bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adenoviral Gene Delivery Can Reprogram Human Fibroblasts to Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Zhou Wenbo , Freed Curt R. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
Mouse and human fibroblasts have been transformed into induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells by retroviral transduction or plasmid transfection with four genes. Unfortunately, viral and plasmid DNA incorporation into chromosomes can lead to disruption of gene transcription and malignant transformation. Tumor formation has been found in offspring of mice generated from blastocysts made mosaic with iPS cells. To proceed with iPS cells for human therapy, reprogramming should be done with transient gene expression. Recently, adenoviral vectors have been used to produce mouse iPS cells without viral integration. Here, we report the successful creation of human iPS cells from embryonic fibroblasts using adenoviral vectors expressing c-Myc, Klf4, Oct4, and Sox2. After screening 12 colonies, three stable iPS cell lines were established. Each cell line showed human embryonic stem cell morphology and surface markers. Southern blots and polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that there was no viral DNA integration into iPS cells. Fingerprinting and karyotype analysis confirmed that these iPS cell lines are derived from the parent human fibroblasts. The three human iPS cell lines can differentiate to all three germ layers in vitro, including dopaminergic neurons. After s.c. injection into nonobese diabetic–severe combined immunodeficient mice, each human iPS line produced teratomas within 5 weeks postimplantation. We conclude that adenoviral vectors can reprogram human fibroblasts to pluripotent stem cells for use in individualized cell therapy without the risk for viral or oncogene incorporation.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Bilateral cleft lip and palate without premaxillary protrusion is associated with lethal aneuploidies
Authors: Gabrielli S. , Piva M. , Ghi T. , Perolo A. , Nobile De Santis M. S. , Bevini M. , Bonasoni P. , Santini D. , Rizzo N. , Pilu G. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the clinical implications of two categories of fetal bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP): with premaxillary protrusion and with a flattened profile.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of fetuses with a prenatal diagnosis of BCLP at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the University of Bologna in the period 1991–2005.ResultsBCLP was diagnosed prenatally in 14 cases (mean gestational age at diagnosis, 21 (range, 12–36) weeks). In nine of these, there was a premaxillary pseudomass; in the remaining five, the profile was flat. Associated structural and/or chromosomal anomalies were found in two of the nine with a premaxillary pseudomass and in all five of those with a flat profile (P = 0.02). All fetuses with a flat profile had aneuploidies (three trisomy 18, one trisomy 13, one trisomy 8 mosaic), as did one of the nine with a premaxillary pseudomass. Eight of the pregnancies were terminated, including three of those with a premaxillary pseudomass and all five of those without. All continuing pregnancies resulted in live births, although one neonate affected by Krabbe's disease died shortly after birth.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that a third of cases of BCLP diagnosed in utero have a flat profile and these are at high risk of lethal aneuploidies. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differentiation of human round spermatids into motile spermatozoa through in vitro coculture with Vero cells
Authors: Tanaka Atsushi , Nagayoshi Motoi , Awata Shoichiro , Tanaka Izumi , Kusunoki Hiroshi 
Published: August 2009

AbstractPurposeThis study was undertaken to examine whether human early round spermatids will differentiate in an in vitro coculture with Vero cells.MethodsA total of 1450 and 400 isolated early round spermatids mechanically collected from two non‐obstructive and three obstructive azoospermic men with a normal karyotype were cocultured on Vero cell monolayers in minimum essential medium plus 10% fetal bovine serum, with or without 50 or 100 IU/L FSH and 1 or 10 μmol/L testosterone, at 32.5°C, in an environment of 5% CO2 in air. Morphological changes of the spermatids were observed microscopically.ResultsAfter 7 days of coculture, almost half (40–50%) of the round spermatids from both non‐obstructive and obstructive azoospermic men resumed spermiogenesis in vitro. Only cells from the latter patients gave rise to spermatozoa, a few of which had a motile flagellum. Low concentrations of FSH and testosterone increased the percentage of in vitro spermiogenesis.ConclusionsIsolated round spermatids can resume spermiogenesis in vitro when cocultured on a Vero cell monolayer.
Bortezomib‐induced painful neuropathy in rats: A behavioral, neurophysiological and pathological study in rats
Authors: Meregalli Cristina , Canta Annalisa , Carozzi Valentina A. , Chiorazzi Alessia , Oggioni Norberto , Gilardini Alessandra , Ceresa Cecilia , Avezza Federica , Crippa Luca , Marmiroli Paola , Cavaletti Guido 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTBortezomib is a proteasome inhibitor showing strong antitumor activity against many tumors, primarily multiple myeloma. Bortezomib‐induced neuropathic pain is the main side effect and the dose‐limiting factor of the drug in clinical practice. In order to obtain a pre‐clinical model to reproduce the characteristic pain symptoms in bortezomib‐treated patients, we developed an animal model of bortezomib‐induced nociceptive sensory neuropathy. In this study, bortezomib (0.15 or 0.20mg/kg) was administered to Wistar rats three times/week for 8 weeks, followed by a 4 week follow‐up period. At the end of the treatment period a significant decrease in weight gain was observed in the treated groups vs. controls, and hematological and histopathological parameters were evaluated. After the treatment period, both doses of bortezomib induced a severe reduction in nerve conduction velocity and demonstrated a dose‐cumulative effect of the drug. The sensory behavioral assessment showed the onset of mechanical allodynia, while no effect on thermal perception was observed.Sciatic nerves and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) were collected at the end of the 8‐week treatment and at the end of the follow‐up period. The pathological examination revealed a dose‐dependent axonopathy of the unmyelinated fibers in nerves of treated animals. No pathological alteration in most of DRG satellite cells and neurons was observed.Therefore, this animal model may be useful for studying the neurotoxicity and pain onset mechanisms related to bortezomib treatment.
Personality and emotional response in schizophrenics with persistent auditory hallucination
Authors: Lung F.-W. , Shu B.-C. , Chen P.-F. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractPersonality has been proposed as having a possible effect on the reaction that patients have toward auditory hallucination. However, this factor has not been studied previously. Thus, this study investigated the relationship among demographics, personality, cognition and emotional response in schizophrenics with persistent auditory hallucination. One-hundred and fourteen subjects with persistent auditory hallucination completed the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, the revised Beliefs about Voices Questionnaire and the Chinese-version Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Structural equation model showed that personality had an effect on beliefs about the hallucination (malevolent or benevolent), which then affected the reaction of patients toward these voices (engages or resists). Their reaction will further affect the anxious or depressed state of the patients. When these hallucinations were categorized into the three levels of omnipotence, beliefs and reactions, the model was more significant than that of one-level model. Persistent auditory hallucination only accounted for a portion of the emotional distress when malevolent or benevolent voices were perceived, and personality characteristics accounted for the remaining emotional distress in schizophrenics. This model helped us understand the relationship between personality, cognition and affective symptoms, such that, when therapists decide what “trait” to change, they can determine at which point to intervene.
Self-injury, psychiatric symptoms, and defense mechanisms: Findings in an Italian nonclinical sample
Authors: Sarno I. , Madeddu F. , Gratz K.L. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIntroductionThis study provides data on the rates, characteristics, and correlates of self-injury (SI) in an Italian nonclinical sample, a population previously unexamined within the SI literature. This study examined the associations between SI and defense mechanisms, as well as the differences between self-injurers (episodic and recurrent) and non self-injurers with regard to the severity and variety of their psychiatric symptoms and psychological distress.Materials and methodsFive hundred and seventy-eight university students (82.5% female; mean age = 22.3; S.D. = 3.4) were administered a battery of self-report questionnaires, including the “Deliberate Self Harm Inventory” for SI, the Response Evaluation Measure-71 for defense mechanisms, and the “Symptom Checklist-90-Revised” for psychological distress and psychiatric symptoms.ResultsOne hundred and nineteen participants (20.6%) reported having engaged in SI at least once during their lifetime. Individuals with recurrent SI (SI ≥ 5) reported significantly higher levels of all psychiatric symptoms and many maladaptive defense mechanisms than individuals without SI. Results also provided evidence for differences between individuals with recurrent and episodic SI.ConclusionResults suggest that recurrent self-injurers are distinguished from both episodic self-injurers and non self-injurers by their greater use of maladaptive defense mechanisms, rather than their lesser use of adaptive defenses. Further, results suggest that recurrent self-injurers differ from episodic self-injurers not in terms of the severity of their psychiatric symptoms, but the variety and number of these symptoms.
Self-rated residual symptoms do not predict 1-year recurrence of depression
Authors: Bertschy G. , Haffen E. , Gervasoni N. , Gex-Fabry M. , Osiek C. , Marra D. , Aubry J.-M. , Bondolfi G. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackgroundResidual depressive symptoms are generally documented as a risk factor for recurrence. In the absence of a specific instrument for the assessment of residual symptoms, a new 25-item Depression Residual Symptom Scale (DRSS) was elaborated and tested for recurrence prediction over a 1-year follow-up.Sampling and methodsFifty-nine patients in remission after a major depressive episode (MDE) were recruited in two centres. They were assessed with the DRSS and the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) at inclusion and followed for 1 year according to a seminaturalistic design. The DRSS included specific depressive symptoms and subjective symptoms of vulnerability, lack of return to usual self and premorbid level of functioning.ResultsSeverity of residual symptoms was not significantly associated with increased risk of recurrence. However, DRSS score was significantly higher among patients with three or more episodes than one to two episodes. Number of previous episodes and treatment interruption were not identified as significant predictors of recurrence.ConclusionThe proposed instrument is not predictive of depressive recurrence, but is sensitive to increased perception of vulnerability associated with consecutive episodes. Limitations include small sample size, seminaturalistic design (no standardisation of treatment) and content of the instrument.
A diverse Rancholabrean vertebrate microfauna from southern California includes the first fossil record of ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii: Plethodontidae)
Authors: Wake Thomas A. , Roeder Mark A. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAnalysis of late Pleistocene fossils recovered from near the Huntington Beach, California (USA), pier (site LACM 7679) has revealed a diverse fauna dating to approximately 40 14C ka BP. Extinct megafauna (three genera) are present; however, a microfauna including three genera of fish, five genera of amphibians, twelve genera of reptiles, two genera of birds, and ten genera of small mammals dominates the assemblage in terms of diversity. Additional identification of seven genera of non-marine mollusks and various macro- and microscopic plant remains including grasses, three families of herbs, and seven genera of trees provides a wealth of information concerning the past ecology of what is currently a coastal dune field complex. During the Rancholabrean Period, the LACM 7679 locality was approximately 10 km inland from the Pleistocene coastline and contained lush riparian zones interspersed with coastal sage scrub, a few trees, and grasslands teeming with a variety of small and large animals.
Late Quaternary vegetation, fire and climate history reconstructed from two cores at Cerro Toledo, Podocarpus National Park, southeastern Ecuadorian Andes
Authors: Brunschön Corinna , Behling Hermann 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe last ca. 20,000 yr of palaeoenvironmental conditions in Podocarpus National Park in the southeastern Ecuadorian Andes have been reconstructed from two pollen records from Cerro Toledo (04°22'28.6"S, 79°06'41.5"W) at 3150 m and 3110 m elevation. Páramo vegetation with high proportions ofPlantago rigidacharacterised the last glacial maximum (LGM), reflecting cold and wet conditions. The upper forest line was at markedly lower elevations than present. After ca. 16,200 cal yr BP, páramo vegetation decreased slightly while mountain rainforest developed, suggesting rising temperatures. The trend of increasing temperatures and mountain rainforest expansion continued until ca. 8500 cal yr BP, while highest temperatures probably occurred from 9300 to 8500 cal yr BP. From ca. 8500 cal yr BP, páramo vegetation re-expanded with dominance of Poaceae, suggesting a change to cooler conditions. During the late Holocene after ca. 1800 cal yr BP, a decrease in páramo indicates a change to warmer conditions. Anthropogenic impact near the study site is indicated for times after 2300 cal yr BP. The regional environmental history indicates that through time the eastern Andean Cordillera in South Ecuador was influenced by eastern Amazonian climates rather than western Pacific climates.
Zoned olivine xenocrysts in a late Mesozoic gabbro from the southern Taihang Mountains: implications for old lithospheric mantle beneath the central North China Craton
Authors: YING JI-FENG , ZHANG HONG-FU , TANG YAN-JIE 
Published: August 2009

AbstractZoned olivine grains are abundant in the late Mesozoic Shatuo gabbro (southern Taihang Mountains, central North China Craton). Olivine cores are rich in MgO and NiO, rims are rich in FeO and MnO, and both cores and rims have very low CaO contents. The cores invariably have a high Mg no. (92–94), similar to olivine xenocrysts from Palaeozoic kimberlites in eastern China. The compositional features of these olivines imply that they are xenocrysts rather than phenocrysts, namely, disaggregates of mantle peridotites at the time of intrusion. The compositional similarity of olivine cores to xenocrysts from Palaeozoic kimberlites suggests that the lithospheric mantle beneath the central North China Craton is ancient and refractory in nature, and quite different from eastern China, where the mantle is mainly composed of newly accreted materials resulting from large-scale lithospheric removal and replacement. The contrasting features of the lithospheric mantle beneath the eastern and central North China Craton imply that the large-scale lithospheric removal in Phanerozoic times was mainly confined to the eastern North China Craton.
Controlling sleeping sickness – a review
Authors: WELBURN S. C. , MAUDLIN I. , SIMARRO P. P. 
Published: August 2009

SUMMARYFollowing a period characterized by severe epidemics of sleeping sickness, restoration of effective control and surveillance systems has raised the question of eliminating the disease from sub-Saharan Africa. Given sufficient political and financial support, elimination is now considered a reasonable aim in countries reporting zero or less than 100 cases per year. This success may lead health authorities across the affected region to downgrade the disease from ‘neglected’ to simply being ignored. In view of the significant levels of under-reporting of sleeping sickness mortality in rural communities, this could be a short-sighted policy. Loss of capacity to deal with new epidemics, which can arise as a consequence of loss of commitment or civil upheaval, would have serious consequences. The present period should be seen as a clear opportunity for public-private partnerships to develop simpler and more cost-effective tools and strategies for sustainable sleeping sickness control and surveillance, including diagnostics, treatment and vector control.
Endogenous and exogenous transplacental transmission of Neospora caninum – how the route of transmission impacts on epidemiology and control of disease
Authors: WILLIAMS D. J. L. , HARTLEY C. S. , BJÖRKMAN C. , TREES A. J. 
Published: August 2009

SUMMARYVertical transmission of the protozoan parasite, Neospora caninum is highly efficient and can take two forms – endogenous transplacental transmission resulting from activation of the quiescent bradyzoite stage during pregnancy or exogenous transplacental transmission resulting from ingestion of oocysts during pregnancy. Calves born carrying infection derived from either endogenous or exogenous transplacental transmission are capable of infecting their offspring when they start to breed. This review considers firstly the frequency with which exogenous and endogenous transmission occur, secondly the role of the immune response in controlling N. caninum infection and thirdly how the parasite persists in an immune-competent host and is re-activated during pregnancy.
Confirmation of the presence of Trichobilharzia by examination of water samples and snails following reports of cases of cercarial dermatitis
Authors: SCHETS F. M. , LODDER W. J. , DE RODA HUSMAN A. M. 
Published: August 2009

SUMMARYIn case of cercarial dermatitis after exposure to fresh water lakes, managers responsible for bathing water quality wish to confirm the presence of Trichobilharzia, which substantiates taking measures to protect bathers from further exposure. A novel approach, including concentration of suspected water samples by filtration and PCR detection of the parasite, is proposed. This approach has been applied to bathing sites with a history of cercarial dermatitis, sampled from 2005 to 2008. Examination of snails, the standard procedure for confirmation of the parasite's presence, and analysis of water samples, appear to be complementary procedures that enhance the chance of parasite detection in implicated bathing water. Water analysis is particularly valuable when snails cannot be found; it confirmed the presence of Trichobilharzia on 25% of sampling days with reported skin conditions and no snails found. PCR of the ToSau3A repeat directly confirmed the parasite in the water. The application of the combination of analysis of water samples and examination of snails is suggested when cases of (presumptive) cercarial dermatitis are reported or when lakes with a history of cercarial dermatitis are inspected prior to the bathing season, in order to guide interventions to prevent (further) cases of swimmers' itch.
Progress towards understanding the immunobiology ofTheileriaparasites
Authors: IVAN MORRISON W. 
Published: August 2009

SUMMARYThe pathogenic Theileria speciesTheileria parvaandT. annulatainfect bovine leukocytes and erythrocytes causing acute, often fatal lymphoproliferative diseases in cattle. The parasites are of interest not only because of their economic importance as pathogens, but also because of their unique ability to transform the leukocytes they infect. The latter property allows parasitized leukocytes to be cultured as continuously growing cell linesin vitro, thus providing an amenablein vitrosystem to study the parasite/host cell relationship and parasite-specific cellular immune responses. This paper summarizes important advances in knowledge of the immunobiology of these parasites over the last 40 years, focusing particularly on areas of relevance to vaccination.
Schistosomiasis – a rich vein of research
Authors: HAGAN PAUL 
Published: August 2009

SUMMARYThe expansion in the volume of research activity over the last 100 years and the acceleration of technological change that underpins the nature and, to a lesser extent, the quality of the science we do, means that those in science today have little time, or indeed opportunity, for reflection on some of the pioneering efforts within their fields. From the first discovery of schistosome parasites in Egypt in 1851 by Theodor Bilharz, research on schistosomiasis has provided valuable insights into many wider aspects of biology and medicine and has attracted an array of colourful and dynamic scientists who have made major advances through elegant experimentation.
The molecular epidemiology and phylogeography of Trypanosoma cruzi and parallel research on Leishmania: looking back and to the future
Authors: MILES M. A. , LLEWELLYN M. S. , LEWIS M. D. , YEO M. , BALEELA R. , FITZPATRICK S. , GAUNT M. W. , MAURICIO I. L. 
Published: August 2009

SUMMARYTrypanosoma cruzi is the protozoan agent of Chagas disease, and the most important parasitic disease in Latin America. Protozoa of the genus Leishmania are global agents of visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis, fatal and disfiguring diseases. In the 1970s multilocus enzyme electrophoresis demonstrated that T. cruzi is a heterogeneous complex. Six zymodemes were described, corresponding with currently recognized lineages, TcI and TcIIa-e – now defined by multiple genetic markers. Molecular epidemiology has substantially resolved the phylogeography and ecological niches of the T. cruzi lineages. Genetic hybridization has fundamentally influenced T. cruzi evolution and epidemiology of Chagas disease. Genetic exchange of T. cruzi in vitro involves fusion of diploids and genome erosion, producing aneuploid hybrids. Transgenic fluorescent clones are new tools to elucidate molecular genetics and phenotypic variation. We speculate that pericardial sequestration plays a role in pathogenesis. Multilocus sequence typing, microsatellites and, ultimately, comparative genomics are improving understanding of T. cruzi population genetics. Similarly, in Leishmania, genetic groups have been defined, including epidemiologically important hybrids; genetic exchange can occur in the sand fly vector. We describe the profound impact of this parallel research on genetic diversity of T. cruzi and Leishmania, in the context of epidemiology, taxonomy and disease control.