University of Brawijaya

About: University of Brawijaya is a education organization based out in Malang, Indonesia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Tourism. The organization has 11594 authors who have published 12369 publications receiving 44028 citations. The organization is also known as: Universitas Brawijaya & Universitas Brawijaya Malang.

The role of vascular smooth muscle cells on the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

Abstract: Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of death and disability. The lesions of atherosclerosis represent a series of highly specific cellular and molecular responses. The earliest changes that precede the formation of lesions of atherosclerosis take place in the endothelium (EC), with resultant endothelial dysfunction. The EC-induced injury can result in increased lipid permeability, macrophage recruitment, formation of foam cells, and recruitment of T-lymphocytes and platelet. After intimal injury, different cell types,including ECs, platelets, and inflammatory cells release mediators, such as growth factors and cytokines that induce multiple effects including phenotype change of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from the quiescent "contractile" phenotype state to the active "synthetic" state, that can migrate and proliferate from media to the intima. The inflammatory response simulates migration and proliferation of VSMC that become intermixed with the area of inflammation to form an intermediate lesion. These responses continue uninhibited and is accompanied by accumulation of new extra cellular matrix (ECM). The migratory and proliferative activities of VSMC are regulated by growth promoters such as platelet derived growth factors (PGF), endothelin-1 (ET-1), thrombin, fibroblast growth factor (FGF), interleukin-1 (IL-1) and inhibitors such as, heparin sulfates , nitric oxide (NO), transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta. The matrix metallo proteinases (MMPs) could also participate in the process of VSMC migration. MMPs could catalyze and remove the basement membrane around VSMC and facilitate contacts with the interstitial matrix. This could promote a change from quiescent, contractile VSMC to cells capable of migrating and proliferating to mediate repair. The VSMC regulation is a very complex process, VSMC are stimulated to proliferate and migrate by some kind of cytokines, growth factors, angiotensin II (Ang-II). Together with apoptosis, proliferation and migration of VSMC are vital to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and plaque rupture. Rupture of the plaque is associated with increased fibrous cap macrophage, increased VSMC apoptosis, and reduced fibrous cap VSMC. VSMC are the only cells with plaques capable of synthesizing structurally important collagen isoforms, and the apoptosis of VSMC might promote plaque rupture.

Definition and initial validation of a Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS)

Abstract: Aims Treating to low disease activity is routine in rheumatoid arthritis, but no comparable goal has been defined for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We sought to define and validate a Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS). Methods A consensus definition of LLDAS was generated using Delphi and nominal group techniques. Criterion validity was determined by measuring the ability of LLDAS attainment, in a single-centre SLE cohort, to predict non-accrual of irreversible organ damage, measured using the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Damage Index (SDI). Results Consensus methodology led to the following definition of LLDAS: (1) SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI)-2K ≤4, with no activity in major organ systems (renal, central nervous system (CNS), cardiopulmonary, vasculitis, fever) and no haemolytic anaemia or gastrointestinal activity; (2) no new lupus disease activity compared with the previous assessment; (3) a Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment (SELENA)-SLEDAI physician global assessment (scale 0–3) ≤1; (4) a current prednisolone (or equivalent) dose ≤7.5 mg daily; and (5) well tolerated standard maintenance doses of immunosuppressive drugs and approved biological agents. Achievement of LLDAS was determined in 191 patients followed for a mean of 3.9 years. Patients who spent greater than 50% of their observed time in LLDAS had significantly reduced organ damage accrual compared with patients who spent less than 50% of their time in LLDAS (p=0.0007) and were significantly less likely to have an increase in SDI of ≥1 (relative risk 0.47, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.79, p=0.005). Conclusions A definition of LLDAS has been generated, and preliminary validation demonstrates its attainment to be associated with improved outcomes in SLE.

Mutually beneficial pollinator diversity and crop yield outcomes in small and large farms

Abstract: Ecological intensification, or the improvement of crop yield through enhancement of biodiversity, may be a sustainable pathway toward greater food supplies. Such sustainable increases may be especially important for the 2 billion people reliant on small farms, many of which are undernourished, yet we know little about the efficacy of this approach. Using a coordinated protocol across regions and crops, we quantify to what degree enhancing pollinator density and richness can improve yields on 344 fields from 33 pollinator-dependent crop systems in small and large farms from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. For fields less than 2 hectares, we found that yield gaps could be closed by a median of 24% through higher flower-visitor density. For larger fields, such benefits only occurred at high flower-visitor richness. Worldwide, our study demonstrates that ecological intensification can create synchronous biodiversity and yield outcomes.

Epithelial mesenchymal transition traits in human breast cancer cell lines.

Abstract: Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) has long been associated with breast cancer cell invasiveness and evidence of EMT processes in clinical samples is growing rapidly. Genome-wide transcriptional profiling of increasingly larger numbers of human breast cancer (HBC) cell lines have confirmed the existence of a subgroup of cell lines (termed Basal B/Mesenchymal) with enhanced invasive properties and a predominantly mesenchymal gene expression signature, distinct from subgroups with predominantly luminal (termed Luminal) or mixed basal/luminal (termed Basal A) features (Neve et al Cancer Cell 2006). Studies providing molecular and cellular analyses of EMT features in these cell lines are summarised, and the expression levels of EMT-associated factors in these cell lines are analysed. Recent clinical studies supporting the presence of EMT-like changes in vivo are summarised. Human breast cancer cell lines with mesenchymal properties continue to hold out the promise of directing us towards key mechanisms at play in the metastatic dissemination of breast cancer.