bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subcellular distribution of S100A4 and its transcriptional regulation under hypoxic conditions in gastric cancer cell line BGC823
Authors: Zhang Ruixiu , Fu Hao , Chen Danqi , Hua Jun , Hu Yanping , Sun Kailai , Sun Xiuju 
Published: February 2010

It is well known that S100A4 is overexpressed in many tumors and involved in tumor invasion and metastasis. But the regualtion of it is ill understood. We previously found that hypoxia mimicking cobalt chloride (CoCl2) enhanced the mRNA and protein expressions of the S100A4 gene in the gastric cancer cell line BGC823. In this study we found that S100A4 also displayed increased expression in BGC823 cells after exposure to real hypoxia (2.5% O2) as that by CoCl2 treatment. Moreover, S100A4 protein showed different subcellular distribution under real hypoxia compared with that by CoCl2 treatment or in normoxic conditions. To investigate the underlying molecular mechanism by which hypoxia regulates the expression of S100A4, we analyzed the regulatory sequences of the genes by bioinformatics and found a putative hypoxia responsive element (HRE) motif in the first intron of S1004. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assay showed that it is responsive to hypoxia. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 (HIF‐1) binds to the functional HRE in vitro and in vivo. The results provide evidence that S100A4 is a hypoxia‐inducible gene, whose transcription is stimulated at least partly through the interaction of HIF‐1 and HRE located at +329 to +334 of S100A4.(Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 1141–1146)
Mating behaviour, life history and adaptation to insecticides determine species exclusion between whiteflies
Authors: Crowder David W. , Horowitz A. Rami , De Barro Paul J. , Liu Shu‐Sheng , Showalter Ann M. , Kontsedalov Svetlana , Khasdan Vadim , Shargal Amihai , Liu Jian , Carrière Y. 
Published: February 2010

Summary 1. Negative interspecific interactions, such as resource competition or reproductive interference, can lead to the displacement of species (species exclusion). 2. Here, we investigated the effect of life history, mating behaviour and adaptation to insecticides on species exclusion between cryptic whitefly species that make up the Bemisia tabaci species complex. We conducted population cage experiments independently in China, Australia, the United States and Israel to observe patterns of species exclusion between an invasive species commonly referred to as the B biotype and three other species commonly known as biotypes ZHJ1, AN and Q. 3. Although experimental conditions and species varied between regions, we were able to predict the observed patterns of exclusion in each region using a stochastic model that incorporated data on development time, mating behaviour and resistance to insecticides. 4. Between‐species variation in mating behaviour was a more significant factor affecting species exclusion than variation in development time. Specifically, the ability of B to copulate more effectively than other species resulted in a faster rate of population increase for B, as well as a reduced rate of population growth for other species, leading to species exclusion. The greater ability of B to evolve resistance to insecticides also contributed to exclusion of other species in some cases. 5. Results indicate that an integrative analysis of the consequences of variation in life‐history traits, mating behaviours and adaption to insecticides could provide a robust framework for predicting species exclusion following whitefly invasions.
Structural and chemical composition studies of pulsed laser deposited β‐Al‐Mg thin films
Authors: RADZISZEWSKA A. 
Published: February 2010

SummaryIn this work, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy and also an energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy were used to examine the morphology, structure and chemical composition of the β‐Al3Mg2 thin films. The β‐Al‐Mg thin films were produced by pulsed laser deposition. For the laser fluence (q) of 1.6 J/cm2 the amorphous structure was observed while for the higher fluence (13.8 J/cm2) nanocrystalline grains were visible. The micrometer‐sized droplets were also observed in the films deposited at higher laser fluence. It was found that the thickness of β‐Al‐Mg films was equal to 95 nm and 260 nm for laser fluence of 1.6 J/cm2 and 13.8 J/cm2, respectively. Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy of thin films revealed that those that were deposited at 1.6 J/cm2 were characterized by the congruent transfer of the composition of the target to the substrate (Si). However, the contents of aluminium and magnesium varied on the cross‐section of films deposited at fluence of 13.8 J/cm2.
The symmetry of precession electron diffraction patterns
Authors: MORNIROLI J.‐P. , STADELMANN P. , JI G. , NICOLOPOULOS S. 
Published: February 2010

SummaryThe integrated intensity of the diffracted beams present on microdiffraction precession patterns can be used to infer the ‘ideal’ symmetry, i.e. the symmetry which takes into account both the position and the intensity of the diffracted beams on a diffraction pattern. It is shown that this symmetry is connected with the 11 Laue classes on conventional electron precession patterns and with the centro‐ and non‐centrosymmetrical point groups on unconventional precession patterns obtained without ‘descan’.
Determining parentage and relatedness from genetic markers sheds light on patterns of marine larval dispersal
Authors: HEDGECOCK DENNIS 
Published: February 2010

Population connectivity, the extent to which geographically separated subpopulations exchange individuals and are demographically linked, is important to the scientific management of marine living resources. In theory, the design of a marine protected area, for example, depends on an explicit understanding of how dispersal of planktonic larvae affects metapopulation structure and dynamics (Botsford et al. 2001). In practice, for most marine metazoans with planktonic larvae, the mean and variance of the distances that larvae disperse are unobservable quantities, owing to the small sizes of larvae and the very large volumes through which they are distributed. Simulation of dispersal kernels with models that incorporate oceanography and limited aspects of larval biology and behaviour, coupled with field studies of larval distribution, abundance, and settlement, have provided the best available approaches to date for understanding connectivity of marine populations (Cowen et al. 2006). On the other hand, marine population connectivity has often been judged by spatial variation in the frequencies of alleles and genotypes, although the inherent limitations of this indirect approach to measuring larval dispersal have often been overlooked (Hedgecock et al. 2007). More recently, researchers have turned to genetic methods and highly polymorphic markers that can provide direct evidence of population connectivity in the form of parentage or relatedness of recruits (e.g. Jones et al. 2005). In this issue, Christie et al. (2010) provide a particularly elegant example, in which both indirect and novel direct genetic methods are used to determine the major ecological processes shaping dispersal patterns of larval bicolour damselfish Stegastes partitus, a common and widespread reef fish species in the Caribbean Basin (Fig. 1). The bicolour damselfish Stegastes partitus shows substantial self‐recruitment of juveniles to their natal coral reef habitat. Below, a male guarding an artificial nest made from PVC pipe; differential reproductive success of parents or differential survival of egg clutches or the larvae that hatch from them may account for signals of sweepstakes reproductive success in this species (photo credits: top, Bill Harward; bottom, Darren Johnson).image
The volume perspective: a comparison of two excisional treatments for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (laser versus LLETZ)
Authors: Phadnis SV , Atilade A , Young MPA , Evans H , Walker PG 
Published: February 2010

Please cite this paper as: Phadnis S, Atilade A, Young M, Evans H, Walker P. The volume perspective: a comparison of two excisional treatments for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (laser versus LLETZ). BJOG 2010;117:615–619.Objective  To compare two excisional treatments, laser cone biopsy and large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ), in terms of the volume of tissue removed, and to determine the relation between the height and the total volume of the cone specimen.Design  Retrospective cross‐sectional study.Setting  Large teaching hospital in London.Population  A total of 1136 eligible excisional treatments (laser cone or large loop excision of the transformation zone, LLETZ).Methods  Eligible excisional treatments (laser cone or LLETZ) performed between 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2007 in our colposcopy unit were identified using the Infoflex® database. The total volume of the cone biopsy was calculated mathematically using the data provided in the histopathology reports.Main outcome measures  The volume of the cone biopsy was compared with the technique of excision and the histology grades.Results  Three hundred and thirty‐nine laser cone biopsies were performed, whereas 797 LLETZ biopsies were recorded, during the study period. There was no difference in the mean age in the two groups. However, there is a proportional increase in the volume of the cone as the height of the cone increases, and a significant number of the values are skewed, suggesting that the diameter of the base of the cone contributes significantly to the total volume. Laser cone biopsies (median volume 1.84 cm3, 95% CI 1.98–2.54 cm3) account for a larger volume of tissue excised compared with LLETZ (median volume 0.78 cm3, 95% CI 0.91–1.02 cm3) (P < 0.0001). This relationship is not altered when the two procedures are stratified for grade of lesion, i.e. excision for low‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) (laser median volume 1.55 cm3, 95% CI 1.46–2.06; LLETZ median volume 0.62 cm3, 95% CI 0.73–0.88 cm3) (P < 0.0001) or high‐grade CIN (laser median volume 1.84 cm3, 95% CI 2.11–2.53 cm3; LLETZ median volume 0.82 cm3, 95% CI 0.94–1.07 cm3) (P < 0.0001).Conclusions  The volume of cervical tissue removed during laser conisation is significantly more than that removed with LLETZ. The indication of the cone biopsy does influence the volume of tissue removed.
Modulation of A1 adenosine receptor expression by cell aggregation and long‐term activation of A2a receptors in cultures of avian retinal cells: involvement of the cyclic AMP/PKA pathway
Authors: Pereira Mariana R. , Hang Vanusa R. , Vardiero Eliza , De Mello Fernando G. , Paes‐de‐Carvalho Roberto 
Published: February 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 113, 661–673.AbstractThe expression of A1 and A2a adenosine receptors is developmentally regulated in the chick retina, but little is known about the factors important for this regulation. Here, we show that cell aggregation and cAMP analogs promote a dramatic increase in A1 receptor expression. Importantly, a long‐term stimulation of A2a receptors also promotes an increase of A1 receptor expression accompanied by a down‐regulation of A2a receptors. Chick embryo retina cultures grown in the form of aggregates or dispersed cells accumulate cAMP when stimulated with dopamine or the adenosine agonist 2‐chloroadenosine. However, inhibition of dopamine‐dependent cAMP accumulation by 2‐chloroadenosine was observed in aggregate cultures but not in dispersed cell cultures. Accordingly, A1 receptor binding sites were detected in aggregate cultures, but were low or absent from dispersed cell cultures. Interestingly, an increase of A1 binding sites was detected when dispersed cell cultures were treated for 5 days with permeable cAMP analogs, the adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin or A2a receptor agonists. Although a significant amount of A1 receptor protein was detected in dispersed cell cultures by western blot or immunocytochemistry, the long‐term stimulation of A2a receptors also promoted an increase of the A1 receptor protein and mRNA, indicating that A2a receptors and cAMP were regulating transcription and/or translation of A1 receptors. We also found an increase of A1 receptors in locations in or near the membrane after treatment with A2a agonist. The long‐term stimulation of retinal explants with A2a agonist also promoted an increase of A1 receptor protein. The results indicate that A2a receptors and the cAMP‐dependent protein kinase pathway are involved in the regulation of A1 receptor expression during retinal development.
Circulating Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 2, TLR4, and regulatory T cells in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: WANG JIU‐PING , ZHANG YE , WEI XIN , LI JUN , NAN XUE‐PING , YU HAI‐TAO , LI YU , WANG PING‐ZHONG , BAI XUE‐FAN 
Published: February 2010

Wang J‐P, Zhang Y, Wei X, Li J, Nan X‐P, Yu H‐T, Li Y, Wang P‐Z, Bai X‐F. Circulating Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 2, TLR4, and regulatory T cells in patients with chronic hepatitis C. APMIS 2010; 118: 261–70.The mechanism of hepatitis C virus (HCV) involvement in innate immune responses and immune modulation has not been well characterized. In the present work, we studied Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR4, which were recently recognized as the important components of innate immunity, as well as CD4+ CD25+ CD127low/− regulatory T cells (Tregs), which actively suppress pathological and physiological immune response during HCV infection. The study involved 31 chronic hepatitis C patients and 20 healthy controls. TLR2 and TLR4 expression in peripheral blood monocytes and the number of Tregs were examined by flow cytometric analysis. Overexpression of TLR2 and TLR4 was found in chronic hepatitis C patients as compared with controls. Furthermore, increased cytokine production, including that of β‐interferon, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6, and IL‐8, was observed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from chronic hepatitis C patients after challenge with TLR2 and TLR4 agonists. The number of Tregs was significantly higher in chronic hepatitis C patients and the increased Tregs were associated with HCV genotype 1b. In vitro studies demonstrated that circulating Tregs suppress T‐cell responses in chronic hepatitis C patients. Significant correlations were found between the viral load and Treg number and between TLR2 and TLR4 level in chronic hepatitis C patients. Taken together with other published data, these results suggest that TLR2, TLR4, and Tregs correlate closely with chronic HCV infection.
FOUR EXTREMITY FRACTURES IN A PATIENT WITH RENAL OSTEODYSTROPHY
Authors: Cift Hakan , Unay Koray , Ozkan Korhan , Akcal Mehmet Akif , Eceviz Engin 
Published: February 2010

SUMMARYRenal osteodystrophy (ROD) is the skeletal complication of chronic kidney disease. Secondary hyperparathyroidism and 125 dihydroxy vitamin D3 deficiency are the major causative factors in ROD. Musculoskeletal problems remain among the main limitations of the quality of life of renal failure patients. In this report, a 60‐year‐old male with four extremity fractures due to a minor trauma was presented. The patient had been receiving haemodialysis for seven years due to hypertensive nephropathy. Our case emphasises the importance of multispecialty approach to the investigation and treatment of patients with ROD.
SPANISH NEPHROLOGY NURSES’ VIEWS AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS CARING FOR DYING PATIENTS
Authors: Ho Tai Mooi , Barbero Eva , Hidalgo Carlota , Camps Carme 
Published: February 2010

SUMMARYPatients with advanced chronic kidney disease are increasingly elderly with increasing numbers of co‐morbidites. Some may not be suitable for dialysis, some will choose to withdraw from treatment after a period of time and some will reach the end of their lives while still on dialysis. Studies have shown nurses’ attitudes towards caring for dying patients affect the quality of care. A descriptive study was conducted to explore Spanish nurses’ views and attitudes in this context and to assess any relationship between demographic variables and attitudes. Two measurement tools were used: a demographic survey and the Frommelt Attitude Toward Care of the Dying Scale—Form B. Two hundred and two completed questionnaires were returned. Although respondents demonstrated positive attitudes in this domain, 88.9% viewed end‐of‐life (EOL) care as an emotionally demanding task, 95.3% manifested that addressing death issue require special skills and 92.6% reported that education on EOL care is necessary. This paper suggests strategies which could ease the burden in this area of care.
Failsafe automation of Phase II clinical trial interim monitoring for stopping rules
Authors: Day Roger S 
Published: February 2010

Background In Phase II clinical trials in cancer, preventing the treatment of patients on a study when current data demonstrate that the treatment is insufficiently active or too toxic has obvious benefits, both in protecting patients and in reducing sponsor costs. Considerable efforts have gone into experimental designs for Phase II clinical trials with flexible sample size, usually implemented by early stopping rules. The intended benefits will not ensue, however, if the design is not followed. Despite the best intentions, failures can occur for many reasons. Purpose The main goal is to develop an automated system for interim monitoring, as a backup system supplementing the protocol team, to ensure that patients are protected. A secondary goal is to stimulate timely recording of patient assessments. Methods We developed key concepts and performance needs, then designed, implemented, and deployed a software solution embedded in the clinical trials database system. Results The system has been in place since October 2007. One clinical trial tripped the automated monitor, resulting in e-mails that initiated statistician/investigator review in timely fashion. Limitations Several essential contributing activities still require human intervention, institutional policy decisions, and institutional commitment of resources. Conclusions We believe that implementing the concepts presented here will provide greater assurance that interim monitoring plans are followed and that patients are protected from inadequate response or excessive toxicity. This approach may also facilitate wider acceptance and quicker implementation of new interim monitoring algorithms. Clinical Trials 2010; 7: 78—84. http://ctj.sagepub.com
A simulation study evaluating approaches to the analysis of ordinal outcome data in randomized controlled trials in traumatic brain injury: results from the IMPACT Project
Authors: McHugh Gillian S , Butcher Isabella , Steyerberg Ewout W , Marmarou Anthony , Lu Juan , Lingsma Hester F , Weir James , Maas Andrew I R , Murray Gordon D 
Published: February 2010

Background Clinical trials in traumatic brain injury have a disappointing track record, with a long history of ‘negative’ Phase III trials. One contributor to this lack of success is almost certainly the low efficiency of the conventional approach to the analysis, which discards information by dichotomizing an ordinal outcome scale. Purpose Our goal was to evaluate the potential efficiency gains, which can be achieved by using techniques, which extract additional information from ordinal outcome data — the proportional odds model and the sliding dichotomy. In addition, we evaluated the additional efficiency gains, which can be achieved through covariate adjustment. Methods The study was based on simulations, which were built around a database of patient-level data extracted from eight Phase III trials and three observational studies in traumatic brain injury. Two different putative treatment effects were explored, one which followed the proportional odds model, and the other which assumed that the effect of the intervention was to reduce the risk of death without changing the distribution of outcomes within survivors. The results are expressed as efficiency gains, reported as the percentage reduction in sample size that can be used with the ordinal analyses without loss of statistical power relative to the conventional binary analysis. Results The simulation results show substantial efficiency gains. Use of the sliding dichotomy allows sample sizes to be reduced by up to 40% without loss of statistical power. The proportional odds model gives modest additional gains over and above the gains achieved by use of the sliding dichotomy. Limitations As with any simulation study, it is difficult to know how far the findings may be extrapolated beyond the actual situations that were modeled. Conclusions Both ordinal techniques offer substantial efficiency gains relative to the conventional binary analysis. The choice between the two techniques involves subtle value judgments. In the situations examined, the proportional odds model gave efficiency gains over and above the sliding dichotomy, but arguably, the sliding dichotomy is more intuitive and clinically appealing. Clinical Trials 2010; 7: 44—57. http://ctj.sagepub.com
Impact of supplemental site grants to increase African American accrual for the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial
Authors: Cook Elise D , Arnold Kathryn B , Hermos John A , McCaskill-Stevens Worta , Moody-Thomas Sarah , Probstfield Jeffrey L , Hamilton Sandra J , Campbell Russell D , Anderson Karen B , Minasian Lori M 
Published: February 2010

Background African American accrual to prevention trials at rates representative of the disease burden experienced by this population requires additional resources and focused efforts. Purpose To describe the rationale, context, and criteria for selection of sites that received Minority Recruitment Enhancement Grants (MREGs) to increase African American recruitment to the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT). To determine if African American accrual was higher among the 15 MREG sites when compared with similar nonawarded sites. Methods Changes in African American accrual at sites that received MREGs are compared with changes in a group of 15, frequency-matched, nonawarded sites using a quasi-experimental, post hoc analysis. Successful and unsuccessful recruitment strategies reported by the MREG sites are described. Results The increased number of African American participants accrued per month at MREG sites post-funding was higher than the change at comparison sites by a factor of 3.38 (p = 0.004, 95% CI: 1.51—7.57). An estimated 602 additional African American participants were recruited at MREG sites due to MREG funding, contributing to the overall 14.9% African American recruitment. Successful recruitment strategies most reported by MREG sites included increasing staff, transportation resources, recruiting through the media, mailings, and prostate cancer screening clinics during off-hours. Limitations Comparison sites were chosen retrospectively, not by randomization. Although comparison sites were selected to be similar to MREG sites with regard to potential confounding factors, it is possible that unknown factors could have biased results. Cost-effective analyses were not conducted. Conclusions MREG sites increased African American accrual in the post-funding period more than comparison sites, indicating MREG funding enhanced the sites’ abilities to accrue African American participants. Targeted grants early in the accrual period may be a useful multi-site intervention to increase African American accrual for a prevention study where adequate African American representation is essential. Clinical Trials 2010; 7: 90—99. http://ctj.sagepub.com