bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human epididymis protein 4 is a biomarker for transitional cell carcinoma in the urinary system
Authors: Xi Zhu , LinLin Ma , Ye Tian 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjective: To investigate human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) levels in transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary system and its relationship with clinicopathological features.Methods: 102 patients with TCC, 60 with benign urinary diseases, and 60 healthy controls were included in this study. The HE4 levels were used to analyze different clinicopathologic characteristics and changes between pre‐ and postsurgical operation.Results: The HE4 level was significantly increased in patients with TCC compared to patients with benign urinary diseases patients (P<0.01) and healthy controls (P<0.01), and the level of HE4 in patients with superficial TCC (Tis Ta T1) was significantly higher than that of the benign urogenital group (P<0.05)and healthy controls (P<0.05). There was a significant difference between HE4 levels in patients before and after operation (P<0.05). There was no difference between HE4 levels based on tumor recurrence, clinical TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, or pathological stage (P>0.05). The HE4 level was also different between patients with a single tumor versus patients with multiple tumors. The area under the curves of HE4 is 0.821. The sensitivity and specificity of HE4 at a cutoff value of 45.7 pM were 67.6 and 88.3%, respectively.Conclusions: HE4 may be a screening tool for early diagnosis of TCC in the urinary system, and may become a prognostic marker for TCC in the urinary system. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 23:357–361, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
IgM, IgG, and IgA anti‐DNA topoisomerase I antibodies in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Martínez‐Cordero Erasmo , Trejo Alejandro Padilla , Aguilar León Diana E. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackground: Anti‐DNA topoisomerase I (anti‐topo I) antibodies have been broadly studied in systemic sclerosis (SSc). The use of different native and molecularly cloned antigens has shown a predominant IgG response, and a variable frequency of positive IgM and IgA tests. We report herein the serological findings of SSc using a recombinant topo I obtained through a standard bacterial system.Methods: Anti‐topo I antibodies were studied in 45 SSc patients and 85 healthy controls through ELISA and western blot. Escherichia coli XL1‐blue strain and pT7‐7 vector were used to amplify a DNA topo I cDNA clone, and to obtain the recombinant polypeptide. The latter was purified by affinity chromatography, and the enzymatic and antigenic properties were evaluated through specific tests. A native antigen was included for comparison.Results: The SSc group disclosed positive IgM (20%), IgG (86.6%), and IgA (26.6%) anti‐topo I tests with the recombinant polypeptide, and a purified calf thymus antigen yielded similar results. IgG autoantibodies were frequently associated with skin involvement, esophageal dysfunction, and restrictive lung disease. The recombinant protein showed a molecular weight of 86.6 kDa, a positive topo I activity using a supercoiled pBR322 DNA relaxation test, and its carboxyl terminus region was recognized by specific antibodies.Conclusion: This report confirms that different immunoglobulin classes with anti‐topo I activity may occur in SSc. IgG was the predominant serological feature with both, the recombinant and native antigens. The study also demonstrates the association between high levels of these autoantibodies and some clinical manifestations of SSc. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 23:408–416, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A novel genetic variant of BMP2K contributes to high myopia
Authors: Liu Hsin‐Ping , Lin Ying‐Ju , Lin Wei‐Yong , Wan Lei , Sheu Jim Jinn‐Chyuan , Lin Hui‐Ju , Tsai Yuhsin , Tsai Chang‐Hai , Tsai Fuu‐Jen 
Published: November 2009

AbstractLoss of eye growth regulation may cause myopia, because modulation of optic globe size is essential for the generation of normal optic power. Evidence has implied variations of BMP2 gene expression mediate ocular development and retinal tissue remodeling. Given BMP2 as a potential regulator involved in myopia development, we investigate whether gene BMP2‐inducible kinase (BMP2K, BIKe), whose expression is up‐regulated during BMP2‐induced osteoblast differentiation, contributes to susceptibility of high myopia. Participants grouped into high myopia had a spherical equivalent greater than −6.00 D, compared with a control group of spherical equivalent less than −0.5 D. Genotyping of polymorphisms 1379 G/A (rs2288255) and 3171 C/G (rs12507099), corresponding with 405 Gly/Ser and 1002 Thr/Ser variation in the BMP2K gene were determined by PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism and associative study performed by comparing high myopic subjects and healthy controls. The frequency of A allele in the BMP2K gene 1379 G/A polymorphism showed a significant difference between cases and controls (P<0.001, OR=2.99, 95% CI=1.62–5.54) and subjects with either AA or AG genotype show higher risk than GG genotype (P<0.001, OR=3.07, 95% CI=1.59–5.92), while 3171 C/G polymorphism was not significant from this survey. These data suggest that BMP2K gene 1379 G/A variant is strongly correlated with high myopia and may contribute to a genetic risk factor for high degrees of myopic pathogenesis. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 23:362–367, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rapid liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometer (LCMS) method for clozapine and its metabolite N‐desmethyl Clozapine (Norclozapine) in human serum
Authors: Rao L.V. , Snyder M.L. , Vallaro G.M. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractClozapine is indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders. Several methods have been developed for monitoring Clozapine levels; however, they possess limited specificity and are often laborious. This study describes a simple liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometer (LCMS) method in human serum. The ion transitions monitored were m/z 327, 270, 296 for Clozapine, m/z 313, 192, 227 for Norclozapine and m/z 328, 271 for Loxapine. The assay is linear (25–1000 ng/ml) and showed a good correlation (r=0.98) within the analytical range of 79–1210 ng/ml in human serum. This assay is highly specific and sensitive for the simultaneous measurements of Clozapine and Norclozapine. The simplification of this assay makes it ideal for high throughput analyses of the patient samples in a routine clinical laboratory staffed with general medical technologists. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 23:394–398, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CXCL12 rs1801157 polymorphism in patients with breast cancer, hodgkin's lymphoma, and non‐hodgkin's lymphoma
Authors: de Oliveira Karen Brajão , Oda Julie Massayo Maeda , Voltarelli Julio Cesar , Nasser Thiago Franco , Ono Mario Augusto , Fujita Thiago Cezar , Matsuo Tiemi , Watanabe Maria Angelica Ehara 
Published: November 2009

AbstractChemokines and their receptors regulate the trafficking of immune cells during their development, inflammation, and tissue repair. The single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1801157 (previously known as CXCL12‐A/ stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 (SDF1)‐3′A) in CXCL12/SDF1 gene was assessed in breast cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL), and non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), since the chemokine CXCL12, previously known as SDF1, and its receptor CXCR4 regulate leukocyte trafficking and many essential biological processes, including tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis of different types of tumors. Genotyping was performed by PCR‐RFLP (polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism) using a restriction enzyme HpaII cleavage. No significant difference was observed in genotype distribution between breast cancer patients (GG: 57.3%; GA: 39.8%; AA: 2.9%) and healthy female controls (GG: 62.9%; GA: 33%; AA: 4.1%) nor between HL patients (GG: 61.1%; GA:27.8%; AA: 11.1%) and healthy controls (GG: 65.6%; GA: 28.9%; AA: 5.5%), whereas a significant difference was observed in genotype distribution between NHL patients (GG: 51.4%; GA: 47.1%; AA: 1.5%) and healthy controls (GG: 65.6%; GA: 28.9%; AA: 5.5%). Further studies will be necessary to elucidate the cancer chemokine network. However, this study suggests that CXCL12 rs1801157 polymorphism may have important implications in the pathogenesis of NHL. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 23:387–393, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Who asks and who receives in salary negotiation
Authors: Marks Michelle , Harold Crystal 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe influence of individual differences and negotiation strategies on starting salary outcomes was investigated. A sample of 149 newly hired employees in various industry settings participated in this study. Results indicated that those who chose to negotiate increased their starting salaries by an average of $5000. Individuals who negotiated by using competing and collaborating strategies, characterized by an open discussion of one's positions, issues, and perspectives, further increased their salaries as compared to those who used compromising and accommodating strategies. Individual differences, including risk‐aversion and integrative attitudes, played a significant role in predicting whether or not individuals negotiated, and if so, what strategies they used. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Amazon and Central Brazil deforestation scenarios on the duration of the dry season in the arc of deforestation
Authors: Costa Marcos Heil , Pires Gabrielle Ferreira 
Published: November 2009

AbstractClimate change predictions tied to Amazon deforestation scenarios are increasingly being used by government and non‐government organisations for near‐future planning applications. Despite incorporating a wide range of biophysical variables, these models neglect future scenarios of land use for adjoining regions, such as the Central Brazil Cerrado, which has been deforested by more than 50%. In this study, we investigate the impact of different Amazon and Central Brazil deforestation scenarios on the rainfall regime of the ‘arc‐of‐deforestation’ in Amazonia. We demonstrate that both Amazon and Cerrado deforestation contribute to an increase of the duration of the dry season in this region. Combining the effects of both scenarios, the dry season may increase from 5 months to 6 months, which may change the biosphere–atmosphere equilibrium in this region. This study demonstrates that the assessment of future Cerrado land use scenarios is also necessary to understand the future climate and ecosystem health of Amazonia. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Rainfall variability and the trends of wet and dry periods in Bangladesh
Authors: Shahid Shamsuddin 
Published: November 2009

AbstractSpatial patterns of annual and seasonal rainfall trends of Bangladesh over the time period 1958–2007 has been assessed using rainfall data recorded at 17 stations distributed over the country. Mann–Kendall trend test and the Sen's slope method are used to detect the significance and the magnitude of rainfall change, respectively. Historical dry and wet months are identified by using standardised precipitation index method and their trends are analysed to assess the possible change in wet and dry events in Bangladesh. The result shows a significant increase in the average annual and pre‐monsoon rainfall of Bangladesh. The number of wet months is found to increase and the dry months to decrease in most parts of the country. Seasonal analysis of wet and dry months shows a significant decrease of dry months in monsoon and pre‐monsoon. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
The effect of traumatic bereavement on tsunami‐exposed survivors
Authors: Johannesson Kerstin Bergh , Lundin Tom , Hultman Christina M. , Lindam Anna , Dyster‐Aas Johan , Arnberg Filip , Michel Per‐Olof 
Published: November 2009

AbstractFourteen months after the 2004 tsunami, mental health outcome was assessed in 187 bereaved relatives, 308 bereaved friends, and in 3,020 nonbereaved Swedish survivors. Of the bereaved relatives, 41% reported posttraumatic stress reactions and 62% reported impaired general mental health. Having been caught or chased by the tsunami in combination with bereavement was associated with increased posttraumatic stress reactions. Complicated grief reactions among relatives were almost as frequent as posttraumatic stress reactions. The highest levels of psychological distress were found among those who had lost children. Traumatic bereavement, in combination with exposure to life danger, is probably a risk factor for mental health sequelae after a natural disaster.
Simultaneous Deconvolution of the Molecular Weight and Chemical Composition Distribution of Polyolefins Made with Ziegler‐Natta Catalysts
Authors: Alghyamah Abdulaziz A. , Soares João B. P. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractHeterogeneous Ziegler‐Natta catalysts produce polyolefins that have broad distributions of molecular weight (MWD) and chemical composition (CCD). For such broad distributions, mathematical models are useful to quantify the information provided by polyolefin analytical techniques such as high‐temperature gel permeation chromatography (GPC), temperature rising elution fractionation (TREF), and crystallization analysis fractionation (CRYSTAF). In this paper, we developed a mathematical model to deconvolute the MWD and CCD of polyolefins simultaneously, using Flory's most probable distribution and the cumulative CCD component of Stockmayer's distribution. We have applied this procedure to “model” polyolefin resins and to one industrial linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) resin. The proposed methodology is able to deconvolute theoretical distributions even when random noise is added to the MWDs and CCDs, and it can be used to calculate the minimum number of active site types on heterogeneous Ziegler‐Natta catalysts.
Huts and deposition of refuse at Fräkenrönningen, a Neolithic coastal dwelling site in Eastern Middle Sweden
Authors: Olson C. , Björck N. , Storå J. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe present detailed taphonomic study deals with faunal remains from the Middle Neolithic site of Fräkenrönningen, located in Eastern Middle Sweden. Archaeological excavations in 1993 revealed the remnants of eight hut‐structures and several different features spread over approximately 1500 m2. Large amounts of pottery and stone artefacts were recovered together with approximately 14.6 kg of burnt faunal remains. Our specific aim was to examine the depositional patterns of burnt bones at the site; the diversity between the huts and the sub‐areas between the huts. Spatial patterns of seal and fish bones as well as that of the anatomical representation of seals were investigated.The refuse disposal patterns were spatially organised, and some site areas exhibited large refuse agglomerations of burnt bones. Most faunal remains were recovered immediately outside of the huts. The size of the huts did not correspond with absolute amounts of refuse. Both large and small huts showed a variation in amount of bones. The bones of harp seal (Phoca groenlandica) and ringed seal (Phoca hispida) were deposited in all areas of the site, showing a rather similar anatomical representation in all areas. The size of the huts was associated with the composition of the faunal remains. The huts in the western area were smaller in size than those in the eastern area, and they exhibited a higher frequency of fish bones. Interestingly, the fish bones showed the most marked variability between the different areas of the site. The largest amounts of fish bones were deposited in a restricted area of the north‐western part of the site, in association with three of the huts. The present study highlights the importance of detailed taphonomic studies of fishbone. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
β‐strand interactions at the domain interface critical for the stability of human lens γD‐crystallin
Authors: Das Payel , King Jonathan A. , Zhou Ruhong 
Published: November 2009

AbstractHuman age‐onset cataracts are believed to be caused by the aggregation of partially unfolded or covalently damaged lens crystallin proteins; however, the exact molecular mechanism remains largely unknown. We have used microseconds of molecular dynamics simulations with explicit solvent to investigate the unfolding process of human lens γD‐crystallin protein and its isolated domains. A partially unfolded folding intermediate of γD‐crystallin is detected in simulations with its C‐terminal domain (C‐td) folded and N‐terminal domain (N‐td) unstructured, in excellent agreement with biochemical experiments. Our simulations strongly indicate that the stability and the folding mechanism of the N‐td are regulated by the interdomain interactions, consistent with experimental observations. A hydrophobic folding core was identified within the C‐td that is comprised of a and b strands from the Greek key motif 4, the one near the domain interface. Detailed analyses reveal a surprising non‐native surface salt‐bridge between Glu135 and Arg142 located at the end of the ab folded hairpin turn playing a critical role in stabilizing the folding core. On the other hand, an in silico single E135A substitution that disrupts this non‐native Glu135‐Arg142 salt‐bridge causes significant destabilization to the folding core of the isolated C‐td, which, in turn, induces unfolding of the N‐td interface. These findings indicate that certain highly conserved charged residues, that is, Glu135 and Arg142, of γD‐crystallin are crucial for stabilizing its hydrophobic domain interface in native conformation, and disruption of charges on the γD‐crystallin surface might lead to unfolding and subsequent aggregation.
Spatial and vertical heterogeneities in aerosol properties over oceanic regions around India: Implications for radiative forcing
Authors: Moorthy K. Krishna , Nair Vijayakumar S. , Babu S. Suresh , Satheesh S. K. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe influence of atmospheric aerosols on Earth's radiation budget and hence climate, though well recognized and extensively investigated in recent years, remains largely uncertain mainly because of the large spatio‐temporal heterogeneity and the lack of data with adequate resolution. To characterize this diversity, a major multi‐platform field campaign ICARB (Integrated Campaign for Aerosols, gases and Radiation Budget) was carried out during the pre‐monsoon period of 2006 over the Indian landmass and surrounding oceans, which was the biggest such campaign ever conducted over this region. Based on the extensive and concurrent measurements of the optical and physical properties of atmospheric aerosols during ICARB, the spatial distribution of aerosol radiative forcing was estimated over the entire Bay of Bengal (BoB), northern Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea (AS) as well as large spatial variations within these regions. Besides being considerably lower than the mean values reported earlier for this region, our studies have revealed large differences in the forcing components between the BoB and the AS. While the regionally averaged aerosol‐induced atmospheric forcing efficiency was 31 ± 6 W m−2 τ−1 for the BoB, it was only ∼18 ± 7 W m−2 τ−1 for the AS. Airborne measurements revealed the presence of strong, elevated aerosol layers even over the oceans, leading to vertical structures in the atmospheric forcing, resulting in significant warming in the lower troposphere. These observations suggest serious climate implications and raise issues ranging from the impact of aerosols on vertical thermal structure of the atmospheric and hence cloud formation processes to monsoon circulation. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Heparin‐based nanoparticles
Authors: Kemp Melissa M. , Linhardt Robert J. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe combination of nanoparticles and biological molecules is of intense interest because of the synergistic properties offered by such newly synthesized composites. Heparin (HP), conjugated to nanomaterials, has recently been investigated for its chemical and biological properties. HP has a number of biological activities that can be enhanced when composited with nanoparticles. In addition, HP improves the biocompatibility of nanoparticles improving their performance in various biological applications. A variety of recent research combines HP and nanomaterials for a myriad of applications. HP has been conjugated to the surface of the nanoparticles, such as magnetic and metallic nanoparticles, or biodegradable and nondegradable synthetic polymers. HP has also been incorporated into the nanoparticles. There are numerous possibilities for material composites and chemistries that incorporate HP. This opens the door for novel applications ranging from improving anticoagulant activity, for anticancer and antitumor therapy, to tissue engineering and biosensors. This review examines the different possibilities of HP‐based nanoparticle composites and their medicinal or biological applications. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2010 2 77–87This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Cardiovascular Disease
“Brother from another mother”: Mentoring for African‐Caribbean adolescent boys
Authors: Garraway Hilary , Pistrang Nancy 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTAfrican‐Caribbean adolescent boys in the UK have a risk of developing mental health difficulties but are a challenging group to engage in mental health services. One avenue for promoting the psychological well‐being of these adolescents is through mentoring programmes. This qualitative study explored the role of mentoring with African‐Caribbean adolescent boys who had psychological and behavioural difficulties. Thirteen mentees and five mentors participated in a combination of focus groups and interviews; Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to analyse their accounts and generated nine themes. The accounts highlighted the uniqueness of the mentoring relationship. Strong, emotional bonds were formed between boys and mentors, facilitated by the perception of shared life experiences; boys were able to show their vulnerabilities and accept support. The findings suggest that mentoring can assist at‐risk African‐Caribbean youth in coping with challenges in their lives and may help to promote positive developmental trajectories for these vulnerable adolescents.