bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comprehensive review of oral glucosamine use and effects on glucose metabolism in normal and diabetic individuals
Authors: Simon R. R. , Marks V. , Leeds A. R. , Anderson J. W. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractGlucosamine (GlcN) is a widely utilized dietary supplement that is used to promote joint health. Reports that oral GlcN supplementation at usual doses adversely affects glucose metabolism in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance have raised concerns that GlcN should be contraindicated in individuals with diabetes and those at risk for developing it. This review addresses its potential, when used at typical doses, to affect glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity in healthy individuals and those with diabetes or ‘pre‐diabetes’. Publicly available scientific information and data on GlcN were systematically compiled using the electronic search tool, Dialog®, and reviewed with special emphasis on human studies. In long‐term clinical trials, including those containing subjects with type 2 diabetes or ‘pre‐diabetes’, GlcN produced a non‐significant lowering of fasting blood glucose concentrations in all groups of subjects treated for periods of up to 3 years. Owing to limitations in study design, conclusions based on studies that report adverse affects of GlcN on insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in pre‐diabetic subjects are suspect. However, no definitive long‐term studies of GlcN use for individuals with pre‐diabetes are available. Nevertheless, based on available evidence, we conclude that GlcN has no effect on fasting blood glucose levels, glucose metabolism, or insulin sensitivity at any oral dose level in healthy subjects, individuals with diabetes, or those with impaired glucose tolerance. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
One‐step knockin for inducible expression in mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Choi Yong Jun , Son Mi Young , Hasty Paul 
Published: December 2010

AbstractTransgenesis enables the elucidation of gene function; however, constant transgene expression is not always desired. The tetracycline responsive system was devised to turn on and off transgene expression at will. It has two components: a doxycycline (dox)‐controlled transactivator (TA) and an inducible expression cassette. Integration of these transgenes requires two transfection steps usually accomplished by sequential random integration. Unfortunately, random integration can be problematic due to chromatin position effects, integration of variable transgene units, and mutation at the integration site. Therefore, targeted transgenesis and knockin were developed to target the TA and the inducible expression cassette to a specific location, but these approaches can be costly in time, labor, and money. Here, we describe a one‐step Cre‐mediated knockin system in mouse embryonic stem cells that positions the TA and inducible expression cassette to a single location. Using this system, we show dox‐dependent regulation of eGFP at the DNA topoisomerase 3β promoter. Because Cre‐mediated recombination is used in lieu of gene targeting, this system is fast and efficient. genesis 49:92–97, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mutation of the BAFF furin cleavage site impairs B‐cell homeostasis and antibody responses
Authors: Bossen Claudia , Tardivel Aubry , Willen Laure , Fletcher Carrie A. , Perroud Mai , Beermann Friedrich , Rolink Antonius G. , Scott Martin L. , Mackay Fabienne , Schneider Pascal 
Published: December 2010

AbstractB‐cell‐activating factor of the TNF family (BAFF)/BLyS contributes to B‐cell homeostasis and function in the periphery. BAFF is expressed as a membrane‐bound protein or released by proteolytic cleavage, but the functional importance of this processing event is poorly understood. Mice expressing BAFF with a mutated furin consensus cleavage site, i.e. furin‐mutant BAFF (fmBAFF), were not different from BAFF‐deficient mice with regard to their B‐cell populations and responses to immunization. It is however noteworthy that an alternative processing event releases some soluble BAFF in fmBAFF mice. Mild overexpression (∼5‐fold) of fmBAFF alone generated intermediate levels of B cells without improving humoral responses to immunization. Processed BAFF was however important for B‐cell homeostasis, as peripheral B‐cell populations and antibody responses were readily restored by administration of soluble BAFF trimers in BAFF‐deficient mice. However, the rescue of CD23 expression in B cells of BAFF‐deficient mice required both soluble BAFF trimers and fmBAFF, or a polymeric form of soluble BAFF (BAFF 60‐mer). These results point to a predominant role of processed BAFF for B‐cell homeostasis and function, and indicate possible accessory roles for membrane‐bound BAFF.
Lymph node stromal cells strongly influence immune response suppression
Authors: Buettner Manuela , Pabst Reinhard , Bode Ulrike 
Published: December 2010

AbstractMany pathogens are initially encountered in the gut, where the decision is made to mount an immune response or induce tolerance. The mesentric lymph node (mLN) has been shown to be involved in immune response and much more in oral tolerance induction. Furthermore, using an in vivo transplantation model, we showed recently that lymph node (LN) stromal cells can affect T‐cell function and influence the IgA response by supporting a site‐specific environment. To elucidate the importance of LN stromal cells for tolerance induction, mLN or peripheral LN were transplanted into mice (mLNtx or pLNtx) and oral tolerance was induced via ovalbumin. A reduced delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH) response was detected in pLNtx compared to mLNtx mice. Reduced IL‐10 expression, reduced percentages of Tregs, and increased proportions of B cells were identified within the pLNtx. The increase of B cells resulted in a specific immunoglobulin production undetectable in mLNtx. Moreover, transferred IgG+ cells of tolerized peripheral LN induced a strong reduction of the delayed‐type hypersensitivity response, whereas CD4+ cells were less efficient. Thus, stromal cells have a high impact on creating a unique environment. Furthermore, the environment of pLNtx induces a tolerogenic phenotype by B‐cell accumulation and antibody production.
PD‐L1 expression on tolerogenic APCs is controlled by STAT‐3
Authors: Wölfle Sabine J. , Strebovsky Julia , Bartz Holger , Sähr Aline , Arnold Caroline , Kaiser Claus , Dalpke Alexander H. , Heeg Klaus 
Published: December 2010

AbstractDuring infection, TLR agonists are released and trigger mature as well as differentiating innate immune cells. Early encounter with TLR agonists (R848; LPS) blocks conventional differentiation of CD14+ monocytes into immature dendritic cells (iDCs) resulting in a deviated phenotype. We and others characterized these APCs (TLR‐APC) by a retained expression of CD14 and a lack of CD1a. Here, we show in addition, expression of programmed death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1). TLR‐APCs failed to induce T‐cell proliferation and furthermore were able to induce CD25+Foxp3+ T regulatory cells (Tregs). Since PD‐L1 is described as a key negative regulator and inducer of tolerance, we further analyzed its regulation. PD‐L1 expression was regulated in a MAPK/cytokine/STAT‐3‐dependent manner: high levels of IL‐6 and IL‐10 that signal via STAT‐3 were produced by TLR‐APCs. Blocking of STAT‐3 activation prevented PD‐L1 expression. Moreover, chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed direct binding of STAT‐3 to the PD‐L1 promoter. Those findings indicate a pivotal role of STAT‐3 in regulating PD‐L1 expression. MAPKs were indirectly engaged, as blocking of p38 and p44/42 MAPKs decreased IL‐6 and IL‐10 thus reducing STAT‐3 activation and subsequent PD‐L1 expression. Hence, during DC differentiation TLR agonists induce a STAT‐3‐mediated expression of PD‐L1 and favor the development of tolerogenic APCs.
The role of Syk/CARD9 coupled C‐type lectins in antifungal immunity
Authors: Drummond Rebecca A. , Saijo Shinobu , Iwakura Yoichiro , Brown Gordon D. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractFungal infections are affecting an increasing number of people, and the failure of current therapies in treating systemic infection has resulted in an unacceptably high mortality rate. It is therefore of importance that we understand immune mechanisms operating during fungal infections, in order to facilitate development of adjunctive immunotherapies for the treatment of these diseases. C‐type lectin receptors (CLRs) are pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that are critical for immune responses to fungi. Many of these receptors are coupled to Syk kinase, which allows these receptors to signal via CARD9 leading to NF‐κB activation, which in turn contributes to the induction of both innate and adaptive immunity. Dectin‐1, Dectin‐2 and Mincle are all CLRs that share this common signalling mechanism and have been shown to play key roles in antifungal immunity. This review aims to update existing paradigms and summarise the most recent findings on these CLRs, their signal transduction mechanisms and the collaborations between these CLRs and other PRRs.
Strategy evaluation: Emerging processes and methods
Authors: Patrizi Patricia A. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThis chapter offers reflections on and lessons about methods for conducting strategy evaluation based on and extracted from various strategy evaluations. The approach offered builds on both reflective practice and developmental evaluation. The chapter operationalizes the Minztberg framework for the social sector and addresses issues such as how to consider strategy boundaries, the strategy‐making entity, sources and types of data, unit of analysis, and types of analysis. It offers ideas about how to apply the approach in evaluations of both a retrospective or prospective nature. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association.
Predicting toxic gas concentrations at locations remote from the fire source
Authors: Wang Z. , Jia F. , Galea E. R. , Patel M. K. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractA toxicity model capable of predicting toxic gas concentrations within fire enclosures utilizing the concept of the local equivalence ratio (LER) was recently developed. This paper describes an enhancement of the original model that improves its accuracy in predicting species concentrations at remote locations from the room of fire origin. The enhanced technique involves dividing the CFD computational domain into two regions for species calculation, a control region (CR) and a transport region. Toxic gas concentrations in the CR are calculated using the formulation developed in the earlier study whereas in the transport region, gas concentrations are determined as a result of the mixing of hot combustion gases with fresh air. The concept of a critical equivalence ratio, which is derived from the effective heat release rate (or combustion efficiency) of the fire scenario being simulated, is introduced to perform the domain division. Predictions of temperatures and species concentrations at various locations made by the new model are compared with the results from two experiments. Compared with the earlier model, the modified model provides considerable improvements in the predictions of toxic species levels. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Frequent genomic loss at chr16p13.2 is associated with poor prognosis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Andersen Claus Lindbjerg , Lamy Philippe , Thorsen Kasper , Kjeldsen Eigil , Wikman Friedrik , Villesen Palle , Øster Bodil , Laurberg Søren , Ørntoft Torben Falck 
Published: December 2010

AbstractGenomic alterations play important roles in colorectal cancer (CRC) carcinogenesis. Here, we aimed to identify and characterize recurrent copy‐number alterations (CNAs) associated with clinical outcome of CRC by the use of single nucleotide polymorphism arrays, genomic quantitative PCR (qPCR) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Colorectal neoplasia specimens and paired germline samples from 144 patients (40 adenomas and 104 carcinomas) as well as 40 CRC cell lines were investigated. This large dataset revealed frequent loss, including homozygous loss, at chr16p13.2 (from 5.9 to 7.42Mb). The loss was observed in 30% of adenomas and even more frequently in carcinomas, 56%, indicating that the loss define a subset of adenomas with a propensity for invasion. Consistent with this, the loss occurred twice as frequent in villous (40%) as in tubular adenomas (20%). The loss occurred independently of microsatellite stability and could be validated by qPCR in an independent sample cohort (n = 71). In Stage II/III, microsatellite stable (MSS) CRC it was associated with poor recurrence free survival (hazard ratio 2.4; p = 0.02; Multivariate Cox regression analysis). No transcriptional consequences of the losses were observed, and the only gene, A2BP1, located in the region showed no mutations. Correlation with other CNAs was established for chr3p22 in carcinomas and chr20p (inverse) in adenomas. FISH documented the chr16p13.2 region to be involved in complex structural rearrangements that included translocation to chr3p22 in some cases. The findings indicate that structural rearrangements involving chr16p13.2 are very frequent in colorectal neoplasia, often lead to homozygous deletion, and are associated with poor clinical outcome.
Two survivin polymorphisms are cooperatively associated with bladder cancer susceptibility
Authors: Kawata Naoko , Tsuchiya Norihiko , Horikawa Yohei , Inoue Takamitsu , Tsuruta Hiroshi , Maita Shinya , Satoh Shigeru , Mitobe Yoko , Narita Shintaro , Habuchi Tomonori 
Published: December 2010

AbstractAbnormal survivin expression has been reported to be involved in many types of cancer. A single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), C‐31G, located in the promoter region of survivin reportedly may alter the mRNA level, while the significance of the nonsynonymous SNP A9194G in exon 4 has not yet been clarified. Here, the association between the two survivin SNPs and bladder cancer susceptibility and progression was investigated in 235 patients with bladder cancer and 346 healthy controls. Regarding the C‐31G SNP, subjects with the CC genotype had a significantly higher risk of bladder cancer compared to those with the GG + CG genotype [odds ratio (OR) = 1.85, p = 0.001]. Regarding the A9194G SNP, the presence of the G allele was associated with a significantly reduced risk with a gene dosage effect (OR = 0.69, p = 0.002). Using the C‐A haplotype as a reference, the G‐G haplotype was associated with a significantly lower risk (OR = 0.11, p = 0.00006), indicating the cooperative effect of the two SNPs. Immunohistological evaluation of surgical specimens showed that cancer cells of the C‐31G CC genotype had significantly higher nuclear survivin expression than those of the C‐31G GG + CG genotype. With reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction analysis, a significantly higher survivin mRNA expression level was observed in surgical specimens with an increase in the number of the C‐31G
C allele (p = 0.016). These results indicate that the two SNPs have a significant and cooperative influence on bladder cancer susceptibility.
Vinyl Dibromides: Versatile Partners in Cross‐Coupling Reactions
Authors: Legrand Frédéric , Jouvin Kévin , Evano Gwilherm 
Published: December 2010

AbstractOnce limited to the preparation of alkynes, the chemistry of 1,1—dibromoalkenes has clearly undergone a renaissance through the application of palladium and copper catalysis. Remarkably efficient, innovative, and reliable methods have been recently designed around this chemistry, which has found many applications for the preparation of sophisticated building blocks as well as natural and/or biologically active products. This review article highlights major developments in this area.
Ica‐expression and gentamicin susceptibility of Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm on orthopedic implant biomaterials
Authors: Nuryastuti Titik , Krom Bastiaan P. , Aman Abu T. , Busscher Henk J. , van der Mei Henny C. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractIca‐expression by Staphylococcus epidermidis and slime production depends on environmental conditions such as implant material and presence of antibiotics. Here, we evaluate biofilm formation and ica‐expression of S. epidermidis strains on biomaterials involved in total hip‐ and knee arthroplasty [polyethylene (PE), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), stainless steel (SS)]. Ica‐expression, assayed using real‐time RT‐PCR, was highest on PE as confirmed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Yet biofilm formation by S. epidermidis was most extensive on SS, with less slime production. Ica‐expression and slime production were minimal on PMMA. After 3 h of continued growth of 24 h old biofilms in the presence of gentamicin, biofilms on PE showed lower susceptibility to gentamicin, relative to the other materials, presumably as a result of the stronger ica‐expression. A higher gentamicin concentration further decreased metabolic activity on all biomaterials. It is concluded that the level of biomaterial‐induced ica‐expression does not correlate with the amount of biofilm formed, but initially aids bacteria in surviving antibiotic attacks. Once antibiotic treatment has started however, also the antibiotic itself induces slime production and only if its concentration is high enough, killing results. Results suggest that biomaterial‐associated infections in orthopedics by S. epidermidis on PE may be more difficult to eradicate than on PMMA or SS. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2011.
Difference between dogs and rats with regard to osteoclast‐like cells in calcium‐deficient hydroxyapatite‐induced osteoinduction
Authors: Akiyama Norihiro , Takemoto Mitsuru , Fujibayashi Shunsuke , Neo Masashi , Hirano Masahiro , Nakamura Takashi 
Published: December 2010

AbstractMaterial‐induced osteoinduction is reported in comparatively large animals such as dogs and pigs; however, it does not often occur in small animals such as rodents. In this study, we implanted porous calcium‐deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA) in the dorsal muscles of dogs and rats and compared the two species, with emphasis on multinucleated cells, by using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, transmission electron microscope (TEM) observation, and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). In CDHA extracted from dogs, numerous TRAP‐positive multinucleated cells were detected after 2 weeks and new bone formation was observed after 4 weeks. In contrast, in rats, only a small number of TRAP‐positive cells were detected and no bone formation was observed within 6 weeks. CDHA was more degraded in dogs than in rats. TEM observation of the multinucleated cells in CDHA extracted from dogs after 3 weeks revealed osteoclast‐like features such as ruffled borders. However, CDHA extracted from rats did not exhibit osteoclast‐like features. RT‐PCR evaluation showed that the expression of cathepsin K was higher in dogs than in rats. These results indicate that TRAP‐positive cells might be one of the main factors responsible for the cross‐species difference in material‐induced osteoinduction. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2011.
Proteinoid/hydroxyapatite hybrid microsphere composites
Authors: Tallawi Marwa 
Published: December 2010

AbstractOrganic/hydroxyapatite (HA) hybrid composites are promising materials for orthopedic applications. Proteinoid/HA hybrid microsphere composite is an ideal material for bioresorbable and biocompatible three‐dimensional scaffolds. Proteinoids are thermally condensed mixtures of amino acids, forming microspheres via self‐assembly of proteinoid chains. Synthesis of an onion‐type multilayer proteinoid/HA hybrid composite is achieved by thermally condensing a mixture of amino acids in the presence of commercially available HA. Proteinoid/HA microsphere composite of about 40 μm are achieved as a result of heterogeneous nucleation of HA on proteinoids chains. The formation mechanism is based on the interaction between calcium ions of HA and carboxyl side groups of proteinoid. The morphology was gleaned by scanning electron microscopy, and the organic and inorganic constituents were characterized by several analytical methods. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2011.
Biohybrid nanofiber constructs with anisotropic biomechanical properties
Authors: Bonani W. , Maniglio D. , Motta A. , Tan W. , Migliaresi C. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractSynthetic implant materials often lack of the anisotropic mechanical properties and cell‐interactive surface which are shown by natural tissues. For example, engineered vascular grafts need to be developed to address the mechanical and biological problems associated with the graft materials. This study has demonstrated a double‐electrospinning fabrication process to produce a poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐fibroin multilayer composite which shows well‐integrated nanofibrous structure, endothelial‐conducive surface and anisotropic mechanical property, suitable as engineered vascular constructs. Electrospinning parameters such as voltage, solution concentration, feed rate, and relative humidity were optimized to obtain defect‐free, uniform nanofibers. To mimic the different mechanical properties of natural vessels in the circumferential and longitudinal directions, a rotating cylinder was used as collector, resulting in the production of constructs with anisotropic properties. The combination of the collector shape and the collector rotation allows us to produce a tubular structure with tunable anisotropic mechanical properties. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and uniaxial tensile tests were used to characterize the electrospun constructs. Cell cultures with primary endothelial cells demonstrated that cells showed spread morphology and strong adhesion on fibroin richer surfaces. The platform for producing robust multilayer scaffolds with intermixing nanofiber structure, tunable anisotropy ratio, and surface with specific compositions may hold great potential in tissue engineering applications. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2011.
Metabotropic γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABAB) receptors modulate feeding behavior in the calcisponge Leucandra aspera
Authors: Ramoino Paola , Ledda Fabio D. , Ferrando Sara , Gallus Lorenzo , Bianchini Paolo , Diaspro Alberto , Fato Marco , Tagliafierro Grazia , Manconi Renata 
Published: December 2010

AbstractHere, we report the presence of the γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐ergic system in the calcisponge Leucandra aspera and examine the cellular localization of the components of this system, including GABA‐like receptors using immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. Furthermore, we demonstrate for the first time that GABA plays a functional role as a messenger in regulating sponge‐feeding behavior. We found that both GABAB R1 and R2 subunits are present in the choanocytes of sponges as well as in the eso‐ and endopinacocytes. The functional role of GABA in the feeding behavior of this sponge was tested. The involvement of GABA receptors in the endocytic processes in L. aspera was demonstrated with dextran conjugated to Texas Red as a marker for material ingestion and by treating isolated sponge cells with a GABAB receptor agonist and an antagonist. The amount of dextran that was ingested increased in dissociated sponge cells when the GABAB receptor agonist baclofen was used, and this stimulatory effect was prevented by treatment with the GABAB receptor antagonist phaclofen. The baclofen effect on uptake was blocked by treatment with pertussis toxin, thus indicating a role for G proteins in modulating feeding behavior in L. aspera. Moreover, we found evidence that GABA receptors are involved in the consumption of dissolved organic matter by sponge cells. These findings suggest that GABA receptors and their functional role are highly conservative traits in the animal kingdom prenervous system evolution. J. Exp. Zool. 315:132–140, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.