bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of cancer stem cells in vincristine preconditioned SGC7901 gastric cancer cell line
Authors: Xue Zengfu , Yan Hui , Li Juntang , Liang Shuli , Cai Xiqiang , Chen Xiong , Wu Qiong , Gao Liucun , Wu Kaichun , Nie Yongzhan , Fan Daiming 
Published: September 2011

AbstractCancer stem cells (CSCs), or tumor initiating cells, are a subpopulation of cancer cells with self‐renewal and differentiation properties. However, there has been no direct observation of the properties of gastric CSCs in vitro. Here we describe a vincristine (VCR)‐preconditioning approach to obtain cancer stem‐like cells (CSLCs) from the gastric cancer cell line SGC7901. The CSLCs displayed mesenchymal characteristics, including the up‐regulated mesenchymal markers Snail, Twist, and vimentin, and the down‐regulated epithelial marker E‐cadherin. Using a Matrigel‐based differentiation assay, CSLCs formed 2D tube‐like and 3D complex lumen‐like structures, which resembled differentiated gastric crypts. The characteristic of cellular differentiation was also found by transmission electron microscopy and up‐regulation of gastrointestinal genes CDX2 and SOX2. We further showed that CSLCs could self‐renew through significant asymmetric division compared with parent cells by tracing PKH‐26, BrdU, and EDU label‐retaining cells. In addition, these CSLCs also increased expression of CD44, CD90, and CXCR4 at the mRNA level, which was identified as novel targets. Furthermore, drug sensitivity assays and xenograft experiments demonstrated that the cells developed multi‐drug resistance (MDR) and significant tumorigenicity in vivo. In summary, gastric CSCs were identified from VCR‐preconditioned SGC7901 cell line, characterized by high tumorigenicity and the capacity for self‐renewal and differentiation. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 302–312, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Combination of low O2 concentration and mesenchymal stromal cells during culture of cord blood CD34+ cells improves the maintenance and proliferative capacity of hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Hammoud Mohammad , Vlaski Marija , Duchez Pascale , Chevaleyre Jean , Lafarge Xavier , Boiron Jean‐Michel , Praloran Vincent , Brunet de la Grange Philippe , Ivanovic Zoran 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe physiological approach suggests that an environment associating the mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) and low O2 concentration would be most favorable for the maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in course of ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic grafts. To test this hypothesis, we performed a co‐culture of cord blood CD34+ cells with or without MSC in presence of cytokines for 10 days at 20%, 5%, and 1.5% O2 and assessed the impact on total cells, CD34+ cells, committed progenitors (colony‐forming cells—CFC) and stem cells activity (pre‐CFC and Scid repopulating cells—SRC). Not surprisingly, the expansion of total cells, CD34+ cells, and CFC was higher in co‐culture and at 20% O2 compared to simple culture and low O2 concentrations, respectively. However, co‐culture at low O2 concentrations provided CD34+ cell and CFC amplification similar to classical culture at 20% O2. Interestingly, low O2 concentrations ensured a better pre‐CFC and SRC preservation/expansion in co‐culture. Indeed, SRC activity in co‐culture at 1.5% O2 was higher than in freshly isolated CD34+ cells. Interleukin‐6 production by MSC at physiologically low O2 concentrations might be one of the factors mediating this effect. Our data demonstrate that association of co‐culture and low O2 concentration not only induces sufficient expansion of committed progenitors (with respect to the classical culture), but also ensures a better maintenance/expansion of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), pointing to the oxygenation as a physiological regulatory factor but also as a cell engineering tool. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 2750–2758, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CFTR negatively regulates cyclooxygenase‐2‐PGE2 positive feedback loop in inflammation
Authors: Chen Jing , Jiang Xiao Hua , Chen Hui , Guo Jing Hui , Tsang Lai Ling , Yu Mei Kuen , Xu Wen Ming , Chan Hsiao Chang 
Published: September 2011

AbstractCystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a cAMP‐dependent anion channel mostly expressed in epithelia. Accumulating evidence suggests that CF airway epithelia are overwhelmed by excessive inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins (PGs), which eventually lead to the over‐inflammatory condition observed in CF lung disease. However, the exact underlying mechanism remains elusive. In this study, we observed increased cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) expression and over‐production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in human CF bronchial epithelia cell line (CFBE41o−) with elevated NF‐κB activity compared to a wild‐type airway epithelial cell line (16HBE14o−). Moreover, we demonstrated that CFTR knockout mice had inherently higher levels of COX‐2 and NF‐κB activity, supporting the notion that lack of CFTR results in hyper‐inflammatory signaling. In addition, we identified a positive feedback loop for production of PGE2 involving PKA and transcription factor, CREB. More importantly, overexpression of wild‐type CFTR significantly suppressed COX‐2 expression in CFBE41o− cells, and wild‐type CFTR protein expression was significantly increased when 16HBE14o− cells were challenged with LPS as well as PGE2, indicating possible involvement of CFTR in negative regulation of COX‐2/PGE2. In conclusion, CFTR is a negative regulator of PGE2‐mediated inflammatory response, defect of which may result in excessive activation of NF‐κB, leading to over production of PGE2 as seen in inflammatory CF tissues. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 2759–2766, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Insect Allergy
Authors: Tracy James M. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAnaphylaxis is a life‐threatening allergic condition. The 3 most common triggers for anaphylaxis are food, medications, and insects. All of these triggers are the sources of considerable morbidity and mortality, but of the 3, only insect allergy is treatable through means other than trigger avoidance. Because ≥40 deaths per year are attributed to insect stings, it is critical that healthcare providers and the public understand the proper diagnosis as well as the long‐term treatment of this potentially life‐threatening allergy. Unlike food and medication allergy, which are managed primarily by allergen avoidance, Hymenoptera allergy is managed prospectively using venom immunotherapy; this results in a protective level of up to 98%. Insects of the order Hymenoptera include bees, wasps, hornets, yellowjackets, and ants. They are responsible for the majority of the fatal and near‐fatal sting events. Understanding the biology and habitat of the various Hymenoptera species is helpful in recommending insect‐avoidance strategies. The diagnosis of insect allergy relies on a history of a systemic allergic reaction with appropriate testing for venom‐specific immunoglobulin E. If the history of a systemic reaction to an insect sting and the presence of venom specific immunoglobulin E is confirmed, venom immunotherapy is indicated. The proper and primary means of treating acute anaphylaxis is immediate epinephrine—and studies suggest that it is underutilized in the acute setting. However, it is venom immunotherapy, a disease‐modifying therapy, that provides the affected individual with the most effective protection against future sting reactions. Long‐term management of insect allergy and anaphylaxis includes appropriate referral to an allergist familiar with insect allergy and, if indicated, venom immunotherapy. Mt Sinai J Med 78:773–783, 2011. © 2011 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Eczema
Authors: Sohn Andrew , Frankel Amylynne , Patel Rita V. , Goldenberg Gary 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAtopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is a common chronic, relapsing skin disease characterized by pruritus, disrupted epidermal barrier function, and immunoglobulin E–mediated sensitization to food and environmental allergens. Atopic dermatitis is a complex disease that arises from interactions between genes and the environment. Loci on several chromosomes have been identified, including a family of epithelium‐related genes called the epidermal differentiation complex on chromosome 1q21. Mutations in filaggrin, a key protein in epidermal differentiation, have also been identified in early‐onset and severe atopic dermatitis. There are 3 classical stages of eczema: infantile, childhood, and adulthood. The spectrum of eczema presentation varies widely from a variant that only affect the hand to major forms where a patient presents with erythroderma. The acute and subacute lesions of atopic dermatitis are often characterized by intensely pruritic, erythematous papules and vesicles with excoriations and a serous exudate. Chronic atopic dermatitis is exemplified by lichenified plaques and papules with excoriations. Atopic dermatitis patients are also at higher risk for skin infections, including bacterial and viral superinfections. Conventional therapy includes avoidance of irritants and potential allergens, as well as continued hydration of the skin with thick emollients. Topical corticosteroids and topical immunomodulators are often used primarily. Other therapies including phototherapy, antimicrobials, antihistamines, and systemic immunosuppressives are also options in certain situations. Mt Sinai J Med 78:730–739, 2011. © 2011 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Ocular Allergy
Authors: Bielory Leonard 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe eye is probably the most common site for the development of allergic inflammatory disorders, because it has no mechanical barrier to prevent the impact of allergens such as pollen on its surface. Physicians in various specialties and subspecialties who provide some form of primary care frequently encounter various forms of inflammation of the anterior surface of the eye that present as “red eye.” However, the eye is rarely the only target for an immediate allergic‐type response. Typically, many patients have other combinations of allergic disorders, such as rhinoconjunctivitis, rhinosinusitis, asthma, urticaria, or eczema. Even so, ocular signs and symptoms can frequently be the most prominent features of the entire allergic response for which a patient visits his or her physician. An improved differential diagnosis provides the basis for improved treatment algorithms. Over the past 20 years, we have witnessed an astonishing growth in therapeutic advances, ranging essentially from derivatives of simple aspirin to various newly developed biologic immunomodulatory agents, utilizing implantable drug‐delivery devices that exceed the safety and efficacy of those available for other organ systems, and resorting to advanced surgical techniques for the correction of sight‐threatening, disease‐related complications. Overall, with the expanding knowledge base, the intricacy of ocular inflammation appears to be becoming ever more manageable and, with the team approach between the primary care physician, the ophthalmologist, and the clinical allergist/immunologist, the new “immuno‐ophthalmology” approach improves patient outcomes. Mt Sinai J Med 78:740–758, 2011. © 2011 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Ultrasonography in severe carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Kasius Kristel M. , Claes Franka , Verhagen Wim Im , Meulstee Jan 
Published: September 2011

AbstractIntroduction: In up to 30% of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), the cross‐sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve may not be enlarged. We hypothesize that this could be the result of secondary atrophy of the nerve in severe CTS. The aim of this study was to measure the ultrasonographic CSA of the median nerve at the wrist in patients with severe CTS. Methods: In 14 consecutive patients with clinically and electrophysiologically defined severe CTS, the CSA of the median nerve was measured and compared with that of control subjects. Results: CSA of the median nerve exceeded the upper limit of normal in the majority of patients with severe CTS. Conclusions: Atrophy of the median nerve in severe CTS does not explain negative ultrasonographic test results. Instead, the CSA of the median nerve is enlarged in most patients with severe CTS. Muscle Nerve, 2012
Sensory Guillain–Barré syndrome and related disorders: An attempt at systematization
Authors: Uncini Antonino , Yuki Nobuhiro 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe possibility that some patients diagnosed with an acute sensory neuropathy could actually have Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) has been repeatedly advanced in the literature, but the number of cases reported is small. The reports have shown different clinical presentations and electrophysiological findings and are variously named, thus generating terminological and nosological confusion. We operatively defined sensory GBS as an acute, monophasic, widespread neuropathy characterized clinically by exclusive sensory symptoms and signs that reach their nadir in a maximum of 6 weeks without related systemic disorders and other diseases or conditions. We reviewed the literature through searches of PubMed from 1980 to March 2011 and our own files. On the basis of the size of fibers involved and the possible site of primary damage, we propose tentatively classifying sensory GBS and related disorders into three subtypes: acute sensory demyelinating polyneuropathy; acute sensory large‐fiber axonopathy–ganglionopathy; and acute sensory small‐fiber neuropathy–ganglionopathy. Muscle Nerve, 2012
Can neck muscle spindle afferents activate fusimotor neurons of the lower limb?
Authors: Sasaki Hiroshi , Polus Barbara I. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractIntroduction: We investigated whether vibratory stimulation of the dorsal neck muscles activates fusimotor neurons of lower limb muscles in relaxed human subjects. Methods: The triceps surae (TS) muscles of seated subjects (n = 15) were conditioned to leave their muscle spindles in either an insensitive (hold‐long) or sensitive (hold‐short) state. A vibrator (80 HZ) was applied to the dorsal neck muscles for 10 seconds. The tendon jerk was evoked from the right TS immediately before (during) or 5 seconds after (interposed) the offset of vibration. Results: The size of the reflex after hold‐long muscle conditioning and after neck vibration was significantly smaller than the control hold‐short reflex (P < 0.001). However, after hold‐short conditioning, neck vibration significantly increased tendon jerk amplitude, both during (P = 0.001) and interposed (P = 0.026). Conclusion: Dorsal neck vibration increases spinal reflex excitability of the TS in relaxed and seated subjects, but not through fusimotor excitation. Muscle Nerve, 2012
A comparative study on the mechanical and degradation properties of plant fibers reinforced polyethylene composites
Authors: Zaman Haydar U , Khan Mubarak A. , Khan Ruhul A. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractCoir and abaca fiber‐reinforced linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) composites (30 wt% fiber) were prepared by compression molding. Coir and abaca fibers were treated with methyl methacrylate (MMA) using ultraviolet radiation to improve the mechanical properties of the composites. Concentration of MMA and radiation dose was optimized. It was found that 30% MMA in methanol along with photoinitiator Darocur‐1173 (2%) and 15th pass of radiation rendered better performance. Chemically treated fiber‐reinforced specimens yielded better mechanical properties compared to the untreated composites, whereas coir fiber composites had better mechanical properties than abaca fiber reinforced ones. For the improvement of the properties, optimized coir (coir fiber treated with 30% MMA) and abaca (abaca fiber treated with 40% MMA) fibers were again treated with aqueous starch solution (2%–8%, w/w) for 2–7 min. Composites made of 3%‐starch‐treated coir fiber (5 min soaking time) showed the best mechanical properties than that of abaca‐fiber‐based composites. Water uptake and soil degradation tests of the composites were also performed. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis and proton conductivity studies of 5‐aminotetrazole‐doped sulfonated polymer electrolyte membranes
Authors: Boroglu Mehtap Safak , Celik Sevim Unugur , Bozkurt Ayhan , Boz Ismail 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThis work reports the preparation and characterization of a new anhydrous proton conducting membrane based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), sulfosuccinic acid (SSA), and 5‐aminotetrazole (ATet) at various stoichiometric ratios. The proton conductivities of membranes were investigated as a function of ATet composition, SSA composition, and temperature. New anhydrous proton conducting membranes were characterized by infrared spectra, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), methanol permeability, and impedance measurements for proton conductivity. TGA showed that the samples were thermally stable up to 150°C. DSC results illustrated the homogeneity of the materials. Mechanical analysis showed that the storage modulus of the PVA–SSA–ATet blend polymer membranes decreased with increasing ATet content. The membranes with higher tetrazole content, or higher acid doping level presented the higher proton conductivity. PVA–SSA–ATet4 can exhibit an anhydrous proton conductivity of 1.7 × 10−3 S/cm at 130°C and the proton conductivity increased with increasing temperature and acid doping level. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Surface‐activated nanosilica treated with silane coupling agents/polypropylene composites: Mechanical, morphological, and thermal studies
Authors: Lin Ong Hui , Akil Hazizan Md , Mohd Ishak Z.A. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThis work reports the mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties of the polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites containing nanosilica (nano‐SiO2) which were treated by different functional group silane coupling agents. Four types of silane coupling agents namely aminopropyltriethoxy silane (APTES), glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxy silane (GPTMS), trimethoxysilylpropyl methacrylate (TMPM), and dichlorodimethyl silane (DCMS) were used to modify the surface‐activated nanosilica. To enhance the effectiveness of the coupling, nanosilica was chemically activated and analyzed through FTIR and X‐ray photo electron spectroscopy (XPS). The highest tensile strength was recorded by the activated nanocomposites treated with APTES followed by nanocomposite treated with GPTMS, TMPM, and DCMS, respectively. The addition of silane coupling agents into nano‐SiO2/PP system further improved the tensile modulus of the PP nanocomposites. From the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis, activated nanosilica treated with APTES showed better nanosilica dispersion in the PP matrix and lesser agglomeration occurred when compared with the other silane coupling agents which were used in this study. Surface activation process does not effectively increase the degree of crystallinity and thermal stability on the PP nanocomposites. However, with the assistance of the surface treatment, it was found that the thermal behavior of the PP nanocomposites had been enhanced. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
How well can renewable resources mimic commodity monomers and polymers?
Authors: Mathers Robert T. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThis highlight discusses the recent progress aimed at maximizing the potential of biomass for commodity monomers and polymers. These efforts are no longer solely academic issues. In recent years, a variety of alkene, diene, aromatic, and condensation type monomers have utilized renewable resources, such as cellulose, lignin, plant oils, starches, and monoterpenes in commercial polymers. Generally, these multifaceted efforts involve pretreatment of biomass with thermal, chemical, or physical methods followed by a catalyst sequence that entails a combination of acid‐catalysis, bio‐catalysis, or metal‐based catalysis. In this regard, synthesis strategies for ethylene, propylene, α‐olefins, methylmethacrylate, 1,3‐butadiene, 1,3‐cyclohexadiene, isoprene, 1,3‐propanediol, 1,4‐butanediol, and terephthalic acid are discussed as well as opportunities for other renewable‐based monomers. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Synthesis and characterization of UV‐curable ladder‐like polysilsesquioxane
Authors: Choi Seung–Sock , Lee Albert S. , Lee He Seung , Jeon Hyeon Yeol , Baek Kyung–Youl , Choi Dong Hoon , Hwang Seung Sang 
Published: September 2011

AbstractVarious ladder‐like structured poly(phenyl‐co‐methacryl silsesquioxane)s (LPMSQ)s with high molecular weight (Mw = 10,000 ∼ 40,000) were synthesized by direct hydrolysis and polymerization in the presence of base catalyst at 25 °C. Synthesized LPMSQs mainly showed ladder‐like structure and photo‐cure reaction by 100 mW/cm2 (360 nm) for 10 s without any photo‐cure initiators. Chemical composition and structural analysis of the obtained LPMSQs were characterized using 1H NMR, 29Si NMR, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Physical properties of LPMSQs before and after photcuring were analyzed by Nanoindentation. Surface modulus increased to 8GPa and hardness of thin films increased from 100 to 400 MPa. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Synthesis of copolyamides based on PA 66 bearing lithium sulfonate groups and having unique thermal properties
Authors: Cammage Geoffroy , Spitz Roger , Boisson Christophe , Rossin René , Jéol Stéphane , Touraud Franck 
Published: September 2011

AbstractCopolyamides of PA 66/6 lithium 5‐sulfoisophthalic acid (LiSIPA) containing up to 40 mol % of LiSIPA were prepared in a 1L‐pilot reactor operating at high pressures and high temperatures. Interestingly, the presence of lithium sulfonate moieties highly impacted the glass transition temperature of the polyamide. The Tg increased from 59 °C for PA 66 to 155 °C for a copolymer containing about 40 mol % of LiSIPA. 1,3‐Dihexylbenzenedicarboxamide and lithium p‐toluenesulfonate were synthesized as model compounds to investigate the interaction of lithium sulfonate moieties and amide functions. Infrared spectroscopy using ATR technology performed on mixture of both compounds showed that the carbonyl group of amide functions interacts with the lithium cation of lithium sulfonate moieties. Similar SO and CO adsorption bands were observed in copolyamides PA 66/6LiSIPA and in mixture of model compounds, which strongly suggest the formation in the copolyamides of physical cross‐linking points centered on lithium cations coordinated by carbonyl groups of amide functions. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Star macromolecules with hyperbranched poly(arylene oxindole) cores and polyacid arms: Synthesis and solution behavior
Authors: Kowalczuk Agnieszka , Trzebicka Barbara , Rangelov Stanislav , Smet Mario , Dworak Andrzej 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe synthesis of pH‐sensitive star polymers with 100% hyperbranched cores and polyacrylic or polymethacrylic acid arms is reported. A series of stars obtained via atom transfer polymerization of tert‐butyl acrylate and methacrylate onto poly(arylene oxindole)s were subjected to acidic hydrolysis to obtain structures with polyacid arms. The obtained polyacid stars were characterized by NMR and FTIR spectroscopy. Dynamic and static light scattering experiments were performed to provide information regarding the shape of these macromolecules in solution. In an aqueous solution, the stars formed aggregates with a radius of gyration reaching 130 nm and aggregation numbers of up to 280 stars per particle. Similar to other polyacid‐based copolymers with different branched topologies, the dimensions and aggregation numbers were found to decrease with increasing pH. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011