bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparisons of multi‐marker association methods to detect association between a candidate region and disease
Authors: Ballard David H. , Cho Judy , Zhao Hongyu 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe joint use of information from multiple markers may be more effective to reveal association between a genomic region and a trait than single marker analysis. In this article, we compare the performance of seven multi‐marker methods. These methods include (1) single marker analysis (either the best‐scoring single nucleotide polymorphism in a candidate region or a combined test based on Fisher's method); (2) fixed effects regression models where the predictors are either the observed genotypes in the region, principal components that explain a proportion of the genetic variation, or predictors based on Fourier transformation for the genotypes; and (3) variance components analysis. In our simulation studies, we consider genetic models where the association is due to one, two, or three markers, and the disease‐causing markers have varying allele frequencies. We use information from either all the markers in a region or information only from tagging markers. Our simulation results suggest that when there is one disease‐causing variant, the best‐scoring marker method is preferred whereas the variance components method and the principal components method work well for more common disease‐causing variants. When there is more than one disease‐causing variant, the principal components method seems to perform well over all the scenarios studied. When these methods are applied to analyze associations between all the markers in or near a gene and disease status for an inflammatory bowel disease data set, the analysis based on the principal components method leads to biologically more consistent discoveries than other methods. Genet. Epidemiol. 34: 201–124, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Executive functioning in Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia
Authors: McGuinness B. , Barrett S. L. , Craig D. , Lawson J. , Passmore A. P. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo compare performance of patients with mild‐moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) on tests of executive functioning and working memory.MethodsPatients with AD (n = 76) and VaD (n = 46) were recruited from a memory clinic along with dementia free participants (n = 28). They underwent specific tests of working memory from the Cognitive Drug Research (CDR) battery and pen and paper tests of executive function including CLOX 1 & 2, EXIT25 and a test of verbal fluency (COWAT). All patients had a CT brain scan which was independently scored for white matter change/ischaemia.ResultsThe AD and VaD groups were significantly impaired on all measures of working memory and executive functioning compared to the disease free group. There were no significant differences between the AD and VaD groups on any measure. Z‐scores confirmed the pattern of impairment in executive functioning and working memory was largely equivalent in both patient groups. Small to moderate correlations were seen between the MMSE and the neurocognitive scores in both patient groups and the pattern of correlations was also very similar in both patient groups.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates sizeable executive functioning and working memory impairments in patients with mild‐moderate AD and VaD but no significant differences between the disease groups. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
With a little help from my friends: maternal social support, via parenting, promotes willingness to share in preschoolers born to young mothers
Authors: Ensor Rosie , Hughes Claire 
Published: October 2009

AbstractLittle is known about prosocial behaviours in children of young mothers. This longitudinal study involved 44 young mother (age <20 years at birth of first child) families and 44 older mother families, who were carefully matched for child age and gender, as well as for family structure (number of children, lone‐parent status) and socio‐economic background (maternal education, head‐of‐household unemployment, low family income). At the first time‐point (M child age = 2.45 years), mothers listed family members or friends who provided practical and/or emotional support; videos of mother–child interaction in play and tidy‐up were coded for positive and negative parenting. Two years later (M child age = 4.32 years), children's prosocial behaviours were assessed via (i) an experimental task of willingness to share and (ii) video‐based ratings of sharing and helping during dyadic play with friends. T‐tests showed few group differences in prosocial behaviours. Regression analyses showed that, for young mother families only, reduced negative parenting mediated associations between support from friends and preschoolers' willingness to share. Support from friends, via parenting, may promote willingness to share in children born to young mother families. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Resveratrol enhances p53 acetylation and apoptosis in prostate cancer by inhibiting MTA1/NuRD complex
Authors: Kai Li , Samuel Shirley K. , Levenson Anait S. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractDietary compounds and epigenetic influences are well recognized factors in cancer progression. Resveratrol (Res), a dietary compound from grapes, has anticancer properties; however, its epigenetic effects are understudied. Metastasis‐associated protein 1 (MTA1) is a part of the nucleosome remodeling deacetylation (NuRD) corepressor complex that mediates posttranslational modifications of histones and nonhistone proteins resulting in transcriptional repression. MTA1 overexpression in prostate cancer (PCa) correlates with tumor aggressiveness and metastasis. In this study, we have identified a novel MTA1‐mediated mechanism, by which Res restores p53‐signaling pathways in PCa cells. We show, for the first time, that Res causes down‐regulation of MTA1 protein, leading to destabilization of MTA1/NuRD thus allowing acetylation/activation of p53. We demonstrated that MTA1 decrease by Res was concomitant with accumulation of Ac‐p53. MTA1 knockdown further sensitized PCa cells to Res‐dependent p53 acetylation and recruitment to the p21 and Bax promoters. Furthermore, MTA1 silencing maximized the levels of Res‐induced apoptosis and pro‐apoptotic Bax accumulation. HDAC inhibitor SAHA, like MTA1 silencing, increased Res‐dependent p53 acetylation and showed cooperative effect on apoptosis. Our results indicate a novel epigenetic mechanism that contributes to Res anticancer activities: the inhibition of MTA1/NuRD complexes due to MTA1 decrease, which suppresses its deacetylation function and allows p53 acetylation and subsequent activation of pro‐apoptotic genes. Our study identifies MTA1 as a new molecular target of Res that may have important clinical applications for PCa chemoprevention and therapy, and points to the combination of Res with HDAC inhibitors as an innovative therapeutic strategy for the treatment of PCa.
Salivary gland and nasopharyngeal cancers in individuals with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in United States
Authors: Shebl Fatma M. , Bhatia Kishor , Engels Eric A. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractIndividuals with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) manifest an increased risk of cancer, particularly cancers caused by oncogenic viruses. Because some salivary gland and nasopharyngeal cancers are associated with Epstein Barr virus, the impact of AIDS on these cancers needs further evaluation. We used linked U.S. AIDS and cancer registry data (N = 519,934 people with AIDS) to derive standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) comparing risk of salivary gland and nasopharyngeal cancers to the general population. For salivary gland cancers (N = 43 cases), individuals with AIDS had strongly elevated risks for lymphoepithelial carcinoma (SIR 39, 95% CI 16–81) and squamous cell carcinoma (SIR 4.9, 95% CI 2.5–8.6). Among nasopharyngeal cancers (N = 39 cases), risks were elevated for both keratinizing and nonkeratinizing carcinomas (SIR 2.4, 95% CI 1.5–3.7 and SIR 2.4, 95% CI 1.2–4.4, respectively). The elevated risks of salivary gland and nasopharyngeal cancers among people with AIDS suggest that immunosuppression and oncogenic viral infections are etiologically important.
A specific cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte epitope presentation system for antitumor immunity
Authors: Wu Ying , Liu Changzhen , Sun Meiyi , Shen Hexiao , Guo Deyin , Gao Bin 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe magnitude of CTL‐mediated immunity response is highly dependent on the density of antigenic peptide–MHC I complexes at the cell surface. In this study, we adopt a novel strategy to promote the surface level of specific peptide–MHC I complexes. The strategy combines the inhibition of transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) with the delivery of specific peptide into endoplasmic reticulum directly without the help of TAP. First, RNA interference (RNAi) technology was used to inhibit TAP expression for blocking endogenous epitope‐assembled MHC class I on cell surface. Second, a peptide epitope of interest was covalently linked onto human beta‐2‐microglobulin (β2m). Both TAP‐specific siRNA and the peptide‐linked β2m were delivered into antigen‐presentation cells sequentially or simultaneously using a retrovirus delivery system. The combined strategy produces a significant amount of MHC I loaded with specific epitopes on the surface while reducing endogenously peptide‐assembled MHC class I both in vitro and in vivo. The efficacy of induction of specific immune response with the strategy against tumor cells is demonstrated in both tumor cell lines and a syngenic graft tumor model.
Effect of low level capacitive‐coupled pulsed electric field stimulation on mineral profile of weight‐bearing bones in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Manjhi Jayanand , Mathur Rashmi , Behari Jitendra 
Published: October 2009

AbstractMineral content, mineral composition, and crystalline pattern of bone in osteoporosis are different from those of normal individuals. Present management of bone mineral loss is rather unsatisfactory primarily because of socioeconomic factors and untoward effects of the treatment drugs. We report the efficacy of capacitive‐coupled pulsed electric field (CCPEF) to prevent bone loss in an ovariectomized rat model of osteoporosis. One month postsurgery either leg was stimulated with CCPEF, whereas the other leg did not receive any stimulation (sham exposed). The treatment was given in 60 sessions each of 2 h/d (5 days a week). The control group of rats was sham operated. At the end of the observation period, femur and tibia bones were removed. Their bone mineral content (BMC), calcium, phosphorus, and carbon contents were analyzed and bone mineral density (BMD) was calculated. The BMC data were supported by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) method. In sham‐exposed bones, a statistically significant decrease in BMC, BMD, calcium, and phosphorus contents were obtained as compared to the control. Although in CCPEF bones, there was an attenuation of decrement in the noted parameters except phosphorus. XRD pattern supported these observations. The results suggest that chronic, 60 sessions of 2 h/d, 5 d/wk CCPEF (14 MHz with 16 Hz modulation 16 Hz and 10 V peak to peak) is effective in attenuating the ovariectomy‐induced bone mineral loss in rats. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 2010
Can bone healing in distraction osteogenesis be accelerated by local application of IGF‐1 and TGF‐β1?
Authors: Bernstein Anke , Mayr Hermann O. , Hube Robert 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBecause complications of distraction osteogenesis are largely related to the long duration of therapy, increasing efforts were reached to shorten treatment by using osteoconductive replacement materials incorporating bioactive molecules such as IGF‐1 andTGF‐β1. The controlled release of IGF‐1 and TGF‐β1 from coated biodegradable poly(D,L‐lactide) implants could stimulate fracture healing locally. We investigated the effect of locally applied IGF‐1 and TGF‐β1 from IGF‐1/TGF‐β1‐enriched polylactide membranes on fracture healing in a sheep model of delayed callus formation. Twenty‐eight sheep were used for this study. Callus distraction of 1 mm/day by means of a unilateral fixator was continued for 30 days. At the beginning of the subsequent consolidation phase, either growth factors were applied locally or the defect was packed with cancellous bone, or both. The groups treated with growth factors were compared to a control group. The consolidation phase lasted for 60 days and both tibiae were dissected for histological and histomorphometric analyses. This investigation found a reduced absolute callus area in the lengthening zone in all treatment groups. The two treatment groups that received a membrane coated with growth factors showed distinctly higher relative bone areas than the groups treated with an uncoated membrane or packing of the osteotomy defect with cancellous bone. The differences in bone areas were not statistically significant. Application of the growth factors accelerated bone healing and achieved results comparable with those of established treatment methods (packing with autologous cancellous bone). The best results were achieved with a combination of both methods. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 2010
Preparation and characterization of PMAA/MWCNTs nanohybrid hydrogels with improved mechanical properties
Authors: Luo Yan‐Ling , Xu Feng , Feng Qiang‐Suo , Chen Ya‐Shao , Ma Chao 
Published: October 2009

AbstractA novel nanohybrid hydrogel was in situ prepared by means of a free radical crosslinking polymerization route of methacrylic acid in the presence of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The structural and morphological characterizations revealed that poly(methacrylic acid) networks (PMAA) closely covered the MWCNTs, and a MWCNT‐well‐dispersed nanohybrid hydrogel was formed. The addition of MWCNTs strikingly improved pH response and mechanical properties, depending on the component ratios and particle sizes of MWCNTs as well as crosslinker concentrations. The swelling rate was obviously faster than that of the pure PMAA hydrogel. The hydrophilic nature of polyelectrolytes, the capillarity effect, cation‐π or charge‐transfer interaction and hydrogen bonds, as well as a subtle balance among these interactions were adopted to interpret the above swelling behavior. Load transfer to the MWCNTs in the networks played important part in compression mechanical improvements. MTT assays were adopted to evaluate the cytocompatibility of the developed biomaterials. This smart hydrogel is expected to be used as potential candidate for specific biological applications. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 2010
Corono‐apical leakage of various root filling materials using two different penetration models—A 3‐month study
Authors: Kececi Ayse Diljin , Kaya Bulem Ureyen , Belli Sema 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to analyze the sealing ability of various filling combinations in a 90 days period using fluid transport and glucose penetration models. Premolars (n = 108) were filled with either gutta‐percha (groups 1–4) or Resilon (groups 5–8) core materials combined with AH Plus (groups 1, 3, 5, 7) or Epiphany (groups 2, 4, 6, 8) sealers by using cold lateral compaction (groups 1, 2, groups 5, 6) or System B with Obtura II (groups 3, 4, groups 7, 8). The sealing ability of each sample was evaluated through glucose and fluid penetration models. Penetration values of 90 days were statistically analyzed with three‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA)and Duncan's Multiple Range tests (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found among the penetration values when the fluid filtration model was used (p > 0.05). On the contrary, statistically significant differences were obtained among the groups with the glucose penetration model (p < 0.05). AH Plus/Resilon/cold lateral compaction group had better sealing ability than the other combinations tested with the glucose penetration model. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 2010
Effect of adipic dihydrazide modification on the performance of collagen/hyaluronic acid scaffold
Authors: Zhang Ling , Xiao Yumei , Jiang Bo , Fan Hongsong , Zhang Xingdong 
Published: October 2009

AbstractCollagen and hydrazide‐functionalized hyaluronic acid derivatives were hybridized by gelating and genipin crosslinking to form composite hydrogel. The study contributed to the understanding of the effects of adipic dihydrazide modification on the physicochemical and biological properties of the collagen/hyaluronic acid scaffold. The investigation included morphology observation, mechanical measurement, swelling evaluation, and collagenase degradation. The results revealed that the stability of composites was increased through adipic dihydrazide modification and genipin crosslinking. The improved biocompatibility and retention of hyaluronic acid made the composite material more favorable to chondrocytes growing, suggesting the prepared scaffold might be high potential for chondrogenesis. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010
Dental glass‐reinforced composite for caries inhibition: Calcium phosphate ion release and mechanical properties
Authors: Xu Hockin H. K. , Moreau Jennifer L. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe two main challenges facing dental composite restorations are secondary caries and bulk fracture. Previous studies developed whisker‐reinforced Ca‐PO4 composites that were relatively opaque. The objective of this study was to develop an esthetic glass particle‐reinforced, photo‐cured calcium phosphate composite. Tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP) particles were incorporated into a resin for Ca and PO4 release, while glass particles provided reinforcement. Ion release and mechanical properties were measured after immersion in solutions with pH of 7, 5.5, and 4. For the composite containing 40% mass fraction of TTCP, incorporating glass fillers increased the strength (p < 0.05). Flexural strength (Mean ± SD; n = 6) at 30% glass was 99 ± 18 MPa, higher than 54 ± 20 MPa at 0% glass (p < 0.05). Elastic modulus was 11 GPa at 30% glass, compared to 2 GPa without glass. At 28 days, the released Ca ion concentration was 4.61 ± 0.18 mmol/L at pH of 4, much higher than 1.14 ± 0.07 at pH of 5.5, and 0.27 ± 0.01 at pH of 7 (p < 0.05). PO4 release was also dramatically increased at cariogenic, acidic pH. The TTCP‐glass composite had strength 2–3 fold that of a resin‐modified glass ionomer control. In conclusion, the photo‐cured TTCP‐glass composite was “smart” and substantially increased the Ca and PO4 release when the pH was reduced from neutral to a cariogenic pH of 4, when these ions are most needed to inhibit tooth caries. Its mechanical properties were significantly higher than previous Ca, PO4, and fluoride releasing restoratives. Hence, the photo‐cured TTCP‐glass composite may have potential to provide the necessary combination of load‐bearing and caries‐inhibiting capabilities. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010
Domain–ligand mapping for enzymes
Authors: Bashton Matthew , Thornton Janet M 
Published: October 2009

AbstractIn this paper we provide an overview of our current knowledge of the mapping between small molecule ligands and protein domains. We give an overview of the present data resources available on the Web, which provide information about protein–ligand interactions, as well as discussing our own PROCOGNATE database. We present an update of ligand binding in large protein superfamilies and identify those ligands most frequently utilized by nature. Finally we discuss potential uses for this type of data. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid and sensitive detection of Mollicutes in cell culture by polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Shahhosseiny Mohammad Hassan , Hosseiny Zahra , Khoramkhorshid Hamid Reza , Azari Shahram , Shokrgozar Mohammad Ali 
Published: October 2009

AbstractInfections with Mollicutes species (such as Mycoplasma, Acholeplasma, and Ureaplasma) can induce a variety of problems in living organisms and laboratory cell cultures. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a routine diagnostic protocol for Mycoplasma infection in order to ensure reliable research results, as well as the safety of commercial biological products. For that purpose a novel PCR‐based procedure using specific designed primers complementary to 16S rRNA genome region of mollicute species was evaluated. PCR was optimized and sensitivity and specificity was evaluated by defined cell count concentrations (2‐31250 CFU/ml) of different strains of Mycoplasma, Acholeplasma and Ureaplasma. Amplicon (272 bp) was cloned by PCR‐cloning and sequenced by dideoxy chain termination. PCR, was found to be able to detect 10 copies of mollicute target DNA. No cross‐reactivity with genomic DNA of non‐mollicute bacteria or human cell lines was observed. Forty seven human and animal cell lines were evaluated for mollicute contamination. Twenty five cell lines (53%) were correctly identified as contaminated by this molecular approach. The results of this study demonstrated that this PCR‐based method is not only fast and reproducible, but also highly sensitive and specific for detecting contaminant mycoplasmas in cell cultures. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Efficient inhibition of human cytomegalovirus UL122 gene expression in cell by small interfering RNAs
Authors: Duan Qun‐Jun , Tao Ran , Hu Miao‐Feng , Shang Shi‐Qiang 
Published: October 2009

AbstractIn order to develop a gene therapy to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), RNA interference (RNAi) was employed to inhibit the expression of HCMV UL122 gene in vitro. Recombinant vector pUL122‐EGFP, which expressed UL122‐EGFP fusion protein, and recombinant vectors psi122‐1, psi122‐2 and psi122‐3, which expressed small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeted to UL122 were contransfected into AD293 cells. The fluorescence signal of pUL122‐EGFP was greatly suppressed by psi122‐1 and psi122‐2, with an inhibitory rate of 82.0% ± 1.0% and 79.5% ± 2.5%, respectively. The mRNA of pUL122‐EGFP of the cells transfected with psi122‐1 and psi122‐2 was decreased 97.3% ± 0.6% and 98.0% ± 0.1%, respectively. Vector psi122‐3 showed a slightly low suppression rate. Therefore, it may be concluded that plasmids encoding siRNAs targeted to UL122 is able to in vitro reduce markedly the expression of UL122‐EGFP. And it is very likely that the psi122‐1 and psi122‐2 are potentially efficacious siRNAs in the gene therapy of HCMV infection in vivo, in which further investigations are required. This study is expected to greatly facilitate the use of the RNAi technology for the anti‐HCMV studies. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)