bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification and characterization of a bactericidal and proapoptotic peptide from cycas revoluta seeds with DNA binding properties
Authors: Mandal Santi M. , Migliolo Ludovico , Das Subhasis , Mandal Mahitosh , Franco Octavio L. , Hazra Tapas K. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractNowadays, novel pharmacies have been screened from plants. Among them are the peptides, which show multiple biotechnological activities. In this report, a small peptide (Ala–Trp–Lys–Leu–Phe–Asp–Asp–Gly–Val) with a molecular mass of 1,050 Da was purified from Cycas revoluta seeds by using reversed‐phase liquid chromatography. This peptide shows clear deleterious effects against human epidermoid cancer (Hep2) and colon carcinoma cells (HCT15). It caused inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and further disruption of nucleosome structures, inducing apoptosis by direct DNA binding. A remarkable antibacterial activity was also observed in this same peptide. Nevertheless, no significant lysis of normal RBC cells was observed in the presence of peptide. Additionally, an acetylation at the N‐termini portion is able to reduce both activities. Bioinformatics tools were also utilized for construction of a three‐dimensional model showing a single amphipathic helix. Since in vitro binding studies show that the target of this peptide seems to be DNA, theoretical docking studies were also performed to better understand the interaction between peptide and nucleic acids and also to shed some light on the acetyl group role. Firstly, binding studies showed that affinity contacts basically occur due to electrostatic attraction. The complex peptide‐ssDNA was clearly oriented by residues Ala1, Lys3, and Asp6, which form several hydrogen bonds that are able to stabilize the complex. When acetyl was added, hydrogen bonds are broken, reducing the peptide affinity. In summary, it seems that information here provided could be used to design a novel derivative of this peptide which a clear therapeutic potential. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 184–193, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Human keratinocytes respond to direct current stimulation by increasing intracellular calcium: Preferential response of poorly differentiated cells
Authors: Dubé Jean , Rochette‐Drouin Olivier , Lévesque Philippe , Gauvin Robert , Roberge Charles J. , Auger François A. , Goulet Daniel , Bourdages Michel , Plante Michel , Moulin Véronique J. , Germain Lucie 
Published: September 2011

AbstractA direct current (DC) endogenous electric field (EF) is induced in the wound following skin injury. It is potentially implicated in the wound healing process by attracting cells and altering their phenotypes as indicated by the response to an EF of keratinocytes cultured as individual cells. To better define the signalization induced by a direct current electric field (DCEF) in human keratinocytes, we took advantage of an in vitro model more representative of the in vivo situation since it promotes cell–cell interactions and stratification. Human keratinocytes were grown into colonies. Their exposure to a DCEF of physiological intensity induced an increase of intracellular calcium. This variation of intracellular calcium resulted from an extracellular calcium influx and was mediated, at least in part, by the L‐type voltage‐gated calcium channel. The increase in intracellular calcium in response to a DCEF was however not observed in all the cells composing the colonies. The intracellular calcium increase was only detected in keratinocytes that didn't express involucrin, a marker of differentiated cells. These results indicate that DCEF is able to induce a specific calcium response in poorly differentiated keratinocytes. This study brings a new perspective for the understanding of the signaling mechanism of endogenous EF in reepithelialization, a critical process during skin wound healing. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 2660–2667, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Contrast‐enhanced sonographic appearance of malignant fibrous histiocytoma in the sigmoid colon: A case report
Authors: Wang Yi‐jiao , Tang Shao‐Shan , Zhao Yan 
Published: September 2011

AbstractMalignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) of the sigmoid colon is extremely rare and imaging characteristics of MFH during contrast‐enhanced sonography have not been described yet. Here we report the case of a 55‐year‐old man suffering from MFH in the sigmoid colon, with an emphasis on contrast‐enhanced sonography findings. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 40:439–442, 2012
Surviving starvation: Changes accompanying starvation tolerance in a bdelloid rotifer
Authors: Marotta Roberto , Uggetti Andrea , Ricci Claudia , Leasi Francesca , Melone Giulio 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBdelloid rotifers survive desiccation and starvation by halting activity and entering a kind of dormancy. To understand the mechanisms of survival in the absence of food source, we studied the anatomical and ultrastructural changes occurring in a bdelloid species, Macrotrachela quadricornifera Milne 1886, after starvation for different periods. The starved rotifers present a progressive reduction of body size accompanied with a consistent reduction of the volume of the stomach syncytium, where lipid inclusions and digestive vacuoles tend to fade with prolonged starvation. Similar reduction occurs in the vitellarium gland, in which yolk granules progressively decrease in number and size. The changes observed in the syncytia of the stomach and the vitellarium suggest that during starvation M. quadricornifera uses resources diverted from the stomach syncytium first and from the vitellarium syncytium later, resources that are normally allocated to reproduction. The fine structure of starved bdelloids is compared with that of anhydrobiotic bdelloids, revealing that survival during either forms of dormancy is sustained by different physiological mechanisms. J. Morphol., 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Knee biomechanics early after knee replacement surgery predict abnormal gait patterns 12 months postoperatively
Authors: Levinger Pazit , Menz Hylton B. , Morrow Adam D. , Perrott Margaret A. , Bartlett John R. , Feller Julian A. , Bergman Neil B. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAn abnormal flexor moment pattern is often evident following total knee replacement (TKR) surgery. We investigated whether such a pattern at 12 months post‐surgery could be predicted using biomechanical gait measures assessed before surgery and at 4 months post‐surgery. Thirty two TKR patients were evaluated and classified as normal (biphasic pattern) or abnormal (flexor moment pattern) at each time point. Biomechanical parameters collected before surgery and at 4 months post‐surgery were then explored for their ability to predict gait patterns at 12 months post‐surgery. The gait pattern at 4 months was significantly associated with the 12 month post‐surgery gait pattern, with over half of those with a flexor moment pattern at 4 months retaining this pattern at 12 months. Discriminant function analysis indicated that peak knee flexion during early stance, peak knee extension, and peak knee extension moment at 4 months post‐surgery were independent predictors of the gait pattern at 12 months. Thus, an abnormal knee flexor moment pattern at 12 months post‐surgery can be predicted by biomechanical analysis 4 months after surgery. Therefore, interventions aimed at improving active extension may need to be implemented early after surgery to restore a normal gait pattern. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:371–376, 2012
Effects of industrial tomato paste processing on ascorbic acid, flavonoids and carotenoids and their stability over one‐year storage
Authors: Koh Eunmi , Charoenprasert Suthawan , Mitchell Alyson E 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: The effects of industrial tomato paste processing and long‐term (12 months) ambient storage on the content and stability of quercetin, kaempferol, ascorbic acid (AA), dehydroascorbic acid (DHAA), β‐carotene and lycopene were evaluated in a commercially produced tomato paste.RESULTS: The initial thermal treatment (hot break; 93 °C for 5 min) resulted in significant reductions in quercetin (54%), kaempferol (61%), AA (63%) and β‐carotene (30%), whereas subsequent processing steps (e.g. evaporation and sterilization) did not result in marked changes in these compounds. Lycopene was stable during hot break but decreased by 20% through evaporation and sterilization. The ratio of DHAA:vitamin C increased during hot break to 23%, whereas the ratio of DHAA:vitamin C remained relatively low in subsequent processing steps, indicating that AA was not oxidized. AA decreased with prolonged storage, with only 13% remaining at 12 months. The carotenoids and quercetin remained stable through 12 months of ambient storage.CONCLUSIONS: Tomato pomace contained significant amounts of carotenoids and flavonoids, indicating that it may be an underutilized processing byproduct. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
A Comparative Study of the Use of Generalized Additive Models and Generalized Linear Models in Tourism Research
Authors: Zanin Luca , Marra Giampiero 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we investigate the impact that spatial and micro‐economic variables have on the probability that a household goes on holiday. In doing so, we propose two alternative modelling specifications: a classic discrete choice model and a semiparametric logistic model. The semiparametric model extends the classic logistic model, usually employed in studies on participation in tourism, allowing modelling in a flexible manner for continuous predictors without making any a priori assumption. This is achieved via the use of penalized regression splines. A sample of Italian households was considered for our study. Comparing the results of the two approaches, we found that both methods opportunely captured, in terms of signs, the relationships under investigation. However, the use of a more flexible approach has allowed us to uncover some interesting non‐linearities that are usually not assumed a priori, thus improving the interpretation of the results. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Posttraumatic stress and related symptoms among neglected and physically and sexually maltreated adolescents
Authors: Wechsler‐Zimring Adrianna , Kearney Christopher A. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractPosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common among maltreated youth, but few investigations compare neglect with other maltreatment types. This study examined 84 adolescents who experienced neglect only, physical and/or sexual maltreatment only, or neglect with physical and/or sexual maltreatment. Symptoms of PTSD, dissociation, and depression were measured. Adolescents who experienced physical and/or sexual maltreatment, whether neglected or not, reported significantly greater symptomatology than adolescents who experienced neglect only (η2 = .094). This difference applied to PTSD symptoms, dissociative amnesia, depersonalization and derealization, negative mood, and anhedonia. Adolescents exposed to neglect only displayed substantial psychopathology but less than that of other groups. The findings may reflect emerging cascade models of the etiology of symptoms of PTSD following extensive maltreatment history.
Media use by children and adolescents from New York City 6 months after the WTC attack
Authors: Duarte Cristiane S. , Wu Ping , Cheung Anna , Mandell Donald J. , Fan Bin , Wicks Judith , Musa George J. , Hoven Christina W. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractSix months after the World Trade Center (WTC) attacks of September 11, 2001 (9/11), a representative sample of New York City students (N = 8,236) in Grades 4 through 12 reported their use of TV, Web, and combined radio and print media regarding the WTC attack. Demographic factors, WTC exposure, other exposure to trauma, and probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were used to predict intensive use of the 3 types of media. Intensive use was associated with direct exposure to the WTC attack (with the exception of Web use) and to having reported symptoms of PTSD. Stratified analyses indicated that the association between probable PTSD and intensive media use was more consistently present among those who had no direct or familial exposure to the WTC attack. As well, media, particularly TV, was intensively used by children after the WTC attack. Variations existed in the factors associated with intensive media use, which should be considered when planning postdisaster media coverage and advising families.
Kinetic studies on saponification of ethyl acetate using an innovative conductivity‐monitoring instrument with a pulsating sensor
Authors: Das Kuheli , Sahoo P. , Sai Baba M. , Murali N. , Swaminathan P. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAn innovative conductometric measurement technique using a nonconventional but high‐performance (high‐precision, high‐resolution, rapid response features for online graphic display) in house–built pulsating conductivity monitoring instrument has been deployed to study the kinetic behavior during the reaction of ethyl acetate and NaOH. A laboratory‐made constant temperature reaction bath with the facility of continuous stirring of solution for homogeneous mixing was used to carry out experiments at desired solution temperatures. Rate constants of the saponification reaction in the temperature range at various temperatures (30–55°C) were determined, and the results were compared with the reported values. Although the reported data exhibit wide scatter, our data are in agreement with some of the literature data. From these data, thermodynamic parameters such as activation energy, activation enthalpy, activation entropy, and activation free energy have been evaluated. With the introduction of this novel conductometric measurement technique, the determination of rate constants at various solution temperatures becomes much simpler and faster. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 43: 648–656, 2011
Hot-topic debate on kidney function: Renal-sparing approaches are ineffective
Authors: Lake John R. 
Published: September 2011

Key Points
1. Both acute kidney injury and chronic renal disease are common in patients undergoing liver transplantation. The etiologies are mixed.
2. The incidence of chronic renal failure after liver transplantation is unacceptable, and it has a significant impact on long-term outcomes after liver transplantation.
3. The role of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) in the development of posttransplant chronic renal failure is likely overrated.
4. The use of CNIs in the early posttransplant period is currently essential.
5. Whether new agents will be able to provide effective immunosuppression as primary immunosuppressives remains to be proven.
Effects of the Liver Volume and Donor Steatosis on Errors in the Estimated Standard Liver Volume
Authors: Siriwardana Rohan Chaminda , Chan See Ching , Chok Kenneth Siu Ho , Lo Chung Mau , Fan Sheung Tat 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
An accurate assessment of donor and recipient liver volumes is essential in living donor liver transplantation. Many liver donors are affected by mild to moderate steatosis, and steatotic livers are known to have larger volumes. This study analyzes errors in liver volume estimation by commonly used formulas and the effects of donor steatosis on these errors. Three hundred twenty-five Asian donors who underwent right lobe donor hepatectomy were the subjects of this study. The percentage differences between the liver volumes from computed tomography (CT) and the liver volumes estimated with each formula (ie, the error percentages) were calculated. Five popular formulas were tested. The degrees of steatosis were categorized as follows: no steatosis [n = 178 (54.8%)], ≤10% steatosis [n = 128 (39.4%)], and >10% to 20% steatosis [n = 19 (5.8%)]. The median errors ranged from 0.6% (7 mL) to 24.6% (360 mL). The lowest was seen with the locally derived formula. All the formulas showed a significant association between the error percentage and the CT liver volume (P < 0.001). Overestimation was seen with smaller liver volumes, whereas underestimation was seen with larger volumes. The locally derived formula was most accurate when the liver volume was 1001 to 1250 mL. A multivariate analysis showed that the estimation error was dependent on the liver volume (P = 0.001) and the anthropometric measurement that was used in the calculation (P < 0.001) rather than steatosis (P ≥ 0.07). In conclusion, all the formulas have a similar pattern of error that is possibly related to the anthropometric measurement. Clinicians should be aware of this pattern of error and the liver volume with which their formula is most accurate. Liver Transpl, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Core/Shell Fe3O4@SiO2 Nanoparticles Modified with PAH as a Vector for EGFP Plasmid DNA Delivery into HeLa Cells
Authors: Shi Mengran , Liu Yiyao , Xu Mingming , Yang Hong , Wu Chunhui , Miyoshi Hirokazu 
Published: September 2011

AbstractNovel stable core/shell Fe3O4@SiO2/PAH nanoparticles are synthesized using 15 nm Fe3O4 as the template that is modified with PAH. The resulting nanoparticles can absorb plasmid DNA to mediate gene transfer in cultured HeLa cells. An electrophoretic assay suggests that the Fe3O4@SiO2/PAH nanoparticles protect the plasmid DNA from serum and DNase I degradation. A cell viability assay shows that the Fe3O4@SiO2/PAH nanoparticles exhibit a low cytotoxicity toward endothelial cells. Qualitative analysis of transfection in HeLa cells by nanoparticles carrying a plasmid DNA encoding EGFP demonstrates a fairly high expression level, even in the presence of serum. Thus, Fe3O4@SiO2/PAH nanoparticles are biocompatible and suitable for nonviral delivery, and may find applications in cancer therapy.magnified image
Celecoxib inactivates epithelial–mesenchymal transition stimulated by hypoxia and/or epidermal growth factor in colon cancer cells
Authors: Bocca Claudia , Bozzo Francesca , Cannito Stefania , Parola Maurizio , Miglietta Antonella 
Published: September 2011

AbstractCelecoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) inhibitor, has been reported to exert chemopreventive and antitumor effects on colon cancer, one of the most common solid epithelial malignancy worldwide. The aim of this study was to elucidate whether celecoxib may be able to affect epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a critical process involved in cancer cell invasiveness and metastasis and then proposed to be relevant for cancer progression. Human HT‐29 colon cancer cells were exposed to carefully controlled hypoxic conditions and/or epidermal growth factor (EGF) and then investigated for EMT changes and signal transduction pathways involved by using morphological, molecular, and cell biology techniques. Celecoxib inhibited basal and EGF‐stimulated proliferation, hypoxia‐related HIF‐1α recruitment/stabilization as well as hypoxia‐ and EGF‐dependent activation of ERK and PI3K. Interestingly, celecoxib prevented EMT‐related changes, as shown by modifications of β‐catenin intracellular localization or vimentin and E‐cadherin levels, as well as HT‐29 invasiveness induced by hypoxia, EGF, or hypoxia plus EGF. Finally, experiments performed on SW‐480 colon cancer cells (i.e., cells lacking COX‐2) exposed to hypoxia, used here as a stimulus able to induce EMT and invasiveness, revealed that in these cells celecoxib was ineffective. Results of the present study indicate that celecoxib has the potential to negatively affect induction of EMT and increased invasiveness of colon cancer cells as elicited by different signals originating from tumor microenvironment (i.e., hypoxia and EGF). Moreover, these effects are likely be related to the pharmacological inhibitory effect exerted on COX‐2 activity. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PPP2R1A mutations are common in the serous type of endometrial cancer
Authors: Nagendra Deepak C. , Burke James , Maxwell G. Larry , Risinger John I. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractRecently unbiased sequencing efforts identified PPP2R1A mutations in clear cell ovarian cancers (OCC). Similar mutations were also noted with high frequency in uterine serous carcinoma. Because the endometrium develops from the same developmental precursors we further examined the hypothesis that PPP2R1A mutations might also occur in diverse histologic subtypes of uterine cancer. We sequenced the PPP2R1A in 22 cell line models of uterine cancer and 10 primary cancers. We found no mutations in the cell lines originally derived from endometrioid (n = 13), undifferentiated (n = 3), clear cell (n = 1), and carcinosarcoma (n = 3) cancers. However, we found a CCC (Pro) to CGC (Arg) codon 179 mutation in the ACI‐158 serous carcinoma cell line, a CCC (Pro) to CTC (Leu) in a primary serous carcinoma as well as a CGC (Arg) to CAC (His) codon 258 mutation in a poorly differentiated endometrioid cancer. We sequenced a large panel of endometrial malignancies (n = 181) and found 12 mutants. Importantly, we confirmed a high frequency of mutation in 8 of 25 (32%) serous carcinomas a subtype with well‐recognized poor prognosis. Mutations were infrequent in endometrioid cancer and absent in clear cell and carcinosarcoma subtypes. The PPP2R1A mutation regions are conserved among species and known to interact with the regulatory subunits of the PP2A enzyme. PPP2R1A mutant endometrial cancers may represent good candidates for personalized drug therapies particularly for women with the lethal serous histologic variant of uterine cancer. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interleukin‐8 derived from local tissue‐resident stromal cells promotes tumor cell invasion
Authors: Welte Gabriel , Alt Eckhard , Devarajan Eswaran , Krishnappa Srinivasalu , Jotzu Constantin , Song Yao‐Hua 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe aim of this study is to evaluate the role of adipose tissue resident stromal cells on tumor cell invasion. Our data show that a subpopulation of adipose tissue derived stromal cells expressing Nestin, NG2, α‐smooth muscle actin and PDGFR‐α migrate toward the cancer cells. Microarray analysis revealed the upregulation of IL‐8 in the migrated cells. We demonstrated that stromal cell derived IL‐8 promote the invasion and the anchorage‐independent growth of cancer cells. We conclude that human breast cancer cells attract a subpopulation of stromal cells that secrete IL‐8 to promote tumor cell invasion in a paracrine fashion. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Towards an Optimum Well‐being for the Lithuanian Regions
Authors: Brauers Willem Karel M. , Ginevicius Romualdas 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTThe computation of regional income, being an exponent of the welfare economy, is not sufficient to measure the well‐being of a regional population. Well‐being goes further. In the well‐being economy, each individual would have to feel good concerning material wealth, health, education, all kind of security and concerning the environment. In other words, multiple objectives have to be fulfilled. Moreover, these different multiple objectives are expressed in different units. Weights are most of the time used to equalize the different units. However, introduction of weights means also introduction of subjectivity. In order to avoid this dilemma, the internal mechanical solution of a ratio system, producing dimensionless numbers, is preferred. In addition, this outcome creates the opportunity to use a non‐subjective reference point theory. The choice and importance of the objectives is also non‐subjective if all stakeholders involved come to an agreement. This theory is applied on the different regions of Lithuania. A redistribution of income has to take place from the well‐being Lithuanian regions to the poorer regions but under limiting conditions and for well‐defined and eventually controlled projects. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.