bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
β‐Sheet aggregation of kisspeptin‐10 is stimulated by heparin but inhibited by amphiphiles
Authors: Nielsen Søren B. , Franzmann Magnus , Basaiawmoit Rajiv V. , Wimmer Reinhard , Mikkelsen Jens D. , Otzen Daniel E. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe murine 10‐residue neurohormone kisspeptin (YNWNSFGLRY) is an important regulator of reproductive behavior and gonadotrophin secretion. It is known to form a random coil in solution, but undergoes a structural change in the presence of membranes although the nature of this change is not fully determined. The peptide's conformational versatility raises the question whether it is also able to form ordered aggregates under physiological conditions, which might be relevant as a storage mechanism. Here we show that heparin induces kisspeptin to form β‐sheet rich amyloid aggregates both at neutral (pH 7.0) and slightly acidic (pH 5.2) conditions. Addition of heparin leads to aggregation after a certain lag phase, irrespective of the time of addition of heparin, indicating that heparin is needed to facilitate the formation of fibrillation nuclei. Aggregation is completely inhibited by submicellar concentrations of zwitterionic and anionic surfactants. Unlike previous reports, our NMR data do not indicate persistent structure in the presence of zwitterionic surfactant micelles. Thus kisspeptin can aggregate under physiologically relevant conditions provided heparin is present, but the process is highly sensitive to the presence of amphiphiles, highlighting the very dynamic nature of the peptide conformation and suggesting that kisspeptin aggregation is a biologically regulatable process. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 93: 678–689, 2010.This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Conformations and properties of the L‐tryptophyl‐containing peptides in solution, depending on the pH—Theoretical study vs. experiments
Authors: Ivanova Bojidarka B. , Spiteller Michael 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe conformational preference and electronic properties of three L‐tryptophyl‐containing dipeptides, i.e., glycyl‐L‐tryptophane (H‐Gly‐Trp‐OH), L‐alanyl‐L‐tryptophane (H‐Ala‐Trp‐OH), and L‐methionyl‐L‐tryptophane (L‐Met‐Trp‐OH) in solution depending on the pH of the media are studied both theoretically and experimentally. The effect of the protonation of the COO− and deprotonation of the NH as well as the alkaline hydrolysis of the amide fragment in a strong basic media on the electronic spectra are discussed. Ab initio and density functional theory (DFT) methods as well as the time‐dependent DFT (TD‐DFT) method as a function of the basis set are performed with a view to obtain the geometry and electronic properties of all of the species as well as the intermediate, obtained in the alkaline hydrolysis mechanism. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 93: 727–734, 2010.This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Response to induction therapy in oesophageal and cardia carcinoma using Mandard tumour regression grade or size of residual foci
Authors: Verlato G , Zanoni A , Tomezzoli A , Minicozzi A , Giacopuzzi S , Di Cosmo M , Franceschetti I , de Manzoni G 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Background
Tumour regression grade (TRG) is used to evaluate responses to induction therapy in cancer of the oesophagus or cardia. This study aimed to determine whether inclusion of node category could improve the prognostic accuracy provided by TRG, and explore the prognostic value of an alternative classification based on size of residual foci and node category.

Methods
Patients with oesophageal or cardia cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by resection were studied. Treatment-induced response at the primary site was evaluated by TRG and by a method whereby patients were classified as having no residual cancer, minimal residual disease (MRD) or as non-responders.

Results
Between 2000 and 2007, 108 patients underwent resection. Disease-related survival decreased with increasing TRG in node-negative (N0) patients (P &lt; 0·001), whereas in node-positive (N+) patients it was poor irrespective of TRG (P = 0·241). For N0 disease, 3-year survival in patients with MRD (58 (95 per cent confidence interval 26 to 80) per cent) was intermediate between that in patients with no residual cancer (85 (70 to 93) per cent) and non-responders (28 (4 to 59) per cent). Worst prognosis was for N+ disease (21 (9 to 36) per cent).

Conclusion
Node category should be considered when evaluating response to induction therapy in oesophageal or cardia cancer. A new classification based on size of residual foci and node category seems promising.
Randomized clinical trial of different bandage regimens after foam sclerotherapy for varicose veins
Authors: O'Hare J L , Stephens J , Parkin D , Earnshaw J J 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Background
This trial compared outcomes after foam sclerotherapy in patients wearing compression bandaging for 24 h or 5 days after treatment.

Methods
Consecutive patients with primary uncomplicated varicose veins were randomized after foam sclerotherapy treatment. The primary endpoint was 6-week Aberdeen Varicose Vein Severity Score (AVVSS) and Burford pain score.

Results
Some 124 legs were randomized, 61 to 24 h and 63 to 5 days of bandaging. Target vein occlusion rates at 6-week duplex imaging were 90 and 89 per cent respectively (P = 0·842). There was no significant difference in phlebitis after 2 weeks (P = 0·445) or skin discoloration after 6 weeks (46 versus 40 per cent; P = 0·546). There was no significant difference in the change in AVVSS from baseline to 2 weeks (−0·29 versus −0·80; P = 0·717) or to 6 weeks (−5·89 versus −5·14; 95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) for the difference −3·29 to 1·80; P = 0·563), or in change in Burford pain score from baseline to 2 weeks (−9·04 versus −2·80; P = 0·248) or to 6 weeks (−17·32 versus −8·46; 95 per cent c.i. for the difference −19·06 to 1·33; P = 0·088), or in change in Short Form 36 score from baseline to 6 weeks (2·02 versus 1·74; P = 0·903).

Conclusion
There was no advantage to compression bandaging for more than 24 h when thromboembolus deterrent stockings were worn for the remainder of 14 days. Registration number: NCT00991497 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
MicroRNA profiling of Barrett's oesophagus and oesophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wijnhoven B P L , Hussey D J , Watson D I , Tsykin A , Smith C M , Michael M Z 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Background
The genetic changes that drive metaplastic progression from squamous oesophageal mucosa toward intestinal metaplasia and adenocarcinoma are unclear. The aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) is involved in the development of cancer. This study examined whether miRNAs play a role in the development of oesophageal adenocarcinoma.

Methods
RNA was extracted from mucosa of normal oesophageal squamous epithelium, normal gastric epithelium, Barrett's oesophagus with intestinal metaplasia and oesophageal adenocarcinoma obtained from 16 individuals. Expression profiles of 377 human miRNAs were determined by microarray analysis and selected miRNAs were analysed further using real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) in tissues from 32 individuals.

Results
Microarray analyses identified 44 miRNAs likely to have altered expression between various mucosal samples. Of these, miR-21, miR-143, miR-145, miR-194, miR-203, miR-205 and miR-215 were chosen for validation by real-time RT-PCR. Tissue-specific expression profiles were observed, with miR-21, miR-143, miR-145, miR-194 and miR-215 significantly upregulated in columnar tissues compared with normal squamous epithelium. Expression of miR-143, miR-145 and miR-215 was lower in oesophageal adenocarcinoma than in Barrett's oesophagus. Levels of miR-203 and miR-205 were high in normal squamous epithelium and low in columnar epithelia. MiR-205 levels were lower in gastric epithelium than in both Barrett's oesophagus and adenocarcinoma.

Conclusion
Expression of miRNA might define disease states in oesophageal epithelium. Dysregulation of specific miRNAs could contribute to metaplastic and neoplastic processes in the oesophageal mucosa.
Outcome of elderly patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma after surgery
Authors: Yang H-X , Ling L , Zhang X , Lin P , Rong T-H , Fu J-H 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Background
Oesophagectomy may have morbidity and mortality rates that severely compromise long-term survival in elderly patients. The aim of this study was to compare clinical outcomes in elderly patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with those of younger controls.

Methods
Elderly patients at least 70 years old with oesophageal SCC were matched 1 : 1 with controls aged less than 70 years according to sex, tumour stage, tumour location, histological grade, surgical approach, completeness of resection and surgical period. Co-morbidities, surgical complications, surgical mortality and long-term survival were compared.

Results
One hundred and thirty-six patients were included in each group. Surgical mortality was greater in the elderly group (5·9 versus 0·7 per cent; P = 0·036). Overall and disease-specific 5-year survival rates were worse among patients aged at least 70 years (30·0 versus 41·8 per cent, and 31·5 versus 44·7 per cent respectively), as were 10-year rates (13·7 versus 26·4 per cent, and 20·2 versus 29·0 per cent). Disease-free survival rates after 5 years (24·0 versus 35·5 per cent) and 10 years (12·3 versus 24·3 per cent) were not statistically significant (P = 0·076).

Conclusion
Poor functional status may account for higher morbidity and mortality rates in elderly patients with oesophageal SCC. Acceptable perioperative mortality rates and substantial long-term survival can still be achieved. Elderly patients should not be denied oesophagectomy.
Characterization of a nutrient feed precipitate from an E. coli fermentation process
Authors: Speciner Lauren , Mallon Erin , Leung Susan , Laird Michael W. , Esue Osigwe 
Published: March 2010

AbstractMetalloproteins require soluble metal ions such as zinc to properly fold into their native and active state to maintain stability and biological activity. When protein products are produced during microbial fermentations, metals are made available to the metalloproteins via nutrient supplements. During the production at the manufacturing‐scale of a recombinant product that required zinc as a cofactor, an insoluble precipitate formed in the preparation tank after steam sterilization of the nutrient feed containing methionine, glycerophosphate, and zinc sulfate (MGZ). The precipitated nutrient feed was believed to be the cause for not enough zinc delivered to the production fermentor, leading to poor product assembly and stabilization. This article explores several analytical techniques such as capillary zone electrophoresis, inductively coupled plasma and phosphate molybdate assays to identify and quantify the composition of the precipitate. Our results show that the glycerophosphate component of the combined MGZ nutrient feed contains inorganic phosphate, which precipitates zinc from the feed media. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
Improved one‐step steam pretreatment of SO2‐Impregnated softwood with time‐dependent temperature profile for ethanol production
Authors: Monavari Sanam , Bennato Andrea , Galbe Mats , Zacchi Guido 
Published: March 2010

AbstractIn the production of ethanol from lignocellulosic material, pretreatment of the raw material before enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation is essential to obtain high overall yields of sugar and ethanol. Two‐step steam pretreatment results in higher ethanol yields from softwood than the standard one‐step pretreatment process. However, the difficulty with separation and washing of the material at high pressure between the two pretreatment steps is a major drawback. In this study, a new one‐step pretreatment procedure was investigated, in which the time‐temperature profile was varied during pretreatment. The efficiency of pretreatment was assessed by performing simultaneous saccharification and fermentation on the pretreated slurries. Pretreatment of SO2‐impregnated softwood performed by varying the temperature (190–226°C), the residence time (5–10 min), and the mode of temperature increase (linear or stepwise), resulted in recovery of about 90% of the mannose and glucose present in the raw material. The highest ethanol yield, 75% of theoretical based on the glucan and mannan content of the raw material, was obtained at pretreatment conditions of 190°C for 12 min. Similar ethanol yields were achieved when running the pretreatment as one‐step (190–200°C), two levels of temperature, at shorter residence time (7 min), which results in lower capital costs for the process. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
Microplate‐reader compatible perfusion microbioreactor array for modular tissue culture and cytotoxicity assays
Authors: Wen Yuan , Zhang Xudong , Yang Shang‐Tian 
Published: March 2010

AbstractOne important application of tissue engineering is to provide novel in vitro models for cell‐based assays. Perfusion microbioreactor array provides a useful tool for microscale tissue culture in parallel. However, high‐throughput data generation has been a challenge. In this study, a 4 × 4 array of perfusion microbioreactors was developed for plate‐reader compatible, time‐series quantification of cell proliferation, and cytotoxicity assays. The device was built through multilayer soft lithography. Low‐cost nonwoven polyethylene terephthalate fibrous matrices were integrated as modular tissue culture scaffolds. Human colon cancer HT‐29 cells with stable expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein were cultured in the device with continuous perfusion and reached a cell density over 5 × 107 cells/mL. The microbioreactor array was used to test a chemotherapeutic drug 5‐FU for its effect on HT‐29 cells in continuous perfusion 3D culture. Compared with conventional 2D cytotoxicity assay, significant drug resistance was observed in the 3D perfusion culture. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
RNA‐Cleaving Deoxyribozyme Sensor for Nucleic Acid Analysis: The Limit of Detection
Authors: Gerasimova Yulia V. , Cornett Evan , Kolpashchikov Dmitry M. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractAlong with biocompatibility, chemical stability, and simplicity of structural prediction and modification, deoxyribozyme‐based molecular sensors have the potential of an improved detection limit due to their ability to catalytically amplify signal. This study contributes to the understanding of the factors responsible for the limit of detection (LOD) of RNA‐cleaving deoxyribozyme sensors. A new sensor that detects specific DNA/RNA sequences was designed from deoxyribozyme OA‐II [Chiuman, W.; Li, Y. (2006) J. Mol. Biol. 357, 748–754]. The sensor architecture allows for a unique combination of high selectivity, low LOD and the convenience of fluorescent signal monitoring in homogeneous solution. The LOD of the sensor was found to be ∼1.6×10−10 M after 3 h of incubation. An equation that allows estimation of the lowest theoretical LOD using characteristics of parent deoxyribozymes and their fluorogenic substrates was derived and experimentally verified. According to the equation, “catalytically perfect” enzymes can serve as scaffolds for the design of sensors with the LOD not lower than ∼2×10−15 M after 3 h of incubation. A new value termed the detection efficiency (DE) is suggested as a time‐independent characteristic of a sensor's sensitivity. The expressions for the theoretical LOD and DE can be used to evaluate nucleic acid and protein enzymes for their application as biosensing platforms.
Photocaged T7 RNA Polymerase for the Light Activation of Transcription and Gene Function in Pro‐ and Eukaryotic Cells
Authors: Chou Chungjung , Young Douglas D. , Deiters Alexander 
Published: March 2010

AbstractA light‐activatable bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase (T7RNAP) has been generated through the site‐specific introduction of a photocaged tyrosine residue at the crucial position Tyr639 within the active site of the enzyme. The photocaged tyrosine disrupts polymerase activity by blocking the incoming nucleotide from reaching the active site of the enzyme. However, a brief irradiation with nonphototoxic UV light of 365 nm removes the ortho‐nitrobenzyl caging group from Tyr639 and restores the RNA polymerase activity of T7RNAP. The complete orthogonality of T7RNAP to all endogenous RNA polymerases in pro‐ and eukaryotic systems allowed for the photochemical activation of gene expression in bacterial and mammalian cells. Specifically, E. coli cells were engineered to produce photocaged T7RNAP in the presence of a GFP reporter gene under the control of a T7 promoter. UV irradiation of these cells led to the spatiotemporal activation of GFP expression. In an analogous fashion, caged T7RNAP was transfected into human embryonic kidney (HEK293T) cells. Irradiation with UV light led to the activation of T7RNAP, thereby inducing RNA polymerization and expression of a luciferase reporter gene in tissue culture. The ability to achieve spatiotemporal regulation of orthogonal RNA synthesis enables the precise dissection and manipulation of a wide range of cellular events, including gene function.
A longitudinal analysis of early risk factors for adult‐onset offending: What predicts a delayed criminal career?
Authors: Zara Georgia , Farrington David P. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackground Late‐onset offending, at the age of 21 or thereafter, is an underexplored dimension of the criminal career.Aims Our aims were to explore which factors are precursors of late‐onset offending, and the extent to which adult criminality can be predicted in childhood and adolescence.Method This is the first study that defines late‐onset offending based on a combination of official records and self‐reports. Longitudinal data from the Cambridge Study in Delinquent Development (CSDD) were used. Four hundred and three South London men, followed from ages 8–10 to ages 48–50, were divided into late‐starters (LS,n= 51), early‐starters (ES,n= 140) and non‐offenders (NO,n= 212).Results LS men were more likely than NO men to have been neurotic, truants or in poor housing at ages 8–10. At ages 12–14, they tended to be neurotic, and at ages 16–18, they had high unemployment and spent time hanging about on the streets. Compared with ES, LS were nervous at ages 8–10, and at age 18 they were more likely to be sexual virgins. Overall, LS men were more similar to NO men before age 21, but more similar to ES men by age 32.Conclusions Our hypotheses that late‐onset offenders would be particularly characterised by neuroticism or nervousness, but that this would buffer rather than fully protect over the life course, were sustained. Intervention to increase the resilience of children and adolescents who are rated as high on neurotic characteristics may lessen the burden that these factors impose in adult life and reduce the risk of a deteriorating quality of life and late onset criminal careers. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Importance of the angiosome concept for endovascular therapy in patients with critical limb ischemia
Authors: Iida Osamu , Nanto Shinsuke , Uematsu Masaaki , Ikeoka Kuniyasu , Okamoto Shin , Dohi Tomoharu , Fujita Masashi , Terashi Hiroto , Nagata Seiki 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjective: We investigated the role of the angiosome concept in endovascular therapy (EVT) for limb salvage. Background: The angiosome concept is clinically useful in bypass surgery for critical limbs ischemia (CLI). However, comparison with direct and indirect flow to the site of ulceration based on angiosome concept regarding freedom from amputation has not been systematically studied for the patient with CLI undergoing EVT. Methods: We analyzed 203 limbs in 177 consecutive patients (male = 127, age = 70 ± 11 years) with ischemic ulceration that was Rutherford 5 or 6 (5 in 145 limbs and 6 in 58 limbs; pretreatment ankle‐brachial index = 0.74 ± 0.27), who underwent EVT alone without bypass surgery. We classified these patients into direct and indirect groups depending on whether feeding artery flow to the site of ulceration was successfully acquired or not acquired based on the angiosome concept. Freedom from amputation was compared between the direct and the indirect groups by Kaplan‐Meier analysis. Results: The overall limb salvage rate was 82% (167/203). Skin perfusion pressure was significantly higher in the direct group (67 ± 25 mm Hg) than in the indirect group (41 ± 20 mm Hg, P = 0.002). The limb salvage rate was also significantly (P = 0.03) higher in the direct group (86%) than in the indirect group (69%) for up to 4 years after the procedure. The number of vessels with run‐off flow did not influence the limb salvage rate in either the direct group (P = 0.84) or the indirect group (P = 0.90). Conclusion: Acquiring direct flow based on the angiosome concept is important for limb salvage by EVT in patients with CLI.© 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Percutaneous closure of an aneurysmal patent ductus arteriosus in an adult
Authors: Schussler Jeffrey M. , Choi James W. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractWe report a case of a 24 year old woman with an aneurysmal patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) that was percutaneously closed using an Amplatzer Vascular Plug II. This is the first report of the successful use of an Amplatzer Vascular Plug II for a PDA, and suggests the feasibility and safety of its utilization in select cases. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus: A multiinstitutional registry comparing multiple devices
Authors: Brunetti Marissa A. , Ringel Richard , Owada Carl , Coulson John , Jennings Jacky M. , Hoyer Mark H. , Everett Allen D. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackground: There are no guidelines and multiple devices available now for closure of PDA. Objective: We sought to determine which devices are used and their outcomes. Methods: Prospectively collected data on closure of PDA at 12 US catheterization labs was entered into the MAGIC data registry between November 2005 and September 2008. Results: PDA closure was accomplished in 357 of 359 attempted closures during the study period. Mean age, weight, and minimum ductal diameter were 4.3 ± 6.8 years, 18.7 ± 18.4 kg, and 2.1 ± 1.4 mm, respectively. Devices used were Gianturco coils (161/359), Amplatzer Duct Occluder (ADO, 174/359), Flipper coils (18/359), and other devices (6/359). Gianturco coils had the least fluoroscopy and contrast exposure (8.7 ± 7.5 min, P = 0.00001, 2.6 ± 1.4 cm3 kg−1, P = 0.00001). Immediate angiographic success rates were 96.9% (156/161) for Gianturco coils, 89.7% (156/174) for the ADO, 100% (18/18) for Flipper coils, and 66.7% (4/6) for other devices. Major complication rates were 0.6% for Gianturco coils (1/161), 1.7% for ADO (3/174), and 83.3% for other devices (4/6). Minor complication rates by device were 1.9% for Gianturco coils (3/161), 2.3% for ADO (4/174), and 16.7% (1/6) for other devices. Conclusions: Gianturco coils, the ADO and Flipper coils were immediately successful with low complication profiles. The ADO and Gianturco coils were the predominate devices. The ADO was the device of choice for PDA > 3 mm with good success. In PDA < 3 mm, the Gianturco coil is as effective and safe as the ADO with less cost, less radiation, and less contrast exposure. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.