bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Demasking of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) on circulating epithelial tumor cells by Tween®20 treatment in breast cancer patients
Authors: Hekimian Katya , Stein Ernst-Ludwig , Pachmann Ulrich , Pachmann Katharina 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) embedded in the plasma membrane of circulating epithelial tumor cells (CETC) is used for detection and enrichment of circulating tumor cells in peripheral blood and as a target for anti-epithelial antibodies elicited during immune response in anti-tumor immunization. Although an efficient immune response against EpCAM can be generated, the clinical application of such approaches has not been successful so far and the detection of circulating epithelial cells is highly variable. One reason for these discrepancies may be that not all circulating tumor cells are equally accessible for the specific antibody. A possible reason might be masking of EpCAM by glycoproteins or membrane lipoproteins preventing antibody binding.We have tested the application of detergents as demasking agents known to be successful in demasking red blood cell epitopes and determined how and in which way they affect integral membrane proteins and membrane lipids.The results showed that the polysorbate TweenThe data presented in this study suggest that EpCAM is present on part of circulating tumor cells in a masked form and that it is possible to demask EpCAM on CETC of breast cancer patients using Tween
Comparison of different collection procedures and two methods for DNA isolation from saliva
Authors: Durdiaková Jaroslava , Kamodyová Natália , Ostatníková Daniela , Vlková Barbora , Celec Peter 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe non-invasive, flexible and easy sample collection makes saliva an interesting source of DNA for research and diagnostic purposes. The aim of our study was to find the most suitable collection method for biological material from the oral cavity and the most effective DNA isolation technique for further analytic applications.DNA was isolated from swabs, Salivette saliva, whole saliva and samples collected with a commercial set for scraping of buccal cells. Phenol-chloroform extraction and isolation using a silica membrane based commercial kit were compared. Quantity of bacterial and human genomic DNA was estimated using real time PCR. The effects of storage conditions on DNA recovery were assessed.Sample collection techniques significantly affected the quantity of DNA for both, silica membrane based and phenol-chloroform isolations. Whole saliva provided the largest number of bacterial and human genome copies after both extraction methods. Storage for 36 months at –20°C reduced recovery of human genomic DNA five times after silica membrane based extraction and 10 times after phenol-chloroform isolation.Whole saliva was found to be the most suitable material for human and bacterial DNA isolation. Both compared methods are useful considering the quantity of extracted DNA.
Faecal haemoglobin concentrations by gender and age: implications for population-based screening for colorectal cancer
Authors: McDonald Paula J. , Strachan Judith A. , Digby Jayne , Steele Robert J.C. , Fraser Callum G. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractFaecal immunochemical tests (FIT) are becoming widely used in colorectal cancer screening. Estimation of faecal haemoglobin concentration in a large group prompted an observational study on gender and age.A single estimate of faecal haemoglobin concentration was made using quantitative automated immunoturbidimetry. Potential reference intervals were calculated for men and women and for age quintiles according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute Approved Guideline. The percentages of positive results were calculated at a number of concentrations. The percentages of individuals who fell into different risk groups were assessed.The 97.5 percentiles, potential upper reference limits, were 519 ng haemoglobin/mL (90% CI: 468–575) for men and 283 ng haemoglobin/mL (90% CI: 257–316) for women. Concentrations increased with age in both genders. Decision limits have advantages over reference intervals. At any cut-off concentration, more men are declared positive than women and more older people are declared positive than younger people. Future risk of neoplasia is higher in men than in women and in older people.Faecal haemoglobin concentrations vary with gender and age. More tailored strategies are needed in screening programmes. Faecal haemoglobin concentration could be included in individual risk assessment scores. These data should assist in screening programme design.
An efficient and convenient protocol for the synthesis of optically active [1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole derivatives containing L-amino acid moieties
Authors: Foroughifar Naesr , Ebrahimi Sattar , Mobinikhaledi Akbar , Mozafari Reza 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
New triazolothiadiazoles bearing L-amino acid moieties were synthesized by reaction of 4-amino-5-phenoxy-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol with L-amino acids in the presence of phosphorus oxychloride.
On the structure of the active compound in mass deacidification of paper
Authors: Henniges Ute , Schiehsser Sonja , Ahn Kyujin , Hofinger Andreas , Geschke Alexander , Potthast Antje , Rosenau Thomas 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPaper material produced after about 1850 contains additives that cause progressive acidification of the cellulose matrix, which can result in severe degradation of the material and simultaneous deterioration in its strength properties. This problem has affected whole stocks of libraries and archives, in response to which the process of “mass deacidification” has been developed. In this study, the structure and chemistry of the active reagent used in the main variant of this process has been identified as magnesium n-propoxycarbonate. The reagent, introduced in an inert fluorinated solvent, neutralizes acids in the paper matrix and simultaneously deposits a reserve of alkaline magnesium salts that counteract re-acidification. At the same time, it is much less alkaline than the magnesium alcoholates so that alkali-induced degradation reactions of cellulose (β-alkoxy elimination) are avoided.
Androgen deficiency and mitochondrial dysfunction: implications for fatigue, muscle dysfunction, insulin resistance, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Traish Abdulmaged M. , Abdallah Bassima , Yu George 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Among the major physiological functions of steroid hormones is regulation of carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. Mitochondria, through oxidative phosphorylation, play a critical role in modulating a host of complex cellular metabolic pathways to produce chemical energy to meet the metabolic demand for cellular function. Thus, androgens may regulate cellular metabolism and energy production by increased mitochondrial numbers, activation of respiratory chain components, and increased transcription of mitochondrial-encoded respiratory chain genes that code for enzymes responsible for oxidative phosphorylation. Androgen deficiency is associated with increased insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes (T2DM), metabolic syndrome, obesity, and increased overall mortality. One common link among all these pathologies is mitochondrial dysfunction. Contemporary evidence exists suggesting that testosterone deficiency (TD) contributes to mitochondrial dysfunction, including structural alterations and reduced expression and activities of metabolic enzymes. Here, we postulate that TD contributes to symptoms of fatigue, insulin resistance, T2DM, cardiovascular risk, and metabolic syndrome through a common mechanism involving impairment of mitochondrial function.
The problem of mechanical compatibility of natural building stones in restoration of monuments. Part I: Composite specimens
Authors: Kourkoulis Stavros K. , Ninis Nikolaos L. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe mechanical compatibility of natural building stones used in the restoration of ancient monuments as substitutes of the authentic material is studied in this short two-paper series. Attention is focused on the porous oolitic limestone of Kenchreae used in the erection of the monuments at the Epidaurean Asklepieion. In Part I experimental results are presented concerning the mechanical properties and constants of both the authentic (ancient and freshly quarried) material and the various stones proposed so far as possible substitutes. It is concluded that only the Kenchreae stone satisfactorily simulates the behaviour of the material used by ancient Greeks. The other types of stones have a substantially different character and their incorporation in the restoration should be treated with caution. In an effort to quantify the influence of the substitute stone on the authentic one, a series of experiments were carried out using composite specimens made from equal parts of authentic and substitute material with various inclination angles of the adhesion plane with respect to the load. It was concluded that the mechanical properties of the composite specimen are strongly affected by this angle and the dependence is not monotonous. In addition, strong strain discontinuities are recorded in the vicinity of the adhesion plane, which are responsible for the initiation of cracking in either of the two materials. It was pointed out that in some cases the incompatibility causes violation of the basic restoration principle concerning the protection of the ancient material. In this context certain geometrical configurations of the boundaries of the specimens are examined in Part II as a possible means of modifying the mechanical behaviour of the substitute stones, in order to make them as compatible as possible with the authentic material.
Ranitidine is Associated With Infections, Necrotizing Enterocolitis, and Fatal Outcome in Newborns
Authors: Terrin Gianluca , Passariello Annalisa , De Curtis Mario , Manguso Francesco , Salvia Gennaro , Lega Laura , Messina Francesco , Paludetto Roberto , Canani Roberto Berni 
Published: December 2011

Background And Objective:Gastric acidity is a major nonimmune defense mechanism against infections. The objective of this study was to investigate whether ranitidine treatment in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants is associated with an increased risk of infections, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and fatal outcome.Methods:Newborns with birth weight between 401 and 1500 g or gestational age between 24 and 32 weeks, consecutively observed in neonatal intensive care units, were enrolled in a multicenter prospective observational study. The rates of infectious diseases, NEC, and death in enrolled subjects exposed or not to ranitidine were recorded.Results:We evaluated 274 VLBW infants: 91 had taken ranitidine and 183 had not. The main clinical and demographic characteristics did not differ between the 2 groups. Thirty-four (37.4%) of the 91 children exposed to ranitidine and 18 (9.8%) of the 183 not exposed to ranitidine had contracted infections (odds ratio 5.5, 95% confidence interval 2.9–10.4, P &lt; .001). The risk of NEC was 6.6-fold higher in ranitidine-treated VLBW infants (95% confidence interval 1.7–25.0, P = .003) than in control subjects. Mortality rate was significantly higher in newborns receiving ranitidine (9.9% vs 1.6%, P = .003).Conclusions:Ranitidine therapy is associated with an increased risk of infections, NEC, and fatal outcome in VLBW infants. Caution is advocated in the use of this drug in neonatal age.
Preterm Birth Alters the Maturation of Baroreflex Sensitivity in Sleeping Infants
Authors: Witcombe Nicole B. , Yiallourou Stephanie R. , Sands Scott A. , Walker Adrian M. , Horne Rosemary S. C. 
Published: December 2011

Objective:
Impaired blood pressure (BP) control may underpin the increased incidence of the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in preterm infants. This study aimed to examine the effects of preterm birth, postnatal age, and sleep state on BP control by measuring baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) across the first 6 months of term-corrected age (CA), when SIDS risk is greatest.

Methods:
Preterm (n = 25) and term (n = 31) infants were studied longitudinally at 2 to 4 weeks, 2 to 3 months, and 5 to 6 months CA using daytime polysomnography. BP was recorded during quiet (QS) and active (AS) sleep using a photoplethysmographic cuff placed around the infant’s wrist (Finometer [FMS, Finapres Medical Systems, Amsterdam, Netherlands]). BRS (milliseconds/mm Hg) was assessed in 1- to 2-minute epochs using cross-spectral analysis.

Results:
In preterm infants, postnatal age had no significant effect on BRS within either QS or AS. This was in contrast to the maturational increase in QS observed in term infants. Compared with term infants, BRS of preterm infants was 38% higher at 2 to 4 weeks CA and 29% lower at 5 to 6 months CA during QS (P &lt;.05). Comparing sleep states, BRS of preterm infants was 26% lower in QS compared with AS at 2 to 3 months CA (P &lt;.05).

Conclusions:
Preterm birth impairs the normal maturational increase in BRS, resulting in a substantial reduction in BRS at 5 to 6 months CA during QS. Lower BRS during QS compared with AS at 2 to 3 months CA may place preterm infants at an increased risk for cardiovascular instability at this age of peak incidence of SIDS.
A Clinical and Histomorphometric Study of Calcium Sulfate Compared With Freeze‐Dried Bone Allograft for Alveolar Ridge Preservation
Authors: Toloue Samira M. , Chesnoiu‐Matei Ioana , Blanchard Steven B. 
Published: December 2011

Background: Many materials have been found to be effective in ridge preservation. The purpose of this study is to determine whether calcium sulfate (CS) is as effective as freeze‐dried bone allograft (FDBA) in preserving postextraction ridge dimensions and to evaluate the amount of new bone formation and graft clearance through histologic analysis.Methods: Thirty‐one extraction sites were selected. Postextraction clinical measurements were made, and sites were divided randomly into the test group (CS) or the control group (FDBA). After graft placement, all individuals received the same postoperative treatment and instructions. Participants were recalled after 3 months, measurements were made, and sites were re‐entered. Bone samples were harvested and analyzed with histologic methodology for new bone formation and remaining residual graft.Results: Thirteen test and 15 control sites were evaluated. There was no significant change in vertical ridge height before or after surgery within the test and control groups (P = 0.57, P = 0.68, respectively). There was a significant decrease in bucco‐lingual ridge width for both groups (P = 0.0003, P = 0.0075, respectively), but the difference between groups was not significant (P = 0.11). Histologic analysis revealed an average of 32% new bone formation with 2.5% graft remaining for the test group and 16.7% new bone formation with 21% graft remaining for the control.Conclusions: Results indicate that CS is as effective as FDBA in preserving postextraction ridge dimensions in non‐molar extraction sites. There is greater clearance of CS with more new bone formation after ≈3 months compared with FDBA in these sites.This paper received the Maynard K. Hine Award for Excellence in Dental Research presented by the Indiana Section of the American Association for Dental Research and supported by Procter & Gamble.
A Randomized Study of Open‐Flap Surgery of 32 Intrabony Defects With and Without Adjunct Bovine Bone Mineral Treatment
Authors: Slotte Christer , Asklöw Barbro , Sultan Jeff , Norderyd Ola 
Published: December 2011

Background: Bovine bone mineral (BBM) is extensively used as a filler material in periodontal reconstructive surgery of intrabony defects. Data are mostly available on the combined use of BBM with other biomaterials. The aim of this study is to evaluate healing after open‐flap debridement (OF) of intrabony periodontal defects alone or with adjunct treatment with BBM.Methods: After initial treatment, 32 patients with 32 intrabony periodontal defects participated in the study. Full‐thickness flaps were raised and root surfaces and defects were debrided. Patients were then randomly assigned to treatment groups, either OF alone or combined with defect fill with BBM, and followed in a strict postoperative maintenance care program for 12 months.Results: At 12 months, a mean ± SE gingival recession of 1.1 ± 0.3 mm in OF and 0.9 ± 0.4 mm in BBM occurred. Probing depth reduction was 4.0 ± 0.5 mm in OF and 3.2 ± 0.7 mm in BBM. Gain in clinical attachment level was 2.8 ± 0.6 mm in OF and 2.3 ± 0.8 mm in BBM. Probing bone level was reduced by 2.7 ± 0.7 mm in OF and 1.8 ± 1.1 mm in BBM. None of the above parameters showed significant intergroup differences. In contrast, radiographic defect depth change was significantly greater in BBM (3.4 ± 2.3 mm) than in OF (1.9 ± 1.7 mm).Conclusions: Both treatments resulted in improved periodontal conditions. The adjunctive use of BBM in this study did not enhance the clinical result compared to OF alone.
Control of HBV Replication by Antiviral Micrornas Transferred by Lentiviral Vectors for Potential Cell and Gene Therapy Approaches
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Follenzi Antonia , Garforth Scott , Gupta Sanjeev 
Published: December 2011

Background Because molecular mechanisms regulating host cell and virus interactions are not fully understood, we further defined roles of antiviral microRNAs (miRNAs) in HBV replication. Methods We studied small interfering RNA sequences inserted into the miR-30 backbone in cell systems. Antiviral sequences were cloned into lentiviral vectors upstream of a green fluorescent protein reporter. Transduced cells included HepG2 or HepG2 2.2.15 cell lines and hTERT-FH-B fetal human liver cells. HBV replication was analysed by several assays. Results In 2.2.15 cells treated with constructs primarily targeting HBV polymerase and surface antigen or HBV polymerase and X open reading frames, HBV core protein, HBV DNA and HBV RNA expression decreased. This antiviral effect was more pronounced when the two constructs were expressed together. Similarly, antiviral constructs decreased HBV replication in HepG2 cells transduced with adenoviral vector to express HBV. Although antiviral sequences were expressed in hTERT-FH-B cells, these cells were non-permissive for HBV, possibly owing to expression of miRNAs reported to inhibit HBV replication, whereas these miRNAs were absent in HepG2 cells. Expression of antiviral miRNAs did not affect cell viability or proliferation and no deleterious changes were observed in expression of native cellular miRNAs. Moreover, expression of antiviral miRNA did not affect engraftment and survival of transplanted cells in mice. Conclusions Identification of effective antiviral miRNAs and transfer of suitable constructs by lentiviral vectors will be helpful for pathophysiological studies of host cell–virus interactions. Simultaneously, this will advance potential mechanisms for cell/gene therapy in those afflicted with chronic hepatitis and refractory liver disease.
Streptococcus pneumoniaeStimulates a STING- and IFN Regulatory Factor 3-Dependent Type I IFN Production in Macrophages, which Regulates RANTES Production in Macrophages, Cocultured Alveolar Epithelial Cells, and Mouse Lungs
Authors: Koppe Uwe , Högner Katrin , Doehn Jan-Moritz , Müller Holger C. , Witzenrath Martin , Gutbier Birgitt , Bauer Stefan , Pribyl Thomas , Hammerschmidt Sven , Lohmeyer Jürgen , Suttorp Norbert , Herold Susanne , Opitz Bastian 
Published: December 2011

AbstractStreptococcus pneumoniae is the leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia. In this study, we examine an innate immune recognition pathway that senses pneumococcal infection, triggers type I IFN production, and regulates RANTES production. We found that human and murine alveolar macrophages as well as murine bone marrow macrophages, but not alveolar epithelial cells, produced type I IFNs upon infection with S. pneumoniae. This response was dependent on the pore-forming toxin pneumolysin and appeared to be mediated by a cytosolic DNA-sensing pathway involving the adapter molecule STING and the transcription factor IFN regulatory factor 3. Indeed, DNA was present in the cytosol during pneumococcal infection as indicated by the activation of the AIM2 inflammasome, which is known to sense microbial DNA. Type I IFNs produced by S. pneumoniae-infected macrophages positively regulated gene expression and RANTES production in macrophages and cocultured alveolar epithelial cells in vitro. Moreover, type I IFNs controlled RANTES production during pneumococcal pneumonia in vivo. In conclusion, we identified an immune sensing pathway detecting S. pneumoniae that triggers a type I IFN response and positively regulates RANTES production.
Rapamycin Combined with TGF-β Converts Human Invariant NKT Cells into Suppressive Foxp3+ Regulatory Cells
Authors: Moreira-Teixeira Lúcia , Resende Mariana , Devergne Odile , Herbeuval Jean-Philippe , Hermine Olivier , Schneider Elke , Dy Michel , Cordeiro-da-Silva Anabela , Leite-de-Moraes Maria C. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Invariant NKT (iNKT) cells constitute a versatile T cell subset with important regulatory functions, which are thought to result essentially from their capacity to promptly produce cytokines that influence the Th1/Th2 balance. In this study, we report that these cells can also express Foxp3, an important transcriptional regulator associated with suppressive activity, once they have been exposed to TGF-β. Foxp3 was expressed by iNKT cells from both peripheral and cord blood. CD4+ iNKT cells acquired Foxp3 expression preferentially, although a lower proportion of their CD4− counterpart also became positive. All Foxp3+ iNKT cells displayed CD25 but not necessarily CTLA4 or GITR, regardless of the upregulation of these markers in the presence of TGF-β. Exposure to TGF-β decreased IL-4 and IFN-γ production while increasing IL-10, independently from Foxp3 expression. IL-17 was not detected. TGF-β induced high levels of Foxp3, but no suppressor activity, which emerged only in the presence of rapamycin. Peripheral and cord blood Foxp3+ iNKT cells suppressed the proliferation of conventional autologous and heterologous CD4+ T cells equally, in a cell contact-dependent and Ag-independent manner. Our findings demonstrate that human iNKT cells become suppressive in the presence of TGF-β plus rapamycin, thus adding a new facet to their complex functional properties.
Trochanteroplasty to Treat Sequelae of Septic Arthritis of the Hip in Infancy. Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Ferrari Daniele , Libri Rolando , Donzelli Onofrio 
Published: December 2011

The authors report a series of 11 patients treated surgically by trochanteroplasty for septic arthritis of the hip at our institution from 1974 to 2010. Trochanteroplasty was indicated due to the absence of a valid alternative, and because it does not rule out the option of total hip arthroplasty at a later stage.