bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DNA-AP sites generation by Etoposide in whole blood cells
Authors: Rojas Emilio , Mussali Patricia , Tovar Efrain , Valverde Mahara 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Background
Etoposide is currently one of the most commonly used antitumor drugs. The mechanisms of action proposed for its antitumor activity are based mainly on its interaction with topoisomerase II. Etoposide effects in transformed cells have been described previously. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the genotoxic effects of this drug in non-transformed whole blood cells, such as occurs as collateral damage induced by some chemotherapies.

Methods
To determine etoposide genotoxicity, we employed Comet assay in two alkaline versions. To evaluate single strand breaks and delay repair sites we use pH 12.3 conditions and pH >13 to evidence alkali labile sites. With the purpose to quantified apurinic or apyrimidine (AP) sites we employed a specific restriction enzyme. Etoposide effects were determined on whole blood cells cultured in absence or presence of phytohemagglutinin (PHA) treated during 2 and 24 hours of cultured.

Results
Alkaline (pH > 13) single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assay experiments revealed etoposide-induced increases in DNA damage in phytohemaglutinine (PHA)-stimulated blood and non-stimulated blood cells. When the assay was performed at a less alkaline pH, 12.3, we observed DNA damage in PHA-stimulated blood cells consistent with the existence of alkali labile sites (ALSs). In an effort to elucidate the molecular events underlying this result, we applied exonuclease III (Exo III) in conjunction with a SCGE assay, enabling detection of DNA-AP sites along the genome. More DNA AP-sites were revealed by Exo III and ALSs were recognized by the SCGE assay only in the non-stimulated blood cells treated with etoposide.

Conclusion
Our results indicate that etoposide induces DNA damage specifically at DNA-AP sites in quiescent blood cells. This effect could be involved in the development of secondary malignancies associated with etoposide chemotherapy.
Mutagenicity of Chinese traditional medicine Semen Armeniacae amarum by two modified Ames tests
Authors: Jin Jianling , Liu Bo , Zhang Hui , Tian Xiao , Cai Yupin , Gao Peiji 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Background
Semen armeniacae amarum (SAA) is a Chinese traditional medicine and has long been used to control acute lower respiratory tract infection and asthma, as a result of its expectorant and antiasthmatic activities. However, its mutagenicity in vitro and in vivo has not yet been reported. The Ames test for mutagenicity is used worldwide. The histidine contained in biological samples can induce histidine-deficient cells to replicate, which results in more his
+ colonies than in negative control cells, therefore false-positive results may be obtained. So, it becomes a prerequisite to exclude the effects of any residual histidine from samples when they are assayed for their mutagenicity. Chinese traditional herbs, such as SAA, are histidine-containing biological sample, need modified Ames tests to assay their in vitro mutagenicity.

Methods
The mutagenicity of SAA was evaluated by the standard and two modified Ames tests. The first modification used the plate incorporation test same as standard Ames teat, but with new negative control systems, in which different amounts of histidine corresponding to different concentrations of SAA was incorporated. When the number of his+ revertants in SAA experiments was compared with that in new negative control, the effect of histidine contained in SAA could be eliminated. The second modification used a liquid suspension test similar to the standard Ames test, except with histidine-rich instead of histidine-limited medium. The aim of this change was to conceal the effect of histidine contained in SAA on the final counting of his
+ revertants, and therefore to exclude false-positive results of SAA in the Ames test. Furthermore, the effect of SAA on chromosomal aberration in mammalian bone marrow cells was tested.

Results
The standard Ames test showed a positive result for mutagenicity of SAA. In contrast, a negative response was obtained with the modified plate incorporation and modified suspension Ames tests. Moreover, no apparent chromosomal aberrations were observed in mammalian bone marrow cells treated with SAA.

Conclusion
The standard Ames test was not suitable for evaluating the mutagenicity of SAA, because false-positive result could be resulted by the histidine content in SAA. However, the two modified Ames tests were suitable, because the experimental results proved that the effect of histidine in SAA and therefore the false-positive result were effectively excluded in these two modified Ames tests. This conclusion needs more experimental data to support in the future. Moreover, the experimental results illustrated that SAA had no mutagenicity in vitro and in vivo. This was in agreement with the clinical safety of SAA long-term used in China.
P38 MAP Kinase inhibition promotes primary tumour growth via VEGF independent mechanism
Authors: O'Sullivan Adrian W , Wang Jiang H , Redmond Henry P 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Background
The surgical insult induces an inflammatory response that activates P38 MAP kinases and solid tumours can also release cytokines. Therfore inhibition of these pathways may reduce tumour growth We set out to examine the effects of P38-MAPK inhibition on apoptosis, proliferation, VEGF release and cell cycle effects in-vitro and on primary tumour growth in-vivo.

Methods
4T-1 cells (2 × 105cells/well) were incubated, in 24 well plates with control, 25, 50 or 100 ng/ml of SB-202190 for 24 hours. Cells were subsequently asessed for apoptosis, proliferation, VEGF release and cell cycle analysis. Balb-c mice each received 1 × 106 4T1 cells subcutaneously in the flank and were then randomised to receive control or SB202190 (2.5 μM/kg) by intraperitoneal injection daily. Tumour size was measured alternate days and at day 24 animals were sacrificed and serum VEGF assessed.

Results
P38-MAPK inhibition in-vitro resulted in a significant reduction in proliferation (75.2 ± 8.4% vs. 100 ± 4.3%, p < 0.05) and G1 cell cycle phase(35.9 ± 1.1% vs. 32.5 ± 0.6%, p < 0.05) but no significant changes in apoptosis or VEGF levels. In-vivo, P38-MAPK inhibition resulted in an increase in primary tumour growth (155.6 ± 34.9 vs. 86.7 ± 18.2 mm3, p < 0.05). P38-MAPK inhibition also lowered circulating VEGF levels but this difference was not significant (101.9 ± 27.1 ηg/ml compared to 158.6 ± 27.1 ηg/ml)

Conclusion
These findings demonstrate that P38-MAPK inhibition in-vitro reduces proliferation and G1 cell cycle phase as well as promoting primary tumour growth in-vivo. These effects would appear to be independent of VEGF.
Treatment of pathologic spinal fractures with combined radiofrequency ablation and balloon kyphoplasty
Authors: Katonis Pavlos , Pasku Dritan , Alpantaki Kalliopi , Bano Artan , Tzanakakis George , Karantanas Apostolos 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Background
In oncologic patients with metastatic spinal disease, the ideal treatment should be well tolerated, relieve the pain, and preserve or restore the neurological function.
The combination of fluoroscopic guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and kyphoplasty may fulfill these criteria.

Methods
We describe three pathological vertebral fractures treated with a combination of fluoroscopic guided RFA and kyphoplasty in one session: a 62-year-old man suffering from a painful L4 pathological fracture due to a plasmocytoma, a 68-year-old man with a T12 pathological fracture from metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma, and a 71-year-old man with a Th12 and L1 pathological fracture from multiple myeloma.

Results
The choice of patients was carried out according to the classification of Tomita. Visual analog score (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were used for the evaluation of the functional outcomes. The treatment was successful in all patients and no complications were reported. The mean follow-up was 6 months. Marked pain relief and functional restoration was observed.

Conclusion
In our experience the treatment of pathologic spinal fractures with combined radiofrequency ablation and balloon kyphoplasty is safe and effective for immediate pain relief in painful spinal lesions in neurologically intact patients.
Evidence for a novel gene associated with human influenza A viruses
Authors: Clifford Monica , Twigg James , Upton Chris 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Background
Influenza A virus genomes are comprised of 8 negative strand single-stranded RNA segments and are thought to encode 11 proteins, which are all translated from mRNAs complementary to the genomic strands. Although human, swine and avian influenza A viruses are very similar, cross-species infections are usually limited. However, antigenic differences are considerable and when viruses become established in a different host or if novel viruses are created by re-assortment devastating pandemics may arise.

Results
Examination of influenza A virus genomes from the early 20th Century revealed the association of a 167 codon ORF encoded by the genomic strand of segment 8 with human isolates. Close to the timing of the 1948 pseudopandemic, a mutation occurred that resulted in the extension of this ORF to 216 codons. Since 1948, this ORF has been almost totally maintained in human influenza A viruses suggesting a selectable biological function. The discovery of cytotoxic T cells responding to an epitope encoded by this ORF suggests that it is translated into protein. Evidence of several other non-traditionally translated polypeptides in influenza A virus support the translation of this genomic strand ORF. The gene product is predicted to have a signal sequence and two transmembrane domains.

Conclusion
We hypothesize that the genomic strand of segment 8 of encodes a novel influenza A virus protein. The persistence and conservation of this genomic strand ORF for almost a century in human influenza A viruses provides strong evidence that it is translated into a polypeptide that enhances viral fitness in the human host. This has important consequences for the interpretation of experiments that utilize mutations in the NS1 and NEP genes of segment 8 and also for the consideration of events that may alter the spread and/or pathogenesis of swine and avian influenza A viruses in the human population.
Commercial activities and subsistence utilization of mangrove forests around the Wouri estuary and the Douala-Edea reserve (Cameroon)
Authors: Atheull Adolphe Nfotabong , Din Ndongo , Longonje Simon N , Koedam Nico , Dahdouh-Guebas Farid 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Background
Worldwide there is growing research interest in the ethnobiology of mangrove forests. Notwithstanding that, little information has been published about ethnobiology of mangrove forests in Cameroon. The aims of this study were a) to analyze the harvesting methods and the local selling of mangrove wood products by loggers in the vicinity of Wouri estuary and b) to investigate the patterns of subsistence uses of mangrove wood products around the Douala-Edea reserve.

Methods
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 120 active mangrove loggers in 23 Douala wood markets and 103 households located in three villages (Mbiako, Yoyo I and Yoyo II) close to Douala-Edea reserve. In each of the three densely populated villages, every second household was chosen for sampling while in all markets, mangrove loggers were chosen randomly. In addition, log diameters were measured in each market using a wooden foldable tape measure. A post hoc analysis (Newman-Keuls test) was performed in order to detect the common wood class diameter sold in the Douala wood markets.

Results
The analysis of the loggers' survey data has shown that large logs of Rhizophora with diameter greater than 40 cm were common in the Douala wood markets and were more closely associated with loggers who used chainsaws. In addition to the general mangroves wood products selling, the analysis on a subsistence level (households' survey) suggests the local population's dependence on mangroves, with multiple uses of Rhizophora racemosa Meyer, R. harrisonii Leechman, Avicennia germinans L. Stearn., Laguncularia racemosa Gaertn. f. and Conocarpus erectus L. timbers for furniture, fences, smoking fish, and fuelwood. Finally, Nypa fruticans (Thunb.) Wurmb. leaves were used as thatching material for house walls and roofs.

Conclusion
Our findings revealed that big logs of Rhizophora were commonly sold by the loggers. A majority of loggers (60%) reported that mangrove marketed wood constitute a principal source of income. Most of the villagers (85.83%) often depend on mangroves for subsistence needs and for them there is no substitute for mangrove wood. Therefore, more efforts should be undertaken at the national level to implement conservation, management and sustainable use of these coastal forests.
Linear model for fast background subtraction in oligonucleotide microarrays
Authors: Kroll K Myriam , Barkema Gerard T , Carlon Enrico 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Background
One important preprocessing step in the analysis of microarray data is background subtraction. In high-density oligonucleotide arrays this is recognized as a crucial step for the global performance of the data analysis from raw intensities to expression values.

Results
We propose here an algorithm for background estimation based on a model in which the cost function is quadratic in a set of fitting parameters such that minimization can be performed through linear algebra. The model incorporates two effects: 1) Correlated intensities between neighboring features in the chip and 2) sequence-dependent affinities for non-specific hybridization fitted by an extended nearest-neighbor model.

Conclusion
The algorithm has been tested on 360 GeneChips from publicly available data of recent expression experiments. The algorithm is fast and accurate. Strong correlations between the fitted values for different experiments as well as between the free-energy parameters and their counterparts in aqueous solution indicate that the model captures a significant part of the underlying physical chemistry.
Phase II Study of Carboplatin, Paclitaxel, and Bevacizumab With Maintenance Bevacizumab As First-Line Chemotherapy for Advanced Müllerian Tumors
Authors: Penson Richard T. , Dizon Don S. , Cannistra Stephen A. , Roche Maria R. , Krasner Carolyn N. , Berlin Suzanne T. , Horowitz Neil S. , DiSilvestro Paul A. , Matulonis Ursula A. , Lee Hang , King Modjulie A. , Campos Susana M. 
Published: November 2009

Purpose New strategies are needed to improve outcomes for patients with advanced ovarian cancer. Bevacizumab is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody that neutralizes vascular endothelial growth factor but is associated with GI perforations (GIPs) in patients with recurrent disease. Patients and Methods An open-label, phase II clinical trial was conducted in newly diagnosed patients with stage ≥ IC epithelial müllerian tumors. Patients received intravenous (IV) carboplatin (area under the curve = 5), paclitaxel (175 mg/m2 IV), and bevacizumab (15 mg/kg IV) for six to eight cycles on day 1 every 21 days. Bevacizumab was omitted in the first cycle and continued as a single agent for 1 year. Results Sixty-two women participated in this study. Fifty-one patients (82%) were optimally surgically cytoreduced before treatment. The median age was 58 years (range, 18 to 77 years). Forty-five women (73%) had ovarian cancer, 10 (16%) had peritoneal cancer, four (6%) had fallopian tube cancers, and three (5%) had uterine papillary serous tumors. The majority of patients (90%) had stage III or IV disease. A median of 17 maintenance cycles (range, 0 to 25+ cycles) of bevacizumab (556 cycles) were administered with mild toxicity. Treatment was associated with two pulmonary embolisms and two GIPs, all occurring during the chemotherapy phase of treatment (364 total cycles). No grade 4 toxicities were seen during maintenance bevacizumab treatment. Radiographic responses were documented in 21 (75%) of 28 women with measurable disease (11 complete responses and 10 partial responses), with CA-125 responses in 76% of patients (11 complete responses, 21%; and 35 partial responses, 55%). The progression-free survival rate at 36 months was 58%. Conclusion The regimen of carboplatin, paclitaxel, and bevacizumab with maintenance bevacizumab is feasible, safe, and worthy of future study in advanced ovarian cancer.
β-Tubulin-II Expression Strongly Predicts Outcome in Patients Receiving Induction Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced Squamous Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: A Companion Analysis of the TAX 324 Trial
Authors: Cullen Kevin J. , Schumaker Lisa , Nikitakis Nikolaos , Goloubeva Olga , Tan Ming , Sarlis Nicholas J. , Haddad Robert I. , Posner Marshall R. 
Published: November 2009

PurposeTAX 324 was a phase III trial comparing induction chemotherapy (IC) with docetaxel, cisplatin, and fluorouracil (TPF) with cisplatin and fluorouracil (PF) followed by concomitant chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced squamous cell cancer of the head and neck (LASCCHN). This study evaluates a series of tumor markers in pretreatment biopsies from that trial TAX 324 and correlates expression with survival.MethodsPretherapy biopsy specimens were available for 265 of 501 participants. Expression of a series of six markers (p53, thymidylate synthase, glutathione s-transferase pi [GST-π], Bcl 2, beta tubulin II [βT-2], and HER2 neu) was evaluated by immunohistochemistry.ResultsFor patients with low βT-II expression, median overall survival (OS) was 58.6 months (95% CI, not reached [NR]), compared with 18.2 months for patients with high βT-II expression (95% CI, 13.11 to 30.06: hazard ratio [HR], 2.39; 95% CI, 1.67 to 3.72; P < .0001). Progression-free survival in patients with low βT-II expression was 43.2 months (95% CI, 24.4 to NR) versus 9.8 months (95% CI, 7.06 to 18.53) for high βT-II expression, with a HR of 1.9 (95% CI, 1.43 to 2.77; P < .0001). The predictive value of βT-II expression was greater in the TPF versus PF arm than in the PF arm.ConclusionIncreased tumor expression of βT-II is strongly associated with adverse outcome in LASCCHN patients treated with IC, and our data suggest low expression of βT-II may predict patients most likely to benefit from induction TPF therapy. Further, simple models which combine expression of βT-II with a carefully defined set of additional immunohistochemical markers may have significant prognostic impact for patients with LASCCHN.
The Age and Qualifications of Special Education Staff in Australia
Authors: Thomas Tony 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThis article reports on the results of a survey distributed in April 2007 to government special education schools and settings throughout Australia. The survey collected information about the age and special education qualifications of teaching staff. It followed a similar survey that was distributed in May 2006 to Victorian special schools that found that 44.9% of teachers and principals were aged 50 years or more, and 68.9% had a special education qualification. In the current survey, the percentage of principals and teachers aged 50 years or more in the responding schools ranged from 37.5% in New South Wales to 51.0% in the Australian Capital Territory. The percentage of special education qualified staff varied from 53.1% in the Australian Capital Territory to 86.6% in Western Australia. These results are examined in further detail and possible implications discussed.
A fluorescence correlation spectroscopy study of ligand interaction with cytokinin-specific binding protein from mung bean
Authors: Zawadzki Paweł , Ślósarek Genowefa , Boryski Jerzy , Wojtaszek Przemysław 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Cytokinins are essential plant hormones that regulate numerous physiological processes. Recently, a protein was identified in mung bean (Vigna radiata) and characterized as a cytokinin-specific binding protein (VrCSBP). Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy was used to investigate the interaction between VrCSBP and its ligands. The synthetic cytokinin, N-phenyl-N′-(4-pyridyl) urea, was labeled with two fluorophores, 7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole and rhodamine B. Protein-ligand binding was analyzed in an equilibrium saturation binding experiment and confirmed by the competition assay. Surprisingly, it was found that VrCSBP binds not only to cytokinins, but also to gibberellins. In addition, in the presence of natural cytokinins and gibberellins, two populations of VrCSBP that differ in their diffusion coefficients were detected. The diffusion coefficients of these two populations could be related to mono- and dimeric states, which suggests a new mode of operation in ligand binding by VrCSBP, in which dimerization induced by natural ligands enhances the ligand binding capacity of the protein.
Potential role of multiple members of the kallikrein-related peptidase family of serine proteases in activating latent TGFβ1 in semen
Authors: Emami Nashmil , Diamandis Eleftherios P. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractTransforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) has been implicated as a key contributor of immunosuppression in seminal plasma. The biochemical mechanisms that lead to production of active seminal TGFβ1 are not fully understood. It is plausible that TGFβ1 activation is partly induced simultaneously with the release of motile spermatozoa following liquefaction of the semen coagulum. Several members of the kallikrein-related peptidase (KLK) family are involved in the regulation of semen liquefaction. This study examines the involvement of these KLKs in TGFβ1 activationin vitroandex vivo, in seminal plasma. Latent TGFβ1 was rapidly activated by KLK14. The latency-associated propeptide (LAP) was shown to be cleaved by KLK14 into small peptide fragments, providing a possible mechanism for TGFβ1 activation. KLK14 also cleaved the latent TGFβ binding protein 1 (LTBP1). KLK1, 2, and 5 might also contribute to TGFβ1 activation by nicking the LAP motif and inducing conformational changes that aid in subsequent processing of LAP or through LTBP1 cleavage. Our study provides strong evidence for the involvement of multiple members of the seminal KLK cascade in activation of latent TGFβ1 in seminal plasma. These findings might have clinical implications in infertility treatment of cases with concurrent delayed liquefaction and TGFβ1-related semen antigenicity.