bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increasing levels of free thyroxine as a risk factor for a first venous thrombosis: a case-control study
Authors: van Zaane Bregje , Squizzato Alessandro , Huijgen Roeland , van Zanten Anton P. , Fliers Eric , Cannegieter Suzanne C. , Büller Harry R. , Gerdes Victor E. A. , Brandjes Dees P. M. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
A hypercoagulable state exists in hyperthyroidism, but the association with venous thrombosis (VT) is not fully explored. We aimed to investigate VT risk for different plasma levels of thyroid hormones and thyroid antibodies. We used a case-control study on leg vein thrombosis conducted between September 1999 and August 2006 at the Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Parameters of thyroid function were assessed in 190 cases (mean age, 57 years; range, 19-90 years) and 379 sex-matched controls (mean age, 56 years; range, 18-93 years). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for VT risk were estimated according to several cutoff levels derived from plasma levels observed in controls. We found the risk of VT to gradually rise with increasing levels of free thyroxine (FT4). In the absence of traditional acquired risk factors, FT4 levels above 17 pmol/L yielded a sex- and age-adjusted OR of 2.2 (95% CI, 1.2-4.2) for deep VT, which further increased up to an OR of 13.0 (95% CI, 1.1-154.1) for FT4 levels above reference range. Our data suggest increasing levels of FT4 to be a risk factor for VT and may have implications for both the prevention and management of this disease.
Cross talk between the bone and immune systems: osteoclasts function as antigen-presenting cells and activate CD4+ and CD8+ T cells
Authors: Li Haiyan , Hong Sungyoul , Qian Jianfei , Zheng Yuhuan , Yang Jing , Yi Qing 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
The bone and immune systems are closely related through cellular and molecular interactions. Because bone-resorbing osteoclasts (OCs) are derived from the monocyte/macrophage lineage, similar to dendritic cells (DCs), we hypothesized that OCs could serve as antigen-presenting cells (APCs) to activate T cells. In this study, OCs were generated from human monocytes with stimulation by receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF). Results showed that, similar to DCs, OCs express major histocompatibility complex (MHC) classes I and II, and CD80, CD86, and CD40; and uptake soluble antigens. OCs secrete interleukin-10 (IL-10), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), but not IL-12p70. OCs present allogeneic antigens and activate both CD4+ and CD8+ alloreactive T cells in an MHC-restricted fashion. OCs also present soluble protein tetanus toxoid to activate autologous CD4+ T cells. These findings indicate that OCs can function as APCs and activate both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Thus, our study provides new insight into the effect of OCs on the immune system and may help develop novel strategies for treating diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple myeloma, which affect both the bone and immune systems.
Activated protein C cofactor function of protein S: a critical role for Asp95 in the EGF1-like domain
Authors: Andersson Helena M. , Arantes Márcia J. , Crawley James T. B. , Luken Brenda M. , Tran Sinh , Dahlbäck Björn , Lane David A. , Rezende Suely M. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractProtein S has an established role in the protein C anticoagulant pathway, where it enhances the factor Va (FVa) and factor VIIIa (FVIIIa) inactivating property of activated protein C (APC). Despite its physiological role and clinical importance, the molecular basis of its action is not fully understood. To clarify the mechanism of the protein S interaction with APC, we have constructed and expressed a library of composite or point variants of human protein S, with residue substitutions introduced into the Gla, thrombin-sensitive region (TSR), epidermal growth factor 1 (EGF1), and EGF2 domains. Cofactor activity for APC was evaluated by calibrated automated thrombography (CAT) using protein S–deficient plasma. Of 27 variants tested initially, only one, protein S D95A (within the EGF1 domain), was largely devoid of functional APC cofactor activity. Protein S D95A was, however, γ-carboxylated and bound phospholipids with an apparent dissociation constant (Kdapp) similar to that of wild-type (WT) protein S. In a purified assay using FVa R506Q/R679Q, purified protein S D95A was shown to have greatly reduced ability to enhance APC-induced cleavage of FVa Arg306. It is concluded that residue Asp95 within EGF1 is critical for APC cofactor function of protein S and could define a principal functional interaction site for APC.
Effects of external irradiation of the neck region on intima media thickness of the common carotid artery
Authors: Gianicolo Maria Elena , Gianicolo Emilio Antonio Luca , Tramacere Francesco , Andreassi Maria Grazia , Portaluri Maurizio 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Background
Several studies have shown that common carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) is increased after radiotherapy (RT) to the head and neck. However, further studies are needed to define the exact mechanism of radiation-induced injury in large vessels, investigate the relationship between radiation dose and large vessel injury and evaluate the rate of progress of atherosclerosis in irradiated vessels.

Objectives
To investigate whether external irradiation to the carotid area has any effect on IMT of the common carotid artery in a group of patients who received RT vs control group matched for age, gender and race.

Methods
We studied 19 patients (10 male; 47.8 ± 17.4 years) during a 5-month period (January 2009-July 2009); they had completed RT with a mean of 2.9 years before (range: 1 month-6 years) The mean radiation dose to the neck in the irradiated patients was 41.2 ± 15.6 Gy (range: 25-70 Gy). Common carotid IMT was measured with echo-color Doppler. Nineteen healthy adult patients (10 male; 47.8 ± 17.6) were recruited as a control group.

Results
IMT was not significantly higher in patients when compared to the control group (0.59 ± 0.16 vs 0.56 ± 0.16 mm, p = 0.4). There was no significant difference between the two groups in relation to the absence (p = 0.7) or presence (p = 0.6) of vascular risk factors. Although the difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.1), the irradiated young patients (age ≤ 52 years) had IMT measurements higher (0.54 ± 0.08 mm) than the non-irradiated young patients (0.49 ± 0.14 mm). The mean carotid IMT increased with increasing doses of radiation to the neck (p = 0.04).

Conclusion
This study shows that increased IMT of the common carotid artery after RT is radiation-dose-related. Therefore it is important to monitor IMT, which can be used as an imaging biomarker for early diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease in patients who have had radiotherapy for treatment of cancer of the head and neck and who are at increased risk for accelerated atherosclerosis in carotid arteries.
Genotypes and haplotypes in the insulin-like growth factors, their receptors and binding proteins in relation to plasma metabolic levels and mammographic density
Authors: Biong Margarethe , Gram Inger T , Brill Ilene , Johansen Fredrik , Solvang Hiroko K , Alnaes Grethe IG , Fagerheim Toril , Bremnes Yngve , Chanock Stephen J , Burdett Laurie , Yeager Meredith , Ursin Giske , Kristensen Vessela N 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackgroundIncreased mammographic density is one of the strongest independent risk factors for breast cancer. It is believed that one third of breast cancers are derived from breasts with more than 50% density. Mammographic density is affected by age, BMI, parity, and genetic predisposition. It is also greatly influenced by hormonal and growth factor changes in a woman's life cycle, spanning from puberty through adult to menopause. Genetic variations in genes coding for hormones and growth factors involved in development of the breast are therefore of great interest. The associations between genetic polymorphisms in genes from the IGF pathway on mammographic density and circulating levels of IGF1, its binding protein IGFBP3, and their ratio in postmenopausal women are reported here.MethodsSamples from 964 postmenopausal Norwegian women aged 55-71 years were collected as a part of the Tromsø Mammography and Breast Cancer Study. All samples were genotyped for 25 SNPs in IGF1, IGF2, IGF1R, IGF2R, IGFALS and IGFBP3 using Taqman (ABI). The main statistical analyses were conducted with the PROC HAPLOTYPE procedure within SAS/GENETICS™ (SAS 9.1.3).ResultsThe haplotype analysis revealed six haploblocks within the studied genes. Of those, four had significant associations with circulating levels of IGF1 or IGFBP3 and/or mammographic density. One haplotype variant in the IGF1 gene was found to be associated with mammographic density. Within the IGF2 gene one haplotype variant was associated with levels of both IGF1 and IGFBP3. Two haplotype variants in the IGF2R were associated with the level of IGF1. Both variants of the IGFBP3 haplotype were associated with the IGFBP3 level and indicate regulation in cis.ConclusionPolymorphisms within the IGF1 gene and related genes were associated with plasma levels of IGF1, IGFBP3 and mammographic density in this study of postmenopausal women.
Identification of a Novel Estrogen Receptor-α Variant and Its Upstream Splicing Regulator
Authors: Ohshiro Kazufumi , Mudvari Prakriti , Meng Qing-chang , Rayala Suresh K. , Sahin Aysegul A. , Fuqua Suzanne A. W. , Kumar Rakesh 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Alternative splicing of precursor mRNA is a fundamental mechanism to generate multiple proteins from a single gene. Although constitutive and alternative mRNA splicing is temporally and spatially regulated, deregulation of mRNA splicing could cause development, progression, and metastasis of tumors. Through yeast two-hybrid screening of a human breast cDNA library using estrogen receptor-α (ERα) as bait, we identified a novel nuclear receptor box containing full-length protein, nuclear protein E3-3 (NPE3-3). Our results revealed that NPE3-3 associates with not only ERα but also with splicing factors, serine/arginine-rich protein (SRp)-30c, SRp40, and splicing factor SC-35, suggesting that NPE3-3 is likely to be involved in regulation of mRNA splicing. Accordingly, transient expression of NPE3-3 in cells resulted in expected splicing of the CD44 control minigene. We also discovered that NPE3-3-overexpressing clones produced a novel, previously unrecognized, alternatively spliced variant of ERα (termed ERαV), which had a molecular size of 37 kDa composed of only exons 1, 2, 7, and 8. ERαV was expressed and sequestered in the cytoplasm in MCF-7 cells stably overexpressing NPE3-3, suggesting its involvement in nongenomic hormone signaling. NPE3-3 clones exhibited up-regulation of ERK1/2 signaling, cyclin D1, and cathepsin D and enhanced tumor cell proliferation, migration, and tumorigenicity. Moreover, direct expression of the ERαV in breast cancer cells stimulated ERK1/2 up-regulation and cyclin D1 expression. We found that ERαV physically interacted with MAPK kinase (MEK)-1/2, and thus, an ERαV and MEK1/2 complex could lead to the activation of the ERK1/2 pathway. Interestingly, NPE3-3 was up-regulated in human breast tumors. These findings revealed a role for NPE3-3 in alternative splicing and suggest that ERα is a physiological target of NPE3-3, leading to a constitutive nongenomic signaling pathway in breast cancer cells.
Interdependence of kallikrein-related peptidases in proteolytic networks
Authors: Beaufort Nathalie , Plaza Karolina , Utzschneider Daniel , Schwarz Amelie , Burkhart Julia M. , Creutzburg Sabine , Debela Mekdes , Schmitt Manfred , Ries Christian , Magdolen Viktor 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Human kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) are 15 homologous serine proteases involved in several (patho)physiological processes, including cancer. Secreted as precursors, they are activated upon proteolytic release of a short pro-peptide. We searched for interconnection of KLKs within extracellular proteolytic networks leading to activation of protease zymogens and found that (i) pro-KLK activation by other KLKs is scarce, with the exception of pro-KLK11, which is efficiently activated by KLK4 and 5; (ii) pro-KLK4 is activated by matrix metalloproteinase 3; and (iii) trypsin-like KLKs efficiently activate the serine protease urokinase. Our observations provide new insights into the regulation of these important tumor-associated proteases.
Kallikrein-related peptidase genes as promising biomarkers for prognosis and monitoring of human malignancies
Authors: Avgeris Margaritis , Mavridis Konstantinos , Scorilas Andreas 
Published: March 2010

AbstractTissue kallikrein (KLK1) and the kallikrein-related peptidase (KLK2–15) genes encode for a subgroup of 15 homologous secreted serine proteases possessing numerous physiological roles, such as the regulation of blood pressure, hormone processing and tissue remodeling. The expression ofKLKsis detected in a broad spectrum of human tissues where it has been found to be regulated mainly by steroids hormones. The aberrant expression ofKLKs, presented in many human malignancies, highlights the significance of this gene family for early diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of cancer patients, as it is strongly emphasized by the routine use of PSA (KLK3) for prostate cancer management. Here, we review the presently known data regarding the role ofKLKsas cancer biomarkers, giving emphasis on novel information about the subject.
The role of salivary histatin and the human cathelicidin LL-37 in wound healing and innate immunity
Authors: Oudhoff Menno J. , Blaauboer Marjolein E. , Nazmi Kamran , Scheres Nina , Bolscher Jan G.M. , Veerman Enno C.I. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractAntimicrobial peptides are multifunctional in innate immunity and wound repair of multicellular organisms. We were the first to discover that histatins, a family of salivary antimicrobial peptides, enhance epithelial cell migration, suggesting a role in oral wound healing. It is unknown whether histatins display innate-immunity activities, similar to other antimicrobial peptides such as LL-37. Therefore, we compared the effect of Histatin-2 and LL-37 on several activities within the context of wound healing and innate immunity. We found that Histatin-2 enhances fibroblast migration, but only weakly induces proliferation. LL-37 enhances both fibroblast migration and proliferation, but only at a narrow concentration optimum (approximately 1 μm). At higher concentrations LL-37 causes cell death, whereas Histatin-2 is not cytotoxic. Both peptides do not alter fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation. Histatin-2 does not alter interleukin-8 (IL-8) expression and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-elevated cytokine and chemokine expression. In contrast, LL-37 induces IL-8 expression, but dampens the LPS-induced immune response. Neither Histatin-2 nor LL-37 affects human-neutrophil migration. Histatins are, unlike other antimicrobial peptides, not cytotoxic or proinflammatory. It seems that they are important for the initial stage of wound healing in which fast wound coverage is important for healing without infection, inflammation, or fibrosis development. Interestingly, these characteristics are more typical for the mouth than for skin.
Adsorption of triton X-100 on silica gel: effects of temperature and alcohols
Authors: Samiey Babak , Golestan Somayeh 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Adsorption of Triton X-100 (TX-100) on silica gel has been studied as a function of temperature (308–328 K) and composition for mixtures of water with ethanol or t-butanol. The adsorption capacity of silica gel for TX-100 decreases with increase in alcohol content. Adsorption isotherms of TX-100 on silica gel are four-region and were analyzed using the ARIAN (adsorption isotherm regional analysis) model. Data in regions 2, 3 and 4 were fitted to the Temkin, bilayer and reverse desorption isotherms, respectively. The results show that adsorption of TX-100 on silica gel in water and alcohol-water binary mixtures occurs mainly through formation of monolayer surface aggregates or low bilayer coverage.
Ionic liquid promoted Diels-Alder Reaction between anthrone and maleimides
Authors: Mirgane Nitin , Kotwal Sandip , Karnik Anil 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Ionic liquids (IL) are gaining importance as green solvents. Imidazolium ionic liquid [bmim]+[Cl]−, an environmentally benign solvent, was found to promote the Diels-Alder reaction between anthrone and maleimides at room temperature with excellent yields. The ionic liquid played a dual role as solvent and catalyst.
A new specific mechanism for thioacid/azide amidation: electronic and solvent effects
Authors: Gao Yunling 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Detailed theoretical studies of azide/thioacid amidation are performed using density functional theory. The calculated results indicate that electronic properties of azide have significant effects on reaction pathways, which result in two distinct mechanisms for electron-rich and electron-poor azide coupling in the base-promoted amidation. For electron-rich azide amidation, after the concerted [3+2] cycloaddition of azide/thiocarboxylate, a new reaction channel is found challenging that recently mentioned, which follows two consecutive, unimolecular reactions with very low activation barriers (−1) to give an anionic amide and a nitrous sulfide (N2S). Distinct from electron-rich azide amidation, electron-poor azide first couples with thiocarboxylate to form a linear stable adduct, and then passes through the transition state of the rate-controlling step to afford the anionic amide, rather than the thiatrazoline. The free energy barrier of this step is 4.2 kcal mol−1 lower than that previously proposed. Comparatively, the azide/thioacid amidations undergo the concerted [3+2] cycloaddition and the subsequent retro-[3+2] cycloaddition process to give cis-enol form of the amide, which have higher activation barriers than those in the based-promoted amidation. Solvent effects investigated indicate that non-polar solvents, such as chloroform, are more preferable for the base-promoted thioacid/azide amidation.
Organic/inorganic bioactive materials part IV: In vitro assessment of bioactivity of gelatin-calcium phosphate silicate/wollastonite hybrids
Authors: Radev Lachezar , Hristov Vladimir , Fernandes Maria , Salvado Isabel 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Biohybrids consisting of gelatin (G) and calcium phosphate silicate/wollastonite (CPS/W) have not been prepared so far. In this work our results are focused on the possibility of obtaining G-CPS/W bioactive hybrids in vitro. XRD, FTIR, SEM/EDS techniques were employed to characterize the synthesized hybrid materials. FTIR shows that before immersion in 1.5 SBF the “red shift” of COO- band for pure G is observed. The presence of this bond could be attributed to the formation of COO-Ca2+ via non-biomimetic route. After immersion in 1.5 SBF, FTIR shows the presence of A- and B-type carbonate containing hydroxyapatite (A/B-CO3HA). ESD and FTIR show that small amount of calcite (CaCO3) are present after in vitro test in 1.5 SBF for 3 days. XRD reveals that CO3HA and small amounts of CaCO3 can be detected after in vitro test. SEM results obtained for immersed samples show that hydroxyapatite (HA) particles fully covered the surface of the hybrids by a layer composed of spherulites. At higher magnification, very small elongated crystallites could be observed.
QSAR studies of a number of triazole antifungal alcohols
Authors: Nowaczyk Alicja , Modzelewska-Banachiewicz Bożena 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
The activity of fungicide agents containing a quinazolinone ring was described using the quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model by applying it to data taken from literature. The title compounds exhibit two important types of activity against certain fungal pathogens, i.e. activity against yeast and activity against filamentous fungi. A correlation between both antifungal activities (e.g. FA(yst) and FA(ff)) and physicochemical parameters such as the logarithm of the n-octanol/water partition coefficient (log P), the polarizability (P), the global minimum energy (TE), the energy difference between the frontier molecular orbital (DELH) and the molar refractivity (MR), was established using multiple linear regression. The molecular descriptors of the antifungal agents were obtained by quantum chemical calculations combined with molecular modeling calculations. Statistical analysis shows that the antifungal activity depends mainly on the calculated partition coefficients, log P, of the compounds. Bi-parametric models reveal that antifungal activity relates linearly to log P and P.
Structural properties and magnetic interactions in Al3+ and Cr3+ co-substituted CoFe2O4 ferrite
Authors: More Surendra , Kadam Ram , Kadam Ankush , Mane Dhanraj , Bichile Govind 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
A series of CoAlxCrxFe2−2xO4 systems (x = 0.1 to 0.5 in steps of x = 0.1) spinel ferrites have been synthesized successfully using wet chemical co-precipitation technique. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (IR) and magnetization measurements. The powder XRD patterns confirm the single phase spinel structure for the materials synthesized. X -ray diffraction measurements were performed to yield the lattice constant as function of the amount x corresponding to Al-Cr substitution. Lattice parameters, X-ray density, bulk density and particle size decrease whereas porosity increases with the increase in Al-Cr content, ‘x’. Infrared studies show two absorption bands at about 400 cm−1 and 600 cm−1 for octahedral and tetrahedral sites, respectively. Saturation magnetization decreases with the increase in Al-Cr content x. AC magnetic susceptibility measurements were carried out as a function of temperature to measure the Curie temperature, which was found to decrease with Al-Cr content x. The decrease of Curie temperature has been explained by A-B interaction.
Supercritical fluid extraction as a tool for isolation of monoterpenes from coniferous needles and walnut-tree leaves
Authors: Fojtová Jitka , Lojková Lea , Kubáň Vlastimil 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Several monoterpenes, i.e., (+)-α-pinene, (−)-camphene, sabinene, (−)-β-pinene, myrcene, R-(+)-limonene, (−)-bornylacetate, (−)-trans-caryophyllene and a-humulene were identified and determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in needles of Pinaceae (Picea abies, P. omorika, P. pungens, P. Breweriana, Pinus nigra, P. mungo turra, P. black, P. sylvestris, Abies pinsapo, A. holophylla, A. Bronmuelleris, A. alba, Larix Kaempferi L. decidua) and tree-leaves of Juglandaceae (Juglans regia, J. nigra, J. sieboldiana var. Cordiformis) families. Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) was found to be very useful for their isolation at optimised conditions (needles/leaves: pressure 20/30 MPa, temperature 80/130°C, time of extraction 60/60 min, modifier chloroform/chloroform). Their seasonal distribution, evaluation of differences in concentrations and relative amounts in different trees and their varieties grown in different localities were evaluated.
Novel modification of elemental silver formed in Ag4[Fe(CN)6]-gelatin-immobilized matrix Implants
Authors: Mikhailov Oleg , Naumkina Natal’ya 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Ag4[Fe(CN)6]→Ag reduction process occurring in Ag4[Fe(CN)6]- gelatin-immobilized matrices, has been studied. In the course of reduction, these matrices are in a contact with water-alkaline solu-tion containing tin(II) dichloride along with an organic or inorganic compound capable of forming a stable soluble complex with Ag(I). It has been found that the substance formed in the gelatin matrix, is almost pure elemental silver, which consists two various phases which are distinguished by their optical and X-ray diffraction parameters.