bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quercetin induces cytochrome‐c release and ROS accumulation to promote apoptosis and arrest the cell cycle in G2/M, in cervical carcinoma: signal cascade and drug‐DNA interaction
Authors: Bishayee K. , Ghosh S. , Mukherjee A. , Sadhukhan R. , Mondal J. , Khuda‐Bukhsh A. R. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectivesSmall aromatic compounds like flavonoids can intercalate with DNA molecules bringing about conformational changes leading to reduced replication and transcription. Here, we have examined one dietary flavonoid, quercetin (found in many fruit and vegetables), for possible anti‐cancer effects, on HeLa cells originally derived from a case of human cervical cancer.Material and methodsBy circular dichroism spectroscopy we tested whether quercetin effectively interacted with DNA to bring about conformational changes that would strongly inhibit proliferation and migration of the HeLa cells. Cytotoxic effects of quercetin on cancer/normal cells, if any, were determined by MTT assay and such depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential, as a consequence of quercetin treatment, and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) also were studied, by FACS analysis and expression profiles of different anti‐ and pro‐apoptotic genes and their products were determined.ResultsQuercetin intercalated with calf thymus cell DNA and HeLa cell DNA and inhibition of anti‐apoptotic AKT and Bcl‐2 expression were observed. Levels of mitochondrial cytochrome‐c were elevated and depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential occurred with increase of ROS; upregulation of expression of p53 and caspase‐3 activity were also noted. These alterations in signalling proteins and externalization of phosphotidyl serine residues were involved with initiation of apoptosis. Reduced AKT expression suggested reduction in cell proliferation and metastasis potential, with arrest of the cell cycle at G2/M.ConclusionQuercetin would have potential for use in cervical cancer chemotherapy.
Hypericum perforatum L. subsp. perforatum induces inhibition of free radicals and enhanced phototoxicity in human melanoma cells under ultraviolet light
Authors: Menichini G. , Alfano C. , Marrelli M. , Toniolo C. , Provenzano E. , Statti G. A. , Nicoletti M. , Menichini F. , Conforti F. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectivesOur interest continues in discovering phytocomplexes from medicinal plants with phototoxic activity against human melanoma cells; thus the aim of the present study was to assess antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and phototoxic activity of Hypericum perforatum L. subsp. perforatum, and relate these properties to the plant's chemical composition.Materials and methodsComponents of H. perforatum subsp. perforatum were extracted by hydroalcoholic solution and chemical profiles of preparations (HyTE‐3) performed by HPTLC. Linoleic acid peroxidation and DPPH tests were used to assess antioxidant activity, while MTT assay allowed evaluation of anti‐proliferative activity with respect to A375 human melanoma cells after irradiation with UVA dose, 1.8 J/cm2. Inhibition of nitric oxide production of macrophages was also investigated.ResultsHyTE‐3 indicated better antioxidant activity with β‐carotene bleaching test in comparison to DPPH assay (IC50 = 0.89 μg/ml); significant phototoxicity in A375 cells at 78 μg/ml concentration resulted in cell destruction of 50%. HyTE‐3 caused significant dose‐related inhibition of nitric oxide production in murine monocytic macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 with IC50 value of 342 μg/ml.ConclusionsThe H. perforatum subsp. perforatum‐derived product was able to suppress proliferation of human malignant melanoma A375 cells; extract together with UVA irradiation enhanced phototoxicity. This biological activity of antioxidant effects was combined with inhibition of nitric oxide production.
Genista sessilifolia DC. extracts induce apoptosis across a range of cancer cell lines
Authors: Bontempo P. , Rigano D. , Doto A. , Formisano C. , Conte M. , Nebbioso A. , Carafa V. , Caserta G. , Sica V. , Molinari A. M. , Altucci L. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectivesRestorative properties of medicinal plants such as Genista sessilifolia DC. have often been suggested to occur, in epidemiological studies. However, full characterization of effective principles responsible for this action has never previously been performed. Here, we have characterized G. sessilifolia's anti‐cancer effects and identified the chemical components involved in this anti‐tumour action.Materials and methodsCell cycle, apoptosis, necrosis, differentiation analyses, high‐performance liquid chromatography, western blotting, RNA extraction, real‐time PCR and primers have all been observed/used in the study.ResultsWe report that G. sessilifolia methanol extract has anti‐cancer activity on solid and haematological cancer cells. G. sessilifolia extract's anti‐proliferative action is closely bound to induction of apoptosis, whereas differentiation is only weakly modulated. Analysis of G. sessilifolia extract, by high‐performance liquid chromatography, identifies fraction 18–22 as the pertinent component for induction of apoptosis, whereas fractions 11–13 and 27–30 both seem to contribute to differentiation. G. sessilifolia extract induces apoptosis mediated by caspase activation and p21, Rb, p53, Bcl2‐associated agonist of cell death (BAD), tumour necrosis factor receptor super‐family, member 10 (TRAIL) overexpression and death receptor 5 (DR5). Accordingly, fraction 18–22 inducing apoptosis was able to induce TRAIL.ConclusionsOur results indicate that G. sessilifolia extract and its fraction 18–22 containing genistin and isoprunetin, were able to induce anti‐cancer effects supporting the hypothesis of a pro‐apoptotic intrinsic content of this natural medicinal plant.
Objects, numbers, fingers, space: clustering of ventral and dorsal functions in young children and adults
Authors: Chinello Alessandro , Cattani Veronica , Bonfiglioli Claudia , Dehaene Stanislas , Piazza Manuela 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn the primate brain, sensory information is processed along two partially segregated cortical streams: the ventral stream, mainly coding for objects' shape and identity, and the dorsal stream, mainly coding for objects' quantitative information (including size, number, and spatial position). Neurophysiological measures indicate that such functional segregation is present early on in infancy, and that the two streams follow independent maturational trajectories during childhood. Here we collected, in a large sample of young children and adults, behavioural measures on an extensive set of functions typically associated with either the dorsal or the ventral stream. We then used a correlational approach to investigate the presence of inter‐individual variability resulting in clustering of functions. Results show that dorsal‐ and ventral‐related functions follow two uncorrelated developmental trajectories. Moreover, within each stream, some functions show age‐independent correlations: finger gnosis, non‐symbolic numerical abilities and spatial abilities within the dorsal stream, and object and face recognition abilities within the ventral stream. This pattern of clear within‐stream cross‐task correlation seems to be lost in adults, with two notable exceptions: performance in face and object recognition on one side, and in symbolic and non‐symbolic comparison on the other, remain correlated, pointing to distinct shape recognition and quantity comparison systems.
Children with autism can track others' beliefs in a competitive game
Authors: Peterson Candida C. , Slaughter Virginia , Peterson James , Premack David 
Published: March 2013

AbstractTheory of mind (ToM) development, assessed via ‘litmus’ false belief tests, is severely delayed in autism, but the standard testing procedure may underestimate these children's genuine understanding. To explore this, we developed a novel test involving competition to win a reward as the motive for tracking other players' beliefs (the ‘Dot‐Midge task’). Ninety‐six children, including 23 with autism (mean age: 10.36 years), 50 typically developing 4‐year‐olds (mean age: 4.40) and 23 typically developing 3‐year‐olds (mean age: 3.59) took a standard ‘Sally‐Ann’ false belief test, the Dot‐Midge task (which was closely matched to the Sally‐Ann task procedure) and a norm‐referenced verbal ability test. Results revealed that, of the children with autism, 74% passed the Dot‐Midge task, yet only 13% passed the standard Sally‐Ann procedure. A similar pattern of performance was observed in the older, but not the younger, typically developing control groups. This finding demonstrates that many children with autism who fail motivationally barren standard false belief tests can spontaneously use ToM to track their social partners’ beliefs in the context of a competitive game.
The interplay between executive control and motor functioning in Williams syndrome
Authors: Hocking Darren R. , Thomas Daniel , Menant Jasmine C. , Porter Melanie A. , Smith Stuart , Lord Stephen R. , Cornish Kim M. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractPrevious studies suggest that individuals with Williams syndrome (WS), a rare genetically based neurodevelopmental disorder, show specific weaknesses in visual attention and response inhibition within the visuospatial domain. Here we examine the extent to which impairments in attentional control extend to the visuomotor domain using a well‐validated measure of choice stepping reaction time (CSRT) in individuals with WS. We examined the interaction between executive control and visually guided stepping using a verbal fluency dual‐task or Go/NoGo paradigm during CSRT performance. Relationships between dual‐task and inhibitory stepping and behavioural inattention and hyperactivity were also examined. Our results showed clear dual‐task costs in stepping response times when performing a concurrent cognitive task in the WS group when compared to spatial and verbal ability matched typically developing controls. Although no group differences in stepping accuracy were observed between the WS and typically developing control groups, the WS group showed progressive slowing and more variable response times across the duration of the Go/NoGo task. These results suggest dysfunction in circuits involved in top‐down attentional control processes in WS. These findings provide novel evidence that core executive control deficits in WS extend to the visuomotor domain, and impact on ADHD‐related inattentive symptoms.
Early access to abstract representations in developing readers: evidence from masked priming
Authors: Perea Manuel , Mallouh Reem Abu , Carreiras Manuel 
Published: March 2013

AbstractA commonly shared assumption in the field of visual‐word recognition is that retinotopic representations are rapidly converted into abstract representations. Here we examine the role of visual form vs. abstract representations during the early stages of word processing – as measured by masked priming – in young children (3rd and 6th Graders) and adult readers. To maximize the chances of detecting an effect of visual form, we employed a language with a very intricate orthography, Arabic. If visual form plays a role in the early stages of processing, greater benefit would be expected from related primes that have the same visual form (in terms of the ligation pattern between a word's letters) as the target word (e.g.– [ktz b–ktA b] – note that the three initial letters are connected in prime and target) than for those that do not (– [ktxb–ktA b]). Results showed that the magnitude of priming effect relative to an unrelated condition (e.g. –) was remarkably similar for both types of prime. Thus, despite the visual complexity of Arabic orthography, there is fast access to the abstract letter representations not only in adult readers by also in developing readers.
The role of migration and choice of denominator on the prevalence of cerebral palsy
Authors: Van Naarden Braun Kim , Maenner Matthew J , Christensen Deborah , Doernberg Nancy S , Durkin Maureen S , Kirby Russell S , Yeargin‐Allsopp Marshalyn 
Published: March 2013

AimDifferential migration and choice of denominator have been hypothesized to contribute to differences between period prevalence and birth prevalence of cerebral palsy (CP). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of migration and choice of denominator on the prevalence ofCP.MethodData from theMetropolitanAtlantaDevelopmentalDisabilitiesSurveillanceProgram and census and birth certificate files were used to calculate variousCPprevalence estimates for 2000.ResultsThe overallCPperiod prevalence was 3.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.7–3.8) per 1000 8‐year‐olds and was similar for those born inAtlanta who resided there at age 8 years (3.3; 95%CI2.7–4.1) and those born outsideAtlanta who moved intoAtlanta by age 8 years (3.0; 95%CI2.3–3.9).CPprevalence in these two migration strata was similar by sex and race/ethnicity.CPbirth prevalence of 8‐year‐olds inAtlanta in 2000 was 2.0 (95%CI1.6–2.5) per 1000 live births in 1992.InterpretationThe authors found no evidence to support the hypothesis that differential in‐migration explained higher period than birth prevalence ofCPinAtlanta. Comparability ofCPprevalence across geographic areas will be enhanced if future studies report both period and birth prevalence.
Lectin‐like oxidized low‐density lipoprotein receptor 1 pathways
Authors: Taye Ashraf , El‐Sheikh Azza A. K. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe role of lectin‐like oxidized low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LOX)‐1 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of different diseases, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, obesity, diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome. To date, several studies aimed at partially investigating the mechanistic role of LOX‐1 in these various pathologies. Still, so far, the precise signal transduction pathways involving LOX‐1 have not yet been elucidated.Materials and MethodsThe most recent data published by the authors as well as others concerning different pathways involving LOX‐1 are collected to formulate the presented updated review.ResultsOne of the most prominent pathways highlighted in the present review is the relationship of LOX‐1 to NADPH oxidase that acts as a major source of harmful free radicals causing oxidative stress in blood vessels. Other pathways involve lipid and glucose metabolism‐mediated signal transduction.DiscussionThe modulatory role of LOX‐1 on nitric oxide and renin/angiotensin systems as well as on fibrosis, apoptosis and inflammatory pathways is discussed.ConclusionThe current review revisits LOX‐1 and its related pathways, implicating LOX‐1 as a target for ameliorating various pathological conditions.
Transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder in a 12‐year‐oldBelgianWarmblood gelding
Authors: Lisowski Z. M. , Mair T. S. , Fews D. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryA 12‐year‐oldBelgianWarmblood gelding was examined for haematuria and dysuria of 24 h duration. Cystoscopy revealed an intraluminal multinodular soft tissue mass originating from the dorsal bladder neck. Histopathological examination of biopsies identified transitional cell carcinoma. The bladder mass was surgically debulked via a temporary perineal urethrotomy. The horse commenced treatment with oral piroxicam. Follow‐up examination 18 months post operatively revealed no evidence of tumour recurrence. Neoplasia of the equine bladder is uncommon and this case describes the successful short‐term outcome of treatment of a transitional cell carcinoma by surgical debulking and oral piroxicam.
Curcumin inhibits UVB‐induced matrix metalloproteinase‐1/3 expression by suppressing the MAPK‐p38/JNK pathways in human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Hwang Bo‐Mi , Noh Eun‐Mi , Kim Jong‐Suk , Kim Jeong‐Mi , You Yong‐Ouk , Hwang Jin‐Ki , Kwon Kang‐Beom , Lee Young‐Rae 
Published: March 2013

AbstractCurcumin (diferuloylmethane) is a polyphenol derived from turmeric (Curcuma longa), which is commonly used as a spice. Recent studies have shown that curcumin has a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and antiangiogenic activities. However, the antiphotoageing effects of curcumin have yet to be characterized. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of curcumin on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐1 and MMP‐3 expression in human dermal fibroblast cells. Western blot analysis revealed that curcumin inhibited ultraviolet (UV) B‐induced MMP‐1 and MMP‐3 expression. Furthermore, curcumin significantly blocked UVB‐induced reactive oxygen species generation in fibroblasts. Curcumin treatment significantly blocked the UVB‐induced activation of nuclear factor (NF)‐κB and activator protein (AP)‐1. Additionally, curcumin strongly repressed the UVB‐induced phosphorylation of p38 and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase. Curcumin prevented UVB‐induced MMP expression through mitogen‐activated protein kinase/NF‐κB inhibition and AP‐1 activation. In conclusion, curcumin may be useful for preventing and treating skin photoageing.
Oxidized phosphatidylcholines in membrane‐level cellular signaling: from biophysics to physiology and molecular pathology
Authors: Volinsky Roman , Kinnunen Paavo K. J. 
Published: March 2013

The oxidation of lipids has been shown to impact virtually all cellular processes. The paradigm has been that this involvement is due to interference with the functions of membrane‐associated proteins. It is only recently that methodological advances in molecular‐level detection and identification have begun to provide insights into oxidative lipid modification and its involvement in cell signaling as well as in major diseases and inflammation. Extensive evidence suggests a correlation between lipid peroxidation and degenerative neurological diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, as well as type 2 diabetes and cancer. Despite the obvious relevance of understanding the molecular basis of the above ailments, the exact modes of action of oxidized lipids have remained elusive. In this minireview, we summarize recent findings on the biophysical characteristics of biomembranes following oxidative derivatization of their lipids, and how these altered properties are involved in both physiological processes and major pathological conditions. Lipid‐bearing, oxidatively truncated and functionalized acyl chains are known to modify membrane bulk physical properties, such as thermal phase behavior, bilayer thickness, hydration and polarity profiles, as manifest in the altered structural dynamics of lipid bilayers, leading to augmented membrane permeability, fast lipid transbilayer diffusion (flip‐flop), loss of lipid asymmetry (scrambling) and phase segregation (the formation of ‘rafts’). These changes, together with the generated reactive lipid derivatives, can be further expected to interfere with lipid–protein interactions, influencing metabolic pathways, causing inflammation, the execution phase in apoptosis and initiating pathological processes.
Spatial relationship between climatologies and changes in global vegetation activity
Authors: de Jong Rogier , Schaepman Michael E. , Furrer Reinhard , de Bruin Sytze , Verburg Peter H. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractVegetation forms a main component of the terrestrial biosphere and plays a crucial role in land‐cover and climate‐related studies. Activity of vegetation systems is commonly quantified using remotely sensed vegetation indices (VI). Extensive reports on temporal trends over the past decades in time series of such indices can be found in literature. However, little remains known about the processes underlying these changes at large spatial scales. In this study, we aimed at quantifying the spatial relationship between changes in potential climatic growth constraints (i.e. temperature, precipitation and incident solar radiation) and changes in vegetation activity (1982–2008). We demonstrate an additive spatial model with 0.5° resolution, consisting of a regression component representing climate‐associated effects and a spatially correlated field representing the combined influence of other factors, including land‐use change. Little over 50% of the spatial variance could be attributed to changes in climatologies; conspicuously, many greening trends and browning hotspots in Argentina and Australia. The nonassociated model component may contain large‐scale human interventions, feedback mechanisms or natural effects, which were not captured by the climatologies. Browning hotspots in this component were especially found in subequatorial Africa. On the scale of land‐cover types, strongest relationships between climatologies and vegetation activity were found in forests, including indications for browning under warming conditions (analogous to the divergence issue discussed in dendroclimatology).
Rationale for physicians to propose do‐not‐resuscitate orders in elderly community‐acquired pneumonia cases
Authors: Oshitani Yohei , Nagai Hideaki , Matsui Hirotoshi 
Published: March 2013

AimIn many countries, do‐not‐resuscitate (DNR) orders were not legislated, partly because rationale for proposal of DNR orders have not been studied in elderly pneumonia patients with cognitive and physical disorders. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the factors influencing physicians' proposal for DNR orders and their validity as prognostic predictor, by comparing elderly pneumonia cases with and without DNR orders.MethodsMedical records of community‐acquired pneumonia patients aged 65 years or older were retrospectively studied (n = 641). The patients were categorized into two groups; one with DNR orders within 72 h after admission and the other without it.ResultsDNR was decided in 183 patients (28.5%). The DNR group, containing more elderly patients with poorer performance status, showed higher rates of malnutrition, dementia, aspiration, very severe pneumonia, respiratory failure and mortality. The choice of antimicrobials was not affected by the presence of DNR orders. Mortality rate within 30 days was higher in the DNR group than in the non‐DNR group (33.9% vs 2.8%, P < 0.001), as well as total hospital mortality (56.8% vs 4.8%, P < 0.001). Multiple logistic analysis identified factors involved in the decision‐making of DNR orders; that is, aspiration, healthcare‐associated pneumonia, respiratory failure, intensive airspace consolidation, age 75 years and older, performance status 3 and 4, and serum albumin<2.5 g/dL were positive factors for DNR orders.ConclusionThe present study showed factors involved in the physicians proposal of DNR orders, demonstrating that DNR was empirically chosen based on comprehensive judgment of several prognostic predictors and it, in itself, was a good prognostic predictor. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 54–61.