bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sustained release of VEGF from PLGA nanoparticles embedded thermo-sensitive hydrogel in full-thickness porcine bladder acellular matrix
Authors: Geng Hongquan , Song Hua , Qi Jun , Cui Daxiang 
Published: April 2011

AbstractWe fabricated a novel vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-nanoparticles (NPs)-embedded thermo-sensitive hydrogel in porcine bladder acellular matrix allograft (BAMA) system, which is designed for achieving a sustained release of VEGF protein, and embedding the protein carrier into the BAMA. We identified and optimized various formulations and process parameters to get the preferred particle size, entrapment, and polydispersibility of the VEGF-NPs, and incorporated the VEGF-NPs into the (poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) (Pluronic®) F127 to achieve the preferred VEGF-NPs thermo-sensitive gel system. Then the thermal behavior of the system was proven by in vitro and in vivo study, and the kinetic-sustained release profile of the system embedded in porcine bladder acellular matrix was investigated. Results indicated that the bioactivity of the encapsulated VEGF released from the NPs was reserved, and the VEGF-NPs thermo-sensitive gel system can achieve sol-gel transmission successfully at appropriate temperature. Furthermore, the system can create a satisfactory tissue-compatible environment and an effective VEGF-sustained release approach. In conclusion, a novel VEGF-loaded PLGA NPs-embedded thermo-sensitive hydrogel in porcine BAMA system is successfully prepared, to provide a promising way for deficient bladder reconstruction therapy.
Understanding the benefit of metformin use in cancer treatment
Authors: Dowling Ryan JO , Goodwin Pamela J , Stambolic Vuk 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Biguanides have been developed for the treatment of hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes. Recently, metformin, the most widely prescribed biguanide, has emerged as a potential anticancer agent. Epidemiological, preclinical and clinical evidence supports the use of metformin as a cancer therapeutic. The ability of metformin to lower circulating insulin may be particularly important for the treatment of cancers known to be associated with hyperinsulinemia, such as those of the breast and colon. Moreover, metformin may exhibit direct inhibitory effects on cancer cells by inhibiting mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling and protein synthesis. The evidence supporting a role for metformin in cancer therapy and its potential molecular mechanisms of action are discussed.
Validation of an elastic registration technique to estimate anatomical lung modification in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Tomotherapy
Authors: Faggiano Elena , Cattaneo Giovanni M , Ciavarro Cristina , Dell'Oca Italo , Persano Diego , Calandrino Riccardo , Rizzo Giovanna 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
The study of lung parenchyma anatomical modification is useful to estimate dose discrepancies during the radiation treatment of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) patients. We propose and validate a method, based on free-form deformation and mutual information, to elastically register planning kVCT with daily MVCT images, to estimate lung parenchyma modification during Tomotherapy.

Methods
We analyzed 15 registrations between the planning kVCT and 3 MVCT images for each of the 5 NSCLC patients. Image registration accuracy was evaluated by visual inspection and, quantitatively, by Correlation Coefficients (CC) and Target Registration Errors (TRE). Finally, a lung volume correspondence analysis was performed to specifically evaluate registration accuracy in lungs.

Results
Results showed that elastic registration was always satisfactory, both qualitatively and quantitatively: TRE after elastic registration (average value of 3.6 mm) remained comparable and often smaller than voxel resolution. Lung volume variations were well estimated by elastic registration (average volume and centroid errors of 1.78% and 0.87 mm, respectively).

Conclusions
Our results demonstrate that this method is able to estimate lung deformations in thorax MVCT, with an accuracy within 3.6 mm comparable or smaller than the voxel dimension of the kVCT and MVCT images. It could be used to estimate lung parenchyma dose variations in thoracic Tomotherapy.
A two-step species-specific 16S rRNA PCR assay for the detection of Taylorella equigenitalis in horses
Authors: Buckley Thomas C. , Millar B. Cherie , Egan Claire L. , Gibson Paula , Cosgrove Hazel , Stanbridge Siobhan , Matsuda Motoo , Moore John E. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
A two-step PCR assay was developed for the molecular detection of Taylorella equigenitalis, a Gram-negative genital bacterial pathogen in horses. Two specific oligonucleotide primers (TE16SrRNABCHf [25mer] and TE16SrRNABCHr [29mer]) were designed from multiple alignments of the 16S rRNA gene loci of several closely related taxa, including T. asinigenitalis. Subsequent enhanced surveillance of 250 Thoroughbred animals failed to detect the presence of this organism directly from clinical swabs taken from the genital tract of mares and stallions. Such a molecular approach offers a sensitive and specific alternative to conventional culture techniques, and has the potential to lead to improved diagnosis and subsequent management of horses involved in breeding programmes.
Whole blood transcriptional profiling in ankylosing spondylitis identifies novel candidate genes that might contribute to the inflammatory and tissue-destructive disease aspects
Authors: Pimentel-Santos Fernando M , Ligeiro Dário , Matos Mafalda , Mourão Ana F , Costa José , Santos Helena , Barcelos Anabela , Godinho Fátima , Pinto Patricia , Cruz Margarida , Fonseca João E , Guedes-Pinto Henrique , Branco Jaime C , Brown Matthew A , Thomas Gethin P 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIntroductionA number of genetic-association studies have identified genes contributing to ankylosing spondylitis (AS) susceptibility but such approaches provide little information as to the gene activity changes occurring during the disease process. Transcriptional profiling generates a 'snapshot' of the sampled cells' activity and thus can provide insights into the molecular processes driving the disease process. We undertook a whole-genome microarray approach to identify candidate genes associated with AS and validated these gene-expression changes in a larger sample cohort.MethodsA total of 18 active AS patients, classified according to the New York criteria, and 18 gender- and age-matched controls were profiled using Illumina HT-12 whole-genome expression BeadChips which carry cDNAs for 48,000 genes and transcripts. Class comparison analysis identified a number of differentially expressed candidate genes. These candidate genes were then validated in a larger cohort using qPCR-based TaqMan low density arrays (TLDAs).ResultsA total of 239 probes corresponding to 221 genes were identified as being significantly different between patients and controls with aP-value <0.0005 (80% confidence level of false discovery rate). Forty-seven genes were then selected for validation studies, using the TLDAs. Thirteen of these genes were validated in the second patient cohort with 12 downregulated 1.3- to 2-fold and only 1 upregulated (1.6-fold). Among a number of identified genes with well-documented inflammatory roles we also validated genes that might be of great interest to the understanding of AS progression such asSPOCK2(osteonectin) andEP300, which modulate cartilage and bone metabolism.ConclusionsWe have validated a gene expression signature for AS from whole blood and identified strong candidate genes that may play roles in both the inflammatory and joint destruction aspects of the disease.
The role of chromatin accessibility in directing the widespread, overlapping patterns of Drosophila transcription factor binding
Authors: Li Xiao-Yong , Thomas Sean , Sabo Peter J , Eisen Michael B , Stamatoyannopoulos John A , Biggin Mark D 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Background
In Drosophila embryos, many biochemically and functionally unrelated transcription factors bind quantitatively to highly overlapping sets of genomic regions, with much of the lowest levels of binding being incidental, non-functional interactions on DNA. The primary biochemical mechanisms that drive these genome-wide occupancy patterns have yet to be established.

Results
Here we use data resulting from the DNaseI digestion of isolated embryo nuclei to provide a biophysical measure of the degree to which proteins can access different regions of the genome. We show that the in vivo binding patterns of 21 developmental regulators are quantitatively correlated with DNA accessibility in chromatin. Furthermore, we find that levels of factor occupancy in vivo correlate much more with the degree of chromatin accessibility than with occupancy predicted from in vitro affinity measurements using purified protein and naked DNA. Within accessible regions, however, the intrinsic affinity of the factor for DNA does play a role in determining net occupancy, with even weak affinity recognition sites contributing. Finally, we show that programmed changes in chromatin accessibility between different developmental stages correlate with quantitative alterations in factor binding.

Conclusions
Based on these and other results, we propose a general mechanism to explain the widespread, overlapping DNA binding by animal transcription factors. In this view, transcription factors are expressed at sufficiently high concentrations in cells such that they can occupy their recognition sequences in highly accessible chromatin without the aid of physical cooperative interactions with other proteins, leading to highly overlapping, graded binding of unrelated factors.
Individual music therapy for depression: randomised controlled trial
Authors: Erkkilä Jaakko , Punkanen Marko , Fachner Jörg , Ala-Ruona Esa , Pöntiö Inga , Tervaniemi Mari , Vanhala Mauno , Gold Christian 
Published: April 2011

BackgroundMusic therapy has previously been found to be effective in the treatment of depression but the studies have been methodologically insufficient and lacking in clarity about the clinical model employed.AimsTo determine the efficacy of music therapy added to standard care compared with standard care only in the treatment of depression among working-age people.MethodParticipants (n= 79) with an ICD–10 diagnosis of depression were randomised to receive individual music therapy plus standard care (20 bi-weekly sessions) or standard care only, and followed up at baseline, at 3 months (after intervention) and at 6 months. Clinical measures included depression, anxiety, general functioning, quality of life and alexithymia. Trial registration: ISRCTN84185937.ResultsParticipants receiving music therapy plus standard care showed greater improvement than those receiving standard care only in depression symptoms (mean difference 4.65, 95% CI 0.59 to 8.70), anxiety symptoms (1.82, 95% CI 0.09 to 3.55) and general functioning (–4.58, 95% CI −8.93 to −0.24) at 3-month follow-up. The response rate was significantly higher for the music therapy plus standard care group than for the standard care only group (odds ratio 2.96, 95% CI 1.01 to 9.02).ConclusionsIndividual music therapy combined with standard care is effective for depression among working-age people with depression. The results of this study along with the previous research indicate that music therapy with its specific qualities is a valuable enhancement to established treatment practices.
Presentation of Primary Adrenal Insufficiency in Childhood
Authors: Hsieh Susan , White Perrin C. 
Published: April 2011

Context:
Primary adrenal insufficiency is usually diagnosed in infancy or adulthood, and cases presenting in childhood have not been systematically reviewed.

Objective:
Our objective was to determine etiologies, signs, and symptoms of primary adrenal insufficiency presenting in childhood.

Design and Setting:
We conducted a retrospective chart review at a tertiary-care pediatric hospital.

Patients:
Patients were children with corticoadrenal insufficiency, glucocorticoid deficiency, or mineralocorticoid deficiency.

Results:
Seventy-seven cases were identified in 1999–2010. Thirty-five had congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and were not reviewed further. Forty-two patients (20 diagnosed at our institution) had primary adrenal insufficiency. These had etiologies as follows: autoimmune (18), autoimmune polyendocrinopathy syndrome (an additional five), ACTH resistance (four), adrenoleukodystrophy (three), adrenal hypoplasia congenita (two), adrenal hemorrhage (two), IMAGe syndrome (one), and idiopathic (two). Of 20 patients diagnosed at our institution, two were being monitored when adrenal insufficiency developed and were not included in the analysis of presenting signs and symptoms: 13 of 18 patients were hypotensive; 12 of 18 had documented hyperpigmentation. Hyponatremia (&lt;135 mEq/liter) occurred in 16 of 18. However, hyperkalemia (&gt;5.0 mEq/liter) was noted in only nine. Hypoglycemia and ketosis were documented in four of 15 and four of six patients in whom it was sought, respectively. Fifteen patients underwent cosyntropin stimulation testing with median baseline and stimulated cortisol of 1.1 and 1.2 μg/dl, respectively. ACTH and renin were markedly elevated in all patients.

Conclusions:
Hyperkalemia is not a consistent presenting sign of primary adrenal insufficiency in childhood, and its absence cannot rule out this condition. A combination of chronic or subacute clinical symptoms, hypotension, and hyponatremia should raise suspicion of adrenal insufficiency.
Molybdenum Cluster Halide Compound Mo6Cl12(OH2)2 with Six-Handed Linkage Hydrogen Bonding
Authors: Inumaru Kei , Anzai Atsushi , Kikudome Takashi , Harada Momoko , Sakai Hiroyuki , Ide Yusuke , Sano Tsuneji , Yamanaka Shoji 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
A hexanuclear Mo cluster compound Mo6Cl12(OH2)2 was synthesized for the first time and its crystal structure was analyzed by powder X-ray diffraction and Rietveld analysis. The initial structure model for the Rietveld analysis was developed by a cut and try method of manipulating the hexanuclear molecule(s) in the unit cell using a computer modeling program. In this paper the characteristic network structure of hydrogen bonding is discussed. In the refined structure (I4/m, Z = 2, a = 0.89869(3) nm, c = 1.14471(3) nm), the Mo6Cl12(OH2)2 molecules are connected to form a three-dimensional network by hydrogen-bonding of the aquo ligands. This is a newly reported compound and is isostructural to Mo6Br12(OH2)2 in an earlier report (L. J. Guggenberger et al., Inorg. Chem.1969, 8, 2041) which focused on the skeletal structure of the molecule. The Mo6Cl12(OH2)2 molecule has four terminal Cl atoms at equatorial positions and two aquo ligands at axial positions. The four terminal Cl atoms from four different molecules and two aquo ligands from two different molecules formed a linkage to connect the six molecules via H-bonding, where the two aquo ligands engaged with each other. Infrared absorption in the OH stretching region gave sharp peaks at 3159 and 3235 cm−1, of which the low wavenumbers indicate strong hydrogen bonding of the water molecules. 1H MAS NMR gave a signal at 6.8 ppm as the major species accompanied by well-resolved spinning side bands, indicating that the large cluster molecules separate the water molecules to weaken the dipole–dipole interaction between the protons. The flexible hydrogen-bonding linkages adopt angles such that the cluster molecules contact each other and form the densely packed crystal structure. This compound highlights an example in which molecules at nanometer scale have multisites for bonding that form a unique network structure.
Design and Synthesis of Fluorescent Probe for Polyhistidine Tag Using Macrocyclic Nickel(II) Complex and Fluorescein Conjugate
Authors: Taki Masayasu , Asahi Fumiyoshi , Hirayama Tasuku , Yamamoto Yukio 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
We report a newly designed polyhistidine tag (His-tag) targeting fluorescent probe, NiLODCF, which we synthesized based on the fluorophore displacement mechanism. A macrocyclic nickel(II) complex (NiLO) was employed as a novel binding site for a His-tag motif, and we chose dichlorofluorescein (DCF) (=2′,7′-dichloro-3′,6′-dihydroxyspiro[isobenzofuran-1(3H),9′-(9H)xanthen]-3-one) as the fluorophore. A hypochromic shift of NiLODCF from the metal-unbound form (LODCF) in the absorption spectrum suggested that the phenolic oxygen atom of DCF interacted directly with the NiLO complex, resulting in efficient fluorescence quenching (Φ = 0.084) in a neutral aqueous solution. When a model peptide having a hexahistidine sequence (H6Y1: YHHHHHH) was added to the solution of NiLODCF, a significant fluorescence enhancement in the emission (Φ = 0.60) was observed. The stoichiometry of the ternary complex between NiLODCF and H6Y1 was 1:1. The fluorescence intensity increased as the concentration of H6Y1 increased, and the dissociation constant (Kd) was determined to be 24 ± 1 µM, consistent with that for the Ni–NTA complex and His6-fused proteins (Kd = 1–20 µM). These results indicate that macrocyclic NiLO can serve as a novel binding site for the polyhistidine sequence and that NiLODCF would be applicable to a switchable fluorescent probe for such His-tagged proteins.
AFM Observation of Stimuli-Responsive Stretching Behavior for Spirobenzopyran/Crown-Ether Copolymer
Authors: Kado Shinpei , Uehara Kunika , Nakahara Yoshio , Kimura Keiichi 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
We have observed stretching behavior of a stimuli-responsive polymer chain bearing two functional groups, spirobenzopyran (SP) and crown ether (CR), at the side chain (SP/CR copolymer) by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The spirobenzopyran side chain can undergo photoisomerization from its electrically neutral spiropyran form to zwitterionic merocyanine by UV irradiation. The crown ether side chain can complex with metal ions. These reactions in the side chains would cause changes in their geometric structure and/or physical properties, resulting in the enhanced bifunctionality of SP/CR copolymer based on their stimuli-responsive ability. In this study, SP/CR copolymer, which was adsorbed on mica substrate, was stretched by AFM tip, when external stimuli (i.e., photoirradiation or metal ion addition) were applied. The force–extension curves of SP/CR copolymer were then analyzed by curve fitting based on a theoretical model of polymer chain elasticity to elucidate the external-stimuli effect on the polymer stretching behavior at the single molecule level.
Highly Efficient Photoinduced Electron Transfer in a Novel Tetrakis(tetraphenylporphyrinatozinc)/Perylenetetracarboxidiimide Array and Its Application to a Photovoltaic Device
Authors: Wang Fuling , Tang Jianguo , Liu Jixian , Wang Yao , Wang Rui , Niu Lin , Huang Linjun , Huang Zhen 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
A novel donor–acceptor array consisting of four 5-(p-substituted phenyl)-10,15,20-triphenylporphyrinatozinc (POR) complexes attached to the 1,6,7,12-positions of perylene-3,4:9,10-tetracarboxidiimide (PDI) was synthesized and characterized. HOMO and LUMO values of the array were aquired by cyclic voltammetry. Photophysical properties were studied by steady-state UV–vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The results showed that this compound absorbs strongly from 300 to 700 nm, making it an ideal system to harvest polychromatic light. After selective excitation of the POR moiety or PDI moiety, an almost complete fluorescence quenching was observed, indicating that highly efficient photoinduced electron transfer occurs in this array. The predominant quenching process for PDI–POR4 array is electron-transfer yielding POR4+–PDI−. The self-assemblies of this molecular in polar and nonpolar solvents were investigated. Intermolecular π–π interaction in cooperation with the van der Waals interaction between POR and PDI component leads to the formation of spherical nanoparticles and ribbon-like morphological structures in methanol and n-hexane, respectively. Photoelectrochemical studies exhibited prompt and steady photocurrent photovoltage response. Moreover, photovoltaic measurement on this array reveals efficient light energy conversion properties, such as a fill factor of 0.42. These results are of particular relevance for photovoltaic nanodevices and solar energy conversion applications.
Highly Regioselective Double Hydrothiolation of Terminal Acetylenes with Thiols Catalyzed by Palladium Diacetate
Authors: Mitamura Takenori , Daitou Masayuki , Nomoto Akihiro , Ogawa Akiya 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Treatment of terminal acetylenes 1 with two equivalents of thiols 2 in the presence of Pd(OAc)2 catalyst and H2O causes regioselective double hydrothiolation of 1, leading to the corresponding dithioketals 3 in moderate to good yields.
Temperature Dependence of Structure and Dynamic Properties of Oleic Acid γ and α Phases Studied by FTIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Pi Fuwei , Kaneko Fumitoshi , Shinzawa Hideyuki , Suzuki Masao , Iwahashi Makio , Ozaki Yukihiro 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
The temperature dependence of the structure and dynamic properties of oleic acid γ and α phases has been studied by FTIR spectroscopy. By observing the characteristic bands due to the cis-olefin, carboxy, and methyl groups as well as the CH2 rocking–CH2 twisting progression bands, the structural change of each portion of oleic acid corresponding to the γ → α phase transition has been elucidated in detail. For the analysis of the progression bands, the simple-coupled oscillator model has been employed. It has been found that an enhanced mobility of the methyl terminal occurs as the temperature increases in the γ phase, which operates as pre-disordering prior to the sudden and drastic structural changes at the γ → α phase-transition point. Meanwhile, the carboxy group undergoes a gradual and localized structural change in the γ phase. The structural change of carboxy group in the γ phase is likely to be caused by an equilibrium shift between two different states of dimerized carboxy groups. Drastic structural changes at the phase-transition point primarily take place in the portion from the cis-olefin group to the methyl group, which is fully consistent with previous studies by X-ray and Raman spectroscopy. It is clearly shown that the CH2 rocking–CH2 twisting progression bands can be employed as a probe for sensing the states of the methyl-sided and carboxy-sided chains separately, which is applicable for the structural studies of a wide range of fats and lipids systems containing unsaturated acyl chains.