bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of miR‐374a as a prognostic marker for survival in patients with early‐stage nonsmall cell lung cancer
Authors: Võsa Urmo , Vooder Tõnu , Kolde Raivo , Fischer Krista , Välk Kristjan , Tõnisson Neeme , Roosipuu Retlav , Vilo Jaak , Metspalu Andres , Annilo Tarmo 
Published: July 2011

AbstractLung cancer is one of the deadliest types of cancer proven by the poor survival and high relapse rates after surgery. Recently discovered microRNAs (miRNAs), small noncoding RNA molecules, play a crucial role in modulating gene expression networks and are directly involved in the progression of a number of human cancers. In this study, we analyzed the expression profile of 858 miRNAs in 38 Estonian nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) samples (Stage I and II) and 27 adjacent nontumorous tissue samples using Illumina miRNA arrays. We found that 39 miRNAs were up‐regulated and 33 down‐regulated significantly in tumors compared with normal lung tissue. We observed aberrant expression of several well‐characterized tumorigenesis‐related miRNAs, as well as a number of miRNAs whose function is currently unknown. We show that low expression of miR‐374a in early‐stage NSCLC is associated with poor patient survival. The combinatorial effect of the up‐ and down‐regulated miRNAs is predicted to most significantly affect pathways associated with cell migration, differentiation and growth, and several signaling pathways that contribute to tumorigenesis. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that expression of miR‐374a at early stages of NSCLC progression can serve as a prognostic marker for patient risk stratification and may be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of lung cancer. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mechanisms of GABA release from human astrocytes
Authors: Lee Moonhee , McGeer Edith G. , McGeer Patrick L. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractWe have previously demonstrated that human astrocytes are GABAergic cells. Throughout the adult human brain, they express the GABA synthesizing enzyme GAD 67, the GABA metabolizing enzyme GABA‐T, and the GABAA and GABAB receptors. GABA modulates the actions of microglia, indicating an important role for astrocytes beyond that of influencing neurotransmitter function. Here we report on the mechanisms by which astrocytes release GABA. Astrocytes were found to express the mRNA and protein for multiple GABA transporters, and multiple receptors for glutamate, GABA, and glycine. In culture, untreated human astrocytes maintained an intracellular GABA level of 2.32 mM. They exported GABA into the culture medium so that an intracellular‐extracellular gradient of 3.64 fold was reached. Inhibitors of the GABA transporters GAT1, GAT2, and GAT3, significantly reduced this export in a Ca2+‐independent fashion. Intracellular GABA levels were enhanced by treatment with the GABA‐T inhibitors gabaculine or vigabatrin. Treatment with glutamate increased GABA release in a concentration‐dependent fashion. This was partially inhibited by blockers of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate and kainate receptors. Conversely, glycine and D‐serine, co‐agonists of NMDA receptors, enhanced the GABA release. GABA release was accompanied by an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and was reduced by adding the Ca2+ chelator, BAPTA‐AM to the medium. These data indicate that astrocytes continuously synthesize GABA and that there are multiple mechanisms which can mediate its release. Each of these may play a role in the physiological functioning of astrocytes. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evidence that compromised K+ spatial buffering contributes to the epileptogenic effect of mutations in the human kir4.1 gene (KCNJ10)
Authors: Haj‐Yasein Nadia Nabil , Jensen Vidar , Vindedal Gry Fluge , Gundersen Georg Andreas , Klungland Arne , Ottersen Ole Petter , Hvalby Øivind , Nagelhus Erlend Arnulf 
Published: July 2011

AbstractMutations in the human Kir4.1 potassium channel gene (KCNJ10) are associated with epilepsy. Using a mouse model with glia‐specific deletion of Kcnj10, we have explored the mechanistic underpinning of the epilepsy phenotype. The gene deletion was shown to delay K+ clearance after synaptic activation in stratum radiatum of hippocampal slices. The activity‐dependent changes in extracellular space volume did not differ between Kcnj10 mutant and wild‐type mice, indicating that the Kcnj10 gene product Kir4.1 mediates osmotically neutral K+ clearance. Combined, our K+ and extracellular volume recordings indicate that compromised K+ spatial buffering in brain underlies the epilepsy phenotype associated with human KCNJ10 mutations. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of a cut‐off for the macis score to predict the prognosis of differentiated thyroid carcinoma in children and young adults
Authors: Jang Hye Won , Lee Ji In , Kim Hee Kyung , Oh Young Lyun , Choi Yoon–La , Jin Dong–Kyu , Kim Jung–Han , Chung Jae Hoon , Kim Sun Wook 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe metastases, age at diagnosis, completeness of resection, invasion, size of the tumor (MACIS) scoring system was developed to predict disease‐specific survival in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), mainly for adults, with a cut‐off score of 6. The purpose of this study was to evaluate its ability to predict prognosis of DTC in children and young adults.MethodsThe medical records of 66 children and young adult (<21 years old) patients with DTC were reviewed retrospectively. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine the cut‐off for predicting poor prognosis.ResultsExtrathyroidal invasion and regional lymph node metastasis were noted in 64% each, and distant metastases were found in 8%. The optimal cut‐off for the MACIS score for poor prognosis was 4 (93% sensitivity, 67% specificity). The overall 10‐year recurrence‐free survival was better in patients with MACIS score <4 than score ≥4 (p < .05).ConclusionA MACIS score of more than 4 was associated with a poor prognosis in children and young adult patients with DTC. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012
Expression of paramyxovirus V proteins promotes replication and spread of hepatitis C virus in cultures of primary human fetal liver cells
Authors: Andrus Linda , Marukian Svetlana , Jones Christopher T. , Catanese Maria Teresa , Sheahan Timothy P. , Schoggins John W. , Barry Walter T. , Dustin Lynn B. , Trehan Kartik , Ploss Alexander , Bhatia Sangeeta N. , Rice Charles M. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract

Here we demonstrate that primary cultures of human fetal liver cells (HFLC) reliably support infection with laboratory strains of hepatitis C virus (HCV), although levels of virus replication vary significantly between different donor cell preparations and frequently decline in a manner suggestive of active viral clearance. To investigate possible contributions of the interferon (IFN) system to control HCV infection in HFLC, we exploited the well-characterized ability of paramyxovirus (PMV) V proteins to counteract both IFN induction and antiviral signaling. The V proteins of measles virus (MV) and parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) were introduced into HFLC using lentiviral vectors encoding a fluorescent reporter for visualization of HCV-infected cells. V protein-transduced HFLC supported enhanced (10 to 100-fold) levels of HCV infection relative to untransduced or control vector-transduced HFLC. Infection was assessed by measurement of virus-driven luciferase, by assays for infectious HCV and viral RNA, and by direct visualization of HCV-infected hepatocytes. Live cell imaging between 48 and 119 hours postinfection demonstrated little or no spread of infection in the absence of PMV V protein expression. In contrast, V protein-transduced HFLC showed numerous HCV infection events. V protein expression efficiently antagonized the HCV-inhibitory effects of added IFNs in HFLC. In addition, induction of the type III IFN, IL29, following acute HCV infection was inhibited in V protein-transduced cultures.

Conclusion:

These studies suggest that the cellular IFN response plays a significant role in limiting the spread of HCV infection in primary hepatocyte cultures. Strategies aimed at dampening this response may be key to further development of robust HCV culture systems, enabling studies of virus pathogenicity and the mechanisms by which HCV spreads in its natural host cell population. (Hepatology 2011;)
Contextual and psychosocial influences on antiretroviral therapy adherence in rural Zimbabwe: towards a systematic framework for programme planners
Authors: Skovdal Morten , Campbell Catherine , Nhongo Kundai , Nyamukapa Constance , Gregson Simon 
Published: July 2011

SUMMARYGreat progress has been made in achieving universal access to antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, for successful viral suppression, patients must adhere to rigid and complex treatment regimens. With three quarters of antiretroviral (ARV) users in Africa adhering successfully, African countries have achieved extraordinary levels of adherence given the levels of poverty in which many ARV users live. Nevertheless, one quarter of ARV users still struggle to adhere and run the risk of experiencing viral replication, clinical progression or even drug resistance. Much has been written about ART adherence, but little has been done to systematically categorise the spectrum of factors that influence ART. In this paper, we use a Zimbabwean case study to develop a framework for ART programme planners and implementers seeking to identify and tackle social obstacles to adherence. We draw on interviews and group discussions with 25 nurses and 53 adult ARV users, which we analysed through a three‐tiered thematic approach, allowing us to categorise our findings into broader dimensions that can transcend our case study and be applied elsewhere. Our findings suggest that ART adherence is influenced by the material, symbolic, relational and institutional contexts in which ARV users live as well as the patient's motivation, participation and psychosocial responses to ART. This framework allows us to examine both the social context in which ART programmes are located and the psychosocial factors that influence patient behaviours. We offer this framework as a resource for ART programme planners and implementers seeking to improve ART compliance in resource‐poor settings. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A majority of the cancer/testis antigens are intrinsically disordered proteins
Authors: Rajagopalan Krithika , Mooney Steven M. , Parekh Nehal , Getzenberg Robert H. , Kulkarni Prakash 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe cancer/testis antigens (CTAs) are a group of heterogeneous proteins that are typically expressed in the testis but aberrantly expressed in several types of cancer. Although overexpression of CTAs is frequently associated with advanced disease and poorer prognosis, the significance of this correlation is unclear since the functions of the CTAs in the disease process remain poorly understood. Here, employing a bioinformatics approach, we show that a majority of CTAs are intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). IDPs are proteins that, under physiological conditions in vitro, lack rigid 3D structures either along their entire length or in localized regions. Despite the lack of structure, most IDPs can transition from disorder to order upon binding to biological targets and often promote highly promiscuous interactions. IDPs play important roles in transcriptional regulation and signaling via regulatory protein networks and are often associated with dosage sensitivity. Consistent with these observations, we find that several CTAs can bind DNA, and their forced expression appears to increase cell growth implying a potential dosage‐sensitive function. Furthermore, the CTAs appear to occupy “hub” positions in protein regulatory networks that typically adopt a “scale‐free” power law distribution. Taken together, our data provide a novel perspective on the CTAs implicating them in processing and transducing information in altered physiological states in a dosage‐sensitive manner. Identifying the CTAs that occupy hub positions in protein regulatory networks would allow a better understanding of their functions as well as the development of novel therapeutics to treat cancer. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 3256–3267, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional dissection of the glucose signaling pathways that regulate the yeast glucose transporter gene (HXT) repressor Rgt1
Authors: Jouandot David , Roy Adhiraj , Kim Jeong‐Ho 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe yeast Rgt1 repressor is a bifunctional protein that acts as a transcriptional repressor and activator. Under glucose‐limited conditions, Rgt1 induces transcriptional repression by forming a repressive complex with its corepressors Mth1 and Std1. Here, we show that Rgt1 is converted from a transcriptional repressor into an activator under high glucose conditions and this occurs through two independent but consecutive events mediated by two glucose signaling pathways: (1) disruption of the repressive complex by the Rgt2/Snf3 pathway; (2) phosphorylation of Rgt1 by the cAMP‐dependent protein kinase (cAMP‐PKA) pathway. Rgt1 is phosphorylated by PKA at four serine residues within its amino‐terminal region, but this does not occur until the repressive complex is disrupted. While phosphorylation of any one of these sites is sufficient to enable Rgt1 to induce transcriptional activation, phosphorylation of all the sites results in the release of Rgt1 from DNA. We discuss how the bifunctional properties of Rgt1 are regulated through differential phosphorylation. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 3268–3275, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
α7‐type acetylcholine receptor localization and its modulation by nicotine and cholesterol in vascular endothelial cells
Authors: Peña Victoria B. Ayala , Bonini Ida C. , Antollini Silvia S. , Kobayashi Toshihide , Barrantes Francisco J. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe neuronal‐type α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7AChR) is also found in various non‐neural tissues, including vascular endothelium, where its peculiar ionotropic properties (high Ca2+ permeability) and its supervening Ca2+‐mediated intracellular cascades may play important roles in physiology (angiogenesis) and pathology (inflammation and atherogenesis). Changes in molecular (up‐regulation, affinity, and conformational states) and cellular (distribution, association with membranes) properties of the α7AChR related to angiogenesis (wound‐repair cell migration) and atherogenesis (alterations in cholesterol content) were studied in living endothelial cells, with the aim of determining whether such changes constitute early markers of inflammatory response. The combination of pharmacological, biochemical, and fluorescence microscopy tools showed that α7AChRs in rat arterial endothelial (RAEC) and human venous endothelial (HUVEC) cells occur at extremely low expression levels (∼50 fmol/mg protein) but undergo agonist‐induced up‐regulation at relatively high nicotine concentrations (∼300‐fold with 50 µM ligand), increasing their cell‐surface exposure. When analyzed in terms of cold Triton X‐100 solubility and subcellular distribution, α7AChRs occur in the “non‐raft” subcellular membrane fractions. Acute cholesterol depletion reduced not only cholesterol levels but also the number of cell‐surface α7AChRs. Nicotine exposure markedly stimulated cell migration and accelerated wound repair, which drastically diminished in cells deprived of the sterol. The angiogenic effect of nicotine appears to be synergistic with cholesterol content. Finally, the apparent KD of α7AChRs for the open‐channel blocker crystal violet was found to be ∼600‐fold lower in receptor‐enriched membranes obtained from up‐regulated HUVEC. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 3276–3288, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparisons between the effects of calcitonin receptor‐stimulating peptide and intermedin and other peptides in the calcitonin family on bone resorption and osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Granholm Susanne , Henning Petra , Lerner Ulf H. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractCalcitonin receptor‐stimulating peptide (CRSP) and intermedin (IMD) are two recently discovered peptides in the calcitonin (CT) family of peptides. CRSP and IMD, similar to CT, calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), and amylin (AMY), but in contrast to adrenomedullin (ADM), inhibited bone resorption in mouse calvarial bones. CRSP and IMD, similar to CT, CGRP, AMY, but in contrast to ADM, decreased formation of osteoclasts and number of pits in bone marrow macrophage cultures stimulated by M‐CSF and RANKL, with no effect on the expression of a number of genes associated with osteoclast progenitor cell differentiation. CRSP and IMD inhibited osteoclastogenesis at a late stage but had no effect on DC‐STAMP mRNA. IMD, similar to CGRP, AMY, and ADM stimulated cyclic AMP formation in M‐CSF expanded osteoclast progenitor cells lacking CT receptors (CTRs). RANKL induced CTRs and a cyclic AMP response also to CT and CRSP, and increased the cyclic AMP response to CGRP, AMY, and IMD but decreased the response to ADM. Our data demonstrates that CRSP and IMD share several functional properties of peptides in the CT family of peptides, including inhibition of bone resorption and osteoclast formation. The data also show that the reason why ADM does not inhibit osteoclast activity or formation is related to the fact that RANKL decreases ADM receptor signaling through the adenylate cyclase‐cyclic AMP pathway. Finally, the findings indicate that activation by CGRP, AMY, and IMD may include activation of both CT and CT receptor‐like receptors. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 3300–3312, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Estimation of mid‐distillates production rate in a low temperature Fischer–Tropsch process
Authors: Adl Adel , Ebrahim Habib Ale , Sohrabi Morteza 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: The Fischer–Tropsch process is the most important path for converting natural gas to high quality liquid hydrocarbons. Low temperature Fischer–Tropsch synthesis in slurry bubble column reactors with cobalt‐based catalysts is used for mid‐distillates production.RESULTS: In this work the slurry bubble column reactor was simulated by applying the two‐bubble class mathematical model. In addition, the effect of operating parameters on synthesis gas conversion was studied. The distribution of products was also predicted from the simulation framework.CONCLUSIONS: The effect of synthesis gas inlet velocity on mid‐distillates production rate was studied in the present work. A maximum production rate for mid‐distillates of about 23 kg s−1 was predicted from the simulation program. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Recovery of rare earth elements from simulated fluorescent powder using bifunctional ionic liquid extractants (Bif‐ILEs)
Authors: Yang Hualing , Wang Wei , Cui Hongmin , Zhang Dongli , Liu Yu , Chen Ji 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND:Numerous high purity ammonium‐type ionic liquid extractants have been prepared for engineering purposes. Bifunctional ionic liquid extractants (Bif‐ILEs) have been widely applied to separate and extract rare earths and metal ions with high extraction efficiencies and selectivities. In the present study, new Bif‐ILEs [A336][P204] and [A336][P507] have been used to extract rare earths from a simulated solution of a fluorescent powder in a high concentration of Al(NO3)3.RESULTS:Bif‐ILEs were prepared from Aliquat336 (A336) and the commercial organophosphorus acid extractants, P204 and P507. These extractants [A336][P204] and [A336][P507] have similar characteristics to neutral organophosphorus extractants. When these Bif‐ILEs were used to extract RE(III) from a simulated waste fluorescent powder system a third phase appeared which could be eliminated by the addition of 10% isopropanol modifier. The coexisting Al2O3in the fluorescent powder was changed to a salting‐out agent (Al(NO3)3) in the extraction process and promoted the extraction efficiency of RE(III). Using a countercurrent extraction process at a phase ratioVo:Vw= 4:1 and pH = 0.56, the RE(III) recovery reached 95.2% in 5–7 stages. Finally, the extractabilities of these bifunctional extractants were compared with the neutral organophosphorus extractants P350, TBP and Cyanex923 at different concentrations, initial pHs and temperatures.CONCLUSIONS:By comparison with other neutral organophosphorus extractants, Bif‐ILEs [A336][P204] and [A336][P507] can be considered efficient potential extractants for separating and recycling REEs and Al2O3from waste fluorescent powder. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
EXCHANGE RATE DETERMINATION UNDER MONETARY POLICY RULES IN A FINANCIALLY UNDERDEVELOPED ECONOMY: A SIMPLE MODEL AND APPLICATION TO MOZAMBIQUE
Authors: Hassan Shakill , Simione Félix 
Published: July 2011

AbstractMicrostructure aspects of nominal exchange rate determination are less relevant in countries with embryonic financial markets. In less‐developed economies, trade in goods and services is a more significant driver of currency demand than financial market speculation or hedging, and central banks actively set monetary variables. We develop a simple variation of the standard monetary model of exchange rate determination, incorporating interest rate rules but not relying on interest rate parity, and study the effect of monetary fundamentals on the Mozambican exchange rate. We find a long‐run relationship between fundamentals and exchange rates, with coefficient signs in regression equations consistent with theoretic predictions. Moreover, the monetary model outperforms a random walk in predicting metical exchange rates out of sample at the four‐quarter horizon. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Heparin‐like glycosaminoglycan/amine salt‐bridge interactions: A new potential tool for HLGAGs analysis using mass spectrometry
Authors: Xue Baiyi , Alves Sandra , Desbans Coraline , Souchaud Marie , Filali‐Ansary Aziz , Soubayrol Patrick , Tabet Jean‐Claude 
Published: July 2011

AbstractCharacterization of glycosaminoglycans poses a challenge for current analytical techniques, as they are highly acidic, polydisperse and heterogeneous compounds. The purpose of this study is the separation and analysis of a partially depolymerized heparin‐like glycosaminoglycan by on‐line ion‐pairing reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray mass spectrometry. The gas‐phase behavior of two synthesized glycosaminoglycans has been investigated. Dibutylamine was found to be the best suited ion‐pairing reagents for mass spectrometry analysis. The optimized ion‐pairing conditions provide reproducible and easily interpretable electrospray mass spectra in both negative and positive ESI modes. The glycosaminoglycans are detected as a non‐covalent complex with amines. In fact, the observed ionic species and their gas‐phase dissociation under CID conditions revealed the presence of salt bridge interactions in the gas phase. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MALDI‐TOFMS analysis of coordination and organometallic complexes: a nic(h)e area to work in
Authors: Wyatt Mark F. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractA mini‐review of the characterisation of metal‐containing compounds by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOFMS) is presented. Organometallic and coordination compounds have many varied applications, most notably in industrial catalytic processes and also in the electronics and healthcare sectors. In general, the compounds discussed, be they small or large molecules, have a high percentage metal content, rather than simply containing ‘a metal atom’. A brief history of the field is given, but the main scope over the last 5 years is covered in some detail. How MALDI‐TOFMS compliments electrospray for metal‐containing compounds is highlighted. Perspectives on recent advances, such as solvent‐free and air/moisture‐sensitive sample preparation, and potential future challenges and developments, such as nanomaterials and metallodrug/metallometabolite imaging, are given. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.