bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of IL28B for chronic hepatitis C treatment toward personalized medicine
Authors: Matsuura Kentaro , Watanabe Tsunamasa , Tanaka Yasuhito 
Published: December 2013

AbstractGenome‐wide association studies recently revealed that certain interleukin‐28B (IL28B) polymorphisms are strongly associated with responses to pegylated interferon (PEG‐IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) therapy in patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1, as well as with spontaneous clearance of HCV. Subsequent reports revealed that IL28B genotypes also affect treatment efficacy in chronic infection with other HCV genotypes. Furthermore, there have been several reports that implicate IL28B genotypes in inflammatory status, progression of fibrosis and adverse clinical outcomes in chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Therapy of CHC recently entered a new era with the deployment of direct‐acting antivirals. These include nonstructural 3/4A protease inhibitors which have shown promise in combination with PEG‐IFN/RBV in several clinical trials. IFN‐free therapy is expected to be useful especially in IFN‐resistant patients and may become the standard of care in the future. Several clinical trials have revealed an association between IL28B genotype and treatment efficacy in triple therapy or IFN‐free regimens. On the other hand the mechanism of the effect of IL28B on HCV infection has not yet been elucidated. Recently, it was shown that the polymorphism of IFN‐lambda 4 (IFNL4) is in high linkage disequilibrium with that of near IL28B, and more strongly associated with spontaneous or treatment‐induced HCV clearance than IL28B genotypes, especially in individuals of African ancestry. This finding provides new insights into the genetic regulation of HCV clearance and its clinical management. IL28B genotyping will be also useful for personalized CHC treatment in the forthcoming era of direct‐acting antivirals.
Endoscopic diagnosis of early neoplasia of the esophagus with narrow band imaging: Correlations among background coloration and iodine staining findings
Authors: Takahashi Masakazu , Shimizu Yuichi , Ono Masayoshi , Suzuki Mio , Omori Saori , Yoshida Takeshi , Mori Yasuaki , Nakagawa Manabu , Ono Shouko , Nakagawa Soichi , Mabe Katsuhiro , Kato Mototsugu , Hatanaka Kanako , Asaka Masahiro , Sakamoto Naoya 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground and AimIt was previously reported that high‐grade intraepithelial neoplasia of the esophagus turns pink within a few minutes after iodine staining (pink‐color sign; PCS); however, iodine staining is uncomfortable. By using narrow band imaging (NBI), color change in the area between the intraepithelial papillary capillary loop (background coloration; BGC) is often observed within the brownish area. The diagnostic usefulness of BGC findings for differentiating high‐grade intraepithelial neoplasia from low‐grade intraepithelial neoplasia was evaluated.MethodsIn a prospective observational study from September 2010 to August 2012, 285 patients who were in a high‐risk group for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma underwent endoscopic examination. Lesions with both endoscopic findings of dilated intraepithelial papillary capillary loop on NBI and iodine‐unstained areas were studied, in which endoscopic biopsy or endoscopic resection was subsequently performed. The esophageal background mucosa was also evaluated on the basis of the iodine staining pattern (uniform type: Group U, scattered type: Group S).ResultsOne hundred three esophageal lesions in 87 patients were studied. When BGC was used as the differentiation index, sensitivity was 93.8%, specificity was 88.2%, and accuracy was 91.3%. When PCS was used, sensitivity was 97.9%, specificity was 88.2%, and accuracy was 93.2% (P = 0.79). In Group U (n = 54), BGC had an accuracy of 93.8%, and PCS had an accuracy of 92.3% (P = 1.0). On the other hand, in Group S (n = 33), BGC had an accuracy of 86.8%, while PCS had an accuracy of 94.7% (P = 0.27).ConclusionsDiagnosis using BGC on NBI may substitute for diagnosis based on PCS in many patients.
Assessment of liver fibrosis with elastography point quantification technique in chronic hepatitis B virus patients: A comparison with liver pathological results
Authors: Ma Jiao‐jiao , Ding Hong , Mao Feng , Sun Hui‐chuan , Xu Chen , Wang Wen‐ping 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground and AimElastography point quantification (ElastPQ) was a newly non‐invasive method for the assessment of liver fibrosis by measuring liver stiffness. We aimed at evaluating the reproducibility of ElastPQ technology in the determination of liver stiffness and to investigate the value of ElastPQ in liver fibrosis staging among chronic hepatitis B patients.MethodsA total of 291 successive patients who underwent liver partial hepatectomy or biopsy were examined with the ElastPQ technology for the measurement of liver stiffness. Ten ElastPQ measurements were obtained in the right lobe of the liver through the seventh to the tenth intercostal space for every patient. The reproducibility of ElastPQ technology was analyzed with intraclass correlation (ICC) of reliability analysis. Comparing the median of 10 measurements of ElastPQ with liver fibrosis, necroinflammatory activity, and steatosis pathologically, as well as gender and age, potential factors affecting liver stiffness were explored by multiple linear regression analysis, and the performances of ElastPQ were evaluated with repeated measures anova and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.ResultsThe ICC of 10 measurements of liver stiffness with ElastPQ technique was 0.798, which indicated a good reproducibility. Liver fibrosis and necroinflammatory activity were positively correlated with ElastPQ (P = 0.00, 0.01 < 0.05) while other factors had no effect on ElastPQ. There was significant difference of ElastPQ between S1 (5.60 ± 2.55 kPa) and S2 (7.44 ± 3.43 kPa) (P = 0.01 < 0.05), and S3 (8.71 ± 3.14 kPa) and S4 (10.87 ± 5.25 kPa) (P = 0.01 < 0.05). The area under the ROC curve was 0.94 (6.99 kPa, the optimal cut‐off value) for ElastPQ measured with ElastPQ between S0–1 and S2–3, 0.89 (9.00 kPa) for ElastPQ between S2–3 and S4.ConclusionElastPQ is a valid and reproducible non‐invasive technology in liver stiffness measurement among chronic hepatitis B patients. The stage of liver fibrosis and the grade of necroinflammatory activity are associated with values of ElastPQ while liver fibrosis is the dominating factor affecting liver stiffness measured by ElastPQ.
Side population cell fractions from hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines increased with tumor dedifferentiation, but lack characteristic features of cancer stem cells
Authors: Nakayama Masamichi , Ogasawara Sachiko , Akiba Jun , Ueda Kosuke , Koura Keiko , Todoroki Keita , Kinoshita Hisafumi , Yano Hirohisa 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground and AimCancer stem cells (CSCs), a minority population with stem cell‐like characteristics, play important roles in cancer development and progression. Putative CSC markers, such as CD13, CD90, CD133, and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), and side population (SP) technique are generally used in an attempt to isolate CSCs. We aimed to clarify the relationship between CSCs and clonal dedifferentiation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsWe used a well‐differentiated HCC cell line (HAK‐1A) and a poorly differentiated HCC cell line (HAK‐1B) established from a single nodule with histological heterogeneity. HAK‐1B arose because of clonal dedifferentiation of HAK‐1A. The SP cells and non‐SP (NSP) cells were isolated from the two cell lines with a FACSAria II and used for the analyses.ResultsThe SP cell fractions in HAK‐1A and HAK‐1B were 0.2% and 0.9%, respectively. CD90 or EpCAM was not expressed in either HAK‐1A or HAK‐1B, while CD13 and CD133 were expressed in HAK‐1B alone. Although sphere forming ability, tumorigenicity, growth rate, and CD13 expression were higher in HAK‐1B SP cells than HAK‐1B NSP cells, there were no differences in drug resistance, colony forming ability, or cell cycle rates between HAK‐1B SP and NSP cells, suggesting HAK‐1B SP cells do not fulfill CSC criteria.ConclusionsOur findings suggested a possible relationship between the expression of CSC markers and clonal dedifferentiation. However, the complete features of CSC could not be identified in SP cells, and the concept of SP cells as a universal marker for CSC may not apply to HAK‐1A and HAK‐1B.
Effects of dietary supplementation of glucosamine sulfate on intestinal inflammation in a mouse model of experimental colitis
Authors: Bak Youn‐Kyung , Lampe Johanna W. , Sung Mi‐Kyung 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground and AimEpidemiological evidences suggested an inverse association between the use of glucosamine supplements and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. In this study, the efficacy of glucosamine to attenuate dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)‐induced colitis, a precancerous condition for CRC, was evaluated.MethodsC57BL/6 mice were separated into three groups receiving glucosamine sulfate at concentrations of 0, 0.05, and 0.10% (w/w) of AIN‐93G diet, respectively for 4 weeks. Colitis was induced by supplying two cycles (5 days per cycle) of 2% DSS in the animals' drinking water.ResultsGlucosamine supplementation at the level of 0.10% of the diet (w/w) reduced colitis‐associated symptoms as measured by disease activity index (DAI). Tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1β, and nuclear factor‐kappa B mRNA expression in the colonic mucosa was significantly lower in animals fed 0.10% glucosamine compared with those of the control group. Expression of the tight junction proteins ZO‐1 and occludin was significantly higher in the 0.10% glucosamine‐supplemented group compared with the other groups. Also, colonic protein expression of lipocalin 2, and serum concentrations of interleukin‐8 and amyloid P component (SAP) were significantly reduced in the 0.10% glucosamine‐supplemented group compared with the control group.ConclusionThese results suggest that glucosamine attenuates the colitis disease activity by suppressing NF‐κB activation and related inflammatory responses.
SbHKT1;4, a member of the high‐affinity potassium transporter gene family from Sorghum bicolor, functions to maintain optimal Na+/K+ balance under Na+ stress
Authors: Wang Tian‐Tian , Ren Zhi‐Jie , Liu Zhi‐Quan , Feng Xue , Guo Rui‐Qi , Li Bao‐Guo , Li Le‐Gong , Jing Hai‐Chun 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIn halophytic plants, the high‐affinity potassium transporter HKT gene family can selectively uptake K+ in the presence of toxic concentrations of Na+. This has so far not been well examined in glycophytic crops. Here, we report the characterization of SbHKT1;4, a member of the HKT gene family from Sorghum bicolor. Upon Na+ stress, SbHKT1;4 expression was more strongly upregulated in salt‐tolerant sorghum accession, correlating with a better balanced Na+/K+ ratio and enhanced plant growth. Heterogeneous expression analyses in mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Arabidopsis thaliana indicated that overexpressing SbHKT1;4 resulted in hypersensitivity to Na+ stress, and such hypersensitivity could be alleviated with the supply of elevated levels of K+, implicating that SbHKT1;4 may mediate K+ uptake in the presence of excessive Na+. Further electrophysiological evidence demonstrated that SbHKT1;4 could transport Na+ and K+ when expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. The relevance of the finding that SbHKT1;4 functions to maintain optimal Na+/K+ balance under Na+ stress to the breeding of salt‐tolerant glycophytic crops is discussed.
Farinose flavonoids are associated with high freezing tolerance in fairy primrose (Primula malacoides) plants
Authors: Isshiki Ryutaro , Galis Ivan , Tanakamaru Shigemi 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe deposition of surface (farinose) flavonoids on aerial parts of some Primula species is a well‐documented but poorly understood phenomenon. Here, we show that flavonoid deposition on the leaves and winter buds may contribute strongly to preventing freezing damage in these plants. The ice nucleation temperature of fairy primrose (Primula malacoides) leaves covered with natural flavone was approximately 6 °C lower compared to those that had their flavone artificially removed. Additionally, farinose flavonoids on the leaves reduced subsequent electrolyte leakage (EL) from the cells exposed to freezing temperatures. Interestingly, exogenous application of flavone at 4 mg/g fresh weight to P. malacoides leaves, which had the original flavone mechanically removed, restored freezing tolerance, and diminished EL from the cells to pretreatment values. Our results suggest that farinose flavonoids may function as mediators of freezing tolerance in P. malacoides, and exogenous application of flavone could be used to reduce freezing damage during sudden but predictable frost events in other plant species.
Is salamander hindlimb regeneration similar to that of the forelimb? Anatomical and morphogenetic analysis of hindlimb muscle regeneration in GFP‐transgenic axolotls as a basis for regenerative and developmental studies
Authors: Diogo R. , Murawala P. , Tanaka E. M. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe axolotl Ambystoma mexicanum is one of the most used model organisms in developmental and regenerative studies because it is commonly said that it can reconstitute a normal and fully functional forelimb/hindlimb after amputation. However, there is not a publication that has described in detail the regeneration of the axolotl hindlimb muscles. Here we describe and illustrate, for the first time, the regeneration of the thigh, leg and foot muscles in transgenic axolotls that express green fluorescent protein in muscle fibers and compare our results with data obtained by us and by other authors about axolotl forelimb regeneration and about fore‐ and hindlimb ontogeny in axolotls, frogs and other tetrapods. Our observations and comparisons point out that: (1) there are no muscle anomalies in any regenerated axolotl hindlimbs, in clear contrast to our previous study of axolotl forelimb regeneration, where we found muscle anomalies in 43% of the regenerated forelimbs; (2) during axolotl hindlimb regeneration there is a proximo‐distal and a tibio‐fibular morphogenetic gradient in the order of muscle regeneration and differentiation, but not a ventro‐dorsal gradient, whereas our previous studies showed that in axolotl forelimb muscle regeneration there are proximo‐distal, radio‐ulnar and ventro‐dorsal morphogenetic gradients. We discuss the broader implications of these observations for regenerative, evolutionary, developmental and morphogenetic studies.
Assessment of possible immunotoxicity of the antipsychotic drug clozapine
Authors: Abdelrahman Yaseen , Fararjeh Mohammad , Abdel-Razeq Wesam , Mohammad Mohammad K , Bustanji Yasser 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Objectives
The immunomodulatory effects of clozapine (CLZ), antipsychotic drug, were investigated in vivo using female Balb/c mice. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of CLZ, antipsychotic drug, following daily intraperitoneal injection to female Balb/c mice over a period of 21 days.

Methods
Mice were divided into five groups, eight animals per group. Group I, served as a control group, received only the vehicle. Groups II–V received a daily intraperitoneal dose of CLZ (1, 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg, respectively) over a period of 21 days.

Key findings
CLZ has shown a significant decrease in the animal body weight, and it showed a significant decrease in the percentage of circulating neutrophils and lymphocytes while circulating monocytes were increased. The immunotoxicity has been also assessed by evaluating spleen cellularity, humoral immune response to a foreign antigen using sheep red blood cells and delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction. The results showed a marked suppression in these responses in CLZ-treated mice compared with the control group. Detectable changes have also been noticed in the histology of the footpad tissue and spleen.

Conclusions
Results showed significant immunomuodulatory effects of CLZ when used in Balb/c mice.
Association of caspase‐14 and filaggrin expression with keratinization of the oral mucosa and reconstruction culture rat models
Authors: Murakami H. , Okamura K. , Aoki S. , Sakagami R. , Yamazaki J. 
Published: December 2013

Background and ObjectiveKeratinization of the oral mucosa, such as the gingiva, has been shown to be important for periodontal health. Caspase‐14 is a protease that plays a role in keratinization of the epidermis. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the expression of caspase‐14 is intimately linked with keratinization and to examine the effect of the main component of green tea on the improvement of keratinization in rat oral mucosal preparations.Material and MethodsHistological and immunohistochemical analyses and quantitative mRNA measurements of caspase‐14 and its substrate filaggrin were performed using different types of rat epithelial tissue and organotypic reconstruction culture models derived from epithelial cells and fibroblasts taken from the rat oral mucosa.ResultsIn the skin, palate, buccal mucosa and esophagus, the degree of keratinization appeared to be associated with expression of cytokeratin 10. The relative protein and mRNA expression levels of caspase‐14 and filaggrin were consistent with the degree of keratinization in the following order: skin > palate > buccal mucosa > esophagus. The culture models of palatal and buccal mucosa retained a stratified epithelial structure. Expression of caspase‐14 appeared to be stronger in the palatal model than in the buccal model. Remarkably, epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) improved the localization of cytokeratins and increased the expression of caspase‐14 and filaggrin. This expression was more intense in the palatal model than in the buccal model, indicating that both models maintain the intrinsic properties of keratinization of the mucosa from where the cultured cells were derived.ConclusionsThese results suggest that keratinization is closely associated with expression of caspase‐14 and filaggrin. Our reconstruction models are promising tools for drug evaluation and show that EGCG is beneficial for improving both keratinization and expression of the linked protease in the oral mucosa.
Comparative pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of tylosin tartrate and tylosin phosphate after a single oral and i.v. administration in chickens
Authors: Ji L.‐W. , Dong L.‐L. , Ji H. , Feng X.‐W. , Li D. , Ding R.‐L. , Jiang S.‐X. 
Published: December 2013

The pharmacokinetics and oral bioavailability of tylosin tartrate and tylosin phosphate were carried out in broiler chickens according to a principle of single dose, random, parallel design. The two formulations of tylosin were given orally and intravenously at a dose level of 10 mg/kg b.w to chicken after an overnight fasting (n = 10 chickens/group). Serial blood samples were collected at different time points up to 24 h postdrug administration. A high performance liquid chromatography method was used for the determination of tylosin concentrations in chicken plasma. The tylosin plasma concentration's time plot of each chicken was analyzed by the 3P97 software. The pharmacokinetics of tylosin was best described by a one‐compartmental open model 1st absorption after oral administration. After intravenous administration the pharmacokinetics of tylosin was best described by a two‐compartmental open model, and there were no significant differences between tylosin tartrate and tylosin phosphate. After oral administration, there were significant differences in the Cmax (0.18 ± 0.01, 0.44 ± 0.09) and AUC (0.82 ± 0.05, 1.57 ± 0.25)between tylosin phosphate and tylosin tartrate. The calculated oral bioavailability (F) of tylosin tartrate and tylosin phosphate were 25.78% and 13.73%, respectively. Above all, we can reasonably conclude that, the absorption of tylosin tartrate is better than tylosin phosphate after oral administration.
Molecular and social regulation of worker division of labour in fire ants
Authors: Manfredini Fabio , Lucas Christophe , Nicolas Michael , Keller Laurent , Shoemaker DeWayne , Grozinger Christina M. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractReproductive and worker division of labour (DOL) is a hallmark of social insect societies. Despite a long‐standing interest in worker DOL, the molecular mechanisms regulating this process have only been investigated in detail in honey bees, and little is known about the regulatory mechanisms operating in other social insects. In the fire ant Solenopsis invicta, one of the most studied ant species, workers are permanently sterile and the tasks performed are modulated by the worker's internal state (age and size) and the outside environment (social environment), which potentially includes the effect of the queen presence through chemical communication via pheromones. However, the molecular mechanisms underpinning these processes are unknown. Using a whole‐genome microarray platform, we characterized the molecular basis for worker DOL and we explored how a drastic change in the social environment (i.e. the sudden loss of the queen) affects global gene expression patterns of worker ants. We identified numerous genes differentially expressed between foraging and nonforaging workers in queenright colonies. With a few exceptions, these genes appear to be distinct from those involved in DOL in bees and wasps. Interestingly, after the queen was removed, foraging workers were no longer distinct from nonforaging workers at the transcriptomic level. Furthermore, few expression differences were detected between queenright and queenless workers when we did not consider the task performed. Thus, the social condition of the colony (queenless vs. queenright) appears to impact the molecular pathways underlying worker task performance, providing strong evidence for social regulation of DOL in S. invicta.
Re‐evaluating otherness in genocidal ideology
Authors: Murray Elisabeth Hope 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIdeas of otherness in both nationalism and genocide studies do not sufficiently explain genocidal levels of policy and ideological development, nor do they help identify groups that may be selected in the future for this particular kind of destruction. This article sets out to introduce the typology of ‘anti‐nation’ to the dialogue of nationalism studies in order to more aptly identify prospective groups at risk of future possible genocidal aggression. This article looks to the Armenian genocide to provide analysis for a greater understanding of the way radicalising ideology evolves regarding the anti‐nation during the early years of identity development in states radicalising towards genocide.