bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein enhances matrix assembly during chondrogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Haleem‐Smith Hana , Calderon Raul , Song Yingjie , Tuan Rocky S. , Chen Faye H. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractCartilage oligomeric matrix protein/thrombospondin‐5 (COMP/TSP5) is an abundant cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) protein that interacts with major cartilage ECM components, including aggrecan and collagens. To test our hypothesis that COMP/TSP5 functions in the assembly of the ECM during cartilage morphogenesis, we have employed mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) chondrogenesis in vitro as a model to examine the effects of COMP over‐expression on neo‐cartilage formation. Human bone marrow‐derived MSCs were transfected with either full‐length COMP cDNA or control plasmid, followed by chondrogenic induction in three‐dimensional pellet or alginate hydrogel culture. MSC chondrogenesis and ECM production was estimated based on quantitation of sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) accumulation, immunohistochemistry of the presence and distribution of cartilage ECM proteins, and real‐time RT‐PCR analyis of mRNA expression of cartilage markers. Our results showed that COMP over‐expression resulted in increased total sGAG content during the early phase of MSC chondrogenesis, and increased immuno‐detectable levels of aggrecan and collagen type II in the ECM of COMP‐transfected pellet and alginate cultures, indicating more abundant cartilaginous matrix. COMP transfection did not significantly increase the transcript levels of the early chondrogenic marker, Sox9, or aggrecan, suggesting that enhancement of MSC cartilage ECM was effected at post‐transcriptional levels. These findings strongly suggest that COMP functions in mesenchymal chondrogenesis by enhancing cartilage ECM organization and assembly. The action of COMP is most likely mediated not via direct changes in cartilage matrix gene expression but via interactions of COMP with other cartilage ECM proteins, such as aggrecan and collagens, that result in enhanced assembly and retention. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 1245–1252, 2012. Published 2011. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Six common errors cause dangerous mistakes in interpretation of electron micrographs
Authors: Moradi Iman , Behjati Mohaddeseh 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe highly complex techniques of electron microscopy made it bound to the sensitive and critical micrograph analysis. The accurately interpreted micrographs are of paramount values in basic investigations. Interpretation skills and quality of the micrographs are the two fundamental keys in accomplishment of these goals but there are many mistakes and errors that can happen during the sample preparation, sectioning, EM operation, and photo publishing. The mentioned mistakes and errors effect directly in the final result which is a micrograph and can lead the analyzer who can be a pathologist to an interpretation followed by serious danger for patient. Artifacts caused by any given stimuli expected to be bothersome for investigators. Even best qualified equipments can be regarded as source of artifact generation. In this article, seven serious errors in electron micrographs which usually occur in transmission electron microscopy are addressed. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of mutagenicity and co‐mutagenicity of strong static magnetic fields up to 13 Tesla in Escherichia coli deficient in superoxide dismutase
Authors: Yoshie Sachiko , Ikehata Masateru , Hirota Noriyuki , Takemura Taro , Minowa Takashi , Hanagata Nobutaka , Hayakawa Toshio 
Published: November 2011

AbstractPurpose:To evaluate the biological effects of static magnetic fields (SMFs) up to 13 Tesla (T), with respect to superoxide behavior, by determining the effect on mutagenicity in superoxide dismutase (SOD)‐deficient Escherichia coli strain QC774, and its parental strain GC4468.Materials and Methods:Experimental strains were exposed to a 5, 10, or 13T SMF for 24 h at 37°C in Luria‐Bertani medium. To evaluate mutagenicity after SMF exposure, the mutation frequency in thymine synthesis genes was determined. The effect of exposure to a 5 or 13T SMF on mutagenicity induced by plumbagin was also investigated.Results:No statistically significant differences in the mutation frequency in thymine synthesis genes were observed between SMF‐exposed cells and unexposed cells at any of the applied magnetic flux densities. Furthermore, exposure to SMFs up to 13T did not affect mutagenicity induced by plumbagin.Conclusion:Exposure to SMFs up to 13T caused neither mutagenicity nor co‐mutagenicity in the SOD‐deficient E. coli strain QC774 or in its parental strain GC4468, suggesting that exposure to strong SMFs does not affect the behavior of superoxides in these microorganisms. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;35:731‐736. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
1H‐magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the breast at 3.0‐T: Comparison of results obtained before and after administration of gadolinium‐based contrast agent
Authors: Kawai Hisashi , Naganawa Shinji , Satake Hiroko , Ishigaki Satoko , Sakurai Yasuo , Mori Minako , Maruyama Katsuya 
Published: November 2011

AbstractPurpose:To assess the effects of gadolinium‐based contrast agent (GBCA) on 1H‐magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of the breast at 3.0‐T.Materials and Methods:Patients (n = 98) with breast cancer (98 lesions) underwent MRS (point‐resolved spectroscopy sequence [PRESS]; TR/TE, 2000/100 msec; voxel size, 15 × 15 × 15 mm) before the administration of GBCA. In 52 of those patients, MRS was also performed after the administration of GBCA. The voxel‐of‐interest (VOI) was placed by referring to the noncontrast‐enhanced MRI (diffusion‐weighted images combined with fat‐suppressed T2‐weighted images). We reviewed and graded the appropriateness of VOI location compared to the correlating enhancement lesions. Integral values of the choline peak at a frequency of 3.2 ppm on MRS were compared before and after the administration of GBCA.Results:The VOI was placed correctly in 64 lesions (65%), although the VOI was placed outside the targeted lesion in 34 lesions (35%). The integral value of the choline peak on MRS decreased significantly after the administration of GBCA (P < 0.001).Conclusion:Accumulation of GBCA in breast cancer could affect the choline peak on MRS. MRS of breast cancer at 3.0‐T can be recommended to be acquired before contrast‐enhanced study; however, some problems remain in VOI placement with reference to the noncontrast‐enhanced study. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;35:717‐722. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Case report: Cytomegalovirus‐induced thrombosis in an immunocompetent patient
Authors: Poon Michelle L.M. , Tang Julian W. , Chee Yen Lin 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThrombotic manifestations of cytomegalovirus infection in immunocompetent individuals are rare. However, it has been postulated that cytomegalovirus infection can be both directly cytopathic and capable of inducing antiphospholipid antibodies due to shared “molecular mimicry” between cytomegalovirus virus antigens and antiphospholipid antibodies. The case of a previously well 30‐year‐old woman with primary cytomegalovirus infection complicated by splenic infarction and massive pulmonary embolus is described. The patient is unusual given the development of thromboses affecting both the arterial and venous circulation, associated with both transient anticardiolipin antibodies and persistently positive anti‐β2glycoprotein I antibodies. The temporal relationship between the primary infection and thrombosis was suggestive of a pathogenic role for cytomegalovirus. J. Med. Virol. 84:116–118, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Longitudinal analysis of frequency and reactivity of epstein–barr virus‐specific T lymphocytes and their association with intermittent viral reactivation
Authors: Vogl Bastian A. , Fagin Ursula , Nerbas Linda , Schlenke Peter , Lamprecht Peter , Jabs Wolfram J. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractPersistent Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection is controlled tightly by virus‐specific T cells. EBV infection is reactivated intermittently over time, even in apparently healthy carriers. Changes in frequency and reactivity of memory T cells, particularly of CD8+ origin, have not been assessed in this context. It is hypothesized that viral reactivation is facilitated by diminished EBV‐specific T‐cell immunity. To this end, blood samples from 14 healthy donors were collected at irregular time intervals for a period of about 1 year. Samples were screened for both EBV plasma viremia and increases in viral load in PBMCs as parameters of EBV reactivation. PBMCs were subject to IFN‐γ ELISPOT analysis using the autologous EBV‐transformed lymphoblastoid cell line (EBV‐LCL) or appropriate HLA class I‐restricted EBV peptides as stimulators. Frequencies of epitope‐specific CD8+ T cells were monitored further using HLA tetramers and flow cytometry. Twelve of 14 donors exhibited signs of asymptomatic EBV reactivation. Viral reactivation was accompanied by either substantially decreased IFN‐γ responses against autologous EBV‐LCL (eight of 12 study participants) and/or increased responses against particular EBV peptides (six of 12 donors). In seven persons with HLA‐A2 and/or ‐B8 alleles numbers of HLA tetramer‐positive CD8+ T cells also varied over time, but showed no correlation to episodes of detectable viral activity. In summary, IFN‐γ reactivity of EBV‐specific T cells is not constant. Viral reactivation is detected preferably at times of diminished EBV‐LCL‐specific cellular immunity. However, increased reactivity of single immunodominant CD8+ EBV‐specific T‐cell clones may occur in response to virus replication. J. Med. Virol. 84:119–131, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Predictive value of early viral dynamics during peginterferon and ribavirin combination therapy based on genetic polymorphisms near the IL28B gene in patients infected with HCV genotype 1b
Authors: Toyoda Hidenori , Kumada Takashi , Tada Toshifumi , Hayashi Kazuhiko , Honda Takashi , Katano Yoshiaki , Goto Hidemi , Kawaguchi Takahisa , Murakami Yoshiki , Matsuda Fumihiko 
Published: November 2011

AbstractA study was carried out to determine whether early viral dynamics retain prediction of the outcome of peginterferon (PEG‐IFN) and ribavirin combination therapy based on different genetic polymorphisms near the IL28B gene, the strongest baseline predictor of response to this therapy. A total of 272 patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1b were grouped according to genetic polymorphisms near the IL28B gene (rs8099917). The ability of reduced HCV RNA levels at 4 and 12 weeks after starting therapy to predict a sustained virologic response was evaluated based on these genotypes. Among patients with the TT genotype for rs8099917 (associated with a favorable response), the rates of sustained virologic response were higher in patients with a ≥3 log10 reduction in serum HCV RNA levels at 4 weeks after starting therapy (P < 0.0001). In contrast, among patients with the TG/GG genotype (associated with an unfavorable response), there were no differences in this rate based on the reduction in HCV RNA levels at 4 weeks. Early viral dynamics at 4 weeks after starting therapy retains its predictive value for sustained virologic response in patients with the TT genotype for rs8099917, but not in patients with the TG/GG genotype. Patients who are likely to achieve sustained virologic response despite unfavorable TG/GG genotype cannot be identified based on early viral dynamics during therapy. In contrast, lack of early virologic response at 12 weeks retains a strong predictive value for the failure of sustained virologic response regardless of IL28B polymorphisms, which remains useful as a factor to stop therapy. J. Med. Virol. 84:61–70, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A study of UbcH10 expression and its association with recurrence of meningiomas
Authors: Jiang Lei , Wang Tao , Bao Yi , Qian Jun , Wu Xiao‐Jun , Hu Guo‐Han , Lu Yi‐Cheng 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackgroundUbcH10 is an important regulator for the mitotic spindle assembly checkpoint pathway that regulates cell‐cycle progression. Overexpression of UbcH10 significantly correlated with advanced tumor grade and high cell proliferation.MethodsThe expression of UbcH10 and Ki‐67 in meningioma tissues were evaluated immunohistochemically in 47 patients with meningiomas. The correlation of UbcH10 immunoreactivity with clinicopathological features and the prognostic value of UbcH10 in patients were also analyzed.ResultsImmunohistochemistry showed an increase in UbcH10 labeling index in atypical and anaplastic meningiomas versus classical meningiomas (10.53 ± 5.79% vs. 4.23 ± 2.85%, P < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between UbcH10 and Ki‐67 immunoreactivity (Spearman r = 0.77, P < 0.001). Clinicopathological evaluation suggested that UbcH10 expression was associated with tumor grade and recurrence (P < 0.05). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox multivariate analysis revealed a significant correlation between high levels of UbcH10 immunoreactivity and high rates of tumor recurrence.ConclusionWe conclude that UbcH10 may play important roles in the development of meningioma, high UbcH10 labeling index indicates higher grade of meningioma, and UbcH10 may be a useful molecular marker for predicting the prognosis of meningioma. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:327–331. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bilateral neck metastases in upper aero‐digestive tract cancer: Emphasis on the distribution of lymphatic metastases and prognostic implications
Authors: Kim Tae Wook , Chung Man Ki , Youm Hye‐youn , Jeong Jong‐In , Son Young‐Ik , Jeong Han‐Sin , Baek Chung‐Hwan 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackgroundBilateral neck metastases (BNM) in patients with upper aero‐digestive tract cancer (UADTC) indicate a poor prognosis. However, the prognostic significance of involved neck node levels has not been determined clearly. In this study, the distribution of neck nodal metastasis and its impact on prognosis were investigated.MethodsEighty‐two previously untreated UADTC patients with BNM from 2000 to 2007 were included in these analyses. The pathology was mainly squamous cell carcinomas, including nasopharynx undifferentiated carcinoma and excluding salivary and thyroid carcinomas. The distribution and pattern of neck metastases and their prognostic significance were assessed, along with other clinical variables.ResultsBNM confined to the upper neck level (I–III) showed a lower rate of distant metastasis compared to BNM beyond I–III levels (13.6% vs. 47.4%, P = 0.001). There was a significant reduction in survival among patients with bilateral lower neck (IV–V) metastases on multivariate analysis (HR: 5.95, 95%CI: 1.51–23.43). However, multi‐level involvement itself did not correlate with survival. Subgroup analysis (according to nasopharynx and non‐nasopharynx cancer) also confirmed the strong trends of lower neck nodal involvement for poorer survival in both groups.ConclusionBNM at lower neck nodes can be a significant prognostic factor for early systemic dissemination and worse prognosis in UADTC patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 105:553–558. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Decreased expression of V‐set and immunoglobulin domain containing 1 (VSIG1) is associated with poor prognosis in primary gastric cancer
Authors: Chen Yibing , Pan Ke , Li Shengping , Xia Jianchuan , Wang Wei , Chen Jugao , Zhao Jingjing , Lü Lin , Wang Dandan , Pan Qiuzhong , Wang Qijing , Li Yongqiang , He Jia , Li Qiao 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackgroundTo date, the significance of altered expression of V‐set and immunoglobulin domain containing 1 (VSIG1) in gastric cancer has not yet been elucidated.MethodsWe examined VSIG1 expression in 30 paired gastric cancer tissues and noncancerous gastric mucosa as well as in 5 gastric cancer cell lines by real‐time PCR and Western blotting. In addition, we analyzed VSIG1 expression in 232 gastric adenocarcinoma samples by immunohistochemistry.ResultsVSIG1 expression was significantly reduced at both the mRNA and protein levels in gastric cancer tissues. Immunohistochemistry revealed that VSIG1 expression was completely lost in 126 out of the 232 (54.3%) patient samples and remarkably reduced in another 106 (45.7%) patients. Negative VSIG1 expression was significantly correlated with tumor size (P = 0.007), T (P = 0.023), and M stage (P = 0.037). Importantly, loss of VSIG1 expression was significantly correlated with poor overall survival (OS, P < 0.001) and disease‐free survival (DFS, P = 0.006) in gastric cancer patients. Cox regression analyses showed that VSIG1 expression was an independent predictor of OS (P = 0.002) and DFS (P = 0.039).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that silencing VSIG1 may play an important role in gastric carcinogenesis and that VSIG1 may serve as a prognostic marker as well as a potential therapeutic target for gastric cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:286–293. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Otolaryngology fantastica: The ear, nose, and throat manifestations of munchausen's syndrome
Authors: Alicandri‐Ciufelli Matteo , Moretti Valentina , Ruberto Marco , Monzani Daniele , Chiarini Luigi , Presutti Livio 
Published: November 2011

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Munchausen's syndrome (MS) is a form of severe, chronic, factitious disorder with physical symptoms. Some essential features define MS, such as recurrent, feigned, or simulated illness; peregrination (traveling or wandering); pseudologia fantastica; and drug abuse. Munchausen's syndrome by proxy (MSBP) classically involves a parent or other caregiver who inflicts injury or induces illness in a child. The aim of the present study was to summarize and study the main ear, nose, and throat (ENT) manifestations of MS and MSBP.Study Design:A systematic literature review carried out in a tertiary university referral center.Methods:An appropriate string was run on PubMed to retrieve articles dealing with ENT manifestations of MS and MSBP. A double cross‐check was performed on citations and full‐text articles found using selected inclusion and exclusion criteria.Results:In total, 24 articles were finally included in the study, describing 30 cases of MS or MSBP involving the ENT region; 15/30 (50%) cases involved the face, most often presenting as facial pain or facial swelling; and 7/30 (23.3%) cases presented with symptoms involving the ear. Six cases out of 30 (20%) were MSBP.Conclusions:MS and MSBP may present with symptoms involving the head and neck area, particularly the face and external ear canal. The ENT specialist should suspect MS in patients with strange and long‐lasting symptoms, so as to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatments that waste time and money in the healthcare sector.
Video laryngoscopy‐assisted secondary tracheoesophageal puncture placement for the patient with severely limited neck extension
Authors: Crozier Emily E. , Klein Kevin , Deane Janis , Toles Laura E. , Myers Larry L. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractSecondary tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) placement in patients with severe limitations in neck extension is challenging. Visualization of the hypopharynx with traditional rigid endoscopy may not be possible. We report using the C‐MAC (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany) video laryngoscope to successfully place a secondary TEP in patient with severe radiation fibrosis at a tertiary referral center. A 59‐year‐old male with severe radiation fibrosis of the neck underwent total laryngectomy for a nonfunctioning larynx. His primary TEP dislodged in the early postoperative period and the patient requested secondary TEP and voice prosthesis. The result was a successful, properly positioned, placement of a secondary TEP. Videolaryngoscopy should be included in the surgeon's armamentarium of techniques to effectively and safely perform secondary TEP in anatomically difficult patients.
Display of Functionally Active PHB Depolymerase on Escherichia Coli Cell Surface
Authors: Hiraishi Tomohiro , Yamashita Koichi , Sakono Masafumi , Nakanishi Jun , Tan Liu‐Tzea , Sudesh Kumar , Abe Hideki , Maeda Mizuo 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe display of PHB depolymerase (PhaZRpiT1) from R. pickettii T1 on the surface of E. coli JM109 cells is realized using OprI of P. aeruginosa as the anchoring motif. The fusion protein is stably expressed and its surface localization is verified by immunofluorescence microscopy. The displayed PhaZRpiT1 retains its cleaving ability for soluble substrates as well as its ability to adsorb to the PHB surface, and also remains catalycically active in the degradation of insoluble polyester materials, in spite of the possible suppression of the enzyme movement on the polymer surface. The results demonstrate that PhaZRpiT1‐displaying E. coli shows potential for use as a whole‐cell biocatalyst for the production of (R)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate monomers from insoluble PHB materials.magnified image
The Role of Solvent Ligated Metal Complexes Associated with Weakly Coordinating Counteranions (WCAs) in Isobutylene Polymerization
Authors: Yeong Hui Yee , Voit Brigitte , Li Yang , Kühn Fritz E. , Radhakrishnan Narayanan 
Published: November 2011

AbstractSummary: Polyisobutylene is an industrially important polymer which is conventionally prepared by polymerization at temperatures below 0 °C. The application of solvent ligated metal complexes associated with weakly coordinating counteranions (WCAs), however, allows the room temperature (30 °C) polymerization of isobutylene resulting in highly reactive polyisobutylene (HR‐PIB) containing a high content of terminal double bonds. Recently described complexes include manganese (II), copper(II), molybdenum(III) and zink(II) complexes which were coordinated octahedrally with the boron and alumina based WCAs, each with its own advantages and traits.
Can Propagation Reaction in Carbocationic Polymerization and Copolymerization of Styrene be Diffusion Controlled ?
Authors: Sigwalt Pierre , Moreau Michel 
Published: November 2011

AbstractSummary: The reactivity ratios r1 and r2 in copolymerizations of styrene and parasubstituted styrenes, for which r1 = 1/r2, are in contradiction with diffusion control for their propagation reactions. The cross propagation rate constants k12copol in copolymerization of styrene with p‐chlorostyrene, p‐methylstyrene and p‐methoxystyrene have been shown to increase with their nucleophilicity parameter N. This is also not compatible with diffusion controlled cross propagation and propagation, but agrees with similar rate constants of propagation for these monomers. The capping rate constants k12capp of reactions of poly(p‐methylstyrene)± and poly(p‐methoxystyrene)± with π‐nucleophiles also increase with N, but with a much larger selectivity. This shows that k12copol and k12capp are not identical. The k, from 109 to 6 109 L mol−1 s−1, obtained with p‐chlorostyrene, styrene and p‐methylstyrene by the Diffusion Clock (DC) method are not consistent with those derived from the ionic species concentration (ISC method) for indene, 2,4,6‐trimethylstyrene and p‐methoxystyrene of the order of 104 – 105 L mol−1 s−1, also measured for living polymerization. These last values are in agreement with those measured previously in nonliving systems, and with an approximate compensation between the reactivity of a monomer and that of the corresponding carbocation.