bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A method for the visual analysis of early‐stage Parkinson's disease based on virtual MRI‐derived SPECT images
Authors: Chauvie Stephane , Obertino Margherita , Papaleo Alberto , Ruspa Marta , Solano Ada , Gozzoli Luigi , Gagliano Attilio , Biggi Alberto 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjective: Nuclear medicine imaging of dopamine transporter (DAT) binding is used in the differential diagnosis of neurodegenerative Parkinsonism but DAT receptor density in the posterior part of the putamens is of difficult evaluation because it is strongly affected by the partial‐volume effect. Since its quantitative correction is often difficult, we propose here a qualitative method to compare the real study to virtual images of the patient, obtained as if he/she was healthy. Method: The virtual images are obtained coregistering the magnetic resonance images to SPECT's; segmenting magnetic resonance images to obtain the real shape and position of caudates and putamens; digitally filling these volumes with an activity concentration close to normal condition; blurring and convolving images with the measured point‐spread function of the SPECT system. Result: The method was applied to phantom and, retrospectively, to a small cohort of 20 patients, that underwent SPECT examination more than 3 years ago, to prove the feasibility of the method in a clinical environment. Conclusions: This method enhances the accuracy of the nuclear medicine interpretation by the inclusion of the proper morphological information of each patient, helping the physician to differentiate between partial‐volume effects and real hypofixation of the tracer. The method proved to be feasible but is applicability is fostered by the need of a concomitant MR. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 22, 172–176, 2012
Unraveling toxicological mechanisms and predicting toxicity classes with gene dysregulation networks
Authors: Pronk Tessa E. , van Someren Eugene P. , Stierum Rob H. , Ezendam Janine , Pennings Jeroen L.A. 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTThe use of genes for distinguishing classes of toxicity has become well established. In this paper we combine the reconstruction of a gene dysregulation network (GDN) with a classifier to assign unseen compounds to their appropriate class. Gene pairs in the GDN are dysregulated in the sense that they are linked by a common expression pattern in one class and differ in this pattern in another class. The classifier gives a quantitative measure on this difference by its prediction accuracy. As an in‐depth example, gene pairs were selected that were dysregulated between skin cells treated with either sensitizers or irritants. Pairs with known and novel markers were found such as HMOX1 and ZFAND2A, ATF3 and PPP1R15A, OXSR1 and HSPA1B, ZFP36 and MAFF. The resulting GDN proved biologically valid as it was well‐connected and enriched in known interactions, processes and common regulatory motifs for pairs. Classification accuracy was improved when compared with conventional classifiers. As the dysregulated patterns for heat shock responding genes proved to be distinct from those of other stress genes, we were able to formulate the hypothesis that heat shock genes play a specific role in sensitization, apart from other stress genes. In conclusion, our combined approach creates added value for classification‐based toxicogenomics by obtaining novel, well‐distinguishing and biologically interesting measures, suitable for the formulation of hypotheses on functional relationships between genes and their relevance for toxicity class differences. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ghrelin and toxicity: recent findings and future challenges
Authors: Vasileiou Ioanna , Patsouras Demetrios , Patsouris Efstratios , Theocharis Stamatios 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTGhrelin is a novel brain–gut peptide that plays various roles in mammals, including control of food intake and growth hormone release, as well as gastric motility and acid secretion in the gastrointestinal tract. It is mainly secreted by the gastric mucosa, but is also expressed in various other tissues. Different studies confirm the multiple biological roles of and possible protective effects of ghrelin. Multiple in vitro and in vivo studies support the powerful protective action of ghrelin against heart, gastric and liver injury. Moreover, ghrelin has been reported to be beneficial in renal tissue injury and excretory function after ischemia–reperfusion and to exert neuroprotective effects in cerebral ischemic regions. The aim of this review is to summarize and evaluate all the currently available in vivo and in vitro studies regarding the effects of ghrelin on tissue injury induced in different organs and tissues. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemoinformatics and chemical genomics: potential utility of in silico methods
Authors: Valerio Luis G. , Choudhuri Supratim 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTComputational life sciences and informatics are inseparably intertwined and they lie at the heart of modern biology, predictive quantitative modeling and high‐performance computing. Two of the applied biological disciplines that are poised to benefit from such progress are pharmacology and toxicology. This review will describe in silico chemoinformatics methods such as (quantitative) structure–activity relationship modeling and will overview how chemoinformatic technologies are considered in applied regulatory research. Given the post‐genomics era and large‐scale repositories of omics data that are available, this review will also address potential applications of in silico techniques in chemical genomics. Chemical genomics utilizes small molecules to explore the complex biological phenomena that may not be not amenable to straightforward genetic approach. The reader will gain the understanding that chemoinformatics stands at the interface of chemistry and biology with enabling systems for mapping, statistical modeling, pattern recognition, imaging and database tools. The great potential of these technologies to help address complex issues in the toxicological sciences is appreciated with the applied goal of the protection of public health. Published 2012. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Facile graft of poly(2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) onto Fe3O4 nanoparticles by ATRP: Synthesis, properties, and biocompatibility
Authors: Sun Xiao‐Yan , Yu Shou‐Shan , Wan Jia‐Qi , Chen Ke‐Zheng 
Published: August 2012

AbstractMagnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles with the surface hydroxyl groups were achieved by a polyol process. Using 2‐(4‐chlorosulfonylphenyl) ethyltrichlorosilane (CTCS) as initiator, 2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) as monomer, poly(2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC)‐grafted Fe3O4 nanoparticles (MNP) were successfully prepared via the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) method. The successful grafting of PMPC on the Fe3O4 nanoparticles surface was ascertained from the FTIR analysis. The modified nanoparticles (MNP‐CTCS‐PMPC) showed a good biocompatibility in the cytotoxicity test in vitro. Performance testing of MNP‐CTCS‐PMPC was performed through magnetic resonance analysis (MR), and its r2/r1 value was 24.1. These results indicated that the modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles would be a potential MRI contrast reagent. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Characterization of leukemic cell behaviors in a soft marrow mimetic alginate hydrogel
Authors: Vu Thao Thi Thu , Lim Carine , Lim Mayasari 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAlginate hydrogels possess tunable mechanical properties that can mimic soft marrow tissue and present three‐dimensional (3D) cues. This study evaluates its utility for supporting leukemic cell growth in vitro and its impact on cell survival, growth, and differentiation. Our results showed that the standard viscosity alginates had compromised leukemia cell viability but lower viscosity alginates recovered cell viability and improved 3D cell proliferation (27 fold) compared to 2D cultures (18 fold). Conjugation with RGD peptides promoted further cell growth (43 folds). In general, 3D hydrogels supported high‐density cultures better than 2D cultures. Leukemic cells formed densely packed cell clusters in alginate hydrogels and spontaneously differentiated into a more diverse myeloid population. The cell cycle data suggested that more cells go into active cycling with a G2/M arrest in alginate hydrogels and the presence of multiploidy confirmed maturation toward megakaryocytes. In summary, superior culture of leukemia cells in 3D hydrogels is demonstrated in this study accompanied by a potential role of physical cues influencing cell fate decision. Manipulation of biophysical and biochemical properties of alginate hydrogels permits the study of specific interactions and serves to provide a robust 3D platform for studying extrinsic contributions inside the bone marrow. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Cancerous ovarian stem cells: Obscure targets for therapy but relevant to chemoresistance
Authors: Ahmed Nuzhat , Abubaker Khalid , Findlay Jock , Quinn Michael 
Published: August 2012

AbstractChemotherapy with platinum and taxanes is the first line of treatment for all epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients after debulking surgery. Even though the treatment is initially effective in 80% of patients, recurrent cancer is inevitable in the vast majority of cases. Emerging evidence suggests that some tumor cells can survive chemotherapy by activating the self‐renewal pathways resulting in tumor progression and clinical recurrence. These defined population of cells commonly termed as “cancer stem cells” (CSC) may generate the bulk of the tumor by using differentiating pathways. These cells have been shown to be resistant to chemotherapy and, to have enhanced tumor initiating abilities, suggesting CSCs as potential targets for treatment. Recent studies have introduced a new paradigm in ovarian carcinogenesis which proposes in situ carcinoma at the fimbrial end of the fallopian tube to generate high‐grade serous ovarian carcinomas, in contrast to ovarian cortical inclusion cysts (CIC) which produce borderline and low grade serous, mucinous, endometrioid, and clear cell carcinomas. This review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of the cellular origin of EOC and the molecular mechanisms defining the basis of CSC in EOC progression and chemoresistance. Using a model ovarian cancer cell line, we highlight the role of CSC in response to chemotherapy, and relate how CSCs may impact on chemoresistance and ultimately recurrence. We also propose the molecular targeting of CSCs and suggest ways that may improve the efficacy of current chemotherapeutic regimens needed for the management of this disease. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 21–34, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SIMONA 1.0: An efficient and versatile framework for stochastic simulations of molecular and nanoscale systems
Authors: Strunk T. , Wolf M. , Brieg M. , Klenin K. , Biewer A. , Tristram F. , Ernst M. , Kleine P. J. , Heilmann N. , Kondov I. , Wenzel W. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractMolecular simulation methods have increasingly contributed to our understanding of molecular and nanoscale systems. However, the family of Monte Carlo techniques has taken a backseat to molecular dynamics based methods, which is also reflected in the number of available simulation packages. Here, we report the development of a generic, versatile simulation package for stochastic simulations and demonstrate its application to protein conformational change, protein–protein association, small‐molecule protein docking, and simulation of the growth of nanoscale clusters of organic molecules. Simulation of molecular and nanoscale systems (SIMONA) is easy to use for standard simulations via a graphical user interface and highly parallel both via MPI and the use of graphical processors. It is also extendable to many additional simulations types. Being freely available to academic users, we hope it will enable a large community of researchers in the life‐ and materials‐sciences to use and extend SIMONA in the future. SIMONA is available for download under http://int.kit.edu/nanosim/simona. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Leader Positivity and Follower Creativity: An Experimental Analysis
Authors: Avey James B. , Lynn Richmond F. , Nixon Don R. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractUsing an experimental research design, 191 working adults were randomly assigned to two experimental conditions in order to test a theoretical model linking leader and follower positive psychological capital (PsyCap). Multiple methods were used to gather information from the participants. We found when leader PsyCap was manipulated experimentally, it was positively related to follower PsyCap. Subsequently, follower PsyCap was significantly related to employee's originality of ideas; one important component of creativity in the workplace. We discuss the theoretical contributions of linking leader and follower PsyCap in what emerges as a directional contagion effect, and the mediating role of follower PsyCap in enhancing follower creative task performance. Further, employee selection and development as well as leadership development practical implications are discussed. We conclude with a discussion of limitations and future research directions.
Measuring Functional Creativity: Non‐Expert Raters and the Creative Solution Diagnosis Scale
Authors: Cropley David H. , Kaufman James C. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe Creative Solution Diagnosis Scale (CSDS) is a 30‐item scale based on a core of four criteria: Relevance & Effectiveness, Novelty, Elegance, and Genesis. The CSDS offers potential for the consensual assessment of functional product creativity. This article describes an empirical study in which non‐expert judges rated a series of mousetrap designs using the 30‐item CSDS. A confirmatory factor analysis revealed a simple structure that corresponded closely to the a priori theoretical model of functional creativity, resulting in a revised 24‐item CSDS. Non‐expert judges were able to use the scale with a high degree of reliability and internal consistency. The revised CSDS paves the way for further research into the use of non‐expert judges as a possible replacement for more costly, harder‐to‐obtain experts when measuring product creativity using the Consensual Assessment Technique (CAT).
Interferon gamma and T cells inhibit osteogenesis induced by allogeneic mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: Dighe Abhijit S. , Yang Scott , Madhu Vedavathi , Balian Gary , Cui Quanjun 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are reported to be immunoprivileged and osteogenic. We hypothesized that the use of allogeneic MSCs for bone repair was possible if they displayed an ability to induce similar osteogenesis in syngeneic as well as in allogeneic hosts. To test this hypothesis we used a cloned bone marrow derived cell, termed D1, isolated from Balb/c mice. The D1 cells were subcutaneously injected in syngeneic Balb/c, allogeneic immunocompetent B6, allogeneic T‐cell deficient NCr nude, and allogeneic B6 Pfp−/− Rag2−/− mice that lack matured T and B cells as well as NK‐cell cytolytic functions. D1 cells formed ectopic bones only in syngeneic or allogeneic immunocompromised hosts but not in allogeneic B6 hosts. The lack of T cells alone in allogeneic NCr mice was sufficient to promote osteogenesis in allogeneic environment. We observed a significantly higher number of T cells, B cells, macrophages and significantly higher expression of interferon gamma (IFN‐γ) in B6 allogeneic implants as compared to the syngeneic implants. These factors correlated with severe inhibition of expression of alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and runx2 genes in the implants from B6 mice. Our data suggest that strategies to inhibit T cells and IFN‐γ functions will be useful for bone repair mediated by allogeneic MSCs. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 227–234, 2013
Inhibition of MEK pathway in vestibular schwannoma cell culture
Authors: Neff Brian A. , Voss Stephen G. , Schmitt William R. , Driscoll Colin L. W. , Link Michael J. , Beatty Charles W. , Kita Hirohito 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Ras GTPase (Ras) to extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) pathway in vestibular schwannoma (VS) cell cultures and patient excised schwannoma tumors. Mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor CI‐1040 (PD184352) was utilized to evaluate the effect of specific MEK inhibition on benign schwannoma cell culture proliferation and apoptosis.Study Design:Prospective evaluation of human schwannoma cell lines and tumors.Methods:Western blotting was completed with phospho‐antibodies for proteins in the Ras‐ERK pathway. Increasing concentrations of CI‐1040 were utilized in schwannoma cell cultures to evaluate cell proliferation and apoptosis. Proliferation was measured with the 3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide proliferation assay, and apoptosis was monitored with flow cytometry of annexin V/propidium iodide‐stained cells.Results:The most consistent Ras‐ERK pathway alterations were found in phospho‐MEK and ERK. Phospho‐MEK was not overexpressed in the schwannoma cell lines, but six out of 10 VS showed significant increases compared to benign Schwann cell controls. Similarly, nine of 10 VS tumors showed increased phospho‐ERK expression. CI‐1040 showed significantly reduced schwannoma cell proliferation at the 50 and 100 μM (IC50 20 μM and 30 μM) concentrations when compared to carrier only controls in two out three schwannoma cell lines. The remaining schwannoma cell line was relatively refractory to the antiproliferative effects of CI‐1040 at doses up to 100 μM (IC50 58 μM). Cumulative data of four separate schwannoma cell lines demonstrated that apoptosis was increased in treated schwannoma cells at CI‐1040 concentrations of 50 and 100 μM at 72 hours.Conclusions:There is overexpression of phosphorylated (activated) proteins in the Ras‐ERK pathway in schwannoma cultures and tumors as compared to benign human Schwann cell culture controls. MEK inhibitor, CI‐1040, created significantly decreased schwannoma cell proliferation and increased apoptosis in cell culture. These data justify the use of MEK inhibitors in animal treatment studies of VS.
Tinnitus in children: Association with stress and trait anxiety
Authors: Kim Young Ho , Jung Hahn Jin , Kang Seong Il , Park Kyung Tae , Choi Jung‐Seok , Oh Seung‐Ha , Chang Sun O 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:The aim of this study was to investigate associations between tinnitus and stress factors including anxiety in elementary school students.Study Design:Cross‐sectional study.Methods:We conducted a cross‐sectional questionnaire survey in 940 students aged from 10 to 12 years. Data on 928 students were collected. The questionnaire comprised 96 questions that were classified into six categories: subjects' symptoms, stress factors, State Anxiety (transitory emotional condition characterized by feeling of tension and apprehension) Inventory for Children (SAIC), Trait Anxiety (general tendency to respond with anxiety to environmental threat) Inventory for Children (TAIC), visual analog scale of tinnitus, and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI).Results:Four hundred thirty‐five students (46.9%) had experienced tinnitus more than once, and 41 (4.4%) suffered from it continuously. Self‐perception of hearing loss, dizziness, headache, and concerns about obesity had significant differences between tinnitus and nontinnitus groups, whereas other stress factors did not show any difference. TAIC scores showed statistically significant differences according to the frequency of tinnitus in children experiencing tinnitus, whereas SAIC scores did not. Annoyance, influence on daily life, disturbance of sleep, and study by tinnitus and THI scores showed significant differences according to the frequency of tinnitus.Conclusions:The present study confirms that many children are aware of tinnitus and that they may be susceptible to stressful environments. In particular, trait anxiety may be associated with tinnitus. Because both tinnitus and anxiety can affect the daily lives and health of children—as with adults—a detailed strategy for the management of tinnitus in children should be established.
Phytosterols and steryl esters in diverse Cucurbita, Cucumis and Citrullus seed oils
Authors: Oelschlägel Stefanie , Menzel Carolin , Speer Karl 
Published: August 2012

AbstractΔ7‐Phytosterols present in pumpkin seed oil are significant for the prevention of prostate disorders. Herbal medicines are increasingly offered as dried kernels or concentrated ethanolic extracts of Cucurbita pepo seeds. Until now, the pumpkin seeds of C. pepo have almost exclusively been used for this purpose. Only a few data concerning the sterol content of other Cucurbitoideae seeds are available. Therefore, we isolated, identified, and quantified the free and esterified phytosterols of 12 Cucurbita, 3 Cucumis, and 3 Citrullus seed oils. The total sterol content of these seeds ranged from 297 mg per 100 g oil in Cucurbita maxima ‘Turk's Turban’ to 814 mg per 100 g oil in Citrullus lanatus ‘Sugar Baby Watermelon’, equivalent to 64 to 193 mg per 100 g seeds respectively. These were mainly Δ7‐sterols (˜82%) with the steryl esters acounting for ˜32% of the total sterol content.
Understanding the switchbacks: The impact of direct antivirals on the minimization of hepatitis C virus recurrence after transplantation
Authors: Mutimer David 
Published: August 2012

Key Points
1. Interferon (IFN) and ribavirin can be used in select patients before or after liver transplantation, and they can reduce the risk of recurrence or effect a cure in these settings.
2. Currently licensed direct-acting antiviral drugs are used with IFN and ribavirin, so the safety and tolerability of triple therapy will be worse than those of double therapy in pretransplant and posttransplant settings.
3. Drug-drug interactions [exemplified by the interactions of protease inhibitors (PIs) with tacrolimus and cyclosporine] and the need for dose modifications (exemplified by the need to modify ribavirin doses in patients with renal dysfunction) challenge the safe use of antiviral drugs after transplantation.
4. Experience with the use of human immunodeficiency virus PIs and emerging data about hepatitis C virus (HCV) PIs show that this class of drugs can be used with care after transplantation.
5. Attempts to prevent HCV graft infections through the use of HCV immunoglobulin immediately after transplantation have been largely unsuccessful.
6. The blockade of cell surface HCV receptors with antibodies or small molecules appears to limit HCV cell entry in vivo and in a mouse model, and this may suggest a novel approach to limiting HCV recurrence at the time of transplantation. Liver Transpl, 2012. © 2012 AASLD.