bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Type I interferons impair BDNF‐induced cell signaling and neurotrophic activity in differentiated human SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and mouse primary cortical neurons
Authors: Dedoni Simona , Olianas Maria C. , Ingianni Angela , Onali Pierluigi 
Published: April 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 122, 58–71.AbstractType I interferons (IFNs) have been shown to act on neurons and to cause neuronal damage through mechanisms not completely defined. Here, we investigated the effects of type I IFNs on brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)‐induced TrkB receptor signaling and neurotrophic activity. In retinoic acid‐treated human SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and mouse primary cortical neurons, long‐term exposure to IFNs curtailed BDNF‐induced activation of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase, phospholipase Cγ and extracellular‐regulated kinases 1 and 2 signaling. Moreover, IFN‐β inhibited BDNF‐induced cell survival, neurite outgrowth, and expression of neuronal markers, such as neurofilament proteins, growth‐associated protein‐43 and glutamate α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole propionic acid receptor subunit GluR1. The IFN inhibitory effects were associated with down‐regulation of TrkB and inhibition of TrkB autophosphorylation. In SH‐SY5Y cells, blockade of either Janus kinase with pyridone 6 or signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 1 with siRNA transfection attenuated IFN‐β‐induced TrkB down‐regulation. Quantitative real time RT‐PCR indicated that IFN‐β significantly reduced TrkB mRNA levels. Moreover, blockade of protein kinase R counteracted IFN‐β‐induced inhibition of TrkB expression and signaling. These data indicate that in neuronal cells IFNs negatively regulate BDNF signaling and neurotrophic activity through inhibition of TrkB activation and Janus kinase/Signal transducer and activator of transcription‐dependent down‐regulation of TrkB.
The Cosmopolitan Sahara: Building a Global Islamic Village in Mauritania
Authors: HILL JOSEPH 
Published: April 2012

AbstractMaatamoulana, a predominantly Bedouin village on the edge of the Mauritanian Sahara, was founded as a center of Islamic education and Sufi practice in 1958 and now attracts an increasingly global stream of visitors and new residents. Maatamoulana's emergence as a global Islamic village hinges on the creative mobilization of the village's position on the periphery of multiple, largely distinct cosmopolitan networks. I describe Maatamoulana as a community of hybrid cosmopolitan subjects who participate, among other things, in a global Sufi movement, the larger Islamicumma, and neoliberal development networks. I present two men who play key roles in the village's globalization. The village's shaykh, Al‐Hajj ould Michry, mediates between groups of people who participate in the village in many different capacities. Moulaye ould Khouna directs a non‐religious NGO, Terre Vivante, which effectively channels economic resources, disciples, and social contacts into the village. Internationally funded development projects enhance the village's role as an Islamic center while the village's particularities attract development partners. This cosmopolitan Islamic center thus refracts multiple cosmopolitan networks through its own projects.
Electron distribution in the Galactic disc: results from a non-equilibrium ionization model of the interstellar medium
Authors: de Avillez Miguel A. , Asgekar Ashish , Breitschwerdt Dieter , Spitoni Emanuele 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACT
Using 3D non-equilibrium ionization hydrodynamical simulation of the interstellar medium, we study the electron density, ne, in the Galactic disc and compare it with the values derived from dispersion measures (DMs) towards pulsars with known distances located up to 200 pc on either side of the Galactic mid-plane.
The simulation results, consistent with observations, can be summarized as follows: (i) the DMs in the simulated disc lie between the maximum and minimum observed values; (ii) the log 〈ne〉 derived from lines of sight crossing the simulated disc follows a Gaussian distribution centred at μ=−1.4 with a dispersion σ= 0.21; thus, the Galactic mid-plane 〈ne〉= 0.04 ± 0.01 cm−3; (iii) the highest electron concentration by mass (up to 80 per cent) is in the thermally unstable regime (200 &lt; T &lt; 103.9 K); (iv) the volume occupation fraction of the warm ionized medium is 4.9–6 per cent and (v) the electrons have a clumpy distribution along the lines of sight.
‘Poppets and parcels’: the links between staff experience of work and acutely ill older peoples’ experience of hospital care
Authors: Maben Jill , Adams Mary , Peccei Riccardo , Murrells Trevor , Robert Glenn 
Published: April 2012

maben J., adams M., peccei R., murrells T. & Robert G. (2012)‘Poppets and parcels’: the links between staff experience of work and acutely ill older peoples’ experience of hospital care. International Journal of Older People Nursing7, 83–94  doi: 10.1111/j.1748‐3743.2012.00326.xBackground.  Few empirical studies have directly examined the relationship between staff experiences of providing healthcare and patient experience. Present concerns over the care of older people in UK acute hospitals – and the reported attitudes of staff in such settings – highlight an important area of study.Aims and objectives.  To examine the links between staff experience of work and patient experience of care in a ‘Medicine for Older People’ (MfOP) service in England.Methods.  A mixed methods case study undertaken over 8 months incorporating a 149‐item staff survey (66/192 – 34% response rate), a 48‐item patient survey (26/111 – 23%), 18 staff interviews, 18 patient and carer interviews and 41 hours of non‐participant observation.Results.  Variation in patient experience is significantly influenced by staff work experiences. A high‐demand/low‐control work environment, poor staffing, ward leadership and co‐worker relationships can each add to the inherent difficulties staff face when caring for acutely ill older people. Staff seek to alleviate the impact of such difficulties by finding personal satisfaction from caring for ‘the poppets’; those patients they enjoy caring for and for whom they feel able to ‘make a difference’. Other patients – noting dehumanising aspects of their care – felt like ‘parcels’. Patients are aware of being seen by staff as ‘difficult’ or ‘demanding’ and seek to manage their relationships with nursing staff accordingly.Conclusions.  The work experiences of staff in a MfOP service impacted directly on patient care experience. Poor ward and patient care climates often lead staff to seek job satisfaction through caring for ‘poppets’, leaving less favoured – and often more complex patients – to receive less personalised care.Implications for practice.  Investment in staff well‐being and ward climate is essential for the consistent delivery of high‐quality care for older people in acute settings.
Radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteoma using tissue impedance as a parameter of osteonecrosis
Authors: Al‐Omari Ma'moon H , Ata Khalid J , Al‐Muqbel Kusai M , Mohaidat Ziyad M , Haddad Waleed H , Rousan Liqa A 
Published: April 2012

AbstractIntroduction: The aim of this study is to assess the safety and the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of osteoid osteoma with Soloist monopolar electrode using tissue impedance, rather than temperature, as an indicator of osteonecrosis.Methods: The medical records and imaging studies of 30 patients (males 18, females 12) who underwent RFA of osteoid osteoma at our institution were reviewed. The mean age of the patients was 15.3 years (range 5–34 years) and the mean duration of follow up was 26.9 months (range 3–52 months). The lesions were located in the femur (n = 6, 53%), tibia (n = 8, 27%), hand (n = 3, 10%), foot (n = 2, 6%) and humerus (n = 1, 3%). The procedure was performed with general anaesthesia under CT guidance. The nidus was accessed with 11‐gauge bone biopsy needle and then the stylet was removed and replaced by monopolar 16.5G radiofrequency probe with a 9‐mm active tip through the coaxial axis. Power delivery via the radiofrequency generator was started at 2 W and increased gradually until the end point of 450–500 Ω reached and ‘Roll‐Off’ achieved indicating coagulation necrosis of the target lesion.Results: The procedure was technically successful in all patients. The mean procedure time was 72 min and the mean RFA time was 12.7 min. The clinical success rate was 93%. In one patient, the procedure was abandoned due to immature Roll‐Off despite all measures. In one patient (3%), recurrence occurred 39 months after the procedure. No major complications were encountered. Two minor skin burns occurred that were resolved with conservative measures.Conclusion: RFA of osteoid osteoma using Soloist monopolar electrode is a safe and effective treatment. Tissue impedance could be used as an alternative to temperature to indicate osteonecrosis of osteoid osteoma during RFA.
Measurements of stem xylem hydraulic conductivity in the laboratory and field
Authors: Melcher Peter J. , Michele Holbrook N. , Burns Michael J. , Zwieniecki Maciej A. , Cobb Alexander R. , Brodribb Timothy J. , Choat Brendan , Sack Lawren 
Published: April 2012

Summary1. Xylem hydraulic properties play an essential role in supporting growth and photosynthesis and influence sensitivity to environmental conditions such as drought and freezing. Consequently, stem hydraulic conductance can be used as a comparative measure of overall hydraulic adaptation across species and to assess the impact of environmental variation, especially drought, on water transport.2. We summarize the main methods currently in use for measurements of stem xylem hydraulic properties. Measurements can be accomplished in a number of ways, including using a pipette, an analytic balance or a ‘pressure‐drop’ flow meter. We provide new details on the design of a relatively inexpensive and easily field‐deployable flow meter that is flexible for a variety of applications. The biological challenges associated with these measurements arise from the difficulties of working with diverse living tissues of variable geometry.3. We provide a review of best practices and provide technical guidance, emphasizing measurements on detached samples using portable equipment.
Measurement of magnetic nanoparticle relaxation time
Authors: Weaver John B. , Kuehlert Esra 
Published: April 2012

Purpose:Nanoparticle relaxation time measurements have many applications including characterizing molecular binding, viscosity, heating, and local matrix stiffness. The methods capable ofin vivo application are extremely limited. The hypothesis investigated by the authors was that the relaxation time could be measured quantitatively using magnetic spectroscopy of nanoparticle Brownian motion (MSB).Methods:The MSB signal (1) reflects the nanoparticle rotational Brownian motion, (2) can be measured from very low nanoparticle concentrations, and (3) is a function of the product of the drive frequency and the relaxation time characterizing Brownian motion. To estimate the relaxation time, the MSB signal was measured at several frequencies. The MSB signal for nanoparticles with altered relaxation time is a scaled version of that for reference nanoparticles with a known relaxation time. The scaling factor linking the altered and reference MSB measurements is the same factor linking the altered and reference relaxation times. The method was tested using glycerol solutions of varying viscosities to obtain continuously variable relaxation times.Results:The measured relaxation time increased with increasing viscosity of the solution in which the nanoparticles resided. The MSB estimated relaxation time matched the calculated relaxation times based on viscosity with 2% average error.Conclusions:MSB can be used to monitor the nanoparticle relaxation time quantitatively through a scale space correlation of the MSB signal as a function of frequency.
Stat3 Activation in Urothelial Stem Cells Leads to Direct Progression to Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Ho Philip Levy , Lay Erica Julianne , Jian Weiguo , Parra Diana , Chan Keith Syson 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Two subtypes of human bladder cancer, noninvasive papillary and muscle-invasive cancer, develop through independent pathologic and molecular pathways. Human invasive bladder cancer frequently develops without prior clinical evidence of a noninvasive tumor stage. However, an animal model that recapitulates this unique clinical progression of invasive bladder cancer has not yet been developed. In this study, we created a novel transgenic mouse model of invasive bladder cancer by targeting an active dimerized form of Stat3 to the basal cells of bladder epithelium. When exposed to the carcinogen nitrosamine, Stat3-transgenic mice developed invasive cancer directly from carcinoma in situ (CIS), bypassing the noninvasive papillary tumor stage. Remarkably, invasive bladder cancer driven by active Stat3 was predominantly composed of stem cells, which were characterized by cytokeratin 14 (CK14) staining and enhanced tumor sphere-forming ability. Active Stat3 was also shown to localize to the nucleus of human invasive bladder cancers that were primarily composed of CK14+ stem cells. Together, our findings show that Stat3-induced stem cell expansion plays a critical role in the unique clinical progression of invasive bladder cancer through the CIS pathway. Cancer Res; 72(13); 3135–42. ©2012 AACR.
Immunotherapy of Cancer with 4-1BB
Authors: Vinay Dass S. , Kwon Byoung S. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract4-1BB (CD137), a member of the TNF receptor superfamily, is an activation-induced T-cell costimulatory molecule. Signaling via 4-1BB upregulates survival genes, enhances cell division, induces cytokine production, and prevents activation-induced cell death in T cells. The importance of the 4-1BB pathway has been underscored in a number of diseases, including cancer. Growing evidence indicates that anti-4-1BB monoclonal antibodies possess strong antitumor properties, which in turn are the result of their powerful CD8+ T-cell activating, IFN-γ producing, and cytolytic marker–inducing capabilities. In addition, combination therapy of anti-4-1BB with other anticancer agents, such as radiation, has robust tumor-regressing abilities against nonimmunogenic or poorly immunogenic tumors. Furthermore, the adoptive transfer of ex vivo anti-4-1BB–activated CD8+ T cells from previously tumor-treated animals efficiently inhibits progression of tumors in recipient mice that have been inoculated with fresh tumors. In addition, targeting of tumors with variants of 4-1BBL directed against 4-1BB also have potent antitumor effects. Currently, a humanized anti-4-1BB is in clinical trials in patients with solid tumors, including melanoma, renal carcinoma, and ovarian cancer, and so far seems to have a favorable toxicity profile. In this review, we discuss the basis of the therapeutic potential of targeting the 4-1BB–4-1BBL pathway in cancer treatment. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(5); 1062–70. ©2012 AACR.
Benefits of multi-sports physical education in the elementary school context
Authors: Pesce Caterina , Faigenbaum Avery , Crova Claudia , Marchetti Rosalba , Bellucci Mario 
Published: April 2012

Objective: In many countries, physical education (PE) is taught by classroom teachers (generalists) during the formative years of elementary school. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physical and psychological outcomes of multi-sports PE taught by qualified PE teachers (specialists) and how they contribute to children’s physical and mental health development. Design: Experimental study with non-random assignment. Setting: Four elementary schools in Italy (Rome) stratified by urban district. Method: One hundred and twenty-five upper elementary school children (10-11 years) were assigned to an eight month multi-sports or traditional PE programme taught by a PE specialist or a generalist, respectively. Pre- and post-intervention tests assessed children’s fitness (aerobic fitness, abdominal strength and endurance, and hamstring flexibility) and coordination (kinesthetic discrimination ability, response orientation ability), goal (task and ego) orientation, perceived physical ability and social self-efficacy. Multivariate and univariate analyses of variance were performed on physical and psychological test measures. Results: The results demonstrated that the multi-sports approach to PE induced more pronounced improvements in aerobic fitness and kinesthetic discrimination ability, as well as small but significant improvements in task orientation, ego orientation and social self-efficacy, when compared to traditional PE taught by a generalist. Conclusions: A multi-sports approach to elementary school PE contributes to the development of children’s physical fitness and goal orientations, which support engagement in physical activity. These findings highlight the role of qualified PE specialists and multi-sport, skill-based curricula to obtain positive physical and psychological outcomes that may facilitate the development of a healthy child.
Psychometric properties of a revised version of the Visual Analog Mood Scales
Authors: Kontou E , Thomas SA , Lincoln NB 
Published: April 2012

Objective: To assess the internal consistency, validity and factor structure of a revised version of the Visual Analog Mood Scales (VAMS-R) in healthy older adults and aphasic stroke patients. Design: Cross-sectional study. Participants: Fifty healthy older people and 71 aphasic stroke patients. Setting: Community and hospital. Measures: The healthy participants were asked to complete the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the VAMS-R. The aphasic stroke patients completed the VAMS-R and Visual Analogue Self Esteem Scale (VASES) and the Stroke Aphasic Depression Questionnaire 21 (SADQH-21) was completed by a nurse or carer. Results: The internal consistency of the scale was high (healthy adults alpha 0.74, aphasic stroke patients alpha 0.80). The VAMS-R correlated significantly with the HADS in healthy participants (HADS Anxiety rs = 0.59, P < 0.001, HADS Depression rs = 0.49, P = 0.001) and the VASES ( rs = −0.69, P < 0.001) and SADQH-21 ( rs = 0.43, P = 0.001) in stroke patients. Exploratory factor analysis identified three factors in the scale: negative mood states, energy levels and happiness. The three factors accounted 73% of the variance in healthy participants and 70% of the variance in aphasic stroke patients. Conclusions: The VAMS-R showed better psychometric properties than the original VAMS. Reversing the happy and energetic items improved the ability of the scale to assess mood states.
Uncoupling protein 2 gene polymorphisms are associated with obesity
Authors: Oktavianthi Sukma , Trimarsanto Hidayat , Febinia Clarissa A , Suastika Ketut , Saraswati Made R , Dwipayana Pande , Arindrarto Wibowo , Sudoyo Herawati , Malik Safarina G 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) gene polymorphisms have been reported as genetic risk factors for obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We examined the association of commonly observed UCP2 G(−866)A (rs659366) and Ala55Val (C > T) (rs660339) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with obesity, high fasting plasma glucose, and serum lipids in a Balinese population.

Methods
A total of 603 participants (278 urban and 325 rural subjects) were recruited from Bali Island, Indonesia. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) were measured. Obesity was determined based on WHO classifications for adult Asians. Participants were genotyped for G(−866)A and Ala55Val polymorphisms of the UCP2 gene.

Results
Obesity prevalence was higher in urban subjects (51%) as compared to rural subjects (23%). The genotype, minor allele (MAF), and heterozygosity frequencies were similar between urban and rural subjects for both SNPs. All genotype frequencies were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. A combined analysis of genotypes and environment revealed that the urban subjects carrying the A/A genotype of the G(−866)A SNP have higher BMI than the rural subjects with the same genotype. Since the two SNPs showed strong linkage disequilibrium (D’ = 0.946, r2 = 0.657), a haplotype analysis was performed. We found that the AT haplotype was associated with high BMI only when the urban environment was taken into account.

Conclusions
We have demonstrated the importance of environmental settings in studying the influence of the common UCP2 gene polymorphisms in the development of obesity in a Balinese population.
Survey for asymptomatic malaria cases in low transmission settings of Iran under elimination programme
Authors: Zoghi Samaneh , Mehrizi Akram A , Raeisi Ahmad , Haghdoost Ali A , Turki Habibollah , Safari Reza , Kahanali Asadallah Ahmadi , Zakeri Sedigheh 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
In malaria endemic areas, continuous exposure to Plasmodium parasites leads to asymptomatic carriers that provide a fundamental reservoir of parasites, contributing to the persistence of malaria transmission. Therefore, in the present investigation, the presence and prevalence of malaria asymptomatic cases were determined to evaluate the reservoir of infection in two malaria endemic areas with a previous history of malaria transmission in the south of Iran, Bashagard and Ghale-Ganj districts of Hormozgan and Kerman provinces, respectively, where malaria transmission has been drastically reduced in the recent years.

Methods
The population samples (n=500 from each of the studied areas) were randomly collected from non-febrile, long-term residing, aged two to over 60years, during 20092010. Three identical surveys were carried out in both study areas and in each phase all the consent participants were interviewed and clinically examined. In all, three surveys to detect hidden parasite reservoirs (both Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax), thick and thin blood smears and a highly sensitive nested-PCR were applied. In addition, the sero-prevalence survey for detecting malaria exposure was done by using a serological marker.

Results
In this study, P. vivax and P. falciparum parasites were not detected by light microscopy and nested-PCR assay in all three surveys of samples. Antibody responses against P. vivax and P. falciparum were detected in 1 % and 0.2 % of the total examined individuals, respectively, in Bashagard district. Regarding to Ghale-Ganj district, about 0.9% of the individuals had IgG -specific antibody to P. vivax at the first and second surveys, but at the third survey 0.45% of the participants had positive antibody to P. vivax parasite. IgG -specific antibody to P. falciparum was detected in 0.2% of the participants at the first and follow-up surveys. The overall regional differences were not statistically significant (P>0.05).

Conclusion
Taken together, the lack of asymptomatic carrier with the evidence of extremely low sero-positive to both P. vivax and P. falciparum among examined individuals supported the limited recent transmission in the studied areas and, therefore, these parts of Iran have potential to eliminate the disease in the next few years. However, continued follow up and action are still needed in both studied areas and also in their neighbouring province, Sistan and Baluchistan, which has the highest reported cases of malaria in Iran and also, has the largest border line with Afghanistan and Pakistan, with no elimination activities. This data will provide useful information for managing elimination activities in Iran.