bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiac Depression Scale: Mokken scaling in heart failure patients
Authors: Ski Chantal F , Thompson David R , Hare David L , Stewart Andrew G , Watson Roger 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
There is a high prevalence of depression in patients with heart failure (HF) that is associated with worsening prognosis. The value of using a reliable and valid instrument to measure depression in this population is therefore essential. We validated the Cardiac Depression Scale (CDS) in heart failure patients using a model of ordinal unidimensional measurement known as Mokken scaling.

Findings
We administered in face-to-face interviews the CDS to 603 patients with HF. Data were analysed using Mokken scale analysis. Items of the CDS formed a statistically significant unidimensional Mokken scale of low strength (H<0.40) and high reliability (Rho>0.8).

Conclusions
The CDS has a hierarchy of items which can be interpreted in terms of the increasingly serious effects of depression occurring as a result of HF. Identifying an appropriate instrument to measure depression in patients with HF allows for early identification and better medical management.
NADPH oxidase 2-derived reactive oxygen species signal contributes to bradykinin-induced matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression and cell migration in brain astrocytes
Authors: Lin Chih-Chung , Hsieh Hsi-Lung , Shih Ruey-Horng , Chi Pei-Ling , Cheng Shin-Ei , Chen Jin-Chung , Yang Chuen-Mao 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) plays a crucial role in pathological processes of brain inflammation, injury, and neurodegeneration. Moreover, bradykinin (BK) induces the expression of several inflammatory proteins in brain astrocytes. Recent studies have suggested that increased oxidative stress is implicated in the brain inflammation and injury. However, whether BK induced MMP-9 expression mediated through oxidative stress remains virtually unknown. Herein we investigated the role of redox signals in BK-induced MMP-9 expression in rat brain astrocytes (RBA-1 cells).

Results
In the study, we first demonstrated that reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a crucial role in BK-induced MMP-9 expression in cultured brain astrocytes (in vitro) and animal brain tissue (in vivo) models. Next, BK-induced MMP-9 expression is mediated through a Ca2+-mediated PKC-α linking to p47phox/NADPH oxidase 2 (Nox2)/ROS signaling pathway. Nox2-dependent ROS generation led to activation and up-regulation of the downstream transcriptional factor AP-1 (i.e. c-Fos and c-Jun), which bound to MMP-9 promoter region, and thereby turned on transcription of MMP-9 gene. Functionally, BK-induced MMP-9 expression enhanced astrocytic migration.

Conclusions
These results demonstrated that in RBA-1 cells, activation of AP-1 (c-Fos/c-Jun) by the PKC-α-mediated Nox2/ROS signals is essential for up-regulation of MMP-9 and cell migration enhanced by BK.
Transcriptomics and proteomics analyses of the PACAP38 influenced ischemic brain in permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion model mice
Authors: Hori Motohide , Nakamachi Tomoya , Rakwal Randeep , Shibato Junko , Ogawa Tetsuo , Aiuchi Toshihiro , Tsuruyama Tatsuaki , Tamaki Keiji , Shioda Seiji 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Introduction
The neuropeptide pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is considered to be a potential therapeutic agent for prevention of cerebral ischemia. Ischemia is a most common cause of death after heart attack and cancer causing major negative social and economic consequences. This study was designed to investigate the effect of PACAP38 injection intracerebroventrically in a mouse model of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (PMCAO) along with corresponding SHAM control that used 0.9% saline injection.

Methods
Ischemic and non-ischemic brain tissues were sampled at 6 and 24 hours post-treatment. Following behavioral analyses to confirm whether the ischemia has occurred, we investigated the genome-wide changes in gene and protein expression using DNA microarray chip (4x44K, Agilent) and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DGE) coupled with matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS), respectively. Western blotting and immunofluorescent staining were also used to further examine the identified protein factor.

Results
Our results revealed numerous changes in the transcriptome of ischemic hemisphere (ipsilateral) treated with PACAP38 compared to the saline-injected SHAM control hemisphere (contralateral). Previously known (such as the interleukin family) and novel (Gabra6, Crtam) genes were identified under PACAP influence. In parallel, 2-DGE analysis revealed a highly expressed protein spot in the ischemic hemisphere that was identified as dihydropyrimidinase-related protein 2 (DPYL2). The DPYL2, also known as Crmp2, is a marker for the axonal growth and nerve development. Interestingly, PACAP treatment slightly increased its abundance (by 2-DGE and immunostaining) at 6 h but not at 24 h in the ischemic hemisphere, suggesting PACAP activates neuronal defense mechanism early on.

Conclusions
This study provides a detailed inventory of PACAP influenced gene expressions and protein targets in mice ischemic brain, and suggests new targets for thereaupetic interventions.
Induction of cross-protection against influenza A virus by DNA prime-intranasal protein boost strategy based on nucleoprotein
Authors: Luo Jian , Zheng Dan , Zhang Wenjie , Fang Fang , Wang Hanzhong , Sun Ying , Ding Yahong , Xu Chengfei , Chen Quanjiao , Zhang Hongbo , Huang Ding , Sun Bing , Chen Ze 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe highly conserved nucleoprotein (NP) is an internal protein of influenza virus and is capable of inducing cross-protective immunity against different influenza A viruses, making it a main target of universal influenza vaccine. In current study, we characterized the immune response induced by DNA prime-intranasal protein boost strategy based on NP (A/PR/8/34, H1N1) in mouse model, and evaluated its protection ability against a lethal dose challenge of influenza virus.ResultsThe intranasal boost with recombinant NP (rNP) protein could effectively enhance the pre-immune response induced by the NP DNA vaccine in mice. Compared to the vaccination with NP DNA or rNP protein alone, the prime-boost strategy increased the level of NP specific serum antibody, enhanced the T cell immune response, and relatively induced more mucosal IgA antibody. The overall immune response induced by this heterologous prime-boost regimen was Th-1-biased. Furthermore, the immune response in mice induced by this strategy provided not only protection against the homologous virus but also cross-protection against a heterosubtypic H9N2 strain.ConclusionsThe NP DNA prime-intranasal protein boost strategy may provide an effective strategy for universal influenza vaccine development.
p300 Exerts an Epigenetic Role in Chronic Neuropathic Pain through its Acetyltransferase Activity in Rats following Chronic Constriction Injury (CCI)
Authors: Zhu Xiao-Yan , Huang Chang-Sheng , Li Qian , Chang Rui-Min , Song Zong-Bing , Zou Wang-Yuan , Guo Qu-Lian 
Published: November 2012

Background: Neuropathic pain is detrimental to human health; however, its pathogenesis still remains largely unknown. Overexpression of pain-associated genes and increased nociceptive somato-sensitivity are well observed in neuropathic pain. The importance of epigenetic mechanisms in regulating the expression of pro- or anti-nociceptive genes has been revealed by studies recently, and we hypothesize that the transcriptional coactivator and the histone acetyltransferase E1A binding protein p300 (p300), as a part of the epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation, may be involved in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI). To test this hypothesis, two different approaches were used in this study: (I) down-regulating p300 with specific small hairpin RNA (shRNA) and (II) chemical inhibition of p300 acetyltransferase activity by a small molecule inhibitor, C646. Results: Using the CCI rat model, we found that the p300 expression was increased in the lumbar spinal cord on day 14 after CCI. The treatment with intrathecal p300 shRNA reversed CCI-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, and suppressed the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), a neuropathic pain-associated factor. Furthermore, C646, an inhibitor of p300 acetyltransferase, also attenuated mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, accompanied by a suppressed COX-2 expression, in the spinal cord. Conclusions: The results suggest that, through its acetyltransferase activity in the spinal cord after CCI, p300 epigenetically plays an important role in neuropathic pain. Inhibiting p300, using interfering RNA or C646, may be a promising approach to the development of new neuropathic pain therapies.
Facile spectrophotometric assay of molar equivalents of N-hydroxysuccinimide esters of monomethoxyl poly-(ethylene glycol) derivatives
Authors: Gao Ang , Yang Xiaolan , Zhang Chun , Long Gaobo , Pu Jun , Yuan Yonghua , Liu Hongbo , Li Yuanli , Liao Fei 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
A new method is developed to quantify molar equivalents of N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) esters of derivatives of monomethoxyl poly-(ethylene glycol) (mPEG) in their preparations with NHS acetate ester as the reference.

Results
NHS ester of succinic monoester or carbonate of mPEG of 5,000 Da was synthesized and reacted with excessive ethanolamine in dimethylformamide at 25°C for 15 min. Residual ethanolamine was subsequently quantified by absorbance at 420 nm after reaction with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) at pH 9.2 for 15 min at 55°C followed by cooling with tap water. Reaction products of ethanolamine and NHS esters of mPEG caused no interference with TNBS assay of residual ethanolamine. Reaction between ethanolamine and NHS acetate ester follows 1:1 stoichiometry. By the new method, molar equivalents of NHS esters of carbonate and succinic monoester of mPEG in their preparations were about 90% and 60% of their theoretical values, respectively. During storage at 37°C in humid air, the new method detected spontaneous hydrolyses of the two NHS esters of mPEG more sensitively than the classical spectrophotometric method based on absorbance at 260 nm of NHS released by reaction with ammonia in aqueous solution.

Conclusion
The new method is favorable to quantify molar equivalents of NHS esters of mPEG derivatives and thus control quality of their preparations.
Perivascular mesenchymal stem cells in the adult human brain: a future target for neuroregeneration?
Authors: Özen Ilknur , Boix Jordi , Paul Gesine 
Published: November 2012

AbstractPerivascular adult stem cells have been isolated from several tissues, including the adult human brain. They have unique signatures resembling both pericytes and mesenchymal stem cells. Understanding the nature of these cells in their specific vascular niches is important to determine their clinical potential as a new adult stem cell source. Indeed, they have promising features in vitro in terms of multipotency, immunomodulation and secretion of growth factors and cytokines. However, their in vivo function is less known as yet. Recent emerging data show a crucial role of perivascular mesenchymal stem cells in tissue homeostasis and repair. Furthermore, these cells may play an important role in adult stem cell niche regulation and in neurodegeneration. Here we review the recent literature on perivascular mesenchymal stem cells, discuss their different in vitro functions and highlight especially the specific properties of brain‐derived perivascular mesenchymal stem cells. We summarize current evidence that suggests an important in vivo function of these cells in terms of their regenerative potential that may indicate a new target cell for endogenous tissue regeneration and repair.
Adherence to a treat-to-target strategy in early rheumatoid arthritis: results of the DREAM remission induction cohort
Authors: Vermeer Marloes , Kuper Hillechiena H , Bernelot Moens Hein J , Hoekstra Monique , Posthumus Marcel D , van Riel Piet LCM , van de Laar Mart AFJ 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Clinical trials have demonstrated that treatment-to-target (T2T) is effective in achieving remission in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the concept of T2T has not been fully implemented yet and the question is whether a T2T strategy is feasible in daily clinical practice. The objective of the study was to evaluate the adherence to a T2T strategy aiming at remission (Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) < 2.6) in early RA in daily practice. The recommendations regarding T2T included regular assessment of the DAS28 and advice regarding DAS28-driven treatment adjustments.

Methods
A medical chart review was performed among a random sample of 100 RA patients of the DREAM remission induction cohort. At all scheduled visits, it was determined whether the clinical decisions were compliant to the T2T recommendations.

Results
The 100 patients contributed to a total of 1,115 visits. The DAS28 was available in 97.9% (1,092/1,115) of the visits, of which the DAS28 was assessed at a frequency of at least every three months in 88.3% (964/1,092). Adherence to the treatment advice was observed in 69.3% (757/1,092) of the visits. In case of non-adherence when remission was present (19.5%, 108/553), most frequently medication was tapered off or discontinued when it should have been continued (7.2%, 40/553) or treatment was continued when it should have been tapered off or discontinued (6.2%, 34/553). In case of non-adherence when remission was absent (42.1%, 227/539), most frequently medication was not intensified when an intensification step should have been taken (34.9%, 188/539). The main reason for non-adherence was discordance between disease activity status according to the rheumatologist and DAS28.

Conclusions
The recommendations regarding T2T were successfully implemented and high adherence was observed. This demonstrates that a T2T strategy is feasible in RA in daily clinical practice.
Prevalence of Germline TP53 Mutations in a Prospective Series of Unselected Patients with Adrenocortical Carcinoma
Authors: Raymond Victoria M. , Else Tobias , Everett Jessica N. , Long Jessica M. , Gruber Stephen B. , Hammer Gary D. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Purpose:
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a hallmark cancer in families with Li Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) caused by mutations in the TP53 gene. The prevalence of germline TP53 mutations in children diagnosed with ACC ranges from 50–97%. Although existing criteria advocate for TP53 testing in all patients with ACC regardless of age at diagnosis, the overall prevalence of germline mutations in patients diagnosed with ACC has not been well studied.

Patients and Methods:
A total of 114 patients with confirmed ACC evaluated in the University of Michigan Endocrine Oncology Clinic were prospectively offered genetic counseling and TP53 genetic testing, regardless of age at diagnosis or family history. Ninety-four of the 114 patients met with a genetic counselor (82.5%), with 53 of 94 (56.4%) completing TP53 testing; 9.6% (nine of 94) declined testing. The remainder (32 of 94; 34%) expressed interest in testing but did not pursue it for various reasons.

Results:
Four of 53 patients in this prospective, unselected series were found to have a TP53 mutation (7.5%). The prevalence of mutations in those diagnosed over age 18 was 5.8% (three of 52). There were insufficient data to estimate the prevalence in those diagnosed under age 18. None of these patients met clinical diagnostic criteria for classic LFS. Three of the families met criteria for Li Fraumeni-like syndrome; one patient met no existing clinical criteria for LFS or Li Fraumeni-like syndrome. Three of the four patients with mutations were diagnosed with ACC after age 45.

Conclusions:
Genetic counseling and germline testing for TP53 should be offered to all patients with ACC. Restriction on age at diagnosis or strength of the family history would fail to identify mutation carriers.
Cu–Rh Redox Relay Catalysts for Synthesis of Azaheterocycles via C–H Functionalization
Authors: Chiba Shunsuke 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
This Highlight Review describes a Cu–Rh bimetallic redox relay catalytic system that enables efficient synthesis of highly substituted isoquinolines and their derivatives from readily available aryl ketoximes or α-arylvinyl azides with internal alkynes via C–H bond functionalization. A preliminary mechanistic investigation revealed that both the Cu and Rh catalysts are prerequisites to achieve the present process, and play their particular roles with synergistic cooperation during the multistep sequence.
Magnetic Orientation of Hexagonal Carbon Layers at High Temperatures
Authors: Sakaguchi Ayumi , Hamasaki Atom , Sadatou Toyonari , Nishihara Yoshitaka , Yamamoto Shou , Sekinuma Yuya , Ozeki Sumio 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Coal tar pitch was treated at 773 K in a constructed furnace system used under a magnetic flux density (B) of up to 10 T. The (002) X-ray diffraction peak intensity of the treated pitches increased with increasing B to approach a saturation value over 6 T. The magnetic-field dependence of the intensity was fitted by the order parameter calculated by assuming the cooperative orientation of several thousand carbon crystallites. This suggests that the hexagonal carbon layers should be oriented in parallel to the magnetic fields.
Dipole Moments of Amino Acid Residues, Gly and Ala, in α-Helix: Quantum Chemical Building Blocks for Macrodipole Moment of α-Helical Polypeptide
Authors: Mieda Shunsuke , Aida Misako 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
We present the dipole moments of amino acid residues, Gly and Ala, as the building blocks of α-helix, which inherently take account of the hydrogen bonding in the main chain of polypeptide in the circumstance of α-helix. The dipole moments can be used to predict the macrodipole moments of longer polypeptides in α-helix.
In Vivo Real-time Detection of Plant Response to Physical and Chemical Stresses by Spin Probe ESR
Authors: Endo Mami , Kurosawa Hidehiro , Kawai Takahiro , Ito Tomohiro , Ogata Tateaki 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
It was possible to trace real-time change of redox balance in a plant in vivo by a spin probe-ESR method, after exposing it to various physical and chemical stresses. Consequently, a strong light, a cold spray, and NO2 and O3 gases were found to lead to relatively oxidative states in broccoli sprouts, but SO2 and CO2 did not influence the redox balance in the sprouts in the dark.
Mild Synthesis of Furans with a Quaternary Carbon Substituent at the 2-Position
Authors: Iwamoto Akihisa , Katori Aki , Sashihara Yoshiaki , Kojima Satoshi 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
The reaction of cis-4-oxopent-2-enal with β-carbonyl compounds in the presence of weak acids such as hexafluoroisopropyl alcohol was found to give furans with a quaternary carbon substituent at the 2-positon at room temperature or below. Reactivity was dependent on the identity of the substrates.
Phosphorescence Detection of the Singlet Molecular Oxygen Generated by Visible-light Irradiation on Gold-nanoparticle-deposited TiO2 Photocatalysts
Authors: Saito Hironobu , Nosaka Yoshio 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
We detected singlet molecular oxygen (1O2) with a near-infrared phosphorescence peak at 1270 nm in photocatalysis of gold-nanoparticle-deposited titanium dioxide (AuNP/TiO2) by the excitation of surface plasmon resonance. The formation of 1O2 indicates a possible application of AuNP/TiO2 for photodynamic therapy.
Mg2+ Storage in Organic Positive-electrode Active Material Based on 2,5-Dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone
Authors: Sano Hikaru , Senoh Hiroshi , Yao Masaru , Sakaebe Hikari , Kiyobayashi Tetsu 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
The potential capability of an organic positive-electrode active material for rechargeable magnesium batteries was investigated. 2,5-Dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone (DMBQ), which is known to work as a positive-electrode active material in the lithium system, was examined. The DMBQ electrode showed a discharge capacity of 260 mA h g(DMBQ)−1 and an average voltage of 0.9 V versus a magnesium quasi-reference electrode. The DMBQ electrode was charged and discharged reversibly with Mg2+ ions for several cycles.
Unexpected Extension of Usage of PPh3/CBr4, a Versatile Reagent: Isomerization of Aromatic Allylic Alcohols
Authors: Gong Wanchun , Liu Yun , Xue Jijun , Xie Zhixiang , Li Ying 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
The PPh3/CBr4-catalyzed isomerization of 2-aromatic allylic alcohols into the corresponding saturated aldehydes or ketones has been achieved at room temperature in good to excellent yields under mild and metal-free conditions. This new methodology has been applied successfully to the synthesis of ibuprofen in four steps.
A Simple Rhodamine-based Naked-eye and Fluorescence “Off–On” Sensor for Cu(II) in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Goswami Shyamaprosad , Manna Abhishek , Aich Krishnendu , Paul Sima 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
A new rhodamine-6G-based sensor is designed and synthesized. Its absorbance and fluorescence sensing behavior toward metal ions is investigated in mixed aqueous media (CH3OH/H2O, 6:4, v/v, pH 7.1). It displays selective Cu2+-induced spirolactam ring opening of the rhodamine dye in the presence of other heavy and transition-metal (HTM) ions.
Solid-State NMR Study on Actinide Dioxides
Authors: Tokunaga Yo , Sakai Hironori , Kambe Shinsaku , Chudo Hiroyuki , Osaka Masahiko , Miwa Shuhei , Nishi Tsuyoshi , Nakada Masami , Itoh Akinori , Homma Yoshiya 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTBesides the importance of the actinide dioxide series as a nuclear fuel, the magnetic properties of these compounds at low temperatures are particularly interesting. Their surprisingly varied physical properties at low temperatures stimulate continuing interest for both theory and experiment. Recently, we have performed 17O-NMR studies for the first time on Pu and Amcontaining dioxide systems, (Pu1-xAmx)O2. For the x=0.09 sample, a temperature-dependent NMR line broadening has been observed at low temperatures. By comparing the experimental data with the results of NMR line simulations, we have estimated the effective moment of Am ions to be Peff=1.38 μB. The value suggests the 5f5 (Am4+) state of the Am ion in PuO2. For the x=1 (=AmO2) sample, on the other hand, our 17O-NMR data provide the first microscopic evidence for a phase transition at 8.5 K as a bulk property in this system. A spectrum with a triangular line shape indicates that the internal field is distributed very nearly randomly in the ordered state.
Bio Organic-Based Gate Dielectric Materials for Thin Film Transistors
Authors: Grote James G. , Ouchen Fahima , Joyce Donna M. , Singh Kristi M. , Venkat Narayanan , Smith Steven R. , Yaney Perry P. , Heckman Emily M. , Bartsch Carrie M. , Naik Rajesh R. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTThe potential of bio-dielectrics for thin film transistor applications was explored via the incorporation of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, rutile form, a high dielectric constant (ε) ceramic, in the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) bio-polymer. The DNA-ceramic hybrid films were fabricated from stable suspensions of the TiO2 nanoparticles in viscous, aqueous DNA solutions. Dielectric characterization revealed that the incorporation of TiO2 in DNA resulted in enhanced dielectric constant (14.3 at 1 kHz for 40 wt % TiO2) relative to that of DNA in the entire frequency range of 1 kHz-1 MHz. Variable temperature dielectric measurements, in the 20-80°C range, of the DNA-TiO2 films revealed that the ceramic additive stabilizes DNA against large temperature dependent variations in both ε and the dielectric loss factor tan δ. The bulk resistivity of the DNA-TiO2 hybrid films was measured to be two to three orders of magnitude higher than that of the control DNA films, indicating their potential for utilization as insulating dielectrics in transistor and capacitor applications.