bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of the gerA operon in L-alanine germination of Bacillus licheniformisspores
Authors: Løvdal Irene S , From Cecilie , Madslien Elisabeth H , Romundset Kristin Cecilia S , Klufterud Elin , Rosnes Jan Thomas , Granum Per Einar 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
The genome of Bacillus licheniformis DSM 13 harbours three neighbouring open reading frames showing protein sequence similarities to the proteins encoded from the Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis 168 gerA operon, GerAA, GerAB and GerAC. In B. subtilis, these proteins are assumed to form a germinant receptor involved in spore germination induced by the amino acid L-alanine.

Results
In this study we show that disruption of the gerAA gene in B. licheniformis MW3 hamper L-alanine and casein hydrolysate-triggered spore germination, measured by absorbance at 600 nm and confirmed by phase contrast microscopy. This ability was restored by complementation with a plasmid-borne copy of the gerA locus. Addition of D-alanine in the casein hydrolysate germination assay abolished germination of both B. licheniformis MW3 and the complementation mutant. Germination of both B. licheniformis MW3 and the gerA disruption mutant was induced by the non-nutrient germinant Ca2+-Dipicolinic acid.

Conclusions
These results demonstrate that the B. licheniformis MW3 gerA locus is involved in germination induced by L-alanine and potentially other components present in casein hydrolysate.
Cellular damage and apoptosis along with changes in NF-kappa B expression were induced with contrast agent enhanced ultrasound in gastric cancer cells and hepatoma cells
Authors: Jiang Zao , Wu Wei , Qian Meng-lu 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
The effect of cell injury and apoptosis induced by ultrasound with contrast agent has been verified. Contrast agent enhanced apoptosis and expression of genes that related to apoptosis and are responsive to ultrasound. This effect was associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) production induced by the sonochemical reaction, as reported in previous studies. NF-kappa B may be one of the factors involved in oxidizing reactions or modulation during the process of ultrasound inducing apoptosis.

Results
Ultrasound irradiated gastric cancer cells (SGC7901 cell line) and hepatocellular carcinoma cells (SMMC-771 cell line) cultured in medium containing contrast agent. Significant cellular damage and apoptosis were observed in the bath cells incubated for 24 hours following 120 seconds ultrasonic irradiation. I kappa B alfa expression synchronously increased in the treatment groups of both the cell lines, and the down-regulated expression of NF-kappa B influenced its-regulated expression of genes that related to apoptosis. Production of intracellular ROS and elevation of NF-kappa B level occurred after incubation of the cells for 1 hour following ultrasonic treatment.

Conclusions
Our result suggested that contrast agent enhanced the biological effect of ultrasound. Their reaction might stimulate the transitory expression of NF-kappaB, and subsequent elevation in IκBalfa expression could lead to the apoptosis of SGC7901 cells and SMMC-771 cells.
Performance of MIMO systems in measured indoor channels with transmitter noise
Authors: Castro Paula M , González-Coma José P , García-Naya José A , Castedo Luis 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
This study analyzes the impact of transmitter noise on the performance of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems with linear and nonlinear receivers and precoders. We show that the performance of MIMO linear and decision-feedback receivers is not significantly influenced by the presence of transmitter noise, which does not hold true in the case of MIMO systems with precoding. Nevertheless, we also show that this degradation can be greatly alleviated when the transmitter noise is considered in the MIMO precoder design. A MIMO testbed developed at the University of A Coruña has been employed for experimentally evaluating how much the transmitter noise impacts the system performance. Both the transmitter noise and the receiver noise covariance matrices have been estimated from a set of 260 indoor MIMO channel realizations. The impact of transmitter noise has been assessed in this realistic scenario.
Accelerated hypofractionated radiation therapy compared to conventionally fractionated radiation therapy for the treatment of inoperable non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Amini Arya , Lin Steven H , Wei Caimiao , Allen Pamela , Cox James D , Komaki Ritsuko 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
While conventionally fractionated radiation therapy alone is an acceptable option for poor prognostic patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC, we hypothesized that accelerated hypofractionated radiotherapy will have similar efficacy without increasing toxicity.

Methods
This is a retrospective analysis of 300 patients diagnosed with stage III NSCLC treated between 1993 and 2009. Patients included in the study were medically or surgically inoperable, were free of metastatic disease at initial workup and did not receive concurrent chemotherapy. Patients were categorized into three groups. Group 1 received 45 Gy in 15 fractions over 3 weeks (Accelerated Radiotherapy (ACRT)) while group 2 received 60-63 Gy (Standard Radiation Therapy 1 (STRT1)) and group 3 received > 63 Gy (Standard Radiation Therapy (STRT2)).

Results
There were 119 (39.7%) patients in the ACRT group, 90 (30.0%) in STRT1 and 91 (30.3%) in STRT2. More patients in the ACRT group had KPS ≤ 60 (p < 0.001), more commonly presented with weight loss > 5% (p = 0.002), and had stage 3B disease (p < 0.001). After adjusting for clinical variables, there were no differences in the radiation groups in terms of the patterns of local or distant tumor control or overall survival. Some benefit in relapse free survival was seen in the STRT1 group as compared to ACRT (HR = 0.65, p = 0.011). Acute toxicity profiles in the ACRT were significantly lower for grade ≥ 2 radiation dermatitis (p = 0.002), nausea/vomiting (p = 0.022), and weight loss during treatment (p = 0.020).

Conclusions
Despite the limitations of a retrospective analysis, our experience of accelerated hypofractionated radiation therapy with 45 Gy in 15 fractions appears to be an acceptable treatment option for poor performance status patients with stage III inoperable tumors. Such a treatment regimen (or higher doses in 15 fractions) should be prospectively evaluated using modern radiation technologies with the addition of sequential high dose chemotherapy in stage III NSCLC.
Crosstalk between transcription factors and microRNAs in human protein interaction network
Authors: Lin Chen-Ching , Chen Ya-Jen , Chen Cho-Yi , Oyang Yen-Jen , Juan Hsueh-Fen , Huang Hsuan-Cheng 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
Gene regulatory networks control the global gene expression and the dynamics of protein output in living cells. In multicellular organisms, transcription factors and microRNAs are the major families of gene regulators. Recent studies have suggested that these two kinds of regulators share similar regulatory logics and participate in cooperative activities in the gene regulatory network; however, their combinational regulatory effects and preferences on the protein interaction network remain unclear.

Methods
In this study, we constructed a global human gene regulatory network comprising both transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulatory relationships, and integrated the protein interactome into this network. We then screened the integrated network for four types of regulatory motifs: single-regulation, co-regulation, crosstalk, and independent, and investigated their topological properties in the protein interaction network.

Results
Among the four types of network motifs, the crosstalk was found to have the most enriched protein-protein interactions in their downstream regulatory targets. The topological properties of these motifs also revealed that they target crucial proteins in the protein interaction network and may serve important roles of biological functions.

Conclusions
Altogether, these results reveal the combinatorial regulatory patterns of transcription factors and microRNAs on the protein interactome, and provide further evidence to suggest the connection between gene regulatory network and protein interaction network.
Impact of anesthesia on pathophysiology and mortality following subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats
Authors: Hockel Konstantin , Trabold Raimund , Schöller Karsten , Török Elisabeth , Plesnila Nikolaus 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackgroundAnesthesia is indispensable for in vivo research but has the intrinsic potential to alter study results. The aim of the current study was to investigate the impact of three common anesthesia protocols on physiological parameters and outcome following the most common experimental model for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), endovascular perforation.MethodsSprague-Dawley rats (n = 38) were randomly assigned to (1) chloral hydrate, (2) isoflurane or (3) midazolam/medetomidine/fentanyl (MMF) anesthesia. Arterial blood gases, intracranial pressure (ICP), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) were monitored before and for 3 hours after SAH. Brain water content, mortality and rate of secondary bleeding were also evaluated.ResultsUnder baseline conditions isoflurane anesthesia resulted in deterioration of respiratory parameters (arterial pCO2and pO2) and increased brain water content. After SAH, isoflurane and chloral hydrate were associated with reduced MAP, incomplete recovery of post-hemorrhagic rCBF (23 ± 13% and 87 ± 18% of baseline, respectively) and a high anesthesia-related mortality (17 and 50%, respectively). Anesthesia with MMF provided stable hemodynamics (MAP between 100-110 mmHg), high post-hemorrhagic rCBF values, and a high rate of re-bleedings (> 50%), a phenomenon often observed after SAH in humans.ConclusionBased on these findings we recommend anesthesia with MMF for the endovascular perforation model of SAH.
Risk Factors for Financial Hardship in Patients Receiving Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer: A Population-Based Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Shankaran Veena , Jolly Sanjay , Blough David , Ramsey Scott D. 
Published: March 2012

Purpose Characteristics that predispose patients to financial hardship during cancer treatment are poorly understood. We therefore conducted a population-based exploratory analysis of potential factors associated with financial hardship and treatment nonadherence during and following adjuvant chemotherapy for colon cancer. Patients and Methods Patients diagnosed with stage III colon cancer between 2008 and 2010 were identified from a population-based cancer registry representing 13 counties in Washington state. Patients were asked to complete a comprehensive survey on treatment-related costs. Patients were considered to have experienced financial hardship if they accrued debt, sold or refinanced their home, borrowed money from friends or family, or experienced a 20% or greater decline in their annual income as a result of treatment-related expenses. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate factors associated with financial hardship and treatment nonadherence. Results A total of 284 responses were obtained from 555 eligible patients (response rate, 51.2%). Nearly all patients in the final sample were insured during treatment. In this sample, 38% of patients reported one or more financial hardships as a result of treatment. The factors most closely associated with treatment-related financial hardship were younger age and lower annual household income. Younger age, lower income, and unemployment or disability (which occurred in most instances following diagnosis) were most closely associated with treatment nonadherence. Conclusion A significant proportion of patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy for stage III colon cancer may experience financial hardship, despite having health insurance coverage. Interventions to help at-risk patients early on during therapy may prevent long-term financial adverse effects.
Evidence-Based Treatment of Depression in Patients With Cancer
Authors: Li Madeline , Fitzgerald Peter , Rodin Gary 
Published: March 2012

Purpose Depression is a common condition in patients with cancer, although there has been a relative paucity of research on the effectiveness of treatment in this population. This review summarizes the psychosocial and pharmacologic treatment of depression in patients with cancer based on a consideration of evidence regarding etiologic factors and treatment outcomes. Methods A review of the evidence base for psychosocial and pharmacologic interventions for depression in patients with cancer was performed, including original studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analytic studies in the literature. Results Recent evidence from randomized controlled trials has demonstrated the efficacy of psychosocial and pharmacologic treatments to alleviate depression in patients with cancer. Further research is needed to establish their relative and combined efficacy and their role in the treatment of depression that is less severe and occurs in association with more advanced disease. First-line recommendations for the treatment of depression in patients with cancer are difficult to derive based on current evidence, because comparative studies have not been conducted to support the superiority of one treatment modality over another in this population. Conclusion Both psychosocial and pharmacologic interventions have been shown to be efficacious in treating depression in cancer, but further research is needed to establish their relative and combined benefit. Future research directions include the development and evaluation of novel interventions targeted to specific biologic and psychosocial risk factors.
Non-iconic chronology in Russian narrative texts. Its types and motivations
Authors: Yevseyev Vyacheslav 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
In a narrative text, sequential events are usually presented iconically, i.e. in the linear order of their real succession, cf. Caesar’s famous Veni, vidi, vici (‘I came, I saw, I conquered’). However, the strict chronological order can be broken, as in ‘I conquered after I came (and saw)’. The aim of the present study is to describe such non-iconic cases in quantitative terms on the basis of a corpus compiled from 85 most significant or illustrative works of Russian prose. First, the distribution of iconic and non-iconic cases in syntactic structures of different kind (e.g. with adverbial participles) is described; second, typical structures are analysed in which two sequential events are depicted in reverse order; third, possible motivations for violating the principle of temporal iconicity are studied: the length of clauses (Behaghel’s “law of increasing constituents”), the order of main and subordinate clauses (the Clarks’ “main-clause-first principle”) and the informative status of the clauses (Halliday’s “given-before-new principle” vs. Givon’s “task-urgency principle”).
Hospital Variation in Nitric Oxide Use for Premature Infants
Authors: Stenger Michael R. , Slaughter Jonathan L. , Kelleher Kelly , Shepherd Edward G. , Klebanoff Mark A. , Reagan Patricia , Nelin Leif D. , Gardner William 
Published: March 2012

OBJECTIVE:
To describe inter-center hospital variation in inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) administration to infants born prior to 34 weeks' gestation at US children's hospitals.

METHODS:
This was a retrospective cohort study using the Pediatric Health Information System to determine the frequency, age at first administration, and length of iNO use among 22 699 consecutive first admissions of unique &lt;34 weeks’ gestation infants admitted to 37 children’s hospitals from January 1, 2007, through December 31, 2010.

RESULTS:
A total of 1644 (7.2%) infants received iNO during their hospitalization, with substantial variation in iNO use between hospitals (range across hospitals: 0.5%–26.2%; P &lt; .001). The age at which iNO was started varied by hospital (mean: 20.0 days; range: 6.0–65.1 days, P &lt; .001), as did the duration of therapy (mean: 13.1 days; range: 1.0–31.1 days; P &lt; .001). Preterm infants who received iNO were less likely to survive (36.3% mortality vs 8.3%; odds ratio: 6.27; P &lt; .001). The association between the use of iNO and mortality persists in propensity score–adjusted analyses controlling for demographic factors and diagnoses associated with the use of iNO (odds ratio: 3.79; P &lt; .0001).

CONCLUSIONS:
iNO practice patterns in preterm infants varied widely among institutions. Infants who received iNO were less likely to survive, suggesting that iNO is used in infants already at high risk of death. Adherence to National Institutes of Health consensus guidelines may decrease variation in iNO use.
Alveolar Bone Loss Associated With Age‐Related Macular Degeneration in Males
Authors: Karesvuo Petteri , Gursoy Ulvi K. , Pussinen Pirkko J. , Suominen Anna L. , Huumonen Sisko , Vesti Eija , Könönen Eija 
Published: March 2012

Background: The aim of this study is to examine the relationship of selected systemic and oral health parameters and the salivary presence of six periodontal pathogens to age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).Methods: The present cross‐sectional study includes data on 1,751 individuals (≥30 years old). General health information was obtained by questionnaires and interviews, including self‐reported diagnosis of AMD, as well as by the general and oral health examination, including panoramic radiography and laboratory analyses. Fifty‐four individuals with degenerative fundus changes formed the AMD group, and the other 1,697 formed the non‐AMD group. Pearson χ2 and analysis of variance tests were used for comparisons of categorical parameters and continuous parameters between the participant groups, respectively. A logistic regression analysis was performed to study the association of AMD with alveolar bone loss and the number of teeth by controlling for age, diabetic status, systolic blood pressure, education, and smoking, and also for the carriage of salivary bacteria.Results: Advanced age, systolic blood pressure, and diabetes were associated with AMD (P <0.001), whereas the carriage rates of the examined periodontal pathogens were not. In the whole study population, the participants with AMD had fewer teeth (P <0.001) and more alveolar bone loss (P = 0.004) compared with non‐AMD participants. In a logistic regression model adjusted for age, smoking, and diabetes, alveolar bone loss was associated with AMD in males with an odds ratio of 4.3 (95% confidence interval = 1.3 to 14.6, P = 0.013).Conclusion: In this population‐based health survey, alveolar bone loss is independently associated with AMD in males.
Life After the Ban: An Assessment of US Syringe Exchange Programs’ Attitudes About and Early Experiences With Federal Funding
Authors: Green Traci C. , Martin Erika G. , Bowman Sarah E. , Mann Marita R. , Beletsky Leo 
Published: March 2012

Objectives. We aimed to determine whether syringe exchange programs (SEPs) currently receive or anticipate pursuing federal funding and barriers to funding applications following the recent removal of the long-standing ban on using federal funds for SEPs. Methods. We conducted a telephone-administered cross-sectional survey of US SEPs. Descriptive statistics summarized responses; bivariate analyses examined differences in pursuing funding and experiencing barriers by program characteristics. Results. Of the 187 SEPs (92.1%) that responded, 90.9% were legally authorized. Three received federal funds and 116 intended to pursue federal funding. Perceived federal funding barriers were common and included availability and accessibility of funds, legal requirements such as written police support, resource capacity to apply and comply with funding regulations, local political and structural organization, and concern around altering program culture. Programs without legal authorization, health department affiliation, large distribution, or comprehensive planning reported more federal funding barriers. Conclusions. Policy implementation gaps appear to render federal support primarily symbolic. In practice, funding opportunities may not be available to all SEPs. Increased technical assistance and legal reform could improve access to federal funds, especially for SEPs with smaller capacity and tenuous local support.
The Relationship Between Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome, and Platelet Activity as Measured by Mean Platelet Volume
Authors: Shah Binita , Sha Daohang , Xie Dawei , Mohler Emile R. , Berger Jeffrey S. 
Published: March 2012

OBJECTIVE
The association between platelet activity, diabetes, and glucometabolic control is uncertain. We aim to investigate mean platelet volume (MPV), a marker of platelet size and platelet activity, with the prevalence of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and degree of glycemic control.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
This is a retrospective analysis of 13,021 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2004. Prevalence of diabetes was defined as nonfasting glucose &gt;200 mg/dL, fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL, or treatment with hypoglycemic agents. Presence of metabolic syndrome was determined by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III definition. Odds ratios and 95% CIs were estimated by logistic regression.

RESULTS
MPV was significantly higher in subjects with diabetes (8.20 vs. 8.06 femtoliter [fL], P &lt; 0.01) but not in subjects with metabolic syndrome (8.09 vs. 8.07 fL, P = 0.24). For the metabolic syndrome components, MPV was significantly higher in abdominal obesity (P = 0.03) and low HDL (P = 0.04), and not different in high blood pressure (P = 0.07), abnormal glucose metabolism (P = 0.71), or hypertriglyceridemia (P = 0.46). There was a significant correlation between MPV and glucose (P &lt; 0.0001) and between MPV and hemoglobin A1c (P &lt; 0.0001) in subjects with diabetes. These correlations were no longer significant in those without diabetes. The adjusted odds of diabetes rose with increasing MPV levels and were most pronounced in subjects with MPV levels exceeding the 90th percentile (≥9.31 fL). The association between MPV and diabetes was most apparent in those with the poorest glucose control.

CONCLUSIONS
Mean platelet volume is strongly and independently associated with the presence and severity of diabetes.
Whole-Blood Tissue Factor Procoagulant Activity Is Elevated in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Singh Anamika , Boden Guenther , Homko Carol , Gunawardana Jay , Rao A. Koneti 
Published: March 2012

OBJECTIVE
To determine tissue factor procoagulant activity (TF-PCA) in patients with type 1 diabetes and to examine effects of hyperglycemia and hyperglycemia plus hyperinsulinemia on TF-PCA.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We have determined circulating TF-PCA and other coagulation factors under basal (hyperglycemic) conditions, after acute correction of hyperglycemia, in response to 24 h of selective hyperglycemia, and in response to 24 h of hyperglycemia plus hyperinsulinemia in nine type 1 diabetic patients and in seven nondiabetic control subjects.

RESULTS
As shown previously in patients with type 2 diabetes, basal TF-PCA and plasma coagulation factor VIIa (FVIIa) were higher in patients with type 1 diabetes than in nondiabetic control subjects. However, in contrast with type 2 diabetes, normalizing glucose did not decrease the elevated TF-PCA levels, and raising glucose or glucose plus insulin levels did not increase TF-PCA.

CONCLUSIONS
Patients with type 1 diabetes have elevated circulating TF-PCA and FVIIa levels and are in a procoagulant state that may predispose them to acute cardiovascular events. The mechanisms regulating TF-PCA in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are different and should be further explored.