bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Suicidal expressions among young people in Nicaragua and Cambodia: a cross-cultural study
Authors: Medina Claudia Obando , Jegannathan Bhoomikumar , Dahlblom Kjerstin , Kullgren Gunnar 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
Whereas prevalence of suicidal expressions among young people is fairly similar in different countries, less is known about associated risk factors. This study compares young people in Nicaragua and Cambodia to examine if the pattern of association between mental health problems and suicidal expressions differs.

Methods
368 and 316 secondary school students, from each country respectively, participated. Self-reported suicidal expressions, exposure to suicidal behavior in significant others and mental health problems among the students were measured using Attitude Towards Suicide (ATTS) and the Youth Self-Report (YSR) questionnaires.

Results
Prevalence of serious suicidal expressions (plans and attempts) during recent year, did not differ between countries. Cambodian young people scored significantly higher on all eight YSR-syndromes, except for withdrawn/depressed. In Nicaragua, all YSR-syndromes were significantly associated with serious suicidal expressions in both genders compared to Cambodia where only one syndrome showed an association in each gender; Withdrawn/depressed among girls and Somatic complaints among boys. Associations between being exposed to suicide among significant others and serious suicidal expressions also differed between Cambodia and Nicaragua.

Conclusions
While the magnitude of serious suicidal expressions is similar between these structurally similar but culturally different countries, determinants behave differently. Qualitative studies are warranted to further explore cultural specific determinants for suicidal expressions among young people.
Improved negative selection protocol for Plasmodium berghei in the rodent malarial model
Authors: Orr Rachael Y , Philip Nisha , Waters Andrew P 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
An improved methodology is presented here for transgenic Plasmodium berghei lines that express the negative selectable marker yFCU (a bifunctional protein that combines yeast cytosine deaminase and uridyl phosphoribosyl transferase (UPRT)) and substitutes delivery of selection drug 5-fluorocytosine (5FC) by intraperitoneal injection for administration via the drinking water of the mice. The improved methodology is shown to be as effective, less labour-intensive, reduces animal handling and animal numbers required for successful selection thereby contributing to two of the "three Rs" of animal experimentation, namely refinement and reduction.
Comparative proteomic analysis of early salt stress-responsive proteins in roots of SnRK2 transgenic rice
Authors: Nam Myung Hee , Huh Sun Mi , Kim Kyung Mi , Park Woong Woong , Seo Jong Bok , Cho Kun , Kim Dool Yi , Kim Beom Gi , Yoon In In 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
The rice roots are highly salt-sensitive organ and primary root growth is rapidly suppressed by salt stress. Sucrose nonfermenting 1-related protein kinase2 (SnRK2) family is one of the key regulator of hyper-osmotic stress signalling in various plant cells. To understand early salt response of rice roots and identify SnRK2 signaling components, proteome changes of transgenic rice roots over-expressing OSRK1, a rice SnRK2 kinase were investigated.

Results
Proteomes were analyzed by two-dimensional electrophoresis and protein spots were identified by LC-MS/MS from wild type and OSRK1 transgenic rice roots exposed to 150 mM NaCl for either 3 h or 7 h. Fifty two early salt -responsive protein spots were identified from wild type rice roots. The major up-regulated proteins were enzymes related to energy regulation, amino acid metabolism, methylglyoxal detoxification, redox regulation and protein turnover. It is noted that enzymes known to be involved in GA-induced root growth such as fructose bisphosphate aldolase and methylmalonate semialdehyde dehydrogenase were clearly down-regulated. In contrast to wild type rice roots, only a few proteins were changed by salt stress in OSRK1 transgenic rice roots. A comparative quantitative analysis of the proteome level indicated that forty three early salt-responsive proteins were magnified in transgenic rice roots at unstressed condition. These proteins contain single or multiple potential SnRK2 recognition motives. In vitro kinase assay revealed that one of the identified proteome, calreticulin is a good substrate of OSRK1.

Conclusions
Our present data implicate that rice roots rapidly changed broad spectrum of energy metabolism upon challenging salt stress, and suppression of GA signaling by salt stress may be responsible for the rapid arrest of root growth and development. The broad spectrum of functional categories of proteins affected by over-expression of OSRK1 indicates that OSRK1 is an upstream regulator of stress signaling in rice roots. Enzymes involved in glycolysis, branched amino acid catabolism, dnaK-type molecular chaperone, calcium binding protein, Sal T and glyoxalase are potential targets of OSRK1 in rice roots under salt stress that need to be further investigated.
Prognostic value of RKIP and p-ERK in gastric cancer
Authors: Fujimori Yoshitaka , Inokuchi Mikito , Takagi Yoko , Kato Keiji , Kojima Kazuyuki , Sugihara Kenichi 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway participates in several steps of tumour development and is considered a prominent therapeutic target for the design of chemotherapeutic agents. We evaluated the expressions of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK), an upstream regulator of ERK, and Raf kinase inhibitor protein (RKIP), and investigated correlations of these expressions with clinicopathological features and outcomes in gastric cancer.

Methods
Tumour samples were obtained from 105 patients with gastric adenocarcinomas who underwent radical gastrectomy. The expressions of phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK), phosphorylated MEK (p-MEK), and RKIP were analysed by immunohistochemical staining.

Results
Expression of RKIP, p-MEK, and p-ERK was found in 69 (66%), 54 (51%), and 64 (61%) of all tumours, respectively. RKIP expression negatively correlated with the depth of invasion (p < 0.001), lymph node involvement (p = 0.028), and Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) stage (p = 0.007). RKIP expression was associated with significantly longer relapse-free survival (RFS) (p = 0.0033), whereas p-MEK was not (p = 0.79). Patients with p-ERK expression had slightly, but not significantly shorter RFS than those without such expression (p = 0.054). Patients with positive p-ERK and negative RKIP expression had significantly shorter RFS than the other patients (p < 0.001). The combination of RKIP and p-ERK expression was an independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio, 2.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.3 - 4.6; p = 0.008).

Conclusions
Our results demonstrated that loss of RKIP was associated with tumour progression and poor survival. Negative RKIP expression combined with positive p-ERK expression was an independent predictor of poor outcomes in patients with gastric cancer.
BlyS is up-regulated by hypoxia and promotes migration of human breast cancer cells
Authors: Zhu Jing , Sun Li , Lin Sensen , Zhao Renping , Zhou Liqiang , Fang Dongdong , Chen Liang , Liu Jin , Shi Wenting , Zhang Luyong , Yuan Shengtao 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
The role of B Lymphocyte Stimulator (BLyS) in the survival of malignant B cells and the maintenance of normal B cell development and homeostasis has been intensively studied in the literature. However, the influence of BLyS on breast cancer progression remains unclear. The study aimed to investigate the effect of hypoxia on BLyS regulation, cell migratory response to BLyS and the possible molecular mechanisms.

Methods
In this study, we examined the role of BLyS in the migration of human breast cancer cells by transwell assay. We also explored whether BLyS and its receptors expressed in human breast cancer cell lines by immunofluorescence and Western Blotting. Then we detected the expression level of BLyS in both normoxic and hypoxic conditions by real time-PCR and Western Blotting. Pathways involved were confirmed by Western Blotting, immunofluorescence, transwell assay and luciferase assay.

Results
According to our study, the expression level of BlyS was increased in human breast cancer cell lines in hypoxic conditions. Up-regulation of this protein led to activation and nuclear translocation of NF-kappa B p65. We also found that the number of migrated cells was increased in the presence of BLyS and inhibition of phosphorylation of Akt attenuated the enhanced migratory response.

Conclusions
It suggested that better understanding of BLyS, an immunopotentiator, may offer a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of human breast cancers. In addition, BLyS promoted breast cancer cells migration, underscoring the necessity of appropriate applications of immunopotentiators to cancer treatment.
N-cadherin-mediated cell–cell adhesion promotes cell migration in a three-dimensional matrix
Authors: Shih Wenting , Yamada Soichiro 
Published: March 2012

Summary
Cancer cells that originate from epithelial tissues typically lose epithelial specific cell–cell junctions, but these transformed cells are not devoid of cell–cell adhesion proteins. Using hepatocyte-growth-factor-treated MDCK cells that underwent a complete epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, we analyzed cell–cell adhesion between these highly invasive transformed epithelial cells in a three-dimensional (3D) collagen matrix. In a 3D matrix, these transformed cells formed elongated multicellular chains, and migrated faster and more persistently than single cells in isolation. In addition, the cell clusters were enriched with stress-fiber-like actin bundles that provided contractile forces. N-cadherin-knockdown cells failed to form cell–cell junctions or migrate, and the expression of the N-cadherin cytoplasmic or extracellular domain partially rescued the knockdown phenotype. By contrast, the expression of N-cadherin–α-catenin chimera rescued the knockdown phenotype, but individual cells within the cell clusters were less mobile. Together, our findings suggest that a dynamic N-cadherin and actin linkage is required for efficient 3D collective migration.
Characterization of Organic Aggregates Formed by Heating Products of Simulated Primitive Earth Atmosphere Experiments
Authors: Kurihara Hironari , Yabuta Hikaru , Kaneko Takeo , Obayashi Yumiko , Takano Yoshinori , Kobayashi Kensei 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
We observed formation of organic aggregates from a solution of complex organics which were abiotically synthesized from a simulated primitive earth atmosphere with high-energy protons. The structure of the complex organics was partly altered under hydrothermal conditions to form organic aggregates. The aggregates possessed properties of combined amino acids, which had high tolerance against heating. Formation of this kind of organic aggregates might have been an important step in the chemical evolution leading to the origin of life.
Phase II Study of Bevacizumab in Combination with Trastuzumab and Capecitabine as First-Line Treatment for HER-2-positive Locally Recurrent or Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Martín Miguel , Makhson Anatoly , Gligorov Joseph , Lichinitser Mikhail , Lluch Ana , Semiglazov Vladimir , Scotto Nana , Mitchell Lada , Tjulandin Sergei 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
We report the first results from a phase II, open-label study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab in combination with trastuzumab and capecitabine as first-line therapy for human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)-2-positive locally recurrent (LR) or metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Patients were aged ≥18 years with confirmed breast adenocarcinoma, measurable LR/MBC and documented HER-2-positive disease. Patients received bevacizumab (15 mg/kg on day 1) plus trastuzumab (8 mg/kg on day 1 of cycle 1, 6 mg/kg on day 1 of each subsequent cycle) plus capecitabine (1,000 mg/m2 twice daily, days 1–14) every 3 weeks until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or consent withdrawal. Eighty-eight patients were enrolled; 40 (46%) are still on study treatment. The median follow-up was 8.8 months (range, 0.9–17.1 months). The overall response rate, the primary endpoint, was 73% (95% confidence interval [CI], 62%–82%), comprising 7% complete and 66% partial responses. The median progression-free survival interval was 14.4 months (95% CI, 10.4 months to not reached [NR]), with 35 events. The median time to progression was 14.5 months (95% CI, 10.5 months to NR), with 33 events. Treatment was well tolerated; main side effects were grade 3 hand–foot syndrome (22%), grade ≥3 diarrhea (9%), and grade ≥3 hypertension (7%). Overall, 44% of patients experienced grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events and 13 patients discontinued capecitabine because of toxicity, but continued with bevacizumab and trastuzumab. Heart failure was seen in two patients. The combination of bevacizumab, trastuzumab, and capecitabine was clinically active as first-line therapy for patients with HER-2-positive MBC, with an acceptable safety profile and no unexpected toxicities.
Should Repurchase Transactions be Accounted for as Sales or Loans?
Authors: Chircop Justin , Kiosse Paraskevi Vicky , Peasnell Ken 
Published: March 2012

SYNOPSIS:
In this paper, we discuss the accounting for repurchase transactions, drawing on how repurchase agreements are characterized under U.S. bankruptcy law, and in light of the recent developments in the U.S. repo market. We conclude that the current accounting rules, which require the recording of most such transactions as collateralized loans, can give rise to opaqueness in a firm's financial statements because they incorrectly characterize the economic substance of repurchase agreements. Accounting for repurchase transactions as sales and the concurrent recognition of a forward, as “Repo 105” transactions were accounted for by Lehman Brothers, has furthermore overlooked merits. In particular, such a method provides a more comprehensive and transparent picture of the economic substance of such transactions.
JEL Classifications: M41; G21; G38.
Data Availability: Data are available from the public sources identified in the paper.
Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Pain, Pain Sensitivity, and Function in People With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Vance Carol Grace T. , Rakel Barbara A. , Blodgett Nicole P. , DeSantana Josimari Melo , Amendola Annunziato , Zimmerman Miriam Bridget , Walsh Deirdre M. , Sluka Kathleen A. 
Published: March 2012

BackgroundTranscutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is commonly used for the management of pain; however, its effects on several pain and function measures are unclear.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the effects of high-frequency TENS (HF-TENS) and low-frequency TENS (LF-TENS) on several outcome measures (pain at rest, movement-evoked pain, and pain sensitivity) in people with knee osteoarthritis.DesignThe study was a double-blind, randomized clinical trial.SettingThe setting was a tertiary care center.ParticipantsSeventy-five participants with knee osteoarthritis (29 men and 46 women; 31–94 years of age) were assessed.InterventionParticipants were randomly assigned to receive HF-TENS (100 Hz) (n=25), LF-TENS (4 Hz) (n=25), or placebo TENS (n=25) (pulse duration=100 microseconds; intensity=10% below motor threshold).MeasurementsThe following measures were assessed before and after a single TENS treatment: cutaneous mechanical pain threshold, pressure pain threshold (PPT), heat pain threshold, heat temporal summation, Timed “Up & Go” Test (TUG), and pain intensity at rest and during the TUG. A linear mixed-model analysis of variance was used to compare differences before and after TENS and among groups (HF-TENS, LF-TENS, and placebo TENS).ResultsCompared with placebo TENS, HF-TENS and LF-TENS increased PPT at the knee; HF-TENS also increased PPT over the tibialis anterior muscle. There was no effect on the cutaneous mechanical pain threshold, heat pain threshold, or heat temporal summation. Pain at rest and during the TUG was significantly reduced by HF-TENS, LF-TENS, and placebo TENS.LimitationsThis study tested only a single TENS treatment.ConclusionsBoth HF-TENS and LF-TENS increased PPT in people with knee osteoarthritis; placebo TENS had no significant effect on PPT. Cutaneous pain measures were unaffected by TENS. Subjective pain ratings at rest and during movement were similarly reduced by active TENS and placebo TENS, suggesting a strong placebo component of the effect of TENS.
Du marché unique à la monnaie unique LEA : une formation pratique
Authors: Clauzure Émilie 
Published: March 2012

L’auteur se propose, à travers l’étude des mémoires et des stages de maîtrise, obligatoires pour l’obtention du diplôme, de tester la visibilité de la formation pratique, appliquée, proposée par LEA. L’étude sera menée à partir des travaux des vingt dernières années, de 1978, première promotion de maîtrise, jusqu’à 1997, dernière année en date. Elle visera à mettre en évidence la ventilation selon les champs culturel, social, économique, politique... des différents sujets ; le poids des différentes langues ; l’incidence des liens avec les établissements universitaires étrangers. Les éléments ainsi réunis seront contrastés avec l’objectif déclaré de la filière LEA, dans son habilitation puis dans les modifications qu’elle y a apportées au fil de deux décennies.
Colonic Epithelial Cells Express Specific Ligands for Mucosal Macrophage Immunosuppressive Receptors Siglec-7 and -9
Authors: Miyazaki Keiko , Sakuma Keiichiro , Kawamura Yuki I. , Izawa Mineko , Ohmori Katsuyuki , Mitsuki Motoaki , Yamaji Toshiyuki , Hashimoto Yasuhiro , Suzuki Akemi , Saito Yukio , Dohi Taeko , Kannagi Reiji 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Immune cells are known to express specific recognition molecules for cell surface glycans. However, mechanisms involved in glycan-mediated cell–cell interactions in mucosal immunity have largely been left unaccounted for. We found that several glycans preferentially expressed in nonmalignant colonic epithelial cells serve as ligands for sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectins (siglecs), the immunosuppressive carbohydrate-recognition receptors carried by immune cells. The siglec ligand glycans in normal colonic epithelial cells included disialyl Lewisa, which was found to have binding activity to both siglec-7 and -9, and sialyl 6-sulfo Lewisx, which exhibited significant binding to siglec-7. Expression of these siglec-7/-9 ligands was impaired upon carcinogenesis, and they were replaced by cancer-associated glycans sialyl Lewisa and sialyl Lewisx, which have no siglec ligand activity. When we characterized immune cells expressing siglecs in colonic lamina propriae by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, the majority of colonic stromal immune cells expressing siglec-7/-9 turned out to be resident macrophages characterized by low expression of CD14/CD89 and high expression of CD68/CD163. A minor subpopulation of CD8+ T lymphocytes also expressed siglec-7/-9. Siglec-7/-9 ligation suppressed LPS-induced cyclooxygenase-2 expression and PGE2 production by macrophages. These results suggest that normal glycans of epithelial cells exert a suppressive effect on cyclooxygenase-2 expression by resident macrophages, thus maintaining immunological homeostasis in colonic mucosal membranes. Our results also imply that loss of immunosuppressive glycans by impaired glycosylation during colonic carcinogenesis enhances inflammatory mediator production.
Cutting Edge: Inhibition of IL-6 Trans-Signaling Protects from Malaria-Induced Lethality in Mice
Authors: Wunderlich Claudia M. , Delić Denis , Behnke Kristina , Meryk Andreas , Ströhle Peter , Chaurasia Bhagirath , Al-Quraishy Saleh , Wunderlich Frank , Brüning Jens C. , Wunderlich F. Thomas 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Circulating IL-6 levels correlate with the severity of blood-stage malaria in humans and mouse models, but the impact of IL-6 classic signaling through membrane IL-6Rα, as well as IL-6 trans-signaling through soluble IL-6Rα, on the outcome of malaria has remained unknown. In this study, we created IL-6Rα–deficient mice that exhibit a 50% survival of otherwise lethal blood-stage malaria of the genus Plasmodium chabaudi. Inducing IL-6 trans-signaling by injection of mouse recombinant soluble IL-6Rα in IL-6Rα–deficient mice restores the lethal outcome to malaria infection. In contrast, inhibition of IL-6 trans-signaling via injection of recombinant sGP130Fc protein in control mice results in a 40% survival rate. Our data demonstrate that IL-6 trans-signaling, rather than classic IL-6 signaling, contributes to malaria-induced lethality in mice, preceded by an increased inflammatory response. Therefore, inhibition of IL-6 trans-signaling may serve as a novel promising therapeutic basis to combat malaria.
Depletion of Invariant NKT Cells Reduces Inflammation-Induced Preterm Delivery in Mice
Authors: Li Li-Ping , Fang Yi-Chuan , Dong Guo-Fa , Lin Yi , Saito Shigeru 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThis study sought to determine whether invariant NKT (iNKT) cells play an essential role in inflammation-induced preterm delivery. Preterm delivery and fetal death rates were determined in wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 mice and iNKT cell-deficient Jα18−/− mice injected i.p. with LPS. The percentages of decidual immune cells, including activated subsets, and costimulatory molecule expression were analyzed by flow cytometry. Th1 and Th2 cytokine production in the culture supernatants of decidual mononuclear cells was measured by ELISA. To some extent, Jα18−/− mice were resistant to LPS-induced preterm delivery. The proportions of decidual CD3+ and CD49b+ cells were slightly lower in Jα18−/− mice than in WT Jα18+/+ mice, whereas almost no CD3+CD49b+ cells could be found in Jα18-null mice. The percentages of activated decidual DCs, T cells, and NK cells were significantly lower in LPS-treated Jα18−/− mice than in WT mice. The CD40, CD80, and CD86 expression levels on decidual CD11c+ cells from Jα18−/− mice were also significantly lower than in WT mice. Mean concentrations of Th1 cytokines IFN-γ and IL-12p70 in the culture supernatants of decidual mononuclear cells from LPS-treated Jα18−/− mice were apparently lower than those of LPS-induced WT mice. Additionally, the proportions of activated CD11c+ cells, CD3+ cells, and CD49b+ cells in LPS-induced preterm delivery mice were strikingly higher in both WT and null mice when compared with the control PBS group and LPS-injected but normally delivered mice. Our results suggest that iNKT cells may play an essential role in inflammation-induced preterm birth.