bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
NSC 74859‐mediated inhibition of STAT3 enhances the anti‐proliferative activity of cetuximab in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chen Wei , Shen Xuning , Xia Xuefeng , Xu Guodong , Ma Tao , Bai Xueli , Liang Tingbo 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackgroundCetuximab [an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor], which was shown to be effective in rectal and non‐small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs), was only modestly effective in clinical trials of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). STAT3, which is thought to be a determinant of HCC sensitivity to antitumour drugs, may be involved.AimsTo evaluate the efficacy of combination therapy using cetuximab and NSC 74859 (a novel STAT3 inhibitor) in EGFR and STAT3 overexpressing hepatoma cells.MethodsHepatoma cell lines were treated with cetuximab, NSC 74859 or a combination of both drugs. Efficacy of treatment was evaluated by determining cell viability using MTT assays and proliferation by cell counting. Expression and activation of STAT3 were determined using Western blot analysis. We evaluated the role of STAT3 in single and combination therapy using siRNA‐mediated knock‐down of STAT3 or STAT3 overexpression strategies.ResultsHepG2 and Huh‐7 cells, which had lower levels of pSTAT3 than SK‐HEP1 cells, were more sensitive to cetuximab treatment when compared with SK‐HEP1 cells. Although none of these cell lines was sensitive to NSC 74859 alone, NSC 74859 potentiated the antiproliferative effect of cetuximab in all three cell lines. siRNA knock‐down of STAT3 increased the sensitivity of these cell lines to cetuximab, whereas STAT3 overexpression antagonized these effects.ConclusionsEnhanced growth inhibition in hepatoma cells treated with both NSC 74859 and cetuximab suggests that cetuximab resistance is probably mediated via STAT3. Combination therapy using both inhibitors of EGFR and STAT3 signalling warrants further investigation under in vivo condition.
Ethanol‐Induced Oxidative Stress via the CYP2E1 Pathway Disrupts Adiponectin Secretion from Adipocytes
Authors: Tang Hui , Sebastian Becky M. , Axhemi Armend , Chen Xiaocong , Hillian Antoinette D. , Jacobsen Donald W. , Nagy Laura E. 
Published: September 2011

Background:  Adipose tissue is an important target for ethanol action. One important effect of ethanol is to reduce the secretion of adiponectin from adipocytes; this decrease is associated with lowered circulating adiponectin in rodent models of chronic ethanol feeding. Adiponectin is an insulin‐sensitizing, anti‐inflammatory adipokine; decreased adiponectin activity may contribute to tissue injury in response to chronic ethanol. Here, we investigated the role of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) and oxidative stress in the mechanism for impaired adiponectin secretion from adipocytes in response to ethanol.
Methods:  Male Wistar rats were fed a liquid diet containing ethanol as 36% of calories or pair‐fed a control diet for 4 weeks. 3T3‐L1 adipocyte cultures, expressing CYP2E1 or not, were exposed to ethanol or 4‐hydroxynonenal (4‐HNE).
Results:  Chronic ethanol feeding to rats suppressed the secretion of adiponectin from isolated epididymal adipocytes. Ethanol feeding induced the expression of CYP2E1 in adipocytes and increased markers of oxidative stress, including 4‐HNE and protein carbonyls. Because adiponectin is posttranslationally processed in the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi, we investigated the impact of ethanol on the redox status of high‐density microsomes. Chronic ethanol decreased the ratio of reduced glutathione to oxidized glutathione (4.6:1, pair‐fed; 2.9:1, ethanol‐fed) in high‐density microsomes isolated from rat epididymal adipose tissue. We next utilized the 3T3‐L1 adipocyte‐like cell model to interrogate the mechanisms for impaired adiponectin secretion. Culture of 3T3‐L1 adipocytes overexpressing exogenous CYP2E1, but not those overexpressing antisense CYP2E1, with ethanol increased oxidative stress and impaired adiponectin secretion from intracellular pools. Consistent with a role of oxidative stress in impaired adiponectin secretion, challenge of 3T3‐L1 adipocytes with 4‐HNE also reduced adiponectin mRNA expression and secretion, without affecting intracellular adiponectin concentration.
Conclusions:  These data demonstrate that CYP2E1‐dependent reactive oxygen species production in response to ethanol disrupts adiponectin secretion from adipocytes.
Genetic Polymorphisms of Genes Coding to Alcohol‐Metabolizing Enzymes in Western Mexicans: Association of CYP2E1*c2/CYP2E1*5B Allele with Cirrhosis and Liver Function
Authors: García‐Bañuelos Jesús , Panduro Arturo , Gordillo‐Bastidas Daniela , Gordillo‐Bastidas Elizabeth , Muñoz‐Valle José Francisco , Gurrola‐Díaz Carmen M. , Sánchez‐Enríquez Sergio , Ruiz‐Madrigal Bertha , Bastidas‐Ramírez Blanca Estela 
Published: September 2011

Background:  Alcoholic cirrhosis constitutes a major public health problem in the world where ADH1B, ALDH2, and CYP2E1 polymorphisms could be playing an important role. We determined ADH1B*2, ALDH2*2, and CYP2E1*c2 allele frequencies in healthy control individuals (C) and patients with alcoholic cirrhosis (AC) from western Mexico.
Methods:  Ninety C and 41 patients with AC were studied. Genotype and allele frequency were determined through polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphisms.
Results:  Polymorphic allele distribution in AC was 1.6%ADH1B*2, 0.0%ALDH2*2, and 19.5%CYP2E1*c2; in C: 6.1%ADH1B*2, 0%ALDH2*2, and 10.6%CYP2E1*c2. CYP2E1*c2 polymorphic allele and c1/c2 genotype frequency were significantly higher (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) in patients with AC when compared to C. Patients with AC, carrying the CYP2E1*c2 allele, exhibited more decompensated liver functioning evaluated by total bilirubin and prothrombin time, than c1 allele carrying patients (p < 0.05). Cirrhosis severity, assessed by Child’s Pugh score and mortality, was higher in patients carrying the c2 allele, although not statistically significant.
Conclusions:  In this study, CYP2E1*c2 allele was associated with susceptibility to AC; meanwhile, ADH1B*2 and ALDH2*2 alleles were not. CYP2E1*c2 allele was associated with AC severity, which could probably be attributed to the oxidative stress promoted by this polymorphic form. Further studies to clearly establish CYP2E1*c2 clinical relevance in the development of alcohol‐induced liver damage and its usefulness as a probable prognostic marker, should be performed. Also, increasing the number of patients and including a control group conformed by alcoholic patients free of liver damage may render more conclusive results. These findings contribute to the understanding of the influence of gene variations in AC development among populations, alcohol metabolism, and pharmacogenetics.
The Effects of Age at Drinking Onset and Stressful Life Events on Alcohol Use in Adulthood: A Replication and Extension Using a Population‐Based Twin Sample
Authors: Lee Lewina O. , Young Wolff Kelly C. , Kendler Kenneth S. , Prescott Carol A. 
Published: September 2011

Background:  A study by Dawson and colleagues (Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2007; 31:69) using data from National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Condition found earlier drinking onset age, and higher levels of past‐year stressful life events (SLE) were associated with higher past‐year alcohol consumption. The aims of our study were as follows: (i) to attempt to replicate this interaction; (ii) to extend it by examining sex and event dependence as potential moderators of the effect; and (iii) to estimate the roles of genetic and environmental factors in mediating the overlap of early drinking onset and SLE in their relations with alcohol consumption.Methods:  Data were from 1,382 female and 2,218 male drinkers interviewed as part of the Virginia Adult Twin Study of Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders. Regression models were used to evaluate the main and interactive effects of early drinking onset and moderate or severe past‐year SLE on past‐year drinking density (PYDD), a weighted quantity‐frequency measure of alcohol consumption. Analyses adjusted for demographic covariates and were stratified by sex and whether SLE were independent or dependent on the person’s actions, as rated by interviewers. Structural twin models were used to estimate the degree to which early drinking onset, SLE, and their interaction accounted for additive genetic, common environmental and individual‐specific variance in PYDD.Results:  We replicated the prior finding of a main effect of higher alcohol consumption among individuals reporting earlier drinking onset. Age at drinking onset accounted for about 5% of the variation in PYDD, and this association was mostly attributable to overlapping genetic influences. Evidence for an interaction between onset age and SLE was generally weak, possibly because of lower power and other methodological differences from Dawson and colleagues’ study. However, there was some evidence consistent with an interaction of higher PYDD among early drinking men who experienced independent SLE and early drinking women with dependent SLE.Conclusions:  We confirmed prior findings of an association between early age at drinking onset with higher past‐year drinking among young‐ and middle‐aged adults and found limited evidence supporting a replication for higher stress‐related drinking among early‐onset drinkers. The association is consistent with early onset and stress‐related drinking being attributable to overlapping genetic liability. Among early drinkers, our results suggest sex differences in consumption with regard to event dependence.
The Political Uses of Some Economic Ideas: The Trade‐Off Between Efficiency and Equality
Authors: JIMÉNEZ‐BUEDO MARÍA 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe notion of a trade‐off between efficiency and equality is pervasive in many disciplines across the social sciences. Moreover, an imprecise notion of this well‐known dilemma is an integral part of the discourse of politicians and policy‐makers. The scientific status of the idea of a trade‐off between efficiency and equality is, however, a matter of contention. Philosophical dissections of the idea have already deflated the analytical cogency of most of its versions, while the economic literature trying to assess the empirical relation between growth and equality has shown contradicting results. This article, by focusing on the role this idea plays both in the discourse and strategy of social‐democratic parties, and in the social science explanations of their trajectories, argues that the pervasiveness of the notion of the trade‐off between efficiency and equality is best explained in terms of the political functions it can fulfill.
Application of self‐regulation theory and motivational interview for improving oral hygiene: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Godard Antoine , Dufour Thomas , Jeanne Sylvie 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAimBecause patient adherence to oral hygiene is essential for periodontal treatment success, the aim of the study was to assess whether a motivational interview addressing the five dimensions of Leventhal's theory performed better than conventional basic instruction on improving compliance with plaque control among patients with periodontitis.Materials and MethodsA randomized controlled clinical trial design was used in which a group of patients underwent a motivational interview in addition to classical consultation. A control group received only the standard consultation. The O'Leary Plaque Index was used to judge the oral hygiene at baseline and at 1 month follow‐up. Patient satisfaction with the dental visit was scored using a specific questionnaire.ResultsAt baseline, the mean full mouth plaque score varied between 55% (experimental group) and 58% (control group). Patients in the experimental group had a higher oral hygiene improvement (21 ± 20% versus 4 ± 5%, p < 0.001) 1 month post‐treatment. The motivational interview resulted in greater satisfaction scores compared with those of patients in the control group: 10.55 ± 1.53 versus 8.82 ± 2.40, p = 0.014.ConclusionsThis new concept of motivational interview is a promising approach and can be useful for counselling‐related periodontal disorders.
Cognitive vulnerability and the aetiology and maintenance of dental anxiety
Authors: Edmunds Rebecca , Buchanan Heather 
Published: September 2011

Edmunds R, Buchanan H. Cognitive vulnerability and the aetiology and maintenance of dental anxiety. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2012; 40: 17–25. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/SAbstract –  Objectives: Dental anxiety prevalence has not changed markedly in the last 30 years, in spite of more modern and less painful technology. The objective of this study was to explore the four components (dangerousness, uncontrollability, unpredictability and disgustingness) of the Cognitive Vulnerability Model (CVM) in relation to the acquisition and maintenance of dental anxiety/phobia. Methods: Three hundred and seventy‐five participants were recruited through two dental anxiety online support groups. They completed an online questionnaire which included: a formal dental anxiety measure; open‐ended questions regarding the perceived origins of their dental anxiety, and questions specifically assessing the CVM components in the acquisition and maintenance of their fear. Results: Perceptions of the dental context as uncontrollable and unpredictable were considered important in fear acquisition, however ‘dangerousness’ was not as fully established and ‘disgustingness’ was not considered salient by participants. Three of the key components of the CVM (controllability, dangerousness and disgustingness) predicted current dental anxiety scores explaining 54% of the variance. Unpredictability was not found to have a significant independent relationship with dental anxiety. Conclusions: These findings show general support for the CVM as an explanatory model for maintaining dental anxiety, though its role as a model for fear acquisition is still not fully established.
The glomerular filtration rate, effective renal plasma flow, and renal blood flow in the adult male chacma baboon (Papio ursinus)
Authors: Evans J.P. , Candy G.P. , Veller M.G. , Esser J.D. 
Published: September 2011

Abstract: The radionuclide determination of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) has been validated in man, but not in the primate. GFR, ERPF, and renal blood flow (RBF) were measured in a group of 12 adult male chacma baboons using radiopharmaceuticals. GFR was determined using 99mtechnetium‐labelled diethylenetriamine‐pentacetic acid. ERPF was measured with 131iodine‐labelled hippuran. RBF, body surface area, and kidney weights were calculated using standard formulae.GFR was 49 ± 11 ml/min and ERPF was 237.9 ± 54.2 ml/min. Calculated RBF was 430.7 ± 111.9 ml/min and 507.4 ± 138.4 ml/min/100g of renal tissue.The results are in agreement with those obtained using more laborious nonradioisotopic techniques such as para‐aminohippurate (PAH) and creatinine clearance and could serve as baseline normal values in the adult male chacma baboon.
Abnormal morphology of vervet monkey sperm
Authors: Seier J.V. , Horst G. vd , Laubscher R. 
Published: September 2011

Abstract: Ejaculates of 14 colony‐bred and 14 wild‐caught vervet monkeys were examined for morphologically abnormal sperm. Sperm head abnormalities were rare in both groups, occurring at rates of 0.01–0.29%. Tail abnormalities predominated, particularly bent midpieces and coiled and folded tails, which all occurred at rates of 3.79–17.18%. Except for the nipple acrosome, there was no difference in the rate at which sperm abnormalities were found in both groups. Three abnormalities were found only in colony‐bred and three only in wild‐caught individuals.Some common abnormalities, all affecting the tail, were highly variable in consecutive ejaculates from the same individuals.
Doppler echocardiographic reference values for healthy rhesus monkeys under ketamine hydrochloride sedation
Authors: Korcarz Claudia E. , Padrid Philip A. , Shroff Sanjeev G. , Weinert Lynn , Lang Roberto M. 
Published: September 2011

Cardiac ultrasound is a noninvasive technique that is commonly used to serially evaluate cardiac structure and function. Recent advances in Doppler‐Echocardiography enable the ultrasonographer to perform a sophisticated noninvasive assessment of cardiovascular physiology. The Rhesus monkey is a frequently used non‐human primate animal model of human cardiovascular disease because this species closely models human anatomy and physiology. However, while this species is frequently used in cardiovascular research, standardized echocardiographic values generated from large numbers of normal Rhesus are not available. In the present study, we performed cardiac ultrasound imaging on 28 healthy Rhesus monkeys to obtain normal reference values of cardiovascular structure and function in this species. Nomograms were generated from these data by plotting parameters of cardiovascular geometry and function with body weight. These normal reference data were compared to previously reported values obtained from prior studies that used noninvasive, invasive, and morphometric techniques.Cardiac ultrasound is a noninvasive technique that is commonly used to serially evaluate cardiac structure and function. Recent advances in Doppler‐Echocardiography enable the ultrasonographer to perform a sophisticated noninvasive assessment of cardiovascular physiology. The Rhesus monkey is a frequently used non‐human primate animal model of human cardiovascular disease because this species closely models human anatomy and physiology. However, while this species is frequently used in cardiovascular research, standardized echocardiographic values generated from large numbers of normal Rhesus are not available. In the present study, we performed cardiac ultrasound imaging on 28 healthy Rhesus monkeys to obtain normal reference values of cardiovascular structure and function in this species. Nomograms were generated from these data by plotting parameters of cardiovascular geometry and function with body weight. These normal reference data were compared to previously reported values obtained from prior studies that used noninvasive, invasive, and morphometric techniques.
Plasma and red blood cell total phospholipid fatty acid status of nonpregnant female Vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) on a high carbohydrate maintenance diet
Authors: Tichelaar H.Y. , van Jaarsveld P.J. , Smuts C.M. , Marais M. , Mdhluli M.C. , Kruger M. , Benadé A.J.S. 
Published: September 2011

Nonhuman primates are of interest as models of human physiology to study the effect of multiple pregnancies on birth weight. Reference plasma and red blood cell (RBC) total phospholipids fatty acids were established in nonpregnant breeding female Vervet monkeys. Twenty‐three clinically healthy nonpregnant Vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops), contained in a controlled closed environment and consuming a high carbohydrate diet (68 E%) that contained 20 E% fat and 12 E% protein were sampled for blood during a cross‐sectional study. A low intake of ω3 fatty acids was reflected by a high ω6/ω3 ratio (66:1) of the diet. Inverse relations were seen between plasma and RBC total phospholipid fatty acids, 18:2ω6, 20:3ω6, and 20:4ω6, which suggested selective incorporation in membranes. Low levels of 20:5ω3 and 22:6ω3 of plasma and RBC total phospholipids render Vervet monkeys as ideal subjects to study the effect of ω3 fatty acid supplementation on pregnancy outcomes.Tichelaar HY, van Jaarsveld PJ, Smuts CM, Marais M, Mdhluli MC, Kruger M, Benadé AJS. Plasma and red blood cell total phospholipid fatty acid status of nonpregnant female Vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) on a high carbohydrate maintenance diet. J Med Primatol 1998; 27:240–243. © Munksgaard, Copenhagen
Irsogladine maleate regulates epithelial barrier function in tumor necrosis factor‐α‐stimulated human gingival epithelial cells
Authors: Fujita T. , Yumoto H. , Shiba H. , Ouhara K. , Miyagawa T. , Nagahara T. , Matsuda S. , Kawaguchi H. , Matsuo T. , Murakami S. , Kurihara H. 
Published: September 2011

Fujita T, Yumoto H, Shiba H, Ouhara K, Miyagawa T, Nagahara T, Matsuda S, Kawaguchi H, Matsuo T, Murakami S, Kurihara H. Irsogladine maleate regulates epithelial barrier function in tumor necrosis factor‐α‐stimulated human gingival epithelial cells. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 55–61. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/SBackground and Objective:  As epithelial cells function as a mechanical barrier, the permeability of the gingival epithelial cell layer indicates a defensive capability against invasion by periodontal pathogens. We have reported the expression of claudin‐1 and E‐cadherin, key regulators of permeability, in the gingival junctional epithelium. Irsogladine maleate (IM) is a medication for gastric ulcers and also regulates Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans‐stimuated chemokine secretion and E‐cadherin expression in gingival epithelium. In this study, we have further investigated the effects of IM on the barrier functions of gingival epithelial cells under inflammatory conditions.Material and methods:  We examined the permeability, and the expression of claudin‐1 and E‐cadherin, in human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs) stimulated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, with or without IM.Results:  TNF‐α increased the permeability of HGECs, and IM abolished the increase. TNF‐α reduced the expression of E‐cadherin in HGECs, and IM reversed the reduction. In addition, immunofluorescence staining showed that TNF‐α disrupted claudin‐1 expression in HGECs, and IM reversed this effect.Conclusion:  The results suggest that IM reverses the TNF‐α‐induced disruption of the gingival epithelial barrier by regulating E‐cadherin and claudin‐1.
Cosmetic efficacy evaluation of an anti‐acne cream using the 3D image analysis system
Authors: Choi Kyung Min , Kim So Jeong , Baek Ji Hwoon , Kang Seung‐Joo , Boo Yong Chool , Koh Jae Sook 
Published: September 2011

Background/purposeAcne is a skin disease which accompanies pathological and morphological changes. Although acne severity is scored by clinicians based on pathological status, aesthetic aspect of acne symptom is also concerned by patients. This study was conducted to examine the usefulness of a 3D image analysis method for the cosmetic efficacy evaluation of an anti‐acne cream.MethodsTwenty‐one healthy volunteers with acne lesions were recruited for the study and treated with an ‘anti‐acne cream’ for 4 weeks. Acne symptoms on the facial skin were graded by the visual evaluation of photographs taken before and after the treatment. Skin color of acne lesions was and measured by a spectrophotometer. In addition, a 3D image analysis system was used to quantify skin surface roughness and acne volumes.ResultsBoth visual and spectrophotometric assessments of acne lesions provided similar results indicating that the cream treatment improved acne symptoms significantly. The 3D image analysis of acne lesions confirmed that the cream treatment decreased skin surface roughness and acne volumes.ConclusionThe current study demonstrated that the 3D image‐based analysis of the skin may be useful for the quantification of acne symptoms of cosmetic relevance.