bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CD133 expression in rectal cancer after preoperative chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Kojima Motohiro , Ishii Genichiro , Atsumi Naho , Nishizawa Yuji , Saito Norio , Ochiai Atsushi 
Published: December 2009

CD133‐positive cells have been reported to possess a cancer‐initiating‐cell phenotype and the property of resistance to chemoradiation therapy in colorectal cancer. The aim of the present study was to evaluate quantitative and locational changes in CD133‐positive cells in rectal cancer patients who received preoperative chemoradiation therapy. The prognostic significance of CD133 expression in patients with preoperative chemoradiation therapy was also analyzed. Immunohistochemical staining for CD133 and cancer‐initiating‐cell marker CD44 were performed in 92 surgically resected rectal cancers. Of the 92 cases, 43 patients received preoperative chemoradiation therapy and 49 patients underwent surgery alone. Forty pretherapic biopsy specimens from 43 patients in preoperative chemoradiation therapy group were also analyzed. CD133‐positive cases were more common in the preoperative chemoradiation therapy group than in the surgery‐alone group (P = 0.03). Further, CD133‐positive cases were more common in the preoperative chemoradiation therapy group than in pretherapic biopsy specimens (P = 0.02). In the preoperative chemoradiation therapy group, the CD133‐positive cases showed poorer prognosis than the CD133‐negative cases. On the other hand, the frequency of CD44‐positive case within cancer tissue was similar between the preoperative chemoradiation therapy group and the surgery‐alone group. CD44 expression in the preoperative chemoradiation therapy group was not associated with prognosis. CD44‐ and CD133‐positive cells were distributed evenly within the tumor both in the preoperative chemoradiation therapy group and surgery‐alone group, and locational alteration was not observed. The therapy‐resistant ability of CD133‐positive cells can be associated with poor outcome in the patients with preoperative chemoradiation therapy.(Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 906–912)
A novel de novo germ‐line V292M mutation in the extracellular region of RET in a patient with phaeochromocytoma and medullary thyroid carcinoma: functional characterization
Authors: Castellone Maria D. , Verrienti Antonella , Magendra Rao Deva , Sponziello Marialuisa , Fabbro Dora , Muthu Magesh , Durante Cosimo , Maranghi Marianna , Damante Giuseppe , Pizzolitto Stefano , Costante Giuseppe , Russo Diego , Santoro Massimo , Filetti Sebastiano 
Published: December 2009

SummaryContext  In multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN), rearranged during transfection (RET), gene testing has been extensively exploited to characterize tumour aggressiveness and optimize the diagnostic and clinical management.Objective  To report the underlying genetic alterations in an unusual case of MEN type 2 (MEN‐2A).Design and patient  Occult medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) was diagnosed in a 44‐year‐old man who had presented with unilateral phaeochromcytoma. DNA extracted from the blood and tumour tissues was analysed for mutations in RET. The transforming potential and mitogenic properties of the identified RET mutation were investigated.Results  The patient carried a novel heterozygous germ‐line RET mutation in exon 5 (Val292Met, GTG>ATG) (V292M/RET) with no evidence of additional somatic alterations. The mutation maps to the third cadherin‐like domain of RET, which is usually not included in RET screening. Interestingly, MTC with concomitant phaeochromcytoma has never been associated with a RET mutation involving the extracellular cadherin‐like domain. V292M/RET was absent in the only two relatives examined. In vitro assays indicate that the mutant has low‐grade transforming potential.Conclusions  Complete characterization and classification of all novel RET mutations are essential for extending genetic analysis in clinical practice. Our findings suggest that: (i) in all MEN‐2 patients negative for RET hot‐spot mutations, testing should be extended to all coding regions of the gene and (ii) the newly identified V292M/RET mutation is characterized by relatively weak in vitro transforming ability.
Estimating Diabrotica virgifera virgifera damage functions with field trial data: applying an unbalanced nested error component model
Authors: Dun Z. , Mitchell P. D. , Agosti M. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractWe apply the double‐nested unbalanced panel data model developed by Antweiler [J. Econometrics 101 (2001) 295] to estimate a damage function for western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera) using commonly available field data. These data are from experiments collecting maize yields and measures of maize root injury due to rootworm larval feeding for different treatments, with multiple replicates at many locations over several years, which creates nested panel data. The nested panel becomes unbalanced when the number of replicates, locations or years of data differs during the course of the study. We use Antweiler’s (2001) method to estimate damage functions with data from four irrigated locations in northern Italy from 2006 to 2008 and from four dryland locations in the state of Illinois from 2005 to 2007 to predict the expected percentage of yield lost based on the observed node injury scale of Oleson et al. [J. Econ. Entomol. 98 (2005) 1]. Estimated coefficients imply that a one unit difference in the node injury scale is on average associated with a 17.9% yield loss for the Illinois locations and a 2.9% loss for the locations in Italy. We attribute the lower yield loss for the Italian locations to the use of irrigation. Estimated variance components were relatively large, indicating the tremendous variability in losses observed for plots with similar node injury scale differences. Given the large variation in observed yield losses and the large estimated random effects, the damage function is more appropriate for larger‐scale, longer‐term estimates of yield loss from the western corn rootworm rather than for field‐scale estimates. These estimates are the first damage function estimates for the node injury scale in maize and should be considered preliminary, an initial baseline for comparison and refinement as additional data are collected and analysed in the US and Europe.
Illegitimate Tasks and Counterproductive Work Behavior
Authors: Semmer Norbert K. , Tschan Franziska , Meier Laurenz L. , Facchin Stephanie , Jacobshagen Nicola 
Published: December 2009

Illegitimate tasks represent a new stressor concept that is specifically tied to feeling offended. Tasks are legitimate to the extent that they conform to norms about what can reasonably be expected from a given person, and they are illegitimate to the extent that they violate such norms. Illegitimate tasks therefore are conceived as offending one's professional identity, and thus, the self. Previous research has shown illegitimate tasks to be related to indicators of well‐being and strain, controlling for other stressors. We now present two studies showing that illegitimate tasks relate to counterproductive work behavior, controlling for effort–reward imbalance in Study 1, for personality (conscientiousness and agreeableness) and organisational justice in Study 2. Thus, illegitimate tasks are associated with behavior that may be labeled “active, but in the wrong direction”.Les tâches illégitimes représentent une nouvelle source de stress qui est spécifiquement en rapport avec une sensibilité froissée. Les tâches sont légitimes dans la mesure où elles correspondent à ce qui peut être raisonnablement attendu d'une personne donnée, et illégitimes dans le cas contraire. Les tâches illégitimes sont donc perçues comme offensant l'identité professionnelle et par suite le soi. Les recherches passées ont montré que les tâches illégitimes étaient reliées à des indicateurs de bien‐être et de tension en contrôlant d'autres sources de stress. Nous présentons deux études montrant que les tâches illégitimes sont en relation avec un comportement professionnel contre‐productif, en contrôlant le déséquilibre effort‐récompense dans la première étude, la justice organisationnelle et la personnalité (le sens des responsabilités et la convivialité) dans la seconde recherche. Les tâches illégitimes sont associées à un comportement qui peut être décrit comme «productif, mais dans une mauvaise direction.»
Empirical evidence of underutilization of referrals for epilepsy surgery evaluation
Authors: De Flon P. , Kumlien E. , Reuterwall C. , Mattsson P. 
Published: December 2009

Background:  Epilepsy surgery is a treatment that can cure patients with intractable epilepsy. This study investigates whether referrals for epilepsy surgery evaluation are underutilized.Methods:  Patients with epilepsy aged 18–60 years were identified in a computerized registry held by public health care providers in a Swedish county using ICD codes. Clinical data and data on referral status for epilepsy surgery were obtained from the patients’ medical records. Potential candidates for epilepsy surgery evaluation were identified using pre‐specified criteria. Obstacles for referral were analysed by comparing clinical data in patients who were considered for referral and those who were not. Appropriateness of non‐referral was evaluated against recommendations from the Swedish Council on Technology in Health Care (SBU).Results:  Of 378 patients with epilepsy in the registry, 251 agreed to participate. Of 251, 40 were already referred patients and 48 patients were identified as potential candidates for epilepsy surgery evaluation by study criteria. Referral had been considered but not performed in 15 of the potential candidates. Potential candidates not considered for referral were less likely to have seen a neurologist, to have had an EEG, CT and MRI, and more likely to have cognitive disturbances. Following the recommendations by the SBU, 28 of 48 potential candidates were identified as inappropriately not referred patients.Conclusion:  The number of missed referrals for epilepsy surgery evaluation was estimated to be 60 per 100 000 inhabitants. Several important obstacles were found for not referring patients for epilepsy surgery evaluation.
The role of callous and unemotional traits in the diagnosis of conduct disorder
Authors: Rowe Richard , Maughan Barbara , Moran Paul , Ford Tamsin , Briskman Jackie , Goodman Robert 
Published: December 2009

Background:  Callous and unemotional (CU) traits might usefully subtype DSM‐IV conduct disorder (CD). We investigate this hypothesis in a large, nationally representative sample of 5–16‐year‐olds. We also examine the characteristics of children with high CU traits but without CD.Methods:  Data come from the 2004 British Child and Adolescent Mental Health Survey including 7,977 children, 5,326 of whom were followed up after 3 years. DSM‐IV diagnoses of psychiatric disorder were based on parent, teacher and child report. CU traits were assessed by parent report.Results:  Of the 2% of the sample who were diagnosed with DSM‐IV CD, 46.1% were high on CU traits. In addition, 2.9% of the sample were high on CU traits without CD. Children with CD and CU traits showed more severe behavioural disturbance and were at substantially higher risk of CD diagnosis 3 years later. Children high on CU traits without CD showed evidence of disturbed functioning.Conclusions:  Subtyping CD using CU traits identifies children with more severe and persistent psychopathology. Children with high CU traits but no CD diagnosis require further investigation.
Mesenchymal stem cell‐secreted superoxide dismutase promotes cerebellar neuronal survival
Authors: Kemp Kevin , Hares Kelly , Mallam Elizabeth , Heesom Kate J. , Scolding Neil , Wilkins Alastair 
Published: December 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 1569–1580.AbstractIt has been postulated that bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) might be effective treatments for neurodegenerative disorders either by replacement of lost cells by differentiation into functional neural tissue; modulation of the immune system to prevent further neurodegeneration; and/or provision of trophic support for the diseased nervous system. Here we have performed a series of experiments showing that human bone marrow‐derived MSCs are able to protect cultured rodent cerebellar neurons, and specifically cells expressing Purkinje cell markers, against either nitric oxide exposure or withdrawal of trophic support via cell‐cell contact and/or secretion of soluble factors, or through secretion of soluble factors alone. We have demonstrated that MSCs protect cerebellar neurons against toxic insults via modulation of both the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/Akt and MAPK pathways and defined superoxide dismutase 3 as a secreted active antioxidant biomolecule by which MSCs modulate, at least in part, their neuroprotective effect on cerebellar cells in vitro. Together, the results demonstrate new and specific mechanisms by which MSCs promote cerebellar neuronal survival and add further evidence to the concept that MSCs may be potential therapeutic agents for neurological disorders involving the cerebellum.
Blebbistatin inhibits contraction and accelerates migration in mouse hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Liu Zhenan , van Grunsven Leo A. , Van Rossen Elke , Schroyen Ben , Timmermans Jean‐Pierre , Geerts Albert , Reynaert Hendrik 
Published: December 2009

Background and purpose:  Blebbistatin, an inhibitor of myosin‐II‐specific ATPase, has been used to inhibit contraction of invertebrate and mammalian muscle preparations containing non‐muscle myosin. Activated hepatic stellate cells have contractile properties and play an important role in the pathophysiology of liver fibrosis and portal hypertension. Therefore, hepatic stellate cells are considered as therapeutic target cells. In the present study, we studied the effect of blebbistatin during the transition of mouse hepatic stellate cells into contractile myofibroblasts.Experimental approach:  Effects of blebbistatin on cell morphology were evaluated by phase contrast microscopy. Cell stress fibres and focal adhesions were investigated by dual immunofluorescence staining and visualized using fluorescence microscopy. Contractile force generation was examined by silicone wrinkle formation assays and collagen gel contraction assays. Intracellular Ca2+ release in response to endothelin‐1 was measured by using Fluo‐4. Cell migration was measured by wound healing experiments.Key results:  In culture‐activated hepatic stellate cells, blebbistatin was found to change both cell morphology and function. In the presence of blebbistatin, stellate cells became smaller, acquired a dendritic morphology and had less myosin IIA‐containing stress fibres and vinculin‐containing focal adhesions. Moreover, blebbistatin impaired silicone wrinkle formation, reduced collagen gel contraction and blocked endothelin‐1‐induced intracellular Ca2+ release. Finally, it promoted wound‐induced cell migration.Conclusions and implications:  By inhibiting myosin II ATPase, blebbistatin has profound effects on the morphology and function of activated hepatic stellate cells. Our data suggest that myosin II could be a therapeutic target in the treatment of liver fibrosis and portal hypertension.
Chronic Alcohol Consumption Disrupted Cholesterol Homeostasis in Rats: Down‐Regulation of Low‐Density Lipoprotein Receptor and Enhancement of Cholesterol Biosynthesis Pathway in the Liver
Authors: Wang Zhigang , Yao Tong , Song Zhenyuan 
Published: December 2009

Background:  Chronic alcohol consumption causes alcoholic liver disease, which is associated, or initiated, with dysregulated lipid metabolism. Very recent evidence suggested that dysregulated cholesterol metabolism plays an important role in the pathogenesis of alcoholic fatty liver diseases, however, the effects of chronic alcohol exposure on cholesterol homeostasis have not been well studied and underlying mechanisms behind are still elusive.Methods:  Male Sprague–Dawley rats weighing 250 ± 5.5 g (mean ± SEM) divided into 2 groups (8 rats per group) and pair‐fed with liquid diets containing (in percent of energy intake) 18% protein, 35% fat, 12% carbohydrate, and 35% either ethanol (ethanol diet) or an isocaloric maltose‐dextrin mixture (control diet), according to Lieber and De Carli, for 4 weeks.Results:  Long‐term excessive alcohol feeding to rats caused fatty liver and liver injury, which was associated with disrupted cholesterol homeostasis, characterized by increased hepatic cholesterol levels and hypercholesterolemia. Hepatic cholesterol increases were concomitant with constantly activated sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐2 (SREBP‐2) in the liver and increased expression of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐glutaryl‐CoA (HMG‐CoA) reductase, a rate‐limiting enzyme for cholesterol de novo synthesis, indicating enhanced cholesterol biosynthesis. Alcohol‐induced hypercholesterolemia was accompanied by decreased LDL receptor (LDLr) levels in the liver. Further investigations revealed that chronic alcohol exposure increased hepatic proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) contents to down‐regulate LDLr via a post‐translational mechanism. Moreover, alcohol feeding suppressed extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) activation in the liver. In vitro studies showed that inhibition of ERK activation was associated with decreased LDLr expression in HepG2 cells.Conclusions:  Our study provides the first evidence that both increased PCSK9 expression and suppressed ERK activation in the liver contributes to alcohol‐induced hypercholesterolemia in rats.
Wound cleansing, topical antiseptics and wound healing
Authors: Atiyeh Bishara S , Dibo Saad A , Hayek Shady N 
Published: December 2009

Atiyeh BS, Dibo SA, Hayek SN. Wound cleansing, topical antiseptics and wound healing.Quality of care is a critical requirement for wound healing and ‘good’ care of wounds has been synonymous with topical prevention and management of microbial contamination. Topical antiseptics are antimicrobial agents that kill, inhibit or reduce the number of microorganisms and are thought to be essential for wounds infection control. However, they have long and commonly been used on wounds to prevent or treat infection, the merits of antiseptic fluid irrigation have received little scientific study. Unlike antibiotics that act selectively on a specific target, antiseptics have multiple targets and a broader spectrum of activity, which include bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa and even prions. Although certain skin and wound cleansers are designed as topical solutions with varying degrees of antimicrobial activity, concerns have been raised. Wound cleansers may affect normal human cells and may be antimitotic adversely affecting normal tissue repair. Repeated and excessive treatment of wounds with antiseptics without proper indications may have negative outcomes or promote a microenvironment similar to those found in chronic wounds. However, when applied at the proper times and concentrations, some classes of antiseptics may provide a tool for the clinician to drive the wound bed in desired directions. The present review summarises the various antiseptics in use and their negative impact on the wound healing mechanisms. It is clear that the role of antiseptics on wounds and their role in wound care management need to be reconsidered.
Milk Protein Fragments Induce the Biosynthesis of Macedocin, the Lantibiotic Produced by
Streptococcus macedonicus
ACA-DC 198
Authors: Georgalaki Marina , Papadelli Marina , Chassioti Elina , Anastasiou Rania , Aktypis Anastassios , De Vuyst Luc , Van Driessche Gonzalez , Devreese Bart , Tsakalidou Effie 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present work was to study the mode of the induction of the biosynthesis of macedocin, the lantibiotic produced by
Streptococcus macedonicus
ACA-DC 198. Macedocin was produced when the strain was grown in milk but not in MRS or M17 broth. No autoinduction mechanism was observed. Production did not depend on the presence of lactose or galactose in the culture medium or on a coculture of the producer strain with macedocin-sensitive or macedocin-resistant strains. Induction seemed to depend on the presence of one or more heat-stable protein components produced when
S. macedonicus
ACA-DC 198 was grown in milk. The partial purification of the induction factor was performed by a combination of chromatography methods, and its activity was confirmed by a reverse transcription-PCR approach (RT-PCR). Mass spectrometric (MS) and tandem mass spectrometric (MS/MS) analyses of an induction-active fraction showed the presence of several peptides of low molecular mass corresponding to fragments of α
S1
- and β-casein as well as β-lactoglobulin. The chemically synthesized α
S1
-casein fragment 37-55 (2,253.65 Da) was proven to be able to induce macedocin biosynthesis. This is the first time that milk protein degradation fragments are reported to exhibit a bacteriocin induction activity.
Correlation between Environmental Factors and Prevalence of
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
in Oysters Harvested in the Southern Coastal Area of Sao Paulo State, Brazil
Authors: Sobrinho Paulo de Souza Costa , Destro Maria T. , Franco Bernadette D. G. M. , Landgraf Mariza 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT

The presence of
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
in 123 oyster samples collected from an estuary on the southern coast of Sao Paulo state, Brazil, was investigated. Of the 123 samples, 99.2% were positive with densities ranging from <3 to 10
5
most probable number (MPN)/g. Densities correlated significantly with water temperature (
r
= 0.48;
P
< 0.001) but not with salinity (
r
= −0.09;
P
= 0.34). The effect of harvest site on counts was not significant (
P
> 0.05). These data provide information for the assessment of exposure of
V. parahaemolyticus
in oysters at harvest.
Archaeal Diversity and Distribution along Thermal and Geochemical Gradients in Hydrothermal Sediments at the Yonaguni Knoll IV Hydrothermal Field in the Southern Okinawa Trough
Authors: Nunoura Takuro , Oida Hanako , Nakaseama Miwako , Kosaka Ayako , Ohkubo Satoru B. , Kikuchi Toru , Kazama Hiromi , Hosoi-Tanabe Shoko , Nakamura Ko-ichi , Kinoshita Masataka , Hirayama Hisako , Inagaki Fumio , Tsunogai Urumu , Ishibashi Jun-ichiro , Takai Ken 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACTA variety of archaeal lineages have been identified using culture-independent molecular phylogenetic surveys of microbial habitats occurring in deep-sea hydrothermal environments such as chimney structures, sediments, vent emissions, and chemosynthetic macrofauna. With the exception of a few taxa, most of these archaea have not yet been cultivated, and their physiological and metabolic traits remain unclear. In this study, phylogenetic diversity and distribution profiles of the archaeal genes encoding small subunit (SSU) rRNA, methyl coenzyme A (CoA) reductase subunit A, and the ammonia monooxygenase large subunit were characterized in hydrothermally influenced sediments at the Yonaguni Knoll IV hydrothermal field in the Southern Okinawa Trough. Sediment cores were collected at distances of 0.5, 2, or 5 m from a vent emission (90°C). A moderate temperature gradient extends both horizontally and vertically (5 to 69°C), indicating the existence of moderate mixing between the hydrothermal fluid and the ambient sediment pore water. The mixing of reductive hot hydrothermal fluid and cold ambient sediment pore water establishes a wide spectrum of physical and chemical conditions in the microbial habitats that were investigated. Under these different physico-chemical conditions, variability in archaeal phylotype composition was observed. The relationship between the physical and chemical parameters and the archaeal phylotype composition provides important insight into the ecophysiological requirements of uncultivated archaeal lineages in deep-sea hydrothermal vent environments, giving clues for approximating culture conditions to be used in future culturing efforts.