bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Asymmetrical proliferative pattern loss during malignant transformation of the oral mucosa
Authors: González‐Moles M. A. , Plaza‐Campillo J. , Ruiz‐Ávila I. , Herrera P. , Bravo M. , Gil‐Montoya J. A. 
Published: February 2014

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to study the loss of asymmetrical proliferation in oral tumorigenesis.Materials and methodsSamples: 92 oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) with associated non‐tumor epithelia (NTE). NTE and tumor were classified as distant from or close to the invasion point. Immunohistochemistry was performed using Mib‐1 antibody. Ki‐67 was assessed in basal, parabasal layer, medium and upper third, counting total and positive cells. Proliferative patterns were classified according to the ki‐67 expression: 1 = expression in parabasal layers of well‐differentiated tumor nest (WDTN); 2 = expression in parabasal and basal layers of WDTN; 3 = ki‐67 expression in <20% cells in tumor tissue without WDTN; 4 = ki‐67 expression in ≥20% of cells in tumor tissue without WDTN; and 5 = ki‐67 expression exclusively found in basal layers of WDTN.ResultsKi‐67 expression was highest in parabasal layers of both close and distant NTE (39.7 ± 27.6 and 30.1 ± 20) and was also elevated in the close (43.4 ± 21.3) and distant (48.8 ± 21.9) tumor tissue samples. Close tumors largely corresponded to proliferation patterns 2 and 4, while distant tumors generally followed pattern 4. Of the 92 close NTE samples, 23 showed reduced basal proliferation with increased parabasal proliferation. Tumors derived from these epithelia followed patterns 2 (52%, 12/23 cases) or 4 (30.4%, 7/23 cases). Parabasal proliferation in distant NTE was significantly increased in patients with multiple vs. single tumors (36.7% vs. 25.4%; P = 0.032).ConclusionThe change from asymmetrical to symmetrical division appears to be an oncogenic mechanism in oral carcinogenesis.
Effect of combination of hydrophilic and lipophilic permeation enhancers on the skin permeation of kahalalide F
Authors: Shah Punit P , Desai Pinaki R , Patlolla Ram , Klevans Larry , Singh Mandip 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Objectives
The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of combination of various lipophilic and hydrophilic chemical enhancers on skin delivery of kahalalide F (KF).

Methods
KF formulations comprising a combination of lipophilic and hydrophilic chemical enhancers with varied per cent were prepared and evaluated for skin permeation studies. In vitro skin permeation of KF formulations was performed using Franz diffusion cell. Stability studies of KF formulations were performed according to the International Conference on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use guideline, and the therapeutic efficacy of KF formulation was evaluated using allergic contact dermatitis animal model.

Key findings
The efficacy of KF formulations to improve skin delivery of KF was sequenced in the order of: formulation #4 &gt; formulation #2 &gt; formulation #1 &gt; formulation #3, where formulation #4 contains labrasol (40% w/v), ethyl oleate (5% w/v) and span 80 (5% w/v) along with transcutol (40% w/v) and ethanol (10% w/v). Further, all the formulations were stable for 1 month when stored at 30°C/65% relative humidity.

Conclusions
The results of present study suggest that therapeutically effective concentrations of KF can be delivered in the skin using combination of lipophilic and hydrophilic chemical enhancers.
Influence of postharvest processing and storage conditions on key antioxidants in pūhā (S
onchus oleraceus L.)
Authors: Ou Zong-Quan , Schmierer David M , Strachan Clare J , Rades Thomas , McDowell Arlene 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Objectives
To investigate effects of different postharvest drying processes and storage conditions on key antioxidants in Sonchus oleraceus L. leaves.

Methods
Fresh leaves were oven-dried (60°C), freeze-dried or air-dried (∼25°C) for 6 h, 24 h and 3 days, respectively. Design of experiments (DOE) was applied to study the stability of antioxidants (caftaric, chlorogenic and chicoric acids) in S. oleraceus leaves and leaf extracts stored at different temperatures (4, 25 and 50°C) and relative humidities (15%, 43% and 75%) for 180 days. The concentration of antioxidants was quantified by a HPLC–2,2′-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl post-column derivatisation method. Antioxidant activity was assessed by a cellular antioxidant activity assay.

Key findings
The three antioxidants degraded to unquantifiable levels after oven-drying. More than 90% of the antioxidants were retained by freeze-drying and air-drying. Both leaf and extract samples retained &gt; 90% of antioxidants, except those stored at 75% relative humidity. Leaf material had higher antioxidant concentrations and greater cellular antioxidant activity than corresponding extract samples.

Conclusion
Freeze-drying and air-drying preserved more antioxidants in S. oleraceus than oven-drying. From DOE analysis, humidity plays an important role in degradation of antioxidants during storage. To preserve antioxidant activity, it is preferable to store S. oleraceus as dried leaf material.
Importance of CD44 in the proliferation and mineralization of periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Yeh Y. , Yang Y. , Yuan K. 
Published: February 2014

Background and ObjectiveCD44 is a transmembrane glycoprotein that exhibits various biological functions. Histological studies have shown that CD44 is expressed in periodontal ligament (PDL). We investigated the role of CD44 in the in vitro biological functions of PDL cells.Material and MethodsImmunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry were used to examine CD44 protein expression in mouse molars and human PDL cells, respectively. PDL cells isolated from human third molars were assayed for their proliferation and mineralization after stably silencing their expression of CD44 using the small hairpin RNA technique. An osteogenesis‐associated quantitative polymerase chain reaction array was used to identify downstream molecules of CD44 signaling in osteogenic medium. The PDL cells, transduced with control small hairpin RNA, were used as controls in all assays.ResultsPDLs expressed CD44 in vitro and in vivo. When CD44 expression was stably suppressed in PDL cells, their proliferation and mineralization activities in both media were substantially decreased. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction array and Western blotting verified that bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2), fibroblast growth factor‐1 (FGF‐1) and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) were downregulated after CD44 was knocked down in PDL cells. Exogenous FGF‐1 attenuated the proliferative suppression of CD44 knockdown cells. Exogenous BMP‐2 rescued the suppressed mineralization of CD44 knockdown cells more than ICAM‐1 did.ConclusionThe in vitro assays demonstrated that CD44 is crucial for the proliferation and mineralization of PDL cells and is possibly mediated by BMP‐2, FGF‐1 and ICAM‐1. Further studies are required to verify the mediators and identify the physiological ligands of CD44 for possible application in periodontal regeneration.
Psychometric Properties of the Iranian Version of the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised in Women
Authors: Azimi Nekoo Elham , Burri Andrea , Ashrafti Farzaneh , Fridlund Bengt , Koenig Harold G. , Derogatis Leonard R. , Pakpour Amir H. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Several tools for the assessment of sexuality-related distress are now available. The Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) and its revised version (FSDS-R) are extensively validated and among the most widely used tools to measure sexually related personal distress.

Aim
The aim of the study was to determine the psychometric properties of the Iranian version of the FSDS-R in a population sample of Iranian women.

Methods
A total of 2,400 married and potentially sexually active women were recruited and categorized into three groups including (i) a healthy control group; (ii) a group of women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD); and (iii) a group of women suffering from other female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Participants were asked to complete a set of questionnaires including the Iranian version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-IV), the FSDS-R, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Main Outcome Measures
Sexuality-related distress and FSD as assessed by the Iranian version of the FSDS-R and the FSFI-IV are the main outcome measures.

Results
Internal consistencies and test–retest reliability of the FSDS-R across the three assessments points for the three groups were &gt;0.70. The FSDS-R correlated significantly with anxiety, depression, and the FSFI total score. Significant differences in the FSDS-R scores were found between healthy women, women with HSDD, and women with other types of FSD. Factor analysis of the FSDS-R yielded a single-factor model with an acceptable fit.

Conclusions
The Persian version of the FSDS-R is a valid and reliable instrument for the assessment of sexuality-related distress in Iranian women and can be used to screen patients with HSDD.
Prognostic Benefit of the Addition of a Quantitative Index of Hepatic Encephalopathy to the MELD score: the MELD‐EEG
Authors: Montagnese Sara , De Rui Michele , Schiff Sami , Ceranto Elena , Valenti Pietro , Angeli Paolo , Cillo Umberto , Zanus Giacomo , Gatta Angelo , Amodio Piero , Merkel Carlo 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsA slowed electroencephalogram (EEG) is indicative of the presence of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Since HE is not reflected in the MELD score and is an important prognostic parameter, we assess the prognostic benefit of the addition of an EEG‐based HE index to the MELD.MethodsThree hundred and ninety‐two patients with cirrhosis underwent EEG and automated determination of its mean dominant frequency (MDF). MELD was calculated at the time of EEG recording. Patients were monitored for up to 18 months in relation to the occurrence of death/transplantation. The prognostic value of the stand‐alone/combined MELD and MDF was calculated using standard survival analysis techniques. Patients transplanted for hepatic decompensation were considered dead on the day of transplantation, those transplanted for hepatocellular carcinoma were censored. The findings were validated using a split‐sample technique (reference group: n = 256; test group: n = 136). During the follow‐up period, 107 patients died/were transplanted for hepatic decompensation.ResultsBoth MELD and MDF predicted mortality on Kaplan–Meier analysis, and both were independent predictors of mortality on a Cox model. Based on Cox regression parameters, a novel prognostic index was devised, as follows: MELD‐EEG = 0.087*MELD–0.306*MDF. On ROC curve analysis, MELD‐EEG had higher prognostic accuracy in predicting 12‐ and 18‐month mortality compared to MELD (P = 0.016 and P = 0.018, respectively). In addition, it had better sensitivity and reduced the misclassification rate for given levels of specificity. On validation, no significant differences were observed between the reference/test groups.ConclusionsThe addition of an automatically obtained EEG‐based index improves the prognostic accuracy of the MELD score.
Neutral and selective processes shape MHC gene diversity and expression in stocked brook charr populations (Salvelinus fontinalis)
Authors: Lamaze Fabien C. , Pavey Scott A. , Normandeau Eric , Roy Gabriel , Garant Dany , Bernatchez Louis 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe capacity of an individual to battle infection is an important fitness determinant in wild vertebrate populations. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are crucial for a host's adaptive immune system to detect pathogens. However, anthropogenic activities may disrupt natural cycles of co‐evolution between hosts and pathogens. In this study, we investigated the dynamic sequence and expression variation of host parasite interactions in brook charr (Salvelinus fontinalis) in a context of past human disturbance via population supplementation from domestic individuals. To do so, we developed a new method to examine selection shapingMHCdiversity within and between populations and found a complex interplay between neutral and selective processes that varied between lakes that were investigated. We provided evidence for a lower introgression rate of domestic alleles and found that parasite infection increased with domestic genomic background of individuals. We also documented an association between individualMHCalleles and parasite taxa. Finally, longercis‐regulatory minisatellites were positively correlated withMHC IIdown‐regulation and domestic admixture, suggesting that inadvertent selection during domestication resulted in a lower immune response capacity, through a trade‐off between growth and immunity, which explained the negative selection of domestic alleles at least under certain circumstances.
A Cyber‐Physical System Simulator for Risk‐Free Transport Studies
Authors: Prendinger Helmut , Miska Marc , Gajananan Kugamoorthy , Nantes Alfredo 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe article introduces a novel platform for conducting controlled and risk‐free driving and traveling behavior studies, called Cyber‐Physical System Simulator (CPSS). The key features of CPSS are: (1) simulation of multiuser immersive driving in a three‐dimensional (3D) virtual environment; (2) integration of traffic and communication simulators with human driving based on dedicated middleware; and (3) accessibility of multiuser driving simulator on popular software and hardware platforms. This combination of features allows us to easily collect large‐scale data on interesting phenomena regarding the interaction between multiple user drivers, which is not possible with current single‐user driving simulators. The core original contribution of this article is threefold: (1) we introduce a multiuser driving simulator based on DiVE, our original massively multiuser networked 3D virtual environment; (2) we introduce OpenV2X, a middleware for simulating vehicle‐to‐vehicle and vehicle‐to‐infrastructure communication; and (3) we present two experiments based on our CPSS platform. The first experiment investigates the “rubbernecking” phenomenon, where a platoon of four user drivers experiences an accident in the oncoming direction of traffic. Second, we report on a pilot study about the effectiveness of a Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems advisory system.
Wild yeast harbour a variety of distinct amyloid structures with strong prion‐inducing capabilities
Authors: Westergard Laura , True Heather L. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryVariation in amyloid structures profoundly influences a wide array of pathological phenotypes in mammalian protein conformation disorders and dominantly inherited phenotypes in yeast. Here, we describe, for the first time, naturally occurring, self‐propagating, structural variants of a prion protein isolated from wild strains of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Variants of the [RNQ+] prion propagating in a variety of wild yeast differ biochemically, in their intracellular distributions, and in their ability to promote formation of the [PSI+] prion. [PSI+] is an epigenetic regulator of cellular phenotype and adaptability. Strikingly, we find that most natural [RNQ+] variants induced [PSI+] at high frequencies and the majority of [PSI+] variants elicited strong cellular phenotypes. We hypothesize that the presence of an efficient [RNQ+] template primes the cell for [PSI+] formation in order to induce [PSI+] in conditions where it would be advantageous. These studies utilize naturally occurring structural variants to expand our understanding of the consequences of diverse prion conformations on cellular phenotypes.
Regulation of amino sugar utilization in Bacillus subtilis by the GntR family regulators, NagR and GamR
Authors: Gaugué Isabelle , Oberto Jacques , Plumbridge Jacqueline 
Published: February 2014

SummaryIn Bacillus subtilis separate sets of genes are implicated in the transport and metabolism of the amino sugars, glucosamine and N‐acetylglucosamine. The genes for use of N‐acetylglucosamine (nagAB and nagP) are found in most firmicutes and are controlled by a GntR family repressor NagR (YvoA). The genes for use of glucosamine (gamAP) are repressed by another GntR family repressor GamR (YbgA). The gamR‐gamAP synton is only found in B. subtilis and a few very close relatives. Although NagR and GamR are close phylogenetically, there is no cross regulation between their operons. GlcN6P prevents all binding of GamR to its targets. NagR binds specifically to targets containing the previously identified dre palindrome but its binding is not inhibited by GlcN6P or GlcNAc6P. GamR‐like binding sites were also found in some other Bacilli associated with genes for use of chitin, the polymer of N‐acetylglucosamine, and with a gene for another GamR homologue (yurK). We show that GamR can bind to two regions in the chi operon of B. licheniformis and that GamR and YurK are capable of heterologous regulation. GamR can repress the B. licheniformis licH‐yurK genes and YurK can repress B. subtilis gamA.
Identification and characterization of LFD1, a novel protein involved in membrane merger during cell fusion in Neurospora crassa
Authors: Palma‐Guerrero Javier , Leeder Abigail C. , Welch Juliet , Glass N. Louise 
Published: February 2014

SummaryDespite its essential role in development, molecular mechanisms of membrane merger during cell–cell fusion in most eukaryotic organisms remain elusive. In the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa, cell fusion occurs during asexual spore germination, where genetically identical germlings show chemotropic interactions and cell–cell fusion. Fusion of germlings and hyphae is required for the formation of the interconnected mycelial network characteristic of filamentous fungi. Previously, a multipass membrane protein, PRM1, was characterized and acts at the step of bilayer fusion in N. crassa. Here we describe the identification and characterization of lfd‐1, encoding a single pass transmembrane protein, which is also involved in membrane merger. lfd‐1 was identified by a targeted analysis of a transcriptional profile of a transcription factor mutant (Δpp‐1) defective in germling fusion. The Δlfd‐1 mutant shows a similar, but less severe, membrane merger defect as a ΔPrm1 mutant. By genetic analyses, we show that LFD1 and PRM1 act independently, but share a redundant function. The cell fusion frequency of both Δlfd‐1 and ΔPrm1 mutants was sensitive to extracellular calcium concentration and was associated with an increase in cell lysis, which was suppressed by a calcium‐dependent mechanism involving a homologue to synaptotagmin.
Galectin‐1 deficiency improves axonal swelling of motor neurones in SOD1G93A transgenic mice
Authors: Kobayakawa Yuko , Sakumi Kunihiko , Kajitani Kosuke , Kadoya Toshihiko , Horie Hidenori , Kira Jun‐ichi , Nakabeppu Yusaku 
Published: February 2014

AimsGalectin‐1, a member of the β‐galactoside‐binding lectin family, accumulates in neurofilamentous lesions in the spinal cords of both sporadic and familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients with a superoxide dismutase 1 gene (SOD1) mutation (A4V). The aim of this study was to evaluate the roles of endogenous galectin‐1 in the pathogenesis of ALS.MethodsExpression of galectin‐1 in the spinal cord of mutant SOD1 transgenic (SOD1G93A) mice was examined by pathological analysis, real‐time RT‐PCR and Western blotting. The effects of galectin‐1 deficiency were evaluated by cross‐breeding SOD1G93A mice with galectin‐1 null (Lgals1−/−) mice.ResultsBefore ALS‐like symptoms developed in SOD1G93A/Lgals1+/+ mice, strong galectin‐1 immunoreactivity was observed in swollen motor axons and colocalized with aggregated neurofilaments. Electron microscopic observations revealed that the diameters of swollen motor axons in the spinal cord were significantly smaller in SOD1G93A/Lgals1−/− mice, and there was less accumulation of vacuoles compared with SOD1G93A/Lgals1+/+ mice. In symptomatic SOD1G93A/Lgals1+/+ mice, astrocytes surrounding motor axons expressed a high level of galectin‐1.ConclusionsGalectin‐1 accumulates in neurofilamentous lesions in SOD1G93A mice, as previously reported in humans with ALS. Galectin‐1 accumulation in motor axons occurs before the development of ALS‐like symptoms and is associated with early processes of axonal degeneration in SOD1G93A mice. In contrast, galectin‐1 expressed in astrocytes may be involved in axonal degeneration during symptom presentation.
Cnm is a major virulence factor of invasive Streptococcus mutans and part of a conserved three‐gene locus
Authors: Avilés‐Reyes A. , Miller J.H. , Simpson‐Haidaris P.J. , Lemos J.A. , Abranches J. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryCnm, a collagen‐ and laminin‐binding protein present in a subset of Streptococcus mutans strains, mediates binding to extracellular matrices (ECM), intracellular invasion and virulence in the Galleria mellonella model. Antibodies raised against Cnm were used to confirm expression and the cell surface localization of Cnm in the highly invasive OMZ175 strain. Sequence analysis identified two additional genes (cnaB and cbpA) encoding putative surface proteins immediately upstream of cnm. Inactivation of cnaB and cbpA in OMZ175, individually or in combination, did not decrease the ability of this highly invasive and virulent strain to bind to different ECM proteins, invade human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC), or kill G. mellonella. Similarly, expression of cnaB and cbpA in the cnm− strain UA159 revealed that these genes did not enhance Cnm‐related phenotypes. However, integration of cnm in the chromosome of UA159 significantly increased its ability to bind to collagen and laminin, invade HCAEC, and kill G. mellonella. Moreover, the presence of antibodies against Cnm nearly abolished the ability of OMZ175 to bind to collagen and laminin and invade HCAEC, and significantly protected G. mellonella against OMZ175 infection. We concluded that neither CnaB nor CbpA is necessary for the expression of Cnm‐related traits. We also provided definitive evidence that Cnm is an important virulence factor and a suitable target for the development of novel preventive and therapeutic strategies to combat invasive S. mutans strains.
A versatile system for functional analysis of genes and microRNAs in cotton
Authors: Gu Zhouhang , Huang Changjun , Li Fangfang , Zhou Xueping 
Published: February 2014

SummaryCotton is an important economic crop worldwide. Due to its long growth cycle, large genome size and recalcitrance to stable transformation, traditional methods for the analysis of gene function in this crop are difficult and labour intensive. Here, we report a cotton leaf crumple virus (CLCrV)‐based vector and its application in gene function analysis through virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) and overexpression of microRNAs (miRNAs), small tandem target mimic (STTM) and artificial miRNA (amiRNA) in cotton via an Agrobacterium‐mediated infiltration approach. Using this system, we were able to efficiently silence two endogenous genes, magnesium chelatase subunit I (CHLI) and elongation factor‐1α (EF‐1α), in Gossypium species and the Bacillus thuringiensis cry1A gene in transgenic cotton. Furthermore, our results show that this vector can be used to ectopically express endogenous miR156 in G. hirsutum, causing a reduction in miR156‐targeted RNA transcripts resulting in the development of abnormal leaf phenotypes. Ectopic expression of miR165/166 STTM with this vector led to downward curling and crumpled leaves, and a significant increase in the miR165/166 target mRNAs. This versatile system is easy to use and can provide more uniform and persistent gene silencing in cotton, thereby providing a powerful approach for gene discovery in cotton.