from 7 to 28 days, but there were no significant differences in SFI and angle of ankle at time points of 7 and 14 days. In the Cat Walk XT analysis, the intensity, print area, stance duration, and swing duration all showed detectable differences at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days, whereas there were no significant difference at 7 and 14 days with CatWalk 7 testing. In addition, there were no significant differences of step sequence or regularity index between the two versions.

Conclusion
Hyaluronic acid augmented nerve regeneration as early as 7 days after crush injury. This subtle neurological alteration could be detected through the CatWalk XT gait analysis but not the SFI, angle of ankle, or CatWalk 7 methods.
A Simplified Up-Down Method (SUDO) for Measuring Mechanical Nociception in Rodents Using von Frey Filaments
Authors: Bonin Robert P , Bories Cyril , De Koninck Yves 
Published: April 2014

Background: The measurement of mechanosensitivity is a key method for the study of pain in animal models. This is often accomplished with the use of von Frey filaments in an up-down testing paradigm. The up-down method described by Chaplan et al. (J Neurosci Methods 53:55–63, 1994) for mechanosensitivity testing in rodents remains one of the most widely used methods for measuring pain in animals. However, this method results in animals receiving a varying number of stimuli, which may lead to animals in different groups receiving different testing experiences that influences their later responses. To standardize the measurement of mechanosensitivity we developed a simplified up-down method (SUDO) for estimating paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) with von Frey filaments that uses a constant number of five stimuli per test. We further refined the PWT calculation to allow the estimation of PWT directly from the behavioral response to the fifth stimulus, omitting the need for look-up tables. Results: The PWT estimates derived using SUDO strongly correlated (r > 0.96) with the PWT estimates determined with the conventional up-down method of Chaplan et al., and this correlation remained very strong across different levels of tester experience, different experimental conditions, and in tests from both mice and rats. The two testing methods also produced similar PWT estimates in prospective behavioral tests of mice at baseline and after induction of hyperalgesia by intraplantar capsaicin or complete Freund's adjuvant. Conclusion: SUDO thus offers an accurate, fast and user-friendly replacement for the widely used up-down method of Chaplan et al.
TCMSP: a database of systems pharmacology for drug discovery from herbal medicines
Authors: Ru Jinlong , Li Peng , Wang Jinan , Zhou Wei , Li Bohui , Huang Chao , Li Pidong , Guo Zihu , Tao Weiyang , Yang Yinfeng , Xu Xue , Li Yan , Wang Yonghua , Yang Ling 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
Modern medicine often clashes with traditional medicine such as Chinese herbal medicine because of the little understanding of the underlying mechanisms of action of the herbs. In an effort to promote integration of both sides and to accelerate the drug discovery from herbal medicines, an efficient systems pharmacology platform that represents ideal information convergence of pharmacochemistry, ADME properties, drug-likeness, drug targets, associated diseases and interaction networks, are urgently needed.

Description
The traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform (TCMSP) was built based on the framework of systems pharmacology for herbal medicines. It consists of all the 499 Chinese herbs registered in the Chinese pharmacopoeia with 29,384 ingredients, 3,311 targets and 837 associated diseases. Twelve important ADME-related properties like human oral bioavailability, half-life, drug-likeness, Caco-2 permeability, blood-brain barrier and Lipinski’s rule of five are provided for drug screening and evaluation. TCMSP also provides drug targets and diseases of each active compound, which can automatically establish the compound-target and target-disease networks that let users view and analyze the drug action mechanisms. It is designed to fuel the development of herbal medicines and to promote integration of modern medicine and traditional medicine for drug discovery and development.

Conclusions
The particular strengths of TCMSP are the composition of the large number of herbal entries, and the ability to identify drug-target networks and drug-disease networks, which will help revealing the mechanisms of action of Chinese herbs, uncovering the nature of TCM theory and developing new herb-oriented drugs. TCMSP is freely available at http://sm.nwsuaf.edu.cn/lsp/tcmsp.php.
Micro‐patterned surfaces reduce bacterial colonization and biofilm formation in vitro: Potential for enhancing endotracheal tube designs
Authors: May Rhea M , Hoffman Matthew G , Sogo Melinda J , Parker Albert E , O’Toole George A , Brennan Anthony B , Reddy Shravanthi T 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundVentilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP) is a leading hospital acquired infection in intensive care units despite improved patient care practices and advancements in endotracheal tube (ETT) designs. The ETT provides a conduit for bacterial access to the lower respiratory tract and a substratum for biofilm formation, both of which lead to VAP. A novel microscopic ordered surface topography, the Sharklet micro‐pattern, has been shown to decrease surface attachment of numerous microorganisms, and may provide an alternative strategy for VAP prevention if included on the surface of an ETT. To evaluate the feasibility of this micro‐pattern for this application, the microbial range of performance was investigated in addition to biofilm studies with and without a mucin‐rich medium to simulate the tracheal environment in vitro.MethodsThe top five pathogens associated with ETT‐related pneumonia, Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Escherichia coli, were evaluated for attachment to micro‐patterned and un‐patterned silicone surfaces in a short‐term colonization assay. Two key pathogens, MRSA and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, were evaluated for biofilm formation in a nutrient rich broth for four days and minimal media for 24 hours, respectively, on each surface type. P. aeruginosa was further evaluated for biofilm formation on each surface type in a mucin‐modified medium mimicking tracheal mucosal secretions. Results are reported as percent reductions and significance is based on t‐tests and ANOVA models of log reductions. All experiments were replicated at least three times.ResultsMicro‐patterned surfaces demonstrated reductions in microbial colonization for a broad range of species, with up to 99.9% (p < 0.05) reduction compared to un‐patterned controls. Biofilm formation was also reduced, with 67% (p = 0.12) and 52% (p = 0.05) reductions in MRSA and P. aeruginosa biofilm formation, respectively. Further, a 58% (p < 0.01) reduction was demonstrated on micro‐patterned surfaces for P. aeruginosa biofilms under clinically‐simulated conditions when compared to un‐patterned controls.ConclusionsThis engineered micro‐pattern reduces the colonization and biofilm formation of key VAP‐associated pathogens in vitro. Future application of this micro‐pattern on endotracheal tubes may prevent or prolong the onset of VAP without the need for antimicrobial agents.
Interleukin-10 attenuation of collagen-induced arthritis is associated with suppression of interleukin-17 and retinoid-related orphan receptor γt production in macrophages and repression of classically activated macrophages
Authors: Ye Liang , Wen Zhongyang , Li Yanqun , Chen Bingni , Yu Ting , Liu Lanying , Zhang Jinshun , Ma Yanmei , Xiao Shuying , Ding Liping , Li Li , Huang Zhong 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Our objective in the present study was to determine the signaling pathway of interleukin 10 (IL-10) for modulating IL-17 expression in macrophages and the importance of this mediation in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA).

Methods
IL-10-knockout (IL-10−/−) mice and wild-type (WT) mice were immunized with chicken type II collagen (CII) to induce arthritis. The expression levels of IL-17 and retinoid-related orphan receptor γt (RORγt) in macrophages and joint tissues of IL-10−/− and WT mice were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. The F4/80 macrophages and positive IL-17-producing macrophages in synovial tissues of the mice were determined by immunohistochemistry. The populations of classically activated macrophage (M1) and alternatively activated macrophage (M2) phenotypes were analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression of genes associated with M1 and M2 markers was analyzed by qRT-PCR.

Results
Compared to WT mice, IL-10−/− mice had exacerbated CIA development, which was associated with increased production of T helper 17 cell (Th17)/Th1 proinflammatory cytokines and CII-specific immunoglobulin G2a antibody after CII immunization. Macrophages in IL-10−/− mice had increased amounts of IL-17 and RORγt compared with the amounts in WT mice with CIA. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed that the number of IL-17-producing macrophages in synovial tissues was significantly higher in IL-10−/− mice than in WT mice. IL-10 deficiency might promote macrophage polarization toward the proinflammatory M1 phenotype, which contributes to the rheumatoid arthritis inflammation response.

Conclusion
IL-10 inhibits IL-17 and RORγt expression in macrophages and suppresses macrophages toward the proinflammatory M1 phenotype, which is important for the role of IL-10 in mediating the pathogenesis of CIA.
Risk stratification and prognostic performance of the predisposition, infection, response, and organ dysfunction (PIRO) scoring system in septic patients in the emergency department: a cohort study
Authors: Chen Yun-Xia , Li Chun-Sheng 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Introduction
The predisposition, infection, response and organ dysfunction (PIRO) staging system was designed as a stratification tool to deal with the inherent heterogeneity of septic patients. The present study was conducted to assess the performance of PIRO in predicting multiple organ dysfunction (MOD), intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and 28-day mortality in septic patients in the emergency department (ED), and to compare this scoring system with the Mortality in Emergency Department Sepsis (MEDS) and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) scores.

Methods
Consecutive septic patients (n = 680) admitted to the ED of Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital were enrolled. PIRO, MEDS, and APACHE II scores were calculated for each patient on ED arrival. Organ function was reassessed within 3 days of enrollment. All patients were followed up for 28 days. Outcome criteria were the development of MOD within 3 days, ICU admission or death within 28 days after enrollment. The predictive ability of the four components of PIRO was analyzed separately. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and logistic regression analysis were used to assess the prognostic and risk stratification value of the scoring systems.

Results
Organ dysfunction independently predicted ICU admission, MOD, and 28-day mortality, with areas under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.888, 0.851, and 0.816, respectively. The predictive value of predisposition, infection, and response was weaker than that of organ dysfunction. A negative correlation was found between the response component and MOD, as well as mortality. PIRO, MEDS, and APACHE II scores significantly differed between patients who did and did not meet the outcome criteria (P < 0.001). PIRO and APACHE II independently predicted ICU admission and MOD, but MEDS did not. All three systems were independent predictors of 28-day mortality with similar AUC values. The AUC of PIRO was 0.889 for ICU admission, 0.817 for MOD, and 0.744 for 28-day mortality. The AUCs of PIRO were significantly greater than those of APACHE II and MEDS (P < 0.05) in predicting ICU admission and MOD.

Conclusions
The study indicates that PIRO is helpful for risk stratification and prognostic determinations in septic patients in the ED.
Transcriptional dissection of pancreatic tumors engrafted in mice
Authors: Martinez-Garcia Raquel , Juan David , Rausell Antonio , Muñoz Manuel , Baños Natalia , Menéndez Camino , Lopez-Casas Pedro P , Rico Daniel , Valencia Alfonso , Hidalgo Manuel 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Background
Engraftment of primary pancreas ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC) in mice to generate patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models is a promising platform for biological and therapeutic studies in this disease. However, these models are still incompletely characterized. Here, we measured the impact of the murine tumor environment on the gene expression of the engrafted human tumoral cells.

Methods
We have analyzed gene expression profiles from 35 new PDX models and compared them with previously published microarray data of 18 PDX models, 53 primary tumors and 41 cell lines from PDAC. The results obtained in the PDAC system were further compared with public available microarray data from 42 PDX models, 108 primary tumors and 32 cell lines from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We developed a robust analysis protocol to explore the gene expression space. In addition, we completed the analysis with a functional characterization of PDX models, including if changes were caused by murine environment or by serial passing.

Results
Our results showed that PDX models derived from PDAC, or HCC, were clearly different to the cell lines derived from the same cancer tissues. Indeed, PDAC- and HCC-derived cell lines are indistinguishable from each other based on their gene expression profiles. In contrast, the transcriptomes of PDAC and HCC PDX models can be separated into two different groups that share some partial similarity with their corresponding original primary tumors. Our results point to the lack of human stromal involvement in PDXs as a major factor contributing to their differences from the original primary tumors. The main functional differences between pancreatic PDX models and human PDAC are the lower expression of genes involved in pathways related to extracellular matrix and hemostasis and the up- regulation of cell cycle genes. Importantly, most of these differences are detected in the first passages after the tumor engraftment.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that PDX models of PDAC and HCC retain, to some extent, a gene expression memory of the original primary tumors, while this pattern is not detected in conventional cancer cell lines. Expression changes in PDXs are mainly related to pathways reflecting the lack of human infiltrating cells and the adaptation to a new environment. We also provide evidence of the stability of gene expression patterns over subsequent passages, indicating early phases of the adaptation process.