bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kinetics of angiogenic changes in a new mouse model for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Heindryckx Femke , Mertens Koen , Charette Nicolas , Vandeghinste Bert , Casteleyn Christophe , Van Steenkiste Christophe , Slaets Dominique , Libbrecht Louis , Staelens Steven , Starkel Peter , Geerts Anja , Colle Isabelle , Van Vlierberghe Hans 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Background
The increasing incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in Western countries has led to an expanding interest of scientific research in this field. Therefore, a vast need of experimental models that mimic the natural pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a short time period is present. The goal of our study was (1) to develop an efficient mouse model for HCC research, in which tumours develop in a natural background of fibrosis and (2) to assess the time-dependent angiogenic changes in the pathogenesis of HCC.

Methods
Weekly intraperitoneal injections with the hepatocarcinogenic compound N-nitrosodiethylamine was applied as induction method and samples were taken at several time points to assess the angiogenic changes during the progression of HCC.

Results
The N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced mouse model provides well vascularised orthotopic tumours after 25 weeks. It is a representative model for human HCC and can serve as an excellent platform for the development of new therapeutic targets.
Studies on antidyslipidemic effects of Morinda citrifolia (Noni) fruit, leaves and root extracts
Authors: Mandukhail Saf-ur Rehman , Aziz Nauman , Gilani Anwarul-Hassan 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackgroundThe objective of present study was to provide the pharmacological basis for the medicinal use ofMorinda citrifoliaLinn in dyslipidemia using the aqueous-ethanolic extracts of its fruits (Mc.Cr.F), leaves (Mc.Cr.L) and roots (Mc.Cr.R).ResultsMc.Cr.F, Mc.Cr.L and Mc.Cr.R showed antidyslipidemic effects in both triton (WR-1339) and high fat diet-induced dyslipidemic rat models to variable extents. All three extracts caused reduction in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in triton-induced dyslipidemia. In high fat diet-induced dyslipidemia all these extracts caused significant reduction in total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), atherogenic index and TC/HDL ratio. Mc.Cr.R extract also caused increase in high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C). The Mc.Cr.L and Mc.Cr.R reduced gain in body weight with a reduction in daily diet consumption but Mc.Cr.F had no effect on body weight and daily diet consumption.ConclusionsThese data indicate that the antidyslipidemic effect of the plant extracts was meditated through the inhibition of biosynthesis, absorption and secretion of lipids. This may be possibly due partly to the presence of antioxidant constituents in this plant. Therefore, this study rationalizes the medicinal use ofMorinda citrifoliain dyslipidemia.
Expression of the RNA-binding protein RBM3 is associated with a favourable prognosis and cisplatin sensitivity in epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Ehlén Åsa , Brennan Donal J , Nodin Björn , O'Connor Darran P , Eberhard Jakob , Alvarado-Kristensson Maria , Jeffrey Ian B , Manjer Jonas , Brändstedt Jenny , Uhlén Mathias , Pontén Fredrik , Jirström Karin 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackgroundWe recently demonstrated that increased expression of the RNA-binding protein RBM3 is associated with a favourable prognosis in breast cancer. The aim of this study was to examine the prognostic value of RBM3 mRNA and protein expression in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and the cisplatin response upon RBM3 depletion in a cisplatin-sensitive ovarian cancer cell line.MethodsRBM3 mRNA expression was analysed in tumors from a cohort of 267 EOC cases (Cohort I) and RBM3 protein expression was analysed using immunohistochemistry (IHC) in an independent cohort of 154 prospectively collected EOC cases (Cohort II). Kaplan Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards modelling were applied to assess the relationship between RBM3 and recurrence free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Immunoblotting and IHC were used to examine the expression of RBM3 in a cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cell line A2780-Cp70 and its cisplatin-responsive parental cell line A2780. The impact of RBM3 on cisplatin response in EOC was assessed using siRNA-mediated silencing of RBM3 in A2780 cells followed by cell viability assay and cell cycle analysis.ResultsIncreased RBM3 mRNA expression was associated with a prolonged RFS (HR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.47-0.86,p = 0.003) and OS (HR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.44-0.95,p = 0.024) in Cohort I. Multivariate analysis confirmed that RBM3 mRNA expression was an independent predictor of a prolonged RFS, (HR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.44-0.84,p = 0.003) and OS (HR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.41-0.95;p = 0.028) in Cohort I. In Cohort II, RBM3 protein expression was associated with a prolonged OS (HR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.35-0.79,p = 0.002) confirmed by multivariate analysis (HR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.40-0.92,p = 0.017). RBM3 mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly higher in the cisplatin sensitive A2780 cell line compared to the cisplatin resistant A2780-Cp70 derivative. siRNA-mediated silencing of RBM3 expression in the A2780 cells resulted in a decreased sensitivity to cisplatin as demonstrated by increased cell viability and reduced proportion of cells arrested in the G2/M-phase.ConclusionsThese data demonstrate that RBM3 expression is associated with cisplatin sensitivityin vitroand with a good prognosis in EOC. Taken together these findings suggest that RBM3 may be a useful prognostic and treatment predictive marker in EOC.
Characterization of vascular strain during in-vitro angioplasty with high-resolution ultrasound speckle tracking
Authors: Patel Prashant , Biswas Rohan , Park Daewoo , Cichonski Thomas J , Richards Michael S , Rubin Jonathan M , Phan Sem , Hamilton James , Weitzel William F 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Background
Ultrasound elasticity imaging provides biomechanical and elastic properties of vascular tissue, with the potential to distinguish between tissue motion and tissue strain. To validate the ability of ultrasound elasticity imaging to predict structurally defined physical changes in tissue, strain measurement patterns during angioplasty in four bovine carotid artery pathology samples were compared to the measured physical characteristics of the tissue specimens.

Methods
Using computational image-processing techniques, the circumferences of each bovine artery specimen were obtained from ultrasound and pathologic data.

Results
Ultrasound-strain-based and pathology-based arterial circumference measurements were correlated with an R2 value of 0.94 (p = 0.03). The experimental elasticity imaging results confirmed the onset of deformation of an angioplasty procedure by indicating a consistent inflection point where vessel fibers were fully unfolded and vessel wall strain initiated.

Conclusion
These results validate the ability of ultrasound elasticity imaging to measure localized mechanical changes in vascular tissue.
Identification of host proteins associated with HIV-1 preintegration complexes isolated from infected CD4+ cells
Authors: Raghavendra Nidhanapati K , Shkriabai Nikolozi , Graham Robert LJ , Hess Sonja , Kvaratskhelia Mamuka , Wu Li 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
An integrated HIV-1 genomic DNA leads to an infected cell becoming either an active or a latent virus-producing cell. Upon appropriate activation, a latently infected cell can result in production of progeny viruses that spread the infection to uninfected cells. The host proteins influence several steps of HIV-1 infection including formation of the preintegration complex (PIC), a key nucleoprotein intermediate essential for integration of reverse transcribed viral DNA into the chromosome. Much effort has gone into the identification of host proteins contributing to the assembly of functional PICs. Experimental approaches included the use of yeast two-hybrid system, co-immunoprecipitation, affinity tagged HIV-1 viral proteins and in vitro reconstitution of salt-stripped PIC activity. Several host proteins identified using these approaches have been shown to affect HIV-1 replication in cells and influence catalytic activities of recombinant IN in vitro. However, the comprehensive identification and characterization of host proteins associated with HIV-1 PICs of infected cells have been hindered in part by the technical limitation in acquiring sufficient amount of catalytically active PICs. To efficiently identify additional host factors associated with PICs in infected cells, we have developed the following novel approach. The catalytically active PICs from HIV-1-infected CD4+ cells were isolated using biotinylated target DNA, and the proteins selectively co-purifying with PICs have been analyzed by mass spectrometry. This technology enabled us to reveal at least 19 host proteins that are associated with HIV-1 PICs, of which 18 proteins have not been described previously with respect to HIV-1 integration. Physiological functions of the identified proteins range from chromatin organization to protein transport. A detailed characterization of these host proteins could provide new insights into the mechanism of HIV-1 integration and uncover new antiviral targets to block HIV-1 integration.
Expression of C-type lectin, SIGNR3, on subsets of dendritic cells, macrophages, and monocytes
Authors: Nagaoka Koji , Takahara Kazuhiko , Minamino Kento , Takeda Tatsuki , Yoshida Yoko , Inaba Kayo 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
SIGNR3 is expressed in various tissues and defined as a new differentiation marker of monocytic cells from Ly6Chigh monocytes into dendritic cells and macrophages.
The C-type lectin SIGNR3 is a mouse homologue of human DC-SIGN, which shares carbohydrate-binding specificity with human DC-SIGN. However, the expression profile of SIGNR3 is largely unknown. To examine the expression of SIGNR3 in immune cells, we generated SIGNR3-specific mAb and investigated SIGNR3 expression in vivo. SIGNR3 was expressed on a fraction of MHC II+ DCs and Mφs in the dermis and CD115+Ly6Cint-low monocytes in the blood and BM. In the LNs, SIGNR3+ cells localized adjacent to PNAd+ HEV-like vessels. They were also found in interfollicular regions in sLNs but not mLNs. Those SIGNR3+ cells expressed CD11b and variable levels of CD11c and MHC II. As in LNs, SIGNR3 was expressed on a large proportion of the CD11b+CD11cint-high cells in the spleen. In the lung, SIGNR3+ cells belonged to the CD11b+CD11cint population, and Mφs in the airway and lung faintly expressed SIGNR3. When PKH67-labeled CD115+Ly6Chigh BM monocytes were transferred into normal recipients, they up-regulated SIGNR3 expression along with the decrease in Ly6C expression during the circulation and upon arrival at the peripheral LNs through HEV. In addition, CD11bhighLy6Chigh monocytes that entered sLNs differentiated into CD11b+ DCs in a couple of days, whereas those in the spleen, mLNs, and lung differentiated into CD11cint monocytic cells. These results suggest that SIGNR3 is a new differentiation marker for myeloid mononuclear cells and indicate that some DCs, especially in the sLNs, are possibly replenished by Ly6Chigh monocytes.
Development of a Motor-Based Differential Settlement Simulator Setup for a Geotechnical Centrifuge
Authors: Rajesh S. , Viswanadham B. V. S. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
This paper presents the design details of a motor-based differential settlement simulator (MDSS) setup for inducing differential settlement in a high gravity environment. The MDSS setup comprises of a motor, controller, screw jack, central platform, gear trains, connecting shaft, and bearings. Various features of the MDSS setup along with its design procedure are described. Calibration and performance tests were performed in a large beam geotechnical centrifuge facility available at Indian Institute of Technology Bombay for inducing differential settlement using the MDSS setup. A design chart was developed for obtaining prototype settlement rates from the speed of the motor and gravity level. The usage of this setup in assessing the deformation behavior of the clay barrier of landfill cover system under various settlement rates is briefly illustrated. The versatility of the developed setup for the applications involving ground loss or boundary displacement problems is highlighted.
Cumulus cell gene expression following the LH surge in bovine preovulatory follicles: potential early markers of oocyte competence
Authors: Assidi Mourad , Dieleman Steph J , Sirard Marc-André 
Published: August 2010

AbstractCumulus cells (CCs) are essential for oocytes to reach full development competency and become fertilized. Many major functional properties of CCs are triggered by gonadotropins and governed by the oocyte. Consequently, cumulus may reflect oocyte quality and is often used for oocyte selection. The most visible function of CCs is their ability for rapid extracellular matrix expansion after the LH surge. Although unexplained, LH induces the final maturation and improves oocyte quality. To study the LH signaling and gene expression cascade patterns close to the germinal vesicle breakdown, bovine CCs collected at 2 h before and 6 h after the LH surge were hybridized to a custom-made microarray to better understand the LH genomic action and find differentially expressed genes associated with the LH-induced oocyte final maturation. Functional genomic analysis of the 141 overexpressed and 161 underexpressed clones was performed according to their molecular functions, gene networks, and cell compartments. Following real-time PCR validation of our gene lists, some interesting pathways associated with the LH genomic action on CCs and their possible roles in oocyte final maturation, ovulation, and fertilization are discussed. A list of early potential markers of oocyte competencyin vivoandin vitrois thereafter suggested. These early biomarkers are a preamble to understand the LH molecular pathways that trigger the final oocyte competence acquisition process in bovine.
American Indian/Alaska Native Uninsurance Disparities: A Comparison of 3 Surveys
Authors: Johnson Pamela Jo , Blewett Lynn A. , Call Kathleen Thiede , Davern Michael 
Published: August 2010

Objectives. We examined whether 3 nationally representative data sources produce consistent estimates of disparities and rates of uninsurance among the American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) population and to demonstrate how choice of data source impacts study conclusions. Methods. We estimated all-year and point-in-time uninsurance rates for AIANs and non-Hispanic Whites younger than 65 years using 3 surveys: Current Population Survey (CPS), National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), and Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Results. Sociodemographic differences across surveys suggest that national samples produce differing estimates of the AIAN population. AIAN all-year uninsurance rates varied across surveys (3%–23% for children and 18%–35% for adults). Measures of disparity also differed by survey. For all-year uninsurance, the unadjusted rate for AIAN children was 2.9 times higher than the rate for White children with the CPS, but there were no significant disparities with the NHIS or MEPS. Compared with White adults, AIAN adults had unadjusted rate ratios of 2.5 with the CPS and 2.2 with the NHIS or MEPS. Conclusions. Different data sources produce substantially different estimates for the same population. Consequently, conclusions about health care disparities may be influenced by the data source used.
Perceived Discrimination and Its Association With Psychological Distress Among Newly Arrived Immigrants Before and After September 11, 2001
Authors: Rousseau Cécile , Hassan Ghayda , Moreau Nicolas , Thombs Brett D. 
Published: August 2010

Objectives. We compared the evolution of perception of discrimination from 1998 to 2007 among recent Arab (Muslim and non-Muslim) and Haitian immigrants to Montreal; we also studied the association between perception of discrimination and psychological distress in 1998 and 2007. Methods. We conducted this cross-sectional comparative research with 2 samples: one recruited in 1998 (n = 784) and the other in 2007 (n = 432). The samples were randomly extracted from the registry of the Ministry of Immigration and Cultural Communities of Quebec. Psychological distress was measured with the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25. Results. The perception of discrimination increased from 1998 to 2007 among the Arab Muslim, Arab non-Muslim, and Haitian groups. Muslim Arabs experienced a significant increase in psychological distress associated with discrimination from 1998 to 2007. Conclusions. These results confirm an increase in perception of discrimination and psychological distress among Arab Muslim recent immigrant communities after September 11, 2001, and highlight the importance this context may have for other immigrant groups.
Relationship Between Past Food Deprivation and Current Dietary Practices and Weight Status Among Cambodian Refugee Women in Lowell, MA
Authors: Peterman Jerusha Nelson , Wilde Parke E. , Liang Sidney , Bermudez Odilia I. , Silka Linda , Rogers Beatrice Lorge 
Published: August 2010

Objectives. We investigated Cambodian refugee women's past food experiences and the relationship between those experiences and current food beliefs, dietary practices, and weight status.Methods. Focus group participants (n = 11) described past food experiences and current health-related food beliefs and behaviors. We randomly selected survey participants (n = 133) from a comprehensive list of Cambodian households in Lowell, Massachusetts. We collected height, weight, 24-hour dietary recall, food beliefs, past food experience, and demographic information. We constructed a measure of past food deprivation from focus group and survey responses. We analyzed data with multivariate logistic and linear regression models.Results. Participants experienced severe past food deprivation and insecurity. Those with higher past food-deprivation scores were more likely to currently report eating meat with fat (odds ratio [OR] = 1.14 for every point increase on the 9-to-27–point food-deprivation measure), and to be overweight or obese by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (OR = 1.28) and World Health Organization (OR = 1.18) standards.Conclusions. Refugees who experienced extensive food deprivation or insecurity may be more likely to engage in unhealthful eating practices and to be overweight or obese than are those who experienced less-extreme food deprivation or insecurity.
Innovative Approaches to Reducing Financial Barriers to Obstetric Care in Low-Income Countries
Authors: Richard Fabienne , Witter Sophie , de Brouwere Vincent 
Published: August 2010

Lack of access to quality care is the main obstacle to reducing maternal mortality in low-income countries. In many settings, women must pay out-of-pocket fees, resulting in delays, some of them fatal, and catastrophic expenditure that push households into poverty. Various innovative approaches have targeted the poor or exempted specific services, such as cesarean deliveries. We analyzed 8 case studies to better understand current experiments in reducing financial barriers to maternal care. Although service utilization increased in most of the settings, concerns remain about quality of care, equity between rich and poor patients and between urban and rural residents, and financial sustainability to support these new strategies.
Urban Sprawl, Smart Growth, and Deliberative Democracy
Authors: Resnik David B. 
Published: August 2010

Urban sprawl is an increasingly common feature of the built environment in the United States and other industrialized nations. Although there is considerable evidence that urban sprawl has adverse affects on public health and the environment, policy frameworks designed to combat sprawl—such as smart growth—have proven to be controversial, making implementation difficult. Smart growth has generated considerable controversy because stakeholders affected by urban planning policies have conflicting interests and divergent moral and political viewpoints. In some of these situations, deliberative democracy—an approach to resolving controversial public-policy questions that emphasizes open, deliberative debate among the affected parties as an alternative to voting—would be a fair and effective way to resolve urban-planning issues.
Racial Disparities in Stage-Specific Colorectal Cancer Mortality: 1960–2005
Authors: Soneji Samir , Iyer Shally Shalini , Armstrong Katrina , Asch David A. 
Published: August 2010

Objectives. We examined whether racial disparities in stage-specific colorectal cancer survival changed between 1960 and 2005. Methods. We used US Mortality Multiple-Cause-of-Death Data Files and intercensal estimates to calculate standardized mortality rates by gender and race from 1960 to 2005. We used Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data to estimate stage-specific colorectal cancer survival. To account for SEER sampling uncertainty, we used a bootstrap resampling procedure and fit a Cox proportional hazards model. Results. Between 1960–2005, patterns of decline in mortality rate as a result of colorectal cancer differed greatly by gender and race: 54% reduction for White women, 14% reduction for Black women, 39% reduction for White men, and 28% increase for Black men. Blacks consistently experienced worse rates of stage-specific survival and life expectancy than did Whites for both genders, across all age groups, and for localized, regional, and distant stages of the disease. Conclusions. The rates of stage-specific colorectal cancer survival differed among Blacks when compared with Whites during the 4-decade study period. Differences in stage-specific life expectancy were the result of differences in access to care or quality of care. More attention should be given to racial disparities in colorectal cancer management.
The Utilization of Home Care by the Elderly in Brazil's Primary Health Care System
Authors: Thumé Elaine , Facchini Luiz Augusto , Wyshak Grace , Campbell Paul 
Published: August 2010

Objectives. We assessed the utilization of home care by the elderly in Brazil after implementation of the Family Health Strategy (FHS). Methods. Data were derived from a cross-sectional study in a southern city in Brazil. Using the χ2 test and a logistic regression with different levels of determination, we tested the hypothesis that the FHS increased the utilization of home care compared with utilization under the Traditional Primary Health Care (TPHC) system. Results. We interviewed 1593 residents aged 60 years and older. Home care utilization under the FHS was 2.7 times the rate of utilization under the TPHC (95% confidence interval = 1.5, 4.7; P = .001), and utilization increased among the older group, the less educated, those with history of hospitalization, and those with functional limitations. Conclusions. Improvement in access to care resulted in greater utilization of home care. Our findings have policy implications that include expanding the coverage of the FHS throughout big cities where coverage is limited. These findings are important because the population is aging and the family strategy operates in poorer areas; thus, it can promote equity in access to home health care among the elderly.