bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exposure to ethinyl estradiol prenatally and/or after sexual maturity induces endometriotic and precancerous lesions in uteri and ovaries of mice
Authors: Koike Eiji , Yasuda Yoshiko , Shiota Mitsuru , Shimaoka Masao , Tsuritani Mitsuhiro , Konishi Hiroyoshi , Yamasaki Harufumi , Okumoto Katsumi , Hoshiai Hiroshi 
Published: August 2012

AbstractUnrecognizable exposure to estrogenic substance may cause estrogen‐dependent diseases, endometriosis and cancer. Pregnant mice (ICR/Jcl, CLEA) were exposed to 0.01 mg ethinyl estradiol (EE2)/kg per day or vehicle (olive oil) through oral intubation from day 11 to 17 of gestation. They delivered their offspring and raised them. When the experimental female F1 mice were at 8 weeks of age, they were not exposed to EE2 or to the same dose of EE2 or to vehicle twice a week until 20 weeks of age. The control female F1 mice were exposed to the same dose of EE2 or vehicle alone, similarly. All mice were killed at 28 weeks of age. The resected uteri and ovaries were processed for microscopic examinations and for determination of the aromatase mRNA levels and aromatase protein through quantitative RT‐PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Adenomyosis and adenocarcinomatous changes were significantly discernible in the EE2‐exposed uteri, and incidence of ectopic glands and serous cysts were significantly increased in the prenatally EE2‐exposed ovaries as compared with respective controls. Significant upregulation of the aromatase mRNA was seen in the prenatally EE2‐exposed uteri and in the EE2‐exposed ovaries. The aromatase protein was identified in all ovaries examined, and in EE2‐exposed uteri but not in controls and confirmed its localization in eutopic and ectopic glands, abnormally proliferated lesions and the lining of the cysts. Taken together, continuous EE2 exposure may cause endometriotic and precancerous lesions due to excessive estrogen synthesis in both target organs.
Challenges in genetic counseling because of intra‐familial phenotypic variation of oral‐facial‐digital syndrome type 1
Authors: Shimojima Keiko , Shimada Shino , Sugawara Midori , Yoshikawa Naomi , Niijima Shinichi , Urao Masahiko , Yamamoto Toshiyuki 
Published: August 2012

AbstractOral‐facial‐digital syndrome type 1 (OFD1; MIM 311200) is characterized by multiple anomalies of the oral cavity, face and digits. We report a family with OFD1, where two female siblings and their mother shared the same mutation of the responsible gene (OFD1) c.1193_1196delAATC. Phenotypic variability was observed among them; the mother showed minimal features of OFD1, whereas her two daughters showed partial features and the full spectrum of OFD1, respectively. Thus, OFD1 was suspected only after a health check‐up during pregnancy of the second patient showing fetal brain anomaly and maternal polycystic kidney. For these reasons, there was a delay in the recognition of OFD1 in this family. Patients with OFD1 show phenotypic variability, which poses challenges for genetic counseling.
Unusual concurrence of heterotopic glial nodule of the scalp and congenital herpes simplex virus type‐2 infection
Authors: Marnerides Andreas , Sirotkina Meeli , Papadogiannakis Nikos 
Published: August 2012

AbstractHeterotopic glial nodules are rare congenital cutaneous lesions; only 13 cases of scalp localized lesions of this kind are reported in the English medical literature. Herpes simplex virus is a rare cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality and is a rare cause of intrauterine infection. We report the first case of concurrent presence of a heterotopic glial nodule of the scalp and neonatal, in utero‐acquired, fatal herpes simplex virus type‐2 infection.
Overexpression of Rice Sphingosine‐1‐Phoshpate Lyase Gene OsSPL1 in Transgenic Tobacco Reduces Salt and Oxidative Stress Tolerance
Authors: Zhang Huijuan , Zhai Jing , Mo Jibo , Li Dayong , Song Fengming 
Published: August 2012

AbstractSphingolipids, including sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P), have been shown to function as signaling mediators to regulate diverse aspects of plant growth, development, and stress response. In this study, we performed functional analysis of a rice (Oryza sativa) S1P lyase gene OsSPL1 in transgenic tobacco plants and explored its possible involvement in abiotic stress response. Overexpression of OsSPL1 in transgenic tobacco resulted in enhanced sensitivity to exogenous abscisic acid (ABA), and decreased tolerance to salt and oxidative stress, when compared with the wild type. Furthermore, the expression levels of some selected stress‐related genes in OsSPL1‐overexpressing plants were reduced after application of salt or oxidative stress, indicating that the altered responsiveness of stress‐related genes may be responsible for the reduced tolerance in OsSPL1‐overexpressing tobacco plants under salt and oxidative stress. Our results suggest that rice OsSPL1 plays an important role in abiotic stress responses.
Effectiveness of nurse practitioner coordinated team group visits for type 2 diabetes in medically underserved Appalachia
Authors: Jessee Brenda Thomas , Rutledge Carolyn M. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose: To study the effectiveness of multidisciplinary nurse practitioner coordinated team (NPCT) group visits in medically underserved Appalachia on the health, knowledge, and self‐efficacy of patients with type 2 diabetes (DM). The study also identified perceived barriers to participating in the diabetes programs.Data sources: A researcher‐developed tool was used to assess demographic data, clinical data, and barriers to care. The participants completed the Diabetes Knowledge Tests and the Diabetes Empowerment Scales. Two groups were assessed. One group participated in the diabetes intervention, and the other received usual care. Both groups completed the instruments prior to the intervention and after the intervention was completed.Conclusions: The group that participated in the intervention had better clinical outcomes (blood glucose and A1Cs), greater knowledge, and better self‐efficacy following the intervention than the usual care groups. This suggests that the intervention was important in improving outcomes of patients with type 2 DM. Barriers to care included fuel, time, family, work, and transportation. Barriers need to be addressed in order to have more patients participate in such programs.Implications for practice: NPCT group visits may represent an effective means of integrating diabetes self‐management education and medical management in a family practice clinic in medically underserved areas.
The Association Between Socio‐Ecological Factors and Having an After‐School Physical Activity Program
Authors: Van Acker Ragnar , De Bourdeaudhuij Ilse , De Martelaer Kristine , Seghers Jan , De Cocker Katrien , Cardon Greet 
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND: After‐school physical activity (PA) programs promote PA among youth. Few studies have used socio‐ecological health models to identify barriers and facilitators of after‐school PA programs. This study examined which socio‐ecological factors are associated with having an after‐school PA program.METHODS: A questionnaire was administered to key representatives of 114 elementary and 129 secondary schools. The association between socio‐ecological factors and having an after‐school PA program was analyzed at school level.RESULTS: In both types of schools more knowledge about community schools was positively associated with having an after‐school PA program (odds ratio [OR] = 1.96; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.18–3.27; OR = 1.88; 95% CI = 1.27–2.80, respectively). In elementary schools, environmental factors associated with having an after‐school PA program included PA facilities (OR = 4.98; 95% CI = 1.08–23.05), a PA working group (OR = 3.37; 95% CI = 1.02–11.10), agreements with the community (OR = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.05–2.43), shortage of human resources (OR = 0.57; 95% CI = 0.37–0.89) and lack of support from teachers (OR = 0.51; 95% CI = 0.33‐0.80). In secondary schools, environmental factors included the presence of a remunerated coordinator (OR = 5.12; 95% CI = 1.38‐19.10) and partnerships with “sport and PA leaders” (OR = 3.54; 95% CI = 1.01‐12.41).CONCLUSION: Having an after‐school PA program was associated with personal and environmental factors, which supports the use of socio‐ecological frameworks for explorative and intervention studies aiming to increase after‐school PA programs.
A Longitudinal Study of Childhood Obesity, Weight Status Change, and Subsequent Academic Performance in Taiwanese Children
Authors: Chen Li‐Jung , Fox Kenneth R. , Ku Po‐Wen , Wang Ching‐Hui 
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND: This study examined the association among childhood obesity, weight status change, and subsequent academic performance at 6‐year follow‐up.METHODS: First‐grade students from one elementary school district in Taichung City, Taiwan were followed for 6 years (N = 409). Academic performance was extracted from the school records at the end of each grade. Weight and height were measured at the beginning of each grade. A weight change variable was created based on each child's weight status difference at grades 1 and 6. A multivariate linear regression model for predicting academic performance at grade 6 was developed with adjustment for individual characteristics and family factors. A latent growth curve (LGC) showed the association between changes in body mass index (BMI) and in academic performance across a 6‐year period.RESULTS: BMI in children increased significantly across 6 years. The rate of increase in BMI over 6 years was higher for children with higher baseline BMIs than it was for children with lower baseline BMIs. However, BMI changes were not significantly associated with changes of academic performance.CONCLUSION: There was no significant relationship between initial obesity or change in weight status and subsequent academic performance. It appears that either being or becoming overweight/obese did not impact academic achievement for these Taiwanese children.
Continuity, change, and priorities: The quality and use of regulatory analysis across US administrations
Authors: Ellig Jerry , McLaughlin Patrick A. , Morrall III John F. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThis paper compares the quality and use of regulatory analysis accompanying economically significant regulations proposed by US executive branch agencies in 2008, 2009, and 2010. We find that the quality of regulatory analysis is generally low, but varies widely. Budget regulations, which define how the federal government will spend money or collect revenues, have much lower‐quality analysis than other regulations. The Bush administration's “midnight” regulations finalized between Election Day and Inauguration Day, along with other regulations left for the Obama administration to finalize, tended to have lower‐quality analysis. Most differences between the Bush and Obama administrations depend on agencies' policy preferences. More conservative agencies tended to produce better analysis in the Obama administration, and more liberal agencies tended to do so in the Bush administration. This suggests that agencies more central to an administration's policy priorities do not have to produce as good an analysis to get their regulations promulgated.
Phenolic Antioxidants in Some Vigna Species of Legumes and their Distinct Inhibitory Effects on α‐Glucosidase and Pancreatic Lipase Activities
Authors: Sreerama Yadahally N. , Takahashi Yoko , Yamaki Kohji 
Published: August 2012

Abstract:  Phenolic extracts of 4 Vigna species of legumes (mung bean, moth bean, and black and red varieties of adzuki beans) were evaluated for phenolic contents, antioxidant activities, and inhibitory properties against α‐glucosidase and pancreatic lipase. Results showed that adzuki bean varieties contain higher phenolic indexes than mung bean and moth beans. Adzuki bean (black) variety was found to be the most active 2,2´‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl and superoxide anion scavenger. However, the hydrogen peroxide scavenging and metal chelating abilities were significantly higher in adzuki bean (red) variety. Mung bean exhibited least antioxidant activities in all the methods tested. Phenolic extracts from these legumes also showed distinct variations in the inhibition of enzymes associated with hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. Inhibitory activities of all the extracts against lipase were found to be more potent than α‐glucosidase. Although, α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity was superior in the black variety of adzuki bean (IC50, 26.28 mg/mL), both adzuki bean varieties (black and red) along with moth bean showed strong inhibitory activities on lipase with no significant difference in their IC50 values (7.32 to 9.85 mg/mL). These results suggest that Vigna species of legumes are potential source of antioxidant phenolics and also great sources of strong natural inhibitors for α‐glucosidase and lipase activities. This information may help for effective utilization of these legumes as functional food ingredients for promoting health.Practical Application:  Vigna species of legumes are good sources of phenolic antioxidants and strong natural inhibitors of enzymes associated with diabetes and obesity. Therefore, utilization of these legumes in the development of functional foods with increased therapeutic value would be a significant step toward health promotion and wellness.
Mechanisms of intrinsic and acquired resistance to kinase‐targeted therapies
Authors: Bagrodia Shubha , Smeal Tod , Abraham Robert T. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryCancer drugs that target pivotal signaling molecules required for malignant cell survival and growth have demonstrated striking antitumor activities in appropriately selected patient populations. Unfortunately, however, therapeutic responses are often of limited duration, typically 6–12 months, because of emergence of drug‐resistant subclones of tumor cells. In this review, we highlight several of the mechanisms of emergent resistance to several kinase‐targeted small molecule therapies used in melanoma, non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and other solid tumors as illustrative examples. We discuss the implications of these findings for the development of new treatment strategies to delay or prevent the onset of drug resistance.
Melanosome–iron interactions within retinal pigment epithelium‐derived cells
Authors: Kaczara Patrycja , Zaręba Mariusz , Herrnreiter Anja , Skumatz Christine M. B. , Żądło Andrzej , Sarna Tadeusz , Burke Janice M. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryMelanosomes were recently shown to protect ARPE‐19 cells, a human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell line, against oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide. One postulated mechanism of antioxidant action of melanin is its ability to bind metal ions. The aim here was to determine whether melanosomes are competent to bind iron within living cells, exhibiting a property previously shown only in model systems. The outcomes indicate retention of prebound iron and accumulation of iron by granules after iron delivery to cells via the culture medium, as determined by both colorimetric and electron spin resonance analyses for bound‐to‐melanosome iron. Manipulation of iron content did not affect the pigment's ability to protect cells against H2O2, but the function of pigment granules within RPE cells should be extended beyond a role in light irradiation to include participation in iron homeostasis.
The effect of copper conversion plates on low‐Z target image quality
Authors: Parsons David , Robar James L. 
Published: August 2012

Purpose:Common electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs) contain a 1.0 mm copper conversion plate to increase detection efficiency of a therapeutic megavoltage spectrum. When used in imaging with a photon beam generated with a low atomic number (Z) target, the conversion plate attenuates a substantial proportion of photons in the diagnostic range, thereby reducing the achievable image quality. In this work, we measure directly dependence on low‐Z target image quality as a function of copper plate thickness, for both planar imaging and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).Methods:Monte Carlo modeling was used to quantify changes to the diagnostic spectrum and detector response for low‐Z target beams generated with either 2.35 or 7.00 MeV electrons incident on a carbon target. Planar contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) and spatial resolution measurements were made as a function of copper thickness. CNR measurements were made for CBCT imaging as a function of dose both with and without the copper plate present in the EPID.Results:The presence of copper in the EPID decreased the diagnostic photon population by up to 20% and suppressed the peak detector response (dose deposited in the scintillator) at 60 keV by a factor of 6.4. Planar CNR was increased by a factor ranging from 1.4 to 4.0, depending on the material imaged, with no copper present compared to a standard 1.0 mm thickness. Planar spatial resolution was only slightly degraded with increasing copper thickness. Increases in CBCT image CNR ranged from a factor of 1.3–2.1 with the copper plate removed.Conclusions:It is possible to increase the proportion of photons in the diagnostic energy range (25 keV–150 keV) reaching the phosphor screen by as much as 20% when removing the copper conversion plate. This results in significant increases of planar and CBCT image CNR. Consequently, we suggest that the copper conversion plate be removed from the EPID when used for low‐Z target planar or CBCT imaging.
Titan Cell Production Enhances the Virulence of Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Crabtree Juliet N. , Okagaki Laura H. , Wiesner Darin L. , Strain Anna K. , Nielsen Judith N. , Nielsen Kirsten 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTInfection withCryptococcus neoformansbegins when desiccated yeast cells or spores are inhaled and lodge in the alveoli of the lungs. A subset of cryptococcal cells in the lungs differentiate into enlarged cells, referred to as titan cells. Titan cells can be as large as 50 to 100 μm in diameter and exhibit a number of features that may affect interactions with host immune defenses. To characterize the effect of titan cell formation on the host-pathogen interaction, we utilized a previously describedC. neoformansmutant, thegpr4Δgpr5Δ mutant, which has minimal titan cell productionin vivo. Thegpr4Δgpr5Δ mutant strain had attenuated virulence, a lower CFU, and reduced dissemination compared to the wild-type strain. Titan cell production by the wild-type strain also resulted in increased eosinophil accumulation and decreased phagocytosis in the lungs compared to those with thegpr4Δgpr5Δ mutant strain. Phagocytosed cryptococcal cells exhibited less viability than nonphagocytosed cells, which potentially explains the reduced cell survival and overall attenuation of virulence in the absence of titan cells. These data show that titan cell formation is a novel virulence factor inC. neoformansthat promotes establishment of the initial pulmonary infection and plays a key role in disease progression.
COMPLEX NETWORKS EVOLUTIONARY DYNAMICS USING GENETIC ALGORITHMS
Authors: AGUILAR-HIDALGO DANIEL , ZURITA ANTONIO CÓRDOBA , FERNÁNDEZ Ma CARMEN LEMOS 
Published: August 2012

Gene regulatory networks set a second order approximation to genetics understanding, where the first order is the knowledge at the single gene activity level. With the increasing number of sequenced genomes, including humans, the time has come to investigate the interactions among myriads of genes that result in complex behaviors. These characteristics are included in the novel discipline of Systems Biology. The composition and unfolding of interactions among genes determine the activity of cells and, when is considered during development, the organogenesis. Hence the interest of building representative networks of gene expression and their time evolution, i.e. the structure as the network dynamics, for certain development processes. The complexity of this kind of problems makes imperative to analyze the problem in the field of network theory and the evolutionary dynamics of complex systems.All this has led us to investigate, in a first step, the evolutionary dynamics in generic networks. Thus, the results can be used in experimental researches in the field of Systems Biology. This research aims to decode the transformation rules governing the evolutionary dynamics in a network. To do this, a genetic algorithm has been implemented in which, starting from initial and ending network states, it is possible to determine the transformation dynamics between these states by using simple acting rules. The network description is the following: (a) The network node values in the initial and ending states can be active or inactive; (b) The network links can act as activators or repressors; (c) A set of rules is established in order to transform the initial state into the ending one; (d) Due to the low connectivity, frequently observed, in gene regulatory networks, each node will hold a maximum of three inputs with no restriction on outputs. The "chromosomes" of the genetic algorithm include two parts, one related to the node links and another related to the transformation rules.The implemented rules are based on certain genetic interactions behavior. The rules and their combinations are compound by logic conditions and set the bases to the network motifs formation, which are the building blocks of the network dynamics.The implemented algorithm is able to find appropriate dynamics in complex networks evolution among different states for several cases.
Pre-Invasive Ovarian Mucinous Tumors Are Characterized by CDKN2A and RAS Pathway Aberrations
Authors: Hunter Sally M. , Gorringe Kylie L. , Christie Michael , Rowley Simone M. , Bowtell David D. ,   on behalf of the Australian Ovarian Cancer Study Group, Campbell Ian G. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Introduction: Mucinous tumors are the second most common form of epithelial ovarian tumor, yet the cell of origin for this histologic subtype remains undetermined. Although these tumors are thought to arise through a stepwise progression from benign cystadenoma to borderline tumor to invasive carcinoma, few studies have attempted to comprehensively characterize the genetic changes specific to this subtype or its precursors.
Methods: To explore the spectrum of genomic alterations common to mucinous tumors we carried out high-resolution genome-wide copy number analysis, mutation screening by Sanger sequencing and immunohistochemistry on a series of primary ovarian mucinous cystadenomas (n = 20) and borderline tumors (n = 22).
Results: Integration of copy number data, targeted mutation screening of RAS/RAF pathway members and immunohistochemistry reveals that p16 loss and RAS/RAF pathway alterations are highly recurrent events that occur early during mucinous tumor development. The frequency of concurrence of these events was observed in 40% of benign cystadenomas and 68% of borderline tumors.
Conclusions: This study is the largest and highest resolution analysis of mucinous benign and borderline tumors carried out to date and provides strong support for these lesions being precursors of primary ovarian mucinous adenocarcinoma. The high level of uniformity in the molecular events underlying the pathogenesis of mucinous ovarian tumors provides an opportunity for treatments targeting specific mutations and pathways. Clin Cancer Res; 18(19); 5267–77. ©2012 AACR.