bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stanniocalcin 2 promotes invasion and is associated with metastatic stages in neuroblastoma
Authors: Volland Sonja , Kugler Wilfried , Schweigerer Lothar , Wilting Jörg , Becker Jürgen 
Published: May 2009

AbstractStanniocalcin 2 (STC2) is a secreted glycoprotein of as yet unknown functions. We investigated STC2 in human neuroblastoma, the most common solid extra‐cranial tumor of infancy. In primary tumor samples, we found that expression of STC2 is associated with the metastatic Stages 4 and 4s and MYCN expression. In vitro, however, we demonstrate that cell proliferation is reduced by STC2 due to an increase in the basal apoptosis rate of the transfected cells. On the other hand, in vitro assays showed that STC2‐transfected neuroblastoma cells have an increased invasive potential and display higher activity of collagen‐degrading matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2). Using experimental tumors on the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), we observed that STC2 expressing cells show signs of emigration from the solid tumor and destroy blood vessels of the CAM, giving rise to massively bleeding tumors. Erosion of blood vessels was also seen when purified STC2 protein was applied on the CAM. Taken together, we demonstrate a dual role for STC2 in neuroblastoma. It reduces proliferation of tumor cells in vitro, but increases the invasive potential and induces bleeding, and thereby may facilitate early metastasis. The potential of STC2 as a surrogate marker for metastatic neuroblastoma calls for further investigation. © 2009 UICC
Attenuation of proteolysis‐mediated cyclin E regulation by alternatively spliced Parkin in human colorectal cancers
Authors: Ikeuchi Kyoko , Marusawa Hiroyuki , Fujiwara Mikio , Matsumoto Yuko , Endo Yoko , Watanabe Tomohiro , Iwai Akio , Sakai Yoshiharu , Takahashi Ryosuke , Chiba Tsutomu 
Published: May 2009

AbstractParkin has a critical role in the ubiquitin‐proteasome system as an E3‐ligase targeting several substrates. Our recent finding that Parkin‐deficient mice are susceptible to tumorigenesis provided evidence that Parkin is a tumor suppressor gene. Dysfunction of the Parkin gene is frequently observed in various human cancers, but the mechanism underlying the cell cycle disruption induced by Parkin dysfunction that leads to carcinogenesis is not known. Here, we demonstrated that Parkin expression in colonic epithelial cells is regulated in a cell cycle‐associated manner. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulation upregulated Parkin gene expression in human colon cells. Inhibition of the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase [PI(3)K]‐Akt‐dependent pathways suppressed growth factor‐induced Parkin expression. The expression of alternatively spliced Parkin isoforms with various deletions spanning exons 3–6 was detected in 18 of 43 (42%) human colorectal cancer tissues. Wild‐type Parkin induced the degradation of cyclin E protein, but the alternatively spliced Parkin identified in colon cancers showed defective proteolysis of cyclin E. These findings indicate that Parkin expression is induced by growth factor stimulation and is involved in the cell cycle regulation of colon cells. Tumor‐specific expression of alternatively spliced Parkin isoforms might contribute to enhanced cell proliferation through the attenuation of proteolysis‐mediated cyclin E regulation in human colorectal cancers. © 2009 UICC
Structure and function of the arolium of Mantophasmatodea (Insecta)
Authors: Eberhard Monika J.B. , Pass Günther , Picker Mike D. , Beutel Rolf , Predel Reinhard , Gorb Stanislav N. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractAll species of the insect order Mantophasmatodea characteristically keep the 5th tarsomere and pretarsus (arolium plus two claws) turned upwards and off the substrate. The unusually large arolium was studied in two species of Mantophasmatodea using bright field light microscopy, reflection microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, TEM, SEM, and Cryo‐SEM. It contains an epithelial gland, numerous tracheoles, and nerves. The gland consists of enlarged epithelial cells with large nuclei, mitochondria, RER, golgi complexes, microtubules, and numerous secretion vesicles. Evidence for exocytosis of the vesicles into the gland reservoir between the epithelial gland and the thick cuticle could be observed. Cryo‐SEM revealed that the ventral side of the arolium and distal part of its dorsal side are covered with a liquid film. Fluid footprints of arolia of individuals walking on a glass plate also indicate the presence of secretory fluid on the arolium surface. Behavioral experiments using animals with ablated arolia showed that representatives of Mantophasmatodea do not need their arolia to detect and respond to vibratory communication signals nor to catch small to medium‐sized prey. Individuals with ablated arolia were not able to move upside down on a smooth glass plate. We conclude that Mantophasmatodea use their arolia for attachment when additional adhesion force is required (e.g. windy conditions, handling large prey, mating). They can bring their arolia in contact with the surface in a very fast reflex (18.0 ± 9.9 ms). The secretory fluid found on the surface is produced by the gland and transported to the outside, presumably through small pore channels, to enhance adhesion to the substrate. J. Morphol., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The chemistry of ionized Acetone/Ar mixtures under varying gas flow and mole ratio conditions: A matrix‐isolation study
Authors: Mark Parnis J. , King Kaitlynn A. , Thompson Matthew G. K. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe chemistry of ionized acetone : Ar mixtures under varying total gas flow rate and acetone : Ar mole ratio conditions has been studied using matrix‐isolation techniques. Gaseous acetone diluted in excess argon gas was subjected to electron bombardment with 300‐eV electrons. The products of subsequent reaction processes were matrix isolated and analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) absorption spectroscopy. Products included 1‐propen‐2‐ol (the enol isomer of acetone), methane, ketene, carbon monoxide, ethane, ethene, acetylene and tricarbon monoxide. Variations in the total flow rate of gas resulted in changes in the efficiency of product formation without significant changes in the relative amounts of the major species formed. Variations in the acetone : Ar mole ratio at fixed total gas flow resulted in striking variations in the products formed, demonstrating a shift from single acetone molecule‐derived charge‐transfer ionization chemistry at low acetone mole ratios, to processes consistent with the participation of two or more acetone molecules at intermediate mole ratios. These results are interpreted in the context of ion‐molecule reaction processes, the onset of which occurs at intermediate acetone mole ratios. Ethane dehydrogenation products are proposed to result from product secondary ionization, a process that is prevalent at high ionizing electron fluxes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rhinovirus enhances various bacterial adhesions to nasal epithelial cells simultaneously
Authors: Wang Jong Hwan , Kwon Hyun Ja , Jang Yong Ju 
Published: May 2009

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Viral upper respiratory tract infections are often followed by secondary bacterial infections in the form of acute rhinosinusitis. We investigate the effect of rhinovirus infection on the expression of cell adhesion molecules and bacterial adherence to primary human nasal epithelial cells.Methods:Cells were infected with rhinovirus serotype 16 (RV‐16), and then Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Hemophilus influenzae were added to the culture. Rhinovirus‐induced expression of fibronectin, platelet‐activating factor receptor, and carcinoembryonic antigen‐related cell adhesion molecule, was assayed by confocal microscopy, real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot analysis. Bacterial adhesion to cells was assessed by confocal microscopy and the fluorescence intensity of adherent bacteria was analyzed using Image‐Pro Plus 5.1 (Media Cybernetics, Inc., Bethesda, MD).Results:RV‐16 infection significantly increased the gene and protein expression of fibronectin, platelet‐activating factor receptor, and carcinoembryonic antigen‐related cell adhesion molecule in nasal epithelial cells. Compared with rhinovirus‐uninfected control cells, the adhesion of S. aureus, S. pneumoniae, and H. influenzae increased significantly to 2.53‐fold, 1.51‐fold, and 2.74‐fold of control levels, respectively, in rhinovirus‐infected nasal epithelial cells.Conclusions:These findings suggest that increased expression of host cell adhesion molecules may be the mechanism accounting for the increase in susceptibility to bacterial rhinosinusitis associated with rhinovirus‐induced upper respiratory infections. Laryngoscope, 2009
Glucose Responsive Hydrogel Networks Based on Protein Recognition
Authors: Ehrick Jason D. , Luckett Matthew R. , Khatwani Santoshkumar , Wei Yinan , Deo Sapna K. , Bachas Leonidas G. , Daunert Sylvia 
Published: May 2009

AbstractStimuli‐responsive materials capable of manifesting physical changes in response to environmental signals are valuable tools for use in a variety of biomedical applications. Herein we describe one such smart glucose‐responsive hydrogel material prepared by immobilizing the glucose/galactose binding protein within an acrylamide hydrogel network. This hydrogel demonstrates a quantitative “accordion”‐like dynamic response in the presence of glucose. We further show the feasibility of employing this responsive smart material as a gating agent for controlled drug delivery, thus, demonstrating that these hydrogels may eventually lead to the development of implantable drug delivery systems for diabetes management applications.magnified image
Modulation of Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Poly[(L‐lactide)‐co‐(ε‐caprolactone)]/Gelatin Nanofibers
Authors: Rim Nae Gyune , Lee Ji Hye , Jeong Sung In , Lee Bu Kyu , Kim Chun Ho , Shin Heungsoo 
Published: May 2009

AbstractDeveloping biomaterial scaffolds to elicit specific cell responses is important in many tissue engineering applications. We hypothesized that the chemical composition of the scaffold may be a key determinant for the effective induction of differentiation in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). In this study, electrospun nanofibers with different chemical compositions were fabricated using poly[(L‐lactide)‐co‐(ε‐caprolactone)] (PLCL) and gelatin. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed a randomly arranged structure of nanofibers with diameters ranging from 400 nm to 600 nm. The incorporation of gelatin in the nanofibers stimulated the adhesion and osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs. For example, the well‐stretched and polygonal morphology of hMSCs was observed on the gelatin‐containing nanofibers, while the cells cultured on the PLCL nanofibers were contracted. The DNA content and alkaline phosphatase activity were significantly increased on the PLCL/gelatin blended nanofibers. Expression of osteogenic genes including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OCN), and collagen type I‐α2 (Col I‐α2) were also upregulated in cells cultured on nanofibers with gelatin. Mineralization of hMSCs was analyzed by von Kossa staining and the amount of calcium was significantly enhanced on the gelatin‐incorporated nanofibers. These results suggest that the chemical composition of the underlying scaffolds play a key role in regulating the osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs.magnified image
Semi‐Covalent Surface Molecular Imprinting of Polymers by One‐Stage Mini‐emulsion Polymerization: Glucopyranoside as a Model Analyte
Authors: Curcio Pasquale , Zandanel Christelle , Wagner Alain , Mioskowski Charles , Baati Rachid 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThis paper describes a new type of surface imprinting technique that combines the advantages of both the semi‐covalent approach and one‐stage miniemulsion polymerization. This process has been successfully applied for the preparation of glucose surface‐imprinted nanoparticles. The selective artificial receptors for glucopyranoside were fully characterized by IR, TEM and BET analyses, and their molecular recognition abilities by binding experiments carried out in batch processes. The molecular affinity and selectivity of the glucose molecularly imprinted polymers were accurately quantified. These characteristics are essential for verification of the efficiency of the developed surface imprinting process. The imprinting effect was clearly demonstrated using the batch rebinding method. We have found that the glucose imprinted polymers produced using the optimized one‐stage mini‐emulsion exhibited quite fast kinetics of binding and equilibration with glucopyranoside templates, compared to polymers prepared by bulk polymerization technique, as well as extremely low levels of unspecific bindings. We also demonstrated that glucose molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) exhibited very good selectivity for its original template compared to other glycopyranoside derivatives, such as galactose. Finally, the extraction of the binding properties from isotherms of binding by fitting to the bi‐Langmuir and Freundlich models allowed the determination of the affinity constant distribution of the binding sites. This imprinting protocol allowed the determination of an affinity constant (KD), involving exclusively H‐bonding interactions, for the glucose MIP (P2C) with the best template 1, in CH3CN as the solvent system.magnified image
Thermoplastic Ternary Hybrids of Polyurethane, Hindered Phenol and Hindered Amine with Selective Two‐Phase Dispersion
Authors: Zhao Xiu‐Ying , Lu Yong‐Lai , Xiao Da‐Ling , Wu Si‐Zhu , Zhang Li‐Qun 
Published: May 2009

AbstractA novel ternary hybrid of thermoplastic polyurethane/hindered phenol/hindered amine was designed and prepared. Selected hindered phenols and hindered amines were settled down, respectively, in the soft and hard phases of TPU with molecular‐level dispersion. As a result, the ternary hybrid showed a prominent enhancement in the tan δ peak value and distinct broadening of the glass transition region, due to the formation of strong interactions (hydrogen bonding) between segment and small polar molecules occurred in each phase of TPU, which demonstrated the promising future as high‐performance damping material of this ternary hybrid.magnified image
Effect of Melt and Mold Temperatures on the Solidification Behavior of HDPE during Gas‐Assisted Injection Molding: An Enthalpy Transformation Approach
Authors: Yang Bin , Fu Xiao‐Rong , Yang Wei , Liang Shui‐Po , Sun Nan , Hu Sheng , Yang Ming‐Bo 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe influence of melt and mold temperature on the solidification behavior of HDPE during the GAIM process is studied using a transient‐heat‐transfer model of the enthalpy transformation approach. An in situ measurement of temperature decay in the mold cavity was carried out to verify the simulated results experimentally, and reasonable agreement was observed. The comparison of the HDPE solidification behavior under various cooling conditions reveals that the rapid cooling rate (due to thin wall‐thickness) is the main reason for the shortening of molding cycles, and that the mold temperature shows greater influence on the controlling of cooling rates than melt temperature during GAIM process.magnified image
A Novel Approach for Incorporation of Mono‐Functional Bioactive Phenols into Polyanhydrides
Authors: Prudencio Almudena , Carbone Ashley L. , Griffin Jeremy , Uhrich Kathryn E. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractAntiseptics based on phenol and phenolic derivatives were chemically incorporated into polyanhydrides as pendant groups via ester linkages. Polyanhydrides with antiseptic loadings of 46–58 wt.‐% were obtained with molecular weights ranging from 9 400–23 000. In general, polymers with the bulkier antiseptics were more difficult to polymerize and yielded lower molecular weights. All polyanhydrides were amorphous with glass transition temperatures ranging from 27–58 °C. Polymers were deemed noncytotoxic after culturing L929 mouse fibroblast cells in media containing the polymers at two concentrations (0.10 and 0.01 mg · mL−1) over three days. In summary, mono‐functional bioactives can be chemically incorporated into noncytotoxic polyanhydrides.magnified image
The dual role of thymidine phosphorylase in cancer development and chemotherapy
Authors: Bronckaers Annelies , Gago Federico , Balzarini Jan , Liekens Sandra 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThymidine phosphorylase (TP), also known as “platelet‐derived endothelial cell growth factor” (PD‐ECGF), is an enzyme, which is upregulated in a wide variety of solid tumors including breast and colorectal cancers. TP promotes tumor growth and metastasis by preventing apoptosis and inducing angiogenesis. Elevated levels of TP are associated with tumor aggressiveness and poor prognosis. Therefore, TP inhibitors are synthesized in an attempt to prevent tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. TP is also indispensable for the activation of the extensively used 5‐fluorouracil prodrug capecitabine, which is clinically used for the treatment of colon and breast cancer. Clinical trials that combine capecitabine with TP‐inducing therapies (such as taxanes or radiotherapy) suggest that increasing TP expression is an adequate strategy to enhance the antitumoral efficacy of capecitabine. Thus, TP plays a dual role in cancer development and therapy: on the one hand, TP inhibitors can abrogate the tumorigenic and metastatic properties of TP; on the other, TP activity is necessary for the activation of several chemotherapeutic drugs. This duality illustrates the complexity of the role of TP in tumor progression and in the clinical response to fluoropyrimidine‐based chemotherapy. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 29, No. 6, 903–953, 2009
Development of oligomeric prion‐protein aggregates in a mouse model of prion disease
Authors: Sasaki Kensuke , Minaki Haruhiko , Iwaki Toru 
Published: May 2009

AbstractIn prion diseases the normal cellular isoform of prion protein (PrP), denoted PrPC, is converted into an abnormal, pathogenic isoform of PrP (PrPSc). Diagnostic tools for prion diseases are conventionally based on the detection of protease‐resistant PrP (PrPres) after proteinase K digestion. However, recent studies have revealed that protease‐sensitive abnormal PrP (sPrPSc) also exists in significant amounts in brains suffering from prion diseases. Here, we designed a simplified size‐exclusion gel chromatography assay, using disposable spin columns to examine PrP aggregates in the course of the disease, without proteinase K digestion. Brain homogenates of NZW mice, inoculated intracranially with Fukuoka‐1 strain, and which died at around 120 days post‐inoculation, were assayed by this gel‐fractionation method and eluted PrP molecules in each fraction were detected by western blot analysis. Oligomeric PrP molecules were well separated from monomers, as predicted. A conventional protease‐digestion assay was also performed to detect PrPres and revealed that the ratio of PrPres to total PrP increased drastically from 105 days. However, the increase of PrP oligomers became significant from 90 days. These PrP oligomers in the early disease stage would, therefore, be sPrPSc molecules that might affect the disease pathology, such as spongiform change and abnormal PrP deposition. We also observed that the resistance of PrP oligomers to proteinase K and insolubility in phosphotungstic acid precipitation increased with disease progression, which suggests that PrP oligomers are not clearly distinguished from cellular PrP or PrPres but may overlap in a continuous spectrum. Our study casts light on the ambiguity of the definition of PrPSc and indicates that the abnormality of PrP molecules should be determined from various perspectives, more than protease resistance. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Small molecule inhibitors in children with malignant gliomas
Authors: Herrington Betty , Kieran Mark W. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractPediatric high grade gliomas (HGG) remain difficult to cure despite recent advances in imaging, neurosurgery, and radiation. Current treatment modalities have demonstrated only modest survival benefit. Research utilizing molecular biologic techniques reveals that the phenotype of HGG is complex and results from dysregulation of numerous inter‐related cellular pathways. Knowledge of potential molecular targets along dysregulated pathways has led to the development of novel and highly specific targeted therapies, which include small molecule inhibitors. This article will review small molecule inhibition of cellular pathways involved in gliomagenesis, challenges to small molecule therapy, and future directions in the use of this therapy. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:312–317. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quality outcomes for a diabetes service
Authors: Sharp PS , Woodman S , Heron W 
Published: May 2009

AbstractCurrent NHS policy is to move services for chronic disease out of the hospital sector into the community, with services managed by a variety of health care professionals. There are often no clinical outcome measures specified for such clinics, and we therefore describe results for one such service run by a consultant, a dietitian and a specialist nurse.The clinic is hosted by an urban GP practice, and reviews patients with a view to problem solving, management planning and discharge.During a representative period, between 1 April 2007 and 31 March 2008, 144 patients were seen in 285 visits with a new:follow‐up ratio of 1:0.98. The non‐attendance rate runs between 15 and 20%. In a 21‐month period, 213 patients were referred with conditions requiring improvement in diabetes control. Baseline HbA1c was 10.0(0.14)% (mean [SEM]), and had fallen to 8.8(0.12)% at the time of discharge (p<0.01). Fifty‐three of these subjects were judged to need insulin. In this group, the HbA1c fell from 10.64(0.3)% to 8.6(0.2)% (p<0.01). In the remaining 160 individuals who needed reinforcement of advice, tablet or insulin titration, the HbA1c fell from 9.8(0.15)% to 8.8(0.14)% (p<0.01).The data here provide quality markers for a community diabetes clinic. Further figures from other services are required to provide commissioners with realistic quality markers against which services could be compared. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons.
Supportive care needs in patients with lung cancer
Authors: Sanders Sharon L. , Bantum Erin O. , Owen Jason E. , Thornton Andrea A. , Stanton Annette L. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractIntroduction: The goal of this study was to characterize the prevalence and intensity of supportive care needs and interest in specific supportive care services among individuals with lung cancer.Method: Participants (n=109) were recruited from two medical centers in Southern California to complete questionnaires on physical and psychological functioning following diagnosis of lung cancer.Results: Participants reported the greatest need in the physical and daily living domain, followed by psychological needs, health system and informational needs, and patient care support needs. The most common unmet need was a lack of energy and tiredness (75%). Higher levels of supportive care needs were associated with worse physical functioning (β=−0.30, p<0.001), greater symptom bother (β=0.25, p=0.008), lower satisfaction with health care (β=−0.24, p=0.002), and higher levels of intrusive thoughts about cancer (β=0.40, p<0.001). The sample was most interested in receiving additional information about their disease and treatment (61.0%), exercise‐related information and support (54.3%), and assistance dealing with fatigue (46.7%). Over 91% expressed interest in at least one specific supportive care service, and 51.4% were interested in one or more psychological services.Conclusion and implications for cancer survivors: Our findings suggest that lung cancer survivors have many unmet needs. Patients who report higher physical distress and intrusive stress symptoms, or lower satisfaction with their health care, may experience the highest level of supportive care need and intervention. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.