bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of magnolol on UVB-induced skin cancer development in mice and its possible mechanism of action
Authors: Chilampalli Chandeshwari , Guillermo Ruth , Zhang Xiaoying , Kaushik Radhey S , Young Alan , Zeman David , Hildreth Michael B , Fahmy Hesham , Dwivedi Chandradhar 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
Magnolol, a plant lignan isolated from the bark and seed cones of Magnolia officinalis, has been shown to have chemopreventive effects on chemically-induced skin cancer development. The objectives of this investigation are to study the anticarcinogenic effects of magnolol on UVB-induced skin tumor development in SKH-1 mice, a model relevant to humans, and determine the possible role of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest involved in the skin tumor development.

Methods
UVB-induced skin carcinogenesis model in SKH-1 mice was used for determining the preventive effects of magnolol on skin cancer development. Western blottings and flow cytometric analysis were used to study the effects of magnolol on apoptosis and cell cycle.

Results
Magnolol pretreated groups (30, 60 μ g) before UVB treatments (30 mJ/cm2, 5 days/week) resulted in 27-55% reduction in tumor multiplicity as compared to control group in SKH-1 mice. Magnolol pretreatment increased the cleavage of caspase-8 and poly-(-ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), increased the expression of p21, a cell cycle inhibitor, and decreased the expression of proteins involved in the G2/M phase of cell cycle in skin samples from SKH-1 mice.
Treatment of A431 cells with magnolol decreased cell viability and cell proliferation in a concentration dependent manner. Magnolol induced G2/M phase cell cycle arrest in A431 cells at 12 h with a decreased expression of cell cycle proteins such as cyclin B1, cyclin A, CDK4, Cdc2 and simultaneous increase in the expression of Cip/p21, a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor. Magnolol induced apoptosis in vivo and in vitro with an increased cleavage of caspase-8 and PARP. Phospho-signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (Tyr705), B-Raf, p-MEK, and p-AKT were down-regulated, whereas phosphorylation of ERK was induced by magnolol in A431 cells.

Conclusions
Magnolol pretreatments prevent UVB-induced skin cancer development by enhancing apoptosis, causing cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase, and affecting various signaling pathways. Magnolol could be a potentially safe and potent anticarcinogenic agent against skin cancer.
Rotavirus nonstructural protein 1 antagonizes innate immune response by interacting with retinoic acid inducible gene I
Authors: Qin Lan , Ren Lili , Zhou Zhuo , Lei Xiaobo , Chen Lan , Xue Qinghua , Liu Xinlei , Wang Jianwei , Hung Tao 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
The nonstructural protein 1 (NSP1) of rotavirus has been reported to block interferon (IFN) signaling by mediating proteasome-dependent degradation of IFN-regulatory factors (IRFs) and (or) the β-transducin repeat containing protein (β-TrCP). However, in addition to these targets, NSP1 may subvert innate immune responses via other mechanisms.

Results
The NSP1 of rotavirus OSU strain as well as the IRF3 binding domain truncated NSP1 of rotavirus SA11 strain are unable to degrade IRFs, but can still inhibit host IFN response, indicating that NSP1 may target alternative host factor(s) other than IRFs. Overexpression of NSP1 can block IFN-β promoter activation induced by the retinoic acid inducible gene I (RIG-I), but does not inhibit IFN-β activation induced by the mitochondrial antiviral-signaling protein (MAVS), indicating that NSP1 may target RIG-I. Immunoprecipitation experiments show that NSP1 interacts with RIG-I independent of IRF3 binding domain. In addition, NSP1 induces down-regulation of RIG-I in a proteasome-independent way.

Conclusions
Our findings demonstrate that inhibition of RIG-I mediated type I IFN responses by NSP1 may contribute to the immune evasion of rotavirus.
Ethnic differences in use values and use patterns of Parkia biglobosa in Northern Benin
Authors: Koura Kourouma , Ganglo Jean C , Assogbadjo Achille E , Agbangla Clément 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Background
African locust bean tree (Parkia biglobosa) is a multipurpose species used widely in arid Africa by local communities. The present study focused on ethnic differences in use values and use patterns of P. biglobosa in Northern Benin, where the species widely grows. The use values according to the various ethnic groups in the study area have been evaluated in detail for P. biglobosa.

Methods
From 13 ethnic groups, 1587 people were interviewed in the study area using semi-structured questionnaires. Principal Component Analysis was applied to analyze the use value and the use patterns of P. biglobosa for the different ethnic groups.

Results
All interviewees in the study area knew at least one use of P. biglobosa. The various uses identified were medicinal (47%), handicraft and domestic (3%), medico-magic (1%), veterinary (1%), cultural (1%), food (25%) and commercial (22%). The various parts involved in these types of uses were: fruits [shell (2%), pulp (22%) and seeds (36%)], bark (17%), leaves (9%), roots (3%), flowers (1%) and branches (10%). The ethnic group consensus values for P. biglobosa parts showed that the seeds are used the most. The interviewees diversity value (ID) and equitability value (IE) indicated that knowledge concerning P. biglobosa use was distributed homogeneously among the ethnic groups.

Conclusions
P. biglobosa is well-known and used in different ways by the local populations in the study area. Local knowledge on the species is diversified and influenced by ethnic group. Ethnic differences in use values and use patterns of the species were evident in this study.
Decreased CXCR1 and CXCR2 expression on neutrophils in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody-associated vasculitides potentially increases neutrophil adhesion and impairs migration
Authors: Hu Nan , Westra Johanna , Rutgers Abraham , Doornbos-Van der Meer Berber , Huitema Minke G , Stegeman Coen A , Abdulahad Wayel H , Satchell Simon C , Mathieson Peter W , Heeringa Peter , M Kallenberg Cees G 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Introduction
In anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides (AAV), persistent inflammation within the vessel wall suggests perturbed neutrophil trafficking leading to accumulation of activated neutrophils in the microvascular compartment. CXCR1 and CXCR2, being major chemokine receptors on neutrophils, are largely responsible for neutrophil recruitment. We speculate that down-regulated expression of CXCR1/2 retains neutrophils within the vessel wall and, consequently, leads to vessel damage.

Methods
Membrane expression of CXCR1/2 on neutrophils was assessed by flow cytometry. Serum levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), angiopoietin 1 and angiopoietin 2 from quiescent and active AAV patients and healthy controls (HC) were quantified by ELISA. Adhesion and transendothelial migration of isolated neutrophils were analyzed using adhesion assays and Transwell systems, respectively.

Results
Expression of CXCR1 and CXCR2 on neutrophils was significantly decreased in AAV patients compared to HC. Levels of IL-8, which, as TNFα, dose-dependently down-regulated CXCR1 and CXCR2 expression on neutrophils in vitro, were significantly increased in the serum of patients with active AAV and correlated negatively with CXCR1/CXCR2 expression on neutrophils, even in quiescent patients. Blocking CXCR1 and CXCR2 with repertaxin increased neutrophil adhesion and inhibited migration through a glomerular endothelial cell layer.

Conclusions
Expression of CXCR1 and CXCR2 is decreased in AAV, potentially induced by circulating proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-8. Down-regulation of these chemokine receptors could increase neutrophil adhesion and impair its migration through the glomerular endothelium, contributing to neutrophil accumulation and, in concert with ANCA, persistent inflammation within the vessel wall.
Nondense mammographic area and risk of breast cancer
Authors: Pettersson Andreas , Hankinson Susan E , Willett Walter C , Lagiou Pagona , Trichopoulos Dimitrios , Tamimi Rulla M 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Introduction
The mechanisms underlying the strong association between percentage dense area on a mammogram and the risk of breast cancer are unknown. We investigated separately the absolute dense area and the absolute nondense area on mammograms in relation to breast cancer risk.

Methods
We conducted a nested case-control study on prediagnostic mammographic density measurements and risk of breast cancer in the Nurses' Health Study and the Nurses' Health Study II. Premenopausal mammograms were available from 464 cases and 998 controls, and postmenopausal mammograms were available from 960 cases and 1,662 controls. We used a computer-assisted thresholding technique to measure mammographic density, and we used unconditional logistic regression to calculate OR and 95% CI data.

Results
Higher absolute dense area was associated with a greater risk of breast cancer among premenopausal women (ORtertile 3 vs 1 = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.45 to 2.77) and among postmenopausal women (ORquintile 5 vs 1 = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.65 to 2.89). However, increasing absolute nondense area was associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer among premenopausal women (ORtertile 3 vs 1 = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.36 to 0.72) and among postmenopausal women (ORquintile 5 vs 1 = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.34 to 0.62). These associations changed minimally when we included both absolute dense area and absolute nondense area in the same statistical model. As expected, the percentage dense area was the strongest risk factor for breast cancer in both groups.

Conclusions
Our results indicate that absolute dense area is independently and positively associated with breast cancer risk, whereas absolute nondense area is independently and inversely associated with breast cancer risk. Since adipose tissue is radiographically nondense, these results suggest that adipose breast tissue may have a protective role in breast carcinogenesis.
Malabsorption and nutritional balance in the ICU: fecal weight as a biomarker: a prospective observational pilot study
Authors: Wierdsma Nicolette J , Peters Job HC , Weijs Peter JM , Keur Martjin B , Girbes Armand RJ , van Bodegraven Ad A , Beishuizen Albertus 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Malabsorption, which is frequently underdiagnosed in critically ill patients, is clinically relevant with regard to nutritional balance and nutritional management. We aimed to validate the diagnostic accuracy of fecal weight as a biomarker for fecal loss and additionally to assess fecal macronutrient contents and intestinal absorption capacity in ICU patients.

Methods
This was an observational pilot study in a tertiary mixed medical-surgical ICU in hemodynamically stable adult ICU patients, without clinically evident gastrointestinal malfunction. Fecal weight (grams/day), fecal energy (by bomb calorimetry in kcal/day), and macronutrient content (fat, protein, and carbohydrate in grams/day) were measured. Diagnostic accuracy expressed in terms of test sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV), and receiver operator curves (ROCs) were calculated for fecal weight as a marker for energy malabsorption. Malabsorption was a priori defined as < 85% intestinal absorption capacity.

Results
Forty-eight patients (63 ± 15 years; 58% men) receiving full enteral feeding were included. A cut-off fecal production of > 350 g/day (that is, diarrhea) was linked to the optimal ROC (0.879), showing a sensitivity and PPV of 80%, respectively. Specificity and NPV were both 96%. Fecal weight (grams/day) and intestinal energy-absorption capacity were inversely correlated (r = -0.69; P < 0.001). Patients with > 350 g feces/day had a significantly more-negative energy balance compared with patients with < 350 g feces/day (loss of 627 kcal/day versus neutral balance; P = 0.012).

Conclusions
A fecal weight > 350 g/day in ICU patients is a biomarker applicable in daily practice, which can act as a surrogate for fecal energy loss and intestinal energy absorption. Daily measurement of fecal weight is a feasible means of monitoring the nutritional status of critically ill patients and, in those identified as having malabsorption, can monitor responses to changes in dietary management.
Simple calcaneal bone cysts
Authors: Yildirim C. , Akmaz I. , Sahin O. , Keklikci K. 
Published: December 2011

This pilot study analysed the outcome of open versus endoscopic curettage and bone grafting for the treatment of simple calcaneal bone cysts. A total of 26 patients were evaluated into two equal groups: group 1 was treated with traditional open curettage and bone grafting and group 2 was treated with endoscopic curettage and percutaneous bone grafting. Cyst size, operating time, length of stay, time to healing, complications, further surgery and radiological healing were recorded and differences were statistically compared. The mean age of the patients was 22.9 years (18 to 28) and the mean follow-up was 28.7 months (24 to 36). There were no statistically significant differences in regard to age of patients, cyst size and the follow-up periods in the two groups. The operating time and mean length of stay of group 2 patients was significantly shorter than group 1 patients (p < 0.001). The time to healing was similar in the two groups. The overall success rates for groups 1 and 2 were 92.3% (12 of 13) and 100% (13 of 13), respectively, and there were no statistically significant differences regarding radiological healing. This pilot study suggests that endoscopic curettage and percutaneous grafting is a simple and safe form of treatment, with similar results to those following open treatment.
The Relationship of Meta-Worry and Intolerance of Uncertainty With Pathological Worry, Anxiety, and Depression
Authors: Khawaja Nigar G. , McMahon Janette 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis study explored how meta-worry and intolerance of uncertainty relate to pathological worry, generalised anxiety, obsessive–compulsive disorder, social phobia, and depression. University students (n = 253)completed a questionnaire battery. A series of regression analyses were conducted. The results indicated that meta-worry was associated with GAD, social phobia, obsessive–compulsive, and depressive symptoms. Intolerance of uncertainty was related to GAD, social phobia, and obsessive–compulsive symptoms, but not depressive symptoms. The importance of meta-worry and intolerance of uncertainty as predictors of pathological worry, GAD, social phobia, obsessive–compulsive and depressive symptoms was also examined. Even though both factors significantly predicted the aforementioned symptoms, meta-worry emerged as a stronger predictor of GAD and obsessive compulsive symptoms than did intolerance of uncertainty. Intolerance of uncertainty, compared with meta-worry, appeared as a stronger predictor of social phobia symptoms. Findings emphasise the importance of addressing meta-worry and/or intolerance of uncertainty not only for the assessment and treatment of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), but also obsessive–compulsive disorder, social phobia, and depression.
What Have We Learned About Uncertainty? Are We Still Playing with Fire?
Authors: Keltner Ned 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Accurate characterization of the thermal environment in fires and fire safety tests is crucial to understanding the impact of fire on materials and assemblies and the work on modeling those impacts. Standardized fire resistance test methods have been used to help evaluate building materials and assemblies since the early 1900s and have been part of a successful effort to improve fire safety. However, current methods use predominately temperature measurements and do not provide sufficient heat transfer data to support the development and validation of fire protection engineering models. This paper looks at measurement techniques that were used successfully in pool fire research and how they could be applied to modeling structure fires.
Two ways to get out: Radial Category Profiling and the Russian prefixes vy- and iz-
Authors: Nesset Tore , Endresen Anna , Janda Laura A. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
We undertake a detailed analysis of the two closely related Russian aspectual prefixes vy- and iz. The meanings of these prefixes are analyzed in terms of networks of related subcategories, termed radial categories. This method facilitates precise comparison of submeanings and statistical analysis. Our analysis sharpens the traditional insight that elements of Church Slavic origin like iz- have a more abstract meaning than historically East Slavic elements like vy-. Furthermore, the distribution of meanings attested gives support to the hypothesis that the meanings of base verbs and prefixes overlap in the formation of prefixed aspectual partner verbs, contra the tradition of the so-called “empty prefix”.
Review of Tabloid Medicine: How the Internet is Being Used to Hijack Medical Science for Fear and Profit
Authors: May Kyle P. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractTabloid Medicine: How the Internet is Being Used to Hijack Medical Science for Fear and Profit provides a pointed account of the Internet tactics employed by some to halt advancement in the name of safety. Dr. Goldberg provides real world examples and references scientific papers en route to detailing how to keep scientific advancement moving forward. This work presents multiple arguments that American consumers may be doing a disservice to themselves and others by insisting on absolute safety and efficacy from medicine's manufacturers and providers.
Applications of Syndromic Surveillance in Resource Poor Settings
Authors: May Larissa , Katz Rebecca L. , Test Elissa , Baker Julia 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose: The aim of this study is to demonstrate how syndromic surveillance systems are being used in low‐resource settings, to identify key best practices and considerations, and to describe the use of syndromic surveillance as a feasible solution to meeting the disease surveillance requirements in the World Health Organization's International Health Regulations (2005). Methods: Information on established syndromic surveillance systems was collected from peer‐reviewed articles, conference proceedings and searches through reference lists of papers, from the years 1998‐2010. In addition, web pages of international health organizations, surveillance networks, and Ministries of Health were explored. After reviewing identified systems, eight were selected and examined in detail to extract transferable information. Results: The literature demonstrates the many successful syndromic surveillance efforts being implemented, and the variety of data sources, data transmission techniques, and analysis methodologies being instituted. Frequently, syndromic surveillance systems are a coordinated effort among several partners, supplement existing systems, incorporate both specific and non‐specific disease detection, and are used in conjunction with laboratory‐based surveillance. Conclusions: Though not without challenges, syndromic surveillance has the potential to serve as a valuable disease detection tool in resource‐limited settings. Further examination and evaluation of these systems will benefit global disease surveillance capacity.
Japan Medical Association's Actions in the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake
Authors: Ishii Masami , Nagata Takashi , Aoki Katsuhito 
Published: December 2011

AbstractA complex disaster struck eastern Japan on March 11, 2011. The Great Eastern Japan Earthquake consisted of a large‐scale earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear accident and resulted in extensive damage and loss of life. In response to the disaster, the Japan Medical Association (JMA) initiated the dispatch of disaster medical teams, JMATs, to affected areas through prefectural medical associations. JMA relief efforts did not end with coordinating JMAT operations: autopsies, medical supply transport, and advocating for healthcare for evacuees and survivors were other major efforts of the JMA following “3.11”. The JMA's healthcare support in Fukushima and other prefectures was unique and effective. However, the JMA recognizes the need for continued planning and preparation for disaster response and relief because of Japan's high risk for future disasters. Thus, current priorities of the JMA are the restoration of the healthcare system in disaster‐affected areas and preparation for future disasters.
Asymptotic purity for very general hypersurfaces of ℙn × ℙn of bidegree (k, k)
Authors: Burr Michael 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
For a complex irreducible projective variety, the volume function and the higher asymptotic cohomological functions have proven to be useful in understanding the positivity of divisors as well as other geometric properties of the variety. In this paper, we study the vanishing properties of these functions on hypersurfaces of ℙn × ℙn. In particular, we show that very general hypersurfaces of bidegree (k, k) obey a very strong vanishing property, which we define as asymptotic purity: at most one asymptotic cohomological function is nonzero for each divisor. This provides evidence for the truth of a conjecture of Bogomolov and also suggests some general conditions for asymptotic purity.
Measurement of hepatic venous pressure gradient revisited: Catheter wedge vs balloon wedge techniques
Authors: Chelliah S Timothy , Keshava Shyamkumar N , Moses Vinu , Surendrababu Narayanam RS , Zachariah Uday George , Eapen CE 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Aims: To evaluate the accuracy of measurement of hepatic venous pressure gradient by catheter wedge as compared to balloon wedge (the gold standard). Materials and Methods: Forty-five patients having a clinical diagnosis of intrahepatic portal hypertension were subjected to the two different types of pressure measurements (catheter wedge and balloon wedge) during transjugular liver biopsy under fluoroscopic guidance. Statistical Analysis: Spearman′s rank correlation coefficient, Bland-Altman plot for agreement, and single measure intraclass correlation were used for analysis of data. Results: There was a close correlation between the results obtained by both the techniques, with highly significant concordance (P < 0.0001). Hepatic venous pressure gradients as measured by the catheter wedge technique were either equal to or less than those obtained by the balloon wedge technique.
Conclusions: The difference in hepatic venous pressure gradients measured by the two techniques is insignificant.