bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Basal-like Breast Cancer Cells Induce Phenotypic and Genomic Changes in Macrophages
Authors: Stewart Delisha A. , Yang Yinmeng , Makowski Liza , Troester Melissa A. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Basal-like breast cancer (BBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer that has no biologically targeted therapy. The interactions of BBCs with stromal cells are important determinants of tumor biology, with inflammatory cells playing well-recognized roles in cancer progression. Despite the fact that macrophage–BBC communication is bidirectional, important questions remain about how BBCs affect adjacent immune cells. This study investigated monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation and polarization and gene expression in response to coculture with basal-like versus luminal breast cancer cells. Changes induced by coculture were compared with changes observed under classical differentiation and polarization conditions. Monocytes (THP-1 cells) exposed to BBC cells in coculture had altered gene expression with upregulation of both M1 and M2 macrophage markers. Two sets of M1 and M2 markers were selected from the PCR profiles and used for dual immunofluorescent staining of BBC versus luminal cocultured THP-1s, and cancer-adjacent, benign tissue sections from patients diagnosed with BBCs or luminal breast cancer, confirming the differential expression patterns. Relative to luminal breast cancers, BBCs also increased differentiation of monocytes to macrophages and stimulated macrophage migration. Consistent with these changes in cellular phenotype, a distinct pattern of cytokine secretion was evident in macrophage–BBC cocultures, including upregulation of NAP-2, osteoprotegerin, MIG, MCP-1, MCP-3, and interleukin (IL)-1β. Application of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) to cocultures attenuated BBC-induced macrophage migration. These data contribute to an understanding of the BBC-mediated activation of the stromal immune response, implicating specific cytokines that are differentially expressed in basal-like microenvironments and suggesting plausible targets for modulating immune responses to BBCs. Mol Cancer Res; 10(6); 727–38. ©2012 AACR.
Effect of Beta Shear on Simulated Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Fang Juan , Zhang Fuqing 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Through cloud-resolving simulations, this study examines the effect of β on the evolution of tropical cyclones (TCs). It is found that the TC simulated on a β plane with variable Coriolis parameter f is weaker in intensity but larger in size and strength than the TC simulated on an f plane with constant f. Such differences result mainly from the effect of the β shear rather than from the variation of f due to the latitudinal change of the TC position, as illustrated in a three-stage conceptual model developed herein. The first stage begins with the establishment of the β shear and the emergence of asymmetries as the TC intensifies. The β shear peaks in value during the second stage that subsequently leads to the formation of an extensive stratiform region outside of the primary eyewall. The evaporative cooling associated with the stratiform precipitation acts to sharpen the low-level equivalent potential temperature gradient into a frontlike zone outside of the eyewall region, which leads to the burst of convection outside of the primary eyewall. The third stage is characterized by a weakening β shear and the corresponding TC vortex axisymmetrization and expansion. The convection on the inner edge of the stratiform region becomes more organized in the azimuthal direction and eventually causes the TC structure to evolve in a manner similar to the secondary eyewall formation and eyewall replacement usually observed in TCs. It is the active convection outside of the primary eyewall that contributes to a relatively weaker but larger TC on the β plane than that on the f plane.
Evaluation of Harsh Reality: A sexual health print-based resource for street-involved youth
Authors: Jalloh Chelsea , McMillan Barbara , Ormond Margaret , Casey Catherine , Wylie John L 
Published: April 2012

Introduction: Street-involved youth are one of the populations most at risk for elevated rates of sexually transmitted and bloodborne infections. This paper evaluates the suitability and success of a resource focused on health education with a population of street-involved youth in Winnipeg, Canada. Method: Using a mixed method approach, quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analysed. Surveys involving both structured and semi-structured questions were administered orally to 100 participants. Three gender-stratified focus groups (total of 23 participants) were also conducted. Focus groups were recorded and subsequently transcribed. Empirical data was used to calculate frequency distributions, supported by a general inductive analysis of qualitative data. Results: From the interview and focus group data, the majority of participants had a very positive perception of the resource. However, in terms of specific knowledge uptake, participants displayed a lack of recall of the specific items measured in the evaluation, such as local HIV testing facilities, types of HIV tests available and specific information pertaining to recent research conducted in Manitoba with street-involved populations. Conclusion: Both passive distribution of the resource through service-providing institutions and active distribution in the street were effective approaches for exposing a wide range of street-involved youth to the resource. Poor recall of specific knowledge objectives suggests alternate methods of presenting key fact-based information are necessary to increase resource efficiency. Articles must be created at an appropriate reading level for the street-involved population to improve reader engagement. The ability for the target population to identify that the resource is grounded in language, art, interests and lived-experiences of the street-involved youth was well-received and facilitated interest in looking through the resource and credibility of information.
Technique for internal channelling of hydroentangled nonwoven scaffolds to enhance cell penetration
Authors: Durham Elaine R , Ingham Eileen , Russell Stephen J 
Published: April 2012

An important requirement in thick, high-porosity scaffolds is to maximise cellular penetration into the interior and avoid necrosis during culture in vitro. Hitherto, reproducible control of the pore structure in nonwoven scaffolds has proved challenging. A new, channelled scaffold manufacturing process is reported based on water jet entanglement of fibres (hydroentangling) around filamentous template to form a coherent scaffold that is subsequently removed. Longitudinally-oriented channels were introduced within the scaffold in controlled proximity using 220 µm diameter cylindrical templates. In this case study, channelled scaffolds composed of poly( l-lactic acid) were manufactured and evaluated in vitro. Environmental scanning electron microscope and µCT (X-ray microtomography) confirmed channel openings in the scaffold cross-section before and after cell culture with human dermal fibroblasts up to 14 weeks. Histology at week 11 indicated that the channels promoted cell penetration and distribution within the scaffold interior. At week 14, cellular matrix deposition was evident in the internal channel walls and the entrances remained unoccluded by cellular matrix suggesting that diffusion conduits for mass transfer of nutrient to the scaffold interior could be maintained.
Parent’s Perceptions of Health Care Providers Actions Around Child ICU Death
Authors: Brooten Dorothy , Youngblut JoAnne M. , Seagrave Lynn , Caicedo Carmen , Hawthorne Dawn , Hidalgo Ivette , Roche Rosa 
Published: April 2012

Purpose: To describe parents’ perspectives of health care provider actions that helped or did not around the time of infant/child’s intensive care unit (ICU) death. Semistructured interviews with 63 parents (Black, White, and Hispanic) 7 months post infant/child death were audio-recorded, transcribed, analyzed, and themes identified. Findings: What helped most: compassionate, sensitive staff; understandable explanations of infant’s/child’s condition; experienced, competent nurses; providers did everything to help infant/child; and parents’ involvement in care decisions. What did not help: insensitive, nonsupportive staff; conflict between providers and parents; communication problems around the death; inexperienced nurses and doctors; parents not understanding child’s disease, care, complications. Conclusions: Compassionate, sensitive staff and understandable explanations of children’s conditions were most helpful; insensitive, nonsupportive staff least helpful by gender, racial group, or care setting. Conflict between providers and parents was most problematic for minority parents and mothers.
The distribution of a germline methylation marker suggests a regional mechanism of LINE-1 silencing by the piRNA-PIWI system
Authors: Sigurdsson Martin I , Smith Albert V , Bjornsson Hans T , Jonsson Jon J 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
A defense system against transposon activity in the human germline based on PIWI proteins and piRNA has recently been discovered. It represses the activity of LINE-1 elements via DNA methylation by a largely unknown mechanism. Based on the dispersed distribution of clusters of piRNA genes in a strand-specific manner on all human chromosomes, we hypothesized that this system might work preferentially on local and proximal sequences. We tested this hypothesis with a methylation-associated SNP (mSNP) marker which is based on the density of C-T transitions in CpG dinucleotides as a surrogate marker for germline methylation.

Results
We found significantly higher density of mSNPs flanking piRNA clusters in the human genome for flank sizes of 1-16 Mb. A dose-response relationship between number of piRNA genes and mSNP density was found for up to 16 Mb of flanking sequences. The chromosomal density of hypermethylated LINE-1 elements had a significant positive correlation with the chromosomal density of piRNA genes (r = 0.41, P = 0.05). Genome windows of 1-16 Mb containing piRNA clusters had significantly more hypermethylated LINE-1 elements than windows not containing piRNA clusters. Finally, the minimum distance to the next piRNA cluster was significantly shorter for hypermethylated LINE-1 compared to normally methylated elements (14.4 Mb vs 16.1 Mb).

Conclusions
Our observations support our hypothesis that the piRNA-PIWI system preferentially methylates sequences in close proximity to the piRNA clusters and perhaps physically adjacent sequences on other chromosomes. Furthermore they suggest that this proximity effect extends up to 16 Mb. This could be due to an unknown localization signal, transcription of piRNA genes near the nuclear membrane or the presence of an unknown RNA molecule that spreads across the chromosome and targets the methylation directed by the piRNA-PIWI complex. Our data suggest a region specific molecular mechanism which can be sought experimentally.
Association between COX-2 rs2745557 polymorphism and prostate cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Hongtuan , Xu Yong , Zhang Zhihong , Liu Ranlu , Ma Baojie 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
Evidence is accumulating that chronic inflammation may have an important role in prostate cancer (PCa). The COX-2 polymorphism rs2745557 (+202 C/T) has been extensively investigated as a potential risk factor for PCa, but the results have thus far been inconclusive. This meta-analysis was performed to derive a more precise estimation of the association.

Methods
A comprehensive search was conducted to identify all case-control studies of COX-2 rs2745557 polymorphism and PCa risk. We used odds ratios (ORs) to assess the strength of the association, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) give a sense of the precision of the estimate. Statistical analyses were performed by Review Manage, version 5.0 and Stata 10.0.

Results
A total of 8 available studies were considered in the present meta-analysis, with 11356 patients and 11641 controls for rs2745557. When all groups were pooled, there was no evidence that rs2745557 had significant association with PCa under co-dominant, recessive, over-dominant, and allelic models. However, our analysis suggested that rs2745557 was associated with a lower PCa risk under dominant model in overall population (OR = 0.85, 95%CI = 0.74-0.97, P = 0.02). When stratifying for race, there was a significant association between rs2745557 polymorphism and lower PCa risk in dominant model comparison in the subgroup of Caucasians (OR = 0.86, 95%CI = 0.75-0.99, P = 0.04), but not in co-dominant, recessive, over-dominant and allelic comparisons.

Conclusion
Based on our meta-analysis, COX-2 rs2745557 was associated with a lower PCa risk under dominant model in Caucasians.
The association of leptin and C-reactive protein with the cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic syndrome score in Taiwanese adults
Authors: Chiu Feng-Hsiang , Chuang Chung Hsun , Li Wen-Cheng , Weng Yi-Ming , Fann Wen-Chih , Lo Hsiang-Yun , Sun Cheng , Wang Shih-Hao 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackgroundSerum C-reactive protein (CRP) and leptin levels have been independently associated with the cardiovascular risk factors. The aim of the present study was to determine if their serum levels were associated with cardiovascular risk factors or metabolic syndrome as well as their correlation in the Taiwanese population.MethodsThis retrospective study included 999 subjects (> 18 y), who underwent a physical examination in Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou and Chiayi in Taiwan. The associations between CRP and/or leptin levels and cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic syndrome were determined using independent two sample t-tests to detect gender differences and chi-square tests to evaluate differences in frequencies. To compare the means of the variables measured among the four groups (high and low leptin and high and low CRP), analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used.ResultsBoth CRP and leptin levels were independently associated with several cardiovascular risk factors, including diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and metabolic syndrome in both men and women (P < 0.05). In addition, a positive correlation between leptin and CRP levels was observed in both genders. Both high-CRP and high-leptin were associated with high blood glucose, waist circumference and serum triglyceride. Whereas increased metabolic syndrome incidence was observed in males with elevated leptin regardless of CRP levels, females with elevated CRP or leptin had increased incidence of metabolic syndrome.ConclusionBoth leptin and CRP levels were associated with cardiovascular risk factors as well as metabolic syndrome score in both men and women although gender-specific differences were observed. Thus, CRP and leptin may represent useful biomarkers for predicting the onset of cardiovascular disease or metabolic syndrome in Taiwanese adults.Trial registrationIRB/CGMH 100-3514B
Inducible nitric oxide synthase is involved in the modulation of depressive behaviors induced by unpredictable chronic mild stress
Authors: Peng Yun-Li , Liu Yu-Ning , Liu Lei , Wang Xia , Jiang Chun-Lei , Wang Yun-Xia 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
Experiences and inflammatory mediators are fundamental in the provocation of major depressive disorders (MDDs). We investigated the roles and mechanisms of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in stress-induced depression.

Methods
We used a depressive-like state mouse model induced by unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS). Depressive-like behaviors were evaluated after 4 weeks of UCMS, in the presence and absence of the iNOS inhibitor N-(3-(aminomethyl)benzyl)acetamidine (1400 W) compared with the control group. Immunohistochemistry was used to check the loss of Nissl bodies in cerebral cortex neurons. The levels of iNOS mRNA expression in the cortex and nitrites in the plasma were measured with real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and Griess reagent respectively.

Results
Results showed that the 4-week UCMS significantly induced depressive-like behaviors, including decreased sucrose preference in a sucrose preference test, increased duration of immobility in a forced swim test, and decreased hole-searching time in a locomotor activity test. Meanwhile, in the locomotor activity test, UCMS had no effect on normal locomotor activities, such as resting time, active time and total travel distance. Furthermore, the levels of iNOS mRNA expression in the cortex and nitrites in the plasma of UCMS-exposed mice were significantly increased compared with that of the control group. Neurons of cerebral cortex in UCMS-exposed mice were shrunken with dark staining, together with loss of Nissl bodies. The above-mentioned stress-related depressive-like behaviors, increase of iNOS mRNA expression in the cortex and nitrites in the plasma, and neuron damage, could be abrogated remarkably by pretreating the mice with an iNOS inhibitor (1400 W). Moreover, neurons with abundant Nissl bodies were significantly increased in the 1400 W + UCMS group.

Conclusions
These results support the notion that stress-related NO (derived from iNOS) may contribute to depressive-like behaviors in a mouse model, potentially concurrent with neurodegenerative effects within the cerebral cortex.
Multiple γ-secretase product peptides are coordinately increased in concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid of a subpopulation of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease subjects
Authors: Hata Saori , Taniguchi Miyako , Piao Yi , Ikeuchi Takeshi , Fagan Anne M , Holtzman David M , Bateman Randall , Sohrabi Hamid R , Martins Ralph N , Gandy Sam , Urakami Katsuya , Suzuki Toshiharu ,   the Japanese Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
Alcadeinα (Alcα) is a neuronal membrane protein that colocalizes with the Alzheimer's amyloid-β precursor protein (APP). Successive cleavage of APP by β- and γ-secretases generates the aggregatable amyloid-β peptide (Aβ), while cleavage of APP or Alcα by α- and γ-secretases generates non-aggregatable p3 or p3-Alcα peptides. Aβ and p3-Alcα can be recovered from human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We have previously reported alternative processing of APP and Alcα in the CSF of some patients with sporadic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD (SAD).

Results
Using the sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system that detects total p3-Alcα, we determined levels of total p3-Alcα in CSF from subjects in one of four diagnostic categories (elderly controls, MCI, SAD, or other neurological disease) derived from three independent cohorts. Levels of Aβ40 correlated with levels of total p3-Alcα in all cohorts.

Conclusions
We confirm that Aβ40 is the most abundant Aβ species, and we propose a model in which CSF p3-Alcα can serve as a either (1) a nonaggregatable surrogate marker for γ-secretase activity; (2) as a marker for clearance of transmembrane domain peptides derived from integral protein catabolism; or (3) both. We propose the specification of an MCI/SAD endophenotype characterized by co-elevation of levels of both CSF p3-Alcα and Aβ40, and we propose that subjects in this category might be especially responsive to therapeutics aimed at modulation of γ-secretase function and/or transmembrane domain peptide clearance. These peptides may also be used to monitor the efficacy of therapeutics that target these steps in Aβ metabolis
Methicillin-resistant staphylococcal contamination of cellular phones of personnel in a veterinary teaching hospital
Authors: Julian Timothy , Singh Ameet , Rousseau Joyce , Weese J Scott 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
Hospital-associated infections are an increasing cause of morbidity and mortality in veterinary patients. With the emergence of multi-drug resistant bacteria, these infections can be particularly difficult to eradicate. Sources of hospital-associated infections can include the patients own flora, medical staff and inanimate hospital objects. Cellular phones are becoming an invaluable feature of communication within hospitals, and since they are frequently handled by healthcare personnel, there may be a potential for contamination with various pathogens. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of contamination of cellular phones (hospital issued and personal) carried by personnel at the Ontario Veterinary College Health Sciences Centre with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Results
MRSP was isolated from 1.6% (2/123) and MRSA was isolated from 0.8% (1/123) of cellular phones. Only 21.9% (27/123) of participants in the study indicated that they routinely cleaned their cellular phone.

Conclusions
Cellular phones in a veterinary teaching hospital can harbour MRSP and MRSA, two opportunistic pathogens of significant concern. While the contamination rate was low, cellular phones could represent a potential source for infection of patients as well as infection of veterinary personnel and other people that might have contact with them. Regardless of the low incidence of contamination of cellular phones found in this study, a disinfection protocol for hospital-issued and personal cellular phones used in veterinary teaching hospitals should be in place to reduce the potential of cross-contamination.
Opposite regulation by PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK pathways of tissue factor expression, cell-associated procoagulant activity and invasiveness in MDA-MB-231 cells
Authors: Hu Chaoquan , Huang Limin , Gest Caroline , Xi Xiaodong , Janin Anne , Soria Claudine , Li Hong , Lu He 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
Tissue factor (TF), an initiator of blood coagulation, participates in cancer progression and metastasis. We recently found that inhibition of MAPK/ERK upregulated both full length TF (flTF) and soluble isoform TF (asTF) gene expression and cell-associated TF activity in breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. We explored the possible mechanisms, especially the possible interaction with EGFR and PI3K/Akt pathways.

Methods
A plasmid containing TF promoter −2174 ~ +128 plus luciferase reporter gene was introduced into MDA-MB-231 cells to evaluate TF promoter activity. In order to study the interaction of these pathways, ERK inhibitor (PD98059), PI3K inhibitors (LY294002, wortmannin), Akt inhibitor (A6730), and EGFR inhibitor (erlotinib) as well as the corresponding siRNAs were used to treat MDA-MB-231 cells, and ovarian cancer OVCAR-3 and SKOV-3 cells. Quantitative PCR and western blot were used to determine TF expression. One stage clotting assays were used to measure pro-coagulation activity of the MDA-MB-231 cells.

Results
We show that PI3K inhibitors LY294002, wortmannin and A6730 significantly inhibited TF promoter activity, and reduced TF mRNA and protein levels due to the inhibition of Akt phosphorylation. In contrast, ERK inhibitor PD98059 and ERK siRNA enhanced TF promoter activity by 2.5 fold and induced an increase in TF mRNA and protein levels in a dose dependent manner in these cells. The PI3K/Akt pathway was shown to be involved in PD98059-induced TF expression because the induction was inhibited by PI3K/Akt inhibitors. Most interestingly, the EGFR inhibitor erlotinib and EGFR siRNA also significantly suppressed PD98059- or ERK siRNA-induced TF promoter activity and TF protein expression. Similar results were found with ovarian cancer cells SKOV-3 and OVCAR-3. Furthermore, in MDA-MB-231, mRNA levels of asTF were regulated in a similar way to that of TF in response to the cell treatment.

Conclusions
This study showed a regulatory mechanism in which MAPK/ERK signals inhibit EGFR/PI3K/Akt-mediated TF expression in breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. The same regulation was observed in ovarian cancer OVCAR-3 and SKOV-3 cells. Interestingly, we observed that both flTF and asTF could be regulated in a parallel manner in MDA-MB-231. As the PI3K/Akt pathway and EGFR regulate TF expression in cancer cells, targeting these signaling components is expected to potentially inhibit TF expression-associated tumor progression.