bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic Endonasal Nasopharyngectomy in Selected Cancers
Authors: Castelnuovo Paolo , Nicolai Piero , Turri‐Zanoni Mario , Battaglia Paolo , Bolzoni Villaret Andrea , Gallo Stefania , Bignami Maurizio , Dallan Iacopo 
Published: June 2013

ObjectiveTo describe the different surgical techniques for nasopharyngeal endoscopic resection (NER) and to support the efficacy of the endoscopic endonasal approach in the management of selected primary and locally recurrent nasopharyngeal tumors (NPTs).Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingPatients affected by NPTs who underwent NER from 1997 to 2011 at two Italian referral centers.Subjects and MethodsNER was tailored to the NPT extension and classified as follows: type 1 NER, resection of the posterior nasopharyngeal wall; type 2 NER, resection superiorly extended to the sphenoid; type 3 NER, trans‐pterygoid approach to the postero‐lateral nasopharynx with removal of pterygoid plates and Eustachian tube, under control of parapharyngeal‐petrous‐cavernous segments of the internal carotid artery.ResultsThirty‐six consecutive patients with primary (9 cases) or locally recurrent (27 cases) NPTs were enrolled. The lesions were staged as follows: stage I, 16 (44.4%); stage II, 3 (8.4%); stage III, 15 (41.6%); and stage IVA, 2 (5.6%). Type 1 NER was performed in 6 cases, type 2 NER in 12, type 3 NER in 16, and bilateral‐extended type 3 NER in 2. No perioperative mortality or major complications were observed. Postoperatively, 11 patients received intensity‐modulated radiotherapy, with or without chemotherapy. Follow‐up ranged from 2 to 173 months (mean: 38 months). Five years overall, disease‐specific, and disease‐free survivals were 75.1% ± 9.13%, 80.9% ± 7.79%, and 58.1% ± 14.8%, respectively.ConclusionNER is a feasible and minimally invasive surgical approach for the management of selected primary and locally recurrent NPTs. Our preliminary outcomes are promising, with local control rates comparable to those of conventional procedures. Larger case series and longer follow‐up are needed to validate the reproducibility and efficacy of the technique.
MicroRNA-22 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma and its correlation with ezrin protein
Authors: Zhou Lin , He Jiantai , Zhang Yangde 
Published: June 2013

Objective Expression of microRNA-22 (miR-22) and ezrin protein (a membrane–cytoskeleton linking protein) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was investigated. Methods Specimens of HCC and paracancerous tissue (control; ∼5 cm away from tumour tissue) were collected from 192 patients. miR-22 expression was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction; ezrin protein expression in tumour tissue was assessed immunohistochemically. Associations between miR-22 expression and clinicopathological features of HCC and ezrin expression were analysed. Results miR-22 expression was lower in HCC tissue than in paracancerous tissue samples (median relative expression 0.676 versus 1.000 for control tissue). Expression of miR-22 was significantly associated with histological differentiation (relative expression 0.431 for lower grades of differentiation versus 0.918 for higher grades), and was associated with lymphatic metastasis (relative expression 0.518 if metastasis was present, 0.919 if absent). Survival time was shorter in patients with low miR-22 expression than in those with high expression (31.0 ± 2.6 versus 52.2 ± 5.1 months). There was a significant negative correlation between the expression of miR-22 and that of ezrin. Conclusions miR-22 is downregulated in HCC and its expression is associated with the differentiation, metastasis and prognosis of the carcinoma. Ezrin is a potential regulatory protein of miR-22.
High expression of wee1 is associated with malignancy in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma patients
Authors: Magnussen Gry Irene , Hellesylt Ellen , Nesland Jahn M , Trope Claes G , Flørenes Vivi Ann , Holm Ruth 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma is a cancer form with increasing incidence rate and few treatment options. Wee1 is a central regulator of the G2/M DNA-damage checkpoint, and has in previous studies been described as a prognostic biomarker and a potential target for therapy in other cancer forms.

Methods
In the present study we analyzed the expression of Wee1 in a panel of 297 vulvar tumors by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, siRNA transfections were carried out in two vulvar cancer cell lines (SW-954 and CAL-39) in order to study the effect on cell cycle distribution (flow cytometry) and proteins (western blot) involved in DNA damage response and apoptosis.

Results
Wee1 kinase is increased in vulvar squamous cell carcinomas, as compared to expression in normal epithelium, and a high Wee1 expression is associated with markers of malignancy, such as lymph node metastasis and poor differentiation. Our in vitro results showed that siRNA mediated Wee1 silencing only led to a modest reduction in viability, when examined in vulvar cancer cell lines. Nonetheless, a marked increase in DNA damages, as assessed by augmented levels of γ-H2AX, was observed in both cell lines in the absence of Wee1.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that Wee1 may be involved in the progression of vulvar carcinomas. Based on our in vitro results, Wee1 is unlikely to function as a target for mono-treatment of these patients.
Equivalent susceptibility of Anopheles gambiae M and S molecular forms and Anopheles arabiensis to Plasmodium falciparum infection in Burkina Faso
Authors: Gnémé Awa , Guelbéogo Wamdaogo M , Riehle Michelle M , Sanou Antoine , Traoré Alphonse , Zongo Soumanaba , Eiglmeier Karin , Kabré Gustave B , Sagnon N’Falé , Vernick Kenneth D 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundTheAnopheles gambiaesensu lato (s.l.) species complex in Burkina Faso consists ofAnopheles arabiensis,and molecular forms M and S ofAnopheles gambiaesensu stricto (s.s.). Previous studies comparing the M and S forms for level of infection withPlasmodium falciparumhave yielded conflicting results.MethodsMosquito larvae were sampled from natural pools, reared to adulthood under controlled conditions, and challenged with naturalP. falciparumby experimental feeding with blood from gametocyte carriers. Oocyst infection prevalence and intensity was determined one week after infection. DNA from carcasses was genotyped to identify species and molecular form.ResultsIn total, 7,400 adult mosquitoes grown from wild-caught larvae were challenged with gametocytes in 29 experimental infections spanning four transmission seasons. The overall infection prevalence averaged 40.7% forA. gambiaeM form, 41.4% forA. gambiaeS form, and 40.1% forA. arabiensis. There was no significant difference in infection prevalence or intensity between the three population groups. Notably, infection experiments in which the population groups were challenged in parallel on the same infective blood displayed less infection difference between population groups, while infections with less balanced composition of population groups had lower statistical power and displayed apparent differences that fluctuated more often from the null average.ConclusionThe study clearly establishes that, at the study site in Burkina Faso, there is no difference in genetic susceptibility toP. falciparuminfection between three sympatric population groups of theA. gambiaes.l. complex. Feeding the mosquito groups on the same infective blood meal greatly increases statistical power. Conversely, comparison of the different mosquito groups between, rather than within, infections yields larger apparent difference between mosquito groups, resulting from lower statistical power and greater noise, and could lead to false-positive results. In making infection comparisons between population groups, it is more accurate to compare the different groups after feeding simultaneously upon the same infective blood.
Biochemical and biological characterization of exosomes containing prominin-1/CD133
Authors: Rappa Germana , Mercapide Javier , Anzanello Fabio , Pope Robert M , Lorico Aurelio 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Exosomes can be viewed as complex “messages” packaged to survive trips to other cells in the local microenvironment and, through body fluids, to distant sites. A large body of evidence indicates a pro-metastatic role for certain types of cancer exosomes. We previously reported that prominin-1 had a pro-metastatic role in melanoma cells and that microvesicles released from metastatic melanoma cells expressed high levels of prominin-1. With the goal to explore the mechanisms that govern proteo-lipidic-microRNA sorting in cancer exosomes and their potential contribution(s) to the metastatic phenotype, we here employed prominin-1-based immunomagnetic separation in combination with filtration and ultracentrifugation to purify prominin-1-expressing exosomes (prom1-exo) from melanoma and colon carcinoma cells. Prom1-exo contained 154 proteins, including all of the 14 proteins most frequently expressed in exosomes, and multiple pro-metastatic proteins, including CD44, MAPK4K, GTP-binding proteins, ADAM10 and Annexin A2. Their lipid composition resembled that of raft microdomains, with a great enrichment in lyso-phosphatidylcholine, lyso-phosphatidyl-ethanolamine and sphingomyelin. The abundance of tetraspanins and of tetraspanin-associated proteins, together with the high levels of sphingomyelin, suggests that proteolipidic assemblies, probably tetraspanin webs, might be the essential structural determinant in the release process of prominin-1 of stem and cancer stem cells. Micro-RNA profiling revealed 49 species of micro-RNA present at higher concentrations in prom1-exo than in parental cells, including 20 with cancer-related function. Extensive accumulation of prom1-exo was observed 3 h after their addition to cultures of melanoma and bone marrow-derived stromal cells (MSC). Short-term co-culture of melanoma cells and MSC resulted in heterologous prominin-1 transfer. Exposure of MSC to prom1-exo increased their invasiveness. Our study supports the concept that specific populations of cancer exosomes contain multiple determinants of the metastatic potential of the cells from which they are derived.
Activation of the mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K+ channel reduces apoptosis of spleen mononuclear cells induced by hyperlipidemia
Authors: Alberici Luciane C , Paim Bruno A , Zecchin Karina G , Mirandola Sandra R , Pestana Cezar R , Castilho Roger F , Vercesi Anibal E , Oliveira Helena CF 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundWe have previously demonstrated that increased rates of superoxide generation by extra-mitochondrial enzymes induce the activation of the mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channel (mitoKATP) in the livers of hypertriglyceridemic (HTG) mice. The resulting mild uncoupling mediated by mitoKATPprotects mitochondria against oxidative damage. In this study, we investigate whether immune cells from HTG mice also present increased mitoKATPactivity and evaluate the influence of this trait on cell redox state and viability.MethodsOxygen consumption (Clark-type electrode), reactive oxygen species production (dihydroethidium and H2-DCF-DA probes) and cell death (annexin V, cytocrome c release and Trypan blue exclusion) were determined in spleen mononuclear cells.ResultsHTG mice mononuclear cells displayed increased mitoKATPactivity, as evidenced by higher resting respiration rates that were sensitive to mitoKATPantagonists. Whole cell superoxide production and apoptosis rates were increased in HTG cells. Inhibition of mitoKATPfurther increased the production of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis in these cells. Incubation with HTG serum induced apoptosis more strongly in WT cells than in HTG mononuclear cells. Cytochrome c release into the cytosol and caspase 8 activity were both increased in HTG cells, indicating that cell death signaling starts upstream of the mitochondria but does involve this organelle. Accordingly, a reduced number of blood circulating lymphocytes was found in HTG mice.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that spleen mononuclear cells from hyperlipidemic mice have more active mitoKATPchannels, which downregulate mitochondrial superoxide generation. The increased apoptosis rate observed in these cells is exacerbated by closing the mitoKATPchannels. Thus, mitoKATPopening acts as a protective mechanism that reduces cell death induced by hyperlipidemia.
Acupuncture for lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow): study protocol for a randomized, practitioner-assessor blinded, controlled pilot clinical trial
Authors: Shin Kyung-Min , Kim Joo-Hee , Lee Seunghoon , Shin Mi-Suk , Kim Tae-Hun , Park Hyo-Ju , Lee Min-Hee , Hong Kwon-Eui , Lee Seungdeok , Choi Sun-Mi 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Lateral epicondylitis is the most frequent cause of pain around the elbow joint. It causes pain in the region of the elbow joint and results in dysfunction of the elbow and deterioration of the quality of life. The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of ipsilateral acupuncture, contralateral acupuncture and sham acupuncture on lateral epicondylitis.

Methods/design
Forty-five subjects with lateral epicondylitis will be randomized into three groups: the ipsilateral acupuncture group, contralateral acupuncture group and the sham acupuncture group. The inclusion criteria will be as follows: (1) age between 19 and 65 years with pain due to one-sided lateral epicondylitis that persisted for at least four weeks, (2) with tenderness on pressure limited to regions around the elbow joint, (3) complaining of pain during resistive extension of the middle finger or the wrist, (4) with average pain of NRS 4 or higher during the last one week at a screening visit and (5) voluntarily agree to this study and sign a written consent. Acupuncture treatment will be given 10 times in total for 4 weeks to all groups. Follow up observations will be conducted after the completion of the treatment, 8 weeks and 12 weeks after the random assignment. Ipsilateral acupuncture group and contralateral acupuncture group will receive acupuncture on LI4, TE5, LI10, LI11, LU5, LI12 and two Ashi points. The sham acupuncture group will receive treatment on acupuncture points not related to the lateral epicondylitis using a non-invasive method. The needles will be maintained for 20 minutes. The primary outcome will be differences in the visual analogue scale (VAS) for elbow pain between the groups. The secondary outcome will be differences in patient-rated tennis elbow evaluation (PRTEE), pain-free/maximum grip strength (Dynamometer), pressure pain threshold, clinically relevant improvement, patient global assessment, and the EQ-5D. The data will be analyzed with the paired t-test and ANCOVA (P <0.05).

Discussion
The results of this study will allow evaluation of contralateral acupuncture from two aspects. First, if the contralateral acupuncture shows the effects similar to ipsilateral acupuncture, this will establish clinical basis for contralateral acupuncture. Second, if the effects of contralateral acupuncture are not comparable to the effects of ipsilateral acupuncture, but are shown to be similar to the effects of the sham acupuncture, we can establish the basis for using the same acupoints of the unaffected side as a control in acupuncture clinical studies.

Trial registration
This trial has been registered with the ‘Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS)’, Republic of Korea:KCT0000628.
Bovine and porcine heparins: different drugs with similar effects on human haemodialysis
Authors: Tovar Ana MF , Teixeira Lisandra AC , Rembold Simone M , Leite Maurilo , Lugon Jocemir R , Mourão Paulo AS 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Heparins from porcine and bovine intestinal mucosa differ in their structure and also in their effects on coagulation, thrombosis and bleeding. However, they are used as undistinguishable drugs.

Methods
We compared bovine and porcine intestinal heparin administered to patients undergoing a particular protocol of haemodialysis. We compared plasma concentrations of these two drugs and also evaluated how they affect patients and the dialyzer used.

Results
Compared with porcine heparin, bovine heparin achieved only 76% of the maximum plasma concentration as IU mL-1. This observation is consistent with the activities observed in the respective pharmaceutical preparations. When the plasma concentrations were expressed on weight basis, bovine heparin achieved a maximum concentration 1.5 fold higher than porcine heparin. The reduced anticoagulant activity and higher concentration, on weight basis, achieved in the plasma of patients under dialysis using bovine instead of porcine heparin did not affect significantly the patients or the dialyzer used. The heparin dose is still in a range, which confers security and safety to the patients.

Discussion
Despite no apparent difference between bovine and porcine intestinal heparins in the haemodialysis practice, these two types of heparins should be used as distinct drugs due to their differences in structure and biological effects.

Conclusions
The reduced anticoagulant activity achieved in the plasma of patients under dialysis using bovine instead of porcine heparin did not affect significantly the patients or the dialyzer.
Computational analysis of protein-protein interfaces involving an alpha helix: insights for terphenyl–like molecules binding
Authors: Isvoran Adriana , Craciun Dana , Martiny Virginie , Sperandio Olivier , Miteva Maria A 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundProtein-Protein Interactions (PPIs) are key for many cellular processes. The characterization of PPI interfaces and the prediction of putative ligand binding sites and hot spot residues are essential to design efficient small-molecule modulators of PPI. Terphenyl and its derivatives are small organic molecules known to mimic one face of protein-binding alpha-helical peptides. In this work we focus on several PPIs mediated by alpha-helical peptides.MethodWe performed computational sequence- and structure-based analyses in order to evaluate several key physicochemical and surface properties of proteins known to interact with alpha-helical peptides and/or terphenyl and its derivatives.ResultsSequence-based analysis revealed low sequence identity between some of the analyzed proteins binding alpha-helical peptides. Structure-based analysis was performed to calculate the volume, the fractal dimension roughness and the hydrophobicity of the binding regions. Besides the overall hydrophobic character of the binding pockets, some specificities were detected. We showed that the hydrophobicity is not uniformly distributed in different alpha-helix binding pockets that can help to identify key hydrophobic hot spots.ConclusionsThe presence of hydrophobic cavities at the protein surface with a more complex shape than the entire protein surface seems to be an important property related to the ability of proteins to bind alpha-helical peptides and low molecular weight mimetics. Characterization of similarities and specificities of PPI binding sites can be helpful for further development of small molecules targeting alpha-helix binding proteins.
Reduction of body temperature governs neutrophil retention in hibernating and nonhibernating animals by margination
Authors: Bouma Hjalmar R , Dugbartey George J , Boerema Ate S , Talaei Fatemeh , Herwig Annika , Goris Maaike , van Buiten Azuwerus , Strijkstra Arjen M , Carey Hannah V , Henning Robert H , Kroese Frans G M 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTHibernation consists of periods of low metabolism, called torpor, interspersed by euthermic arousal periods. During deep and daily (shallow) torpor, the number of circulating leukocytes decreases, although circulating cells, is restored to normal numbers upon arousal. Here, we show that neutropenia, during torpor, is solely a result of lowering of body temperature, as a reduction of circulating also occurred following forced hypothermia in summer euthermic hamsters and rats that do not hibernate. Splenectomy had no effect on reduction in circulating neutrophils during torpor. Margination of neutrophils to vessel walls appears to be the mechanism responsible for reduced numbers of neutrophils in hypothermic animals, as the effect is inhibited by pretreatment with dexamethasone. In conclusion, low body temperature in species that naturally use torpor or in nonhibernating species under forced hypothermia leads to a decrease of circulating neutrophils as a result of margination. These findings may be of clinical relevance, as they could explain, at in least part, the benefits and drawbacks of therapeutic hypothermia as used in trauma patients and during major surgery.
A Redox-Active, Amphoteric Pyrogallolaldehyde Derivative: Electrochemical Characterization and Schiff Base Formation for Constructing Multifunctional Salphen Complexes
Authors: Shingai Hajime , Houjou Hirohiko , Yoshikawa Isao , Araki Koji 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
We synthesized and determined the crystal structure of a novel pyrogallolaldehyde derivative with a 5-dimethylaminomethyl group. In solution, this compound underwent autoxidation to form unidentified blue species under ambient conditions. Electrochemical measurements revealed that addition of a base promoted the autoxidation, whereas addition of an acid effectively suppressed it. Using p-toluenesulfonic acid, we isolated a hydroxy-rich salphen-type Schiff base ligand as an ammonium salt of the acid. We obtained several transition-metal complexes of this ligand that retained its antioxidant stability. We discuss the spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of these complexes in comparison with analogous complexes without a 5-dimethylaminomethyl group.
Time-integrated One-pot Synthesis, X-ray Structure, and Redox Properties of Electrochromic 1,3-Diarylisobenzofurans
Authors: Hamura Toshiyuki , Nakayama Ryosuke , Hanada Keisuke , Sakano Yuto , Katoono Ryo , Fujiwara Kenshu , Suzuki Takanori 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
1,3-Bis[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]isobenzofuran (1a) and a derivative were efficiently prepared through a sequence of reactions in a single batch reactor (time integration). The o-quinodimethane-type π-conjugation in 1a was confirmed by bond alternation determined by a low-temperature X-ray analysis. Brightly colored heterocycle 1a undergoes reversible two-stage one-electron oxidation, and electrolysis of 1a induces a vivid change in UV–vis–NIR absorptions exhibiting several isosbestic points (electrochromism).
NS-Raubgut-Recherche im Landesbibliothekszentrum Rheinland-Pfalz/Pfälzische Landesbibliothek Speyer
Authors: Bartels Nicole , Bartels Nicole 
Published: June 2013

Zusammenfassung:
Das Landesbibliothekszentrum Rheinland-Pfalz untersucht an seinem Standort Pfälzische Landesbibliothek (PLB) Speyer seit Oktober 2012 seine Bestände auf NS-Raubgut. Das zunächst auf ein Jahr angelegte Provenienzforschungsprojekt wird von der Arbeitsstelle für Provenienzforschung in Berlin gefördert. In den zurückliegenden sechs Monaten wurden rund 28 000 Kaufzugänge und 17 000 Geschenkzugänge geprüft. Dabei wurden u. a. ca. 50 Bücher mit Provenienzen der 1940 in das Internierungslager Gurs in Südfrankreich deportierten Speyerer Juden gefunden. Die Bücher wurden der PLB 1941 von der Stadt Speyer übergeben.
Zwischen Novellierung und Neuregelung
Authors: Soilihi Mzé Hassan 
Published: June 2013

Zusammenfassung:
Nach dem Scheitern des Entwurfs zu einem eigenständigen Bibliotheksgesetz in Sachsen im April 2012 kam die Debatte um eine bibliotheksrechtliche Rahmensetzung im Freistaat dennoch nicht zum Stillstand. Schon im Januar 2013 brachten sowohl die regierungstragenden Koalitionsfraktionen von CDU und FDP als auch die Oppositionsfraktionen aus SPD und Bündnis ’90/Die Grünen je einen bibliothekspolitischen Antrag ins parlamentarische Verfahren ein. Der Beitrag stellt die beiden Initiativen kurz und problemorientiert vor.