bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Childhood hepatocellular carcinoma: a clinicopathological study of 12 cases with special reference to EpCAM
Authors: Zen Yoh , Vara Roshni , Portmann Bernard , Hadzic Nedim 
Published: October 2013

AimsTo elucidate the characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in children.Methods and resultsA retrospective search of our database identified 12 children with HCC (aged 10 months to 11 years; male/female ratio of 5:7). Their pathological features were compared with those of adult HCCs (n = 20), fibrolamellar HCCs (n = 14), and hepatoblastomas (n = 15). All childhood HCCs developed on a background of cirrhosis resulting from tyrosinaemia type 1 (n = 4), bile salt export transporter deficiency (n = 4), biliary atresia (n = 3), and long‐standing total parenteral nutrition (n = 1). HCCs in cases of tyrosinaemia type 1 always had clear cell changes, solid architecture, and only mild nuclear atypia, whereas the morphological features of HCCs in the other conditions were basically similar to those of adult HCCs. On immunostaining, all cases of childhood HCC were positive for epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM); expression was diffuse (>50% of cancer cells) in 11 cases, and particularly strong in six children, all aged <3 years. In contrast, EpCAM was only focally expressed in three cases of adult HCC (15%). EpCAM was also expressed in most fibrolamellar HCCs and hepatoblastomas, but these two neoplasms differed from childhood HCCs in the expression of CK7, β‐catenin, and p53.ConclusionsThe diffuse expression of EpCAM characterizes childhood HCC, and may indicate immaturity of neoplastic cells.
Investigation of molecular alterations of AKT‐3 in triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: O'Hurley Gillian , Daly Etáin , O'Grady Anthony , Cummins Robert , Quinn Cecily , Flanagan Louise , Pierce Aisling , Fan Yue , Lynn Miriam A , Rafferty Máirín , Fitzgerald Dara , Pontén Fredrik , Duffy Michael J , Jirström Karin , Kay Elaine W , Gallagher William M 
Published: October 2013

AimsTriple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is responsible for a disproportionate number of breast cancer (BC) deaths, owing to its intrinsic aggressiveness and a lack of treatment options, especially targeted therapies. Thus, there is an urgent need for the development of better targeted treatments for TNBC. Molecular alteration of AKT‐3 was previously reported in oestrogen receptor (ER)‐positive BC. AKT‐3 has also been suggested to play a role in hormone‐unresponsive BC. The aim of this study was to investigate molecular alterations of AKT‐3 in TNBC, to perform associated survival analysis, and to compare these findings with the incidence of AKT‐3 molecular alterations in ER‐positive BC.ResultsOur study revealed AKT‐3 amplification and deletions in 11% (9/82) and 13% (11/82) of TNBCs, respectively. In contrast, 1% (2/209) of ER‐positive BCs were found to have AKT‐3 amplifications and deletions. A higher prevalence of AKT‐3 copy number gains was observed in TNBC [26% (21/82)] than in ER‐positive BC [9% (19/209)]. AKT‐3 amplification together with Akt‐3 protein expression was negatively associated with recurrence‐free survival in TNBC. Furthermore, a negative association between high AKT‐3 copy number and recurrence‐free survival was observed.ConclusionAKT‐3 amplification could represent a potentially relevant oncogenic event in a subset of TNBCs that may, in turn, select cells sensitive to Akt‐3 inhibitors.
Adult granulosa cell tumour‐like areas occurring in ovarian epithelial neoplasms: report of a case series with investigation of FOXL2 mutation status
Authors: Singh Naveena , Gilks C Blake , Huntsman David G , Smith John H , Coutts Michael , Ganesan Raji , McCluggage W Glenn 
Published: October 2013

AimsTo look for FOXL2 mutation in rare ovarian epithelial lesions showing stromal components with morphological features of adult granulosa cell tumour (AGCT).Methods and resultsWe report the 402C→G FOXL2 mutation status in five epithelial ovarian lesions in women aged 45–77 years showing stromal proliferations that were morphologically indistinguishable from AGCT. The lesions were mucinous cystadenoma, mixed epithelial cystadenoma, endometriotic cyst, mucinous borderline tumour (intestinal type), and mucinous carcinoma. In one case, the AGCT component formed a discrete nodule, and in the others it was distributed within the septa and cyst walls. FOXL2 mutation was present in two cases and absent in three cases. One mutation‐positive case showed an AGCT nodule abutting a mucinous borderline tumour, interpreted as a collision tumour. The other positive case had an AGCT component within the septa of a mucinous carcinoma, and both components are likely to be neoplastic. In the three cases without FOXL2 mutation, the stromal component most likely represents a non‐neoplastic AGCT‐like proliferation.ConclusionsAreas typical of AGCT are rarely associated with epithelial ovarian lesions. These are heterogeneous and likely to be truly neoplastic in only a subset of cases. FOXL2 mutation testing may be useful in confirming a true neoplastic AGCT component.
Microencapsulation of peppermint oil in an alginate–pectin matrix using a coaxial electrospray system
Authors: Koo Song Yi , Cha Kwang Hyun , Song Dae‐Geun , Chung Donghwa , Pan Cheol‐Ho 
Published: October 2013

SummaryThis study investigated the microencapsulation of peppermint oil in alginate (A)–pectin (P) matrix using an electrospray system where the microcapsules were characterised by determining their compositions and properties. The minimum size (1.58 μm) was obtained with A80P20, while the maximum (3.24 μm) was obtained with A0P100. The zeta potential ranged from −53.1 to −21.7 mV with all combinations. The polydispersity index (PDI) tended to increase with the pectin content. There was a gradual increase in microparticles in terms of the loss modulus (G′) and the storage modulus (G″) with increasing frequency. The δ value (loss tangent) increased with the pectin content, indicating more unstable. The encapsulation efficiency increased relative to the alginate content. The maximum encapsulation efficiency (85.15%) was obtained with A80P20. This study showed that an electrospray system can be used to make an alginate–pectin microcapsule containing peppermint oil, which has an adequate composition in terms of rheological properties and encapsulation efficiency.
Heterogeneous base catalytic transesterification synthesis of sucrose ester and parallel reaction control
Authors: Zhao Rongrong , Chang Zhidong , Jin Qiong , Li Wenjun , Dong Bin , Miao Xiaowen 
Published: October 2013

SummaryThe equilibrium solubility of sucrose in methyl stearate, methyl oleate and methyl laurate with or without the addition of surfactants was investigated. The side reactions, pyrolysis of the sucrose, glucose and fructose, are also discussed through studying their data of differential thermal analysis and thermal gravimetric analysis. Results show that the solubilities of sucrose in methyl esters of fatty acids range from 0.01 g/100 g to 0.21 g/100 g in a surfactant‐free system with the temperature range of 40–140 °C. The addition of surfactants increased the sucrose solubility in the fatty acid esters. Under the strict anhydrous conditions, the soap concentration can be controlled at a very low level. With the increase in the temperature, sucrose began to decrease in weight at 225 ± 5 °C, glucose began to decrease in weight at 85 ± 5 °C, and fructose began to decrease in weight at 170 ± 5 °C.
Involvement of a membrane potassium channel in heparan sulphate‐induced activation of macrophages
Authors: Ren Jian‐Dong , Fan Li , Tian Fu‐Zhou , Fan Kai‐Hua , Yu Bo‐Tao , Jin Wei‐Hua , Tan Yong‐Hong , Cheng Long 
Published: October 2013

SummaryIncreasing evidence has demonstrated that Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) ‐mediated systemic inflammatory response syndrome accompanied by multiple organ failure, is one of the most common causes of death in patients with severe acute pancreatitis. Recent reports have revealed that heparan sulphate (HS) proteoglycan, a component of extracellular matrices, potentiates the activation of intracellular pro‐inflammatory responses via TLR4, contributing to the aggravation of acute pancreatitis. However, little is known about the participants in the HS/TLR4‐mediated inflammatory cascades. Our previous work provided a clue that a membrane potassium channel (MaxiK) is responsible for HS‐induced production of inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, in this report we attempted to reveal the roles of MaxiK in the activation of macrophages stimulated by HS. Our results showed that incubation of RAW264.7 cells with HS up‐regulated MaxiK and TLR4 expression levels. HS could also activate MaxiK channels to promote the efflux of potassium ions from cells, as measured by the elevated activity of caspase‐1, whereas this was significantly abolished by treatment with paxilline, a specific blocker of the MaxiK channel. Moreover, it was found that paxilline substantially inhibited HS‐induced activation of several different transcription factors in macrophages, including nuclear factor‐κB, p38 and interferon regulatory factor‐3, followed by decreased production of tumour necrosis factor‐α and interferon‐β. Taken together, our investigation provides evidence that the HS/TLR4‐mediated intracellular inflammatory cascade depends on the activation of MaxiK, which may offer an important opportunity for a new approach in therapeutic strategies of severe acute pancreatitis.
Letting Go is Never Easy: Abscission and Receptor‐Like Protein Kinases
Authors: Niederhuth Chad E. , Cho Sung Ki , Seitz Kati , Walker John C. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAbscission is the process by which plants discard organs in response to environmental cues/stressors, or as part of their normal development. Abscission has been studied throughout the history of the plant sciences and in numerous species. Although long studied at the anatomical and physiological levels, abscission has only been elucidated at the molecular and genetic levels within the last two decades, primarily with the use of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. This has led to the discovery of numerous genes involved at all steps of abscission, including key pathways involving receptor‐like protein kinases (RLKs). This review covers the current knowledge of abscission research, highlighting the role of RLKs.imageJohn C. Walker(Corresponding author)
Conventional digital cameras as a tool for assessing leaf area index and biomass for cereal breeding
Authors: Casadesús Jaume , Villegas Dolors 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAffordable and easy‐to‐use methods for assessing biomass and leaf area index (LAI) would be of interest in most breeding programs. Here, we describe the evaluation of a protocol for photographic sampling and image analysis aimed at providing low‐labor yet robust indicators of biomass and LAI. In this trial, two genotypes of triticale, two of bread wheat, and four of tritordeum were studied. At six dates during the growing cycle, biomass and LAI were measured destructively, and digital photography was taken on the same dates. Several vegetation indices were calculated from each image. The results showed that repeatable and consistent values of the indices were obtained in consecutive photographic samplings on the same plots. The photographic indices were highly correlated with the destructive measurements, though the magnitude of the correlation was lower after anthesis. This work shows that photographic assessment of biomass and LAI can be fast, affordable, have good repeatability, and can be used under bright and overcast skies. A practical vegetation index derived from pictures is the fraction of green pixels over the total pixels of the image, and as it shows good correlations with all biomass variables, is the most robust to lighting conditions and has easy interpretation.
Removable Dental Prosthesis Splint. An Occlusal Device for Nocturnal Bruxing Partial Denture Users
Authors: Zoidis Panagiotis , Polyzois Gregory 
Published: October 2013

AbstractNocturnal bruxing is a parafunctional activity of the masticatory system that may create problems for removable dental prosthesis (RDP) users. Such problems may include root fractures, increased mobility of abutment teeth, excessive wear of resin denture teeth, minor connector bending, or denture base cracking. This clinical report presents an occlusal device fabricated for an RDP patient. The device used existing ERA attachments for added retention designed with the intended purpose of protecting the definitive fixed and RDP from damage due to nocturnal bruxing activity and providing for even distribution of parafunctional forces.
Incorporation of Antimicrobial Macromolecules in Acrylic Denture Base Resins: A Research Composition and Update
Authors: Sivakumar Indumathi , Arunachalam Kuthalingam Subbiah , Sajjan Suresh , Ramaraju Alluri Venkata , Rao Bheemalingeshwara , Kamaraj Bindu 
Published: October 2013

AbstractContemporary research in acrylic denture base materials focuses on the development of a novel poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) resin with antimicrobial properties. Although PMMA resin has fulfilled all the requirements of an ideal denture base material, its susceptibility to microbial colonization in the oral environment is a formidable concern to clinicians. Many mechanisms including the absence of ionic charge in the methyl methacrylate resins, hydrophobic interactions, electrostatic interactions, and mechanical attachment have been found to contribute to the formation of biofilm. The present article outlines the basic categories of potential antimicrobial polymer (polymeric biocides) formulations (modified PMMA resins) and considers their applicability, biological status, and usage potential over the coming years.
A Novel Catalytic Function of Synthetic IgG‐Binding Domain (Z Domain) from Staphylococcal Protein A: Light Emission with Coelenterazine
Authors: Inouye Satoshi , Sahara‐Miura Yuiko 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe synthetic IgG‐binding domain (Z domain) of staphylococcal protein A catalyzes the oxidation of coelenterazine to emit light like a coelenterazine‐utilizing luciferase. The Z domain derivatives (ZZ‐gCys, Z‐gCys and Z‐domain) were purified and the luminescence properties were characterized by comparing with coelenterazine‐utilizing luciferases, including Renilla luciferase, Gaussia luciferase and the catalytic 19 kDa protein of Oplophorus luciferase. Three Z domain derivatives showed luminescence activity with coelenterazine and the order of the initial maximum intensity of luminescence was ZZ‐gCys (100%) > Z‐gCys (36.8%) > Z‐domain (1.1%) > bovine serum albumin (BSA; 0.9%) > staphylococcal protein A (0.1%) and the background value of coelenterazine (0.1%) in our conditions. The luminescence properties of ZZ‐gCys showed the similarity to that of Gaussia luciferase, including the luminescence pattern, the emission spectrum, the stimulation by halogen ions and nonionic detergents and the substrate specificity for coelenterazine analogues. In contrast, the luminescence properties of Z‐gCys were close to the catalytic 19 kDa protein of Oplophorus luciferase. The catalytic region of the Z domain for the luminescence reaction might be different from the IgG‐binding region of the Z domain.
Risk‐Related and Protective Correlates of Nonsuicidal Self‐Injury and Co‐Occurring Suicide Attempts among Incarcerated Women
Authors: Chapman Alexander L. , Gratz Kim L. , Turner Brianna J. 
Published: October 2013

Individual and environmental correlates of nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) and co‐occurring suicide attempts (SA) among incarcerated women (N = 104) were examined. Participants completed measures of putative risk and protective factors, including coping styles, childhood maltreatment, and hopelessness. Results indicated that active coping was uniquely, negatively associated with the presence and frequency of NSSI, whereas avoidant coping and childhood physical/emotional abuse were positively associated with NSSI frequency. Conversely, among women with a history of NSSI, hopelessness was uniquely, positively associated with the presence and frequency of SA. Further, childhood sexual abuse was associated with the presence of SA, while physical/emotional abuse was associated with SA frequency. Hopelessness was more strongly related to SA frequency than NSSI frequency. These findings help disentangle the unique risk and protective factors for NSSI and co‐occurring SA in incarcerated samples.
Suicide Attempts in Major Depressed Patients with Personality Disorder
Authors: Amore Mario , Innamorati Marco , Vittorio Cristina Di , Weinberg Igor , Turecki Gustavo , Sher Leo , Paris Joel , Girardi Paolo , Pompili Maurizio 
Published: October 2013

Suicide attempters who met criteria for borderline personality disorder (BPD) comorbid with major depressive disorder (MDD) were compared to both suicide attempters suffering from MDD alone and to attempters with comorbid MDD and other personality disorders (PD). Participants were 239 (158 patients with comorbid PD and 81 patients with MDD without comorbidity) inpatients consecutively admitted after a suicide attempt made in the last 24 hours. Suicide attempters with comorbid MDD and BPD had more frequent previous suicide attempts and were more likely to have a history of aggressive behaviors and alcohol and drug use disorders compared with patients suffering from MDD without Axis II comorbidity.
Adenosine receptor inhibition attenuates the decrease in cutaneous vascular conductance during whole‐body cooling from hyperthermia
Authors: Swift Brendan , McGinn Ryan , Gagnon Daniel , Crandall Craig G. , Kenny Glen P. 
Published: October 2013

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?Adenosine has been implicated in mediating both vasoconstriction and vasodilatation in a variety of tissues throughout the body. No study has yet examined its influence in cutaneous vasoconstriction elicited by whole‐body cooling from normothermia or from hyperthermia.
What is the main finding and its importance?Through the use of the non‐selective adenosine receptor antagonist, theophylline, a role for adenosine in the control of the cutaneous circulation when cooling from a state of hyperthermia is suggested.
Adenosine has both vasodilatory and vasoconstrictive properties, yet its influence on cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) during whole‐body cooling remains unknown. The present study evaluated the influence of adenosine on reflex cutaneous vasoconstriction. Four microdialysis probes were inserted into the dorsal forearm skin of eight subjects and infused with the following solutions: (i) lactated Ringer solution (CON); (ii) 4 mm theophylline (Theo), a non‐selective adenosine receptor antagonist; (iii) 10 mm l‐NAME, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase; and (iv) combined 4 mm theophylline and 10 mm l‐NAME (Theo +l‐NAME). Subjects subsequently donned a water‐perfusion garment. Following a thermoneutral baseline period, the suit was perfused with water at 10°C for 20 min (Cooling 1). The suit was then perfused with water at 49°C for 45 min (Heating), followed by a second cooling period of 20 min using 10°C water (Cooling 2). Cutaneous blood flow (laser‐Doppler) was measured over each microdialysis probe and used to calculate CVC as a percentage of the maximum determined by sodium nitroprusside infusion and local heating. Cutaneous vascular conductance was significantly elevated at the Theo site relative to CON following Cooling 1 (18 ± 6 versus 8 ± 2%; P= 0.01) and Cooling 2 (27 ± 11 versus 14 ± 5%; P= 0.022). Likewise, CVC at the Theo + l‐NAME site remained greater compared with l‐NAME after Cooling 1 (13 ± 4 versus 7 ± 3%; P= 0.030) and Cooling 2 (15 ± 3 versus 9 ± 2%; P= 0.009). The present findings demonstrate that non‐selective antagonism of adenosine receptors attenuates the decrease in cutaneous vascular conductance during whole‐body cooling from hyperthermia.
Centrally administered angiotensin‐(1–7) increases the survival of stroke‐prone spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Regenhardt Robert W. , Mecca Adam P. , Desland Fiona , Ritucci‐Chinni Phillip F. , Ludin Jacob A. , Greenstein David , Banuelos Cristina , Bizon Jennifer L. , Reinhard Mary K. , Sumners Colin 
Published: October 2013

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
Activation of angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2, resulting in production of angiotensin‐(1–7) and stimulation of its receptor, Mas, exerts beneficial actions in a number cardiovascular diseases, including ischaemic stroke. A potential beneficial role for angiotensin‐(1–7) in haemorrhagic stroke has not previously been reported.
What is the main finding and its importance?
Central administration of angiotensin‐(1–7) into stroke‐prone spontaneously hypertensive rats, a model of haemorrhagic stroke, increases lifespan and improves the neurological status of these rats, as well as decreasing microglial numbers in the striatum (implying attenuation of cerebral inflammation). These actions of angiotensin‐(1–7) have not previously been reported and identify this peptide as a potential new therapeutic target in haemorrhagic stroke.
Angiotensin‐(1–7) [Ang‐(1–7)] exerts cerebroprotective effects in ischaemic stroke, and this action is associated with a blunting of intracerebral inflammatory processes and microglial activation. Given that intracerebral inflammation and microglial activation play key roles in the mechanism of injury and brain damage in both ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke, we have investigated the potential beneficial actions of Ang‐(1–7) in stroke‐prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (spSHRs), an established animal model of hypertension‐induced haemorrhagic stroke. Angiotensin‐(1–7) was administered by continuous infusion via the intracerebroventricular route for 6 weeks into spSHRs fed a high‐sodium (4%) diet, starting at 49 days of age. This treatment resulted in a significant increase in survival of the spSHRs. Median survival was 108 days in control, artificial cerebrospinal fluid‐infused spSHRs and 154 days in Ang‐(1–7)‐treated spSHRs. This effect was partly reversed by intracerebroventricular infusion of the Mas receptor blocker, A779. This Ang‐(1–7) treatment also decreased the number of haemorrhages in the striatum, improved neurological status (reduced lethargy), decreased the number of microglia in the striatum and tended to increase neuron survival at the same site. Importantly, infusions of Ang‐(1–7) had no effect on kidney pathology, heart pathology, body weight, serum corticosterone levels or blood pressure. This study is the first to demonstrate the cerebroprotective actions of Ang‐(1–7), including increased survival time, in spSHRs. As such, these data reveal a potential therapeutic target for haemorrhagic stroke.