bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis C virus core protein induces apoptosis-like caspase independent cell death
Authors: Berg Christoph P , Schlosser Stephan F , Neukirchen Dorothee KH , Papadakis Costa , Gregor Michael , Wesselborg Sebastian , Stein Gerburg M 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackgroundHepatitis C virus (HCV) associated liver diseases may be related to apoptotic processes. Thus, we investigated the role of different HCV proteins in apoptosis induction as well as their potency to interact with different apoptosis inducing agents.Methods and ResultsThe use of a tightly adjustable tetracycline (Tet)-dependent HCV protein expression cell system with the founder osteosarcoma cell line U-2 OS allowed switch-off and on of the endogenous production of HCV proteins. Analyzed were cell lines expressing the HCV polyprotein, thecoreprotein, protein complexes of thecore, envelope proteinsE1,E2andp7, and non-structural proteinsNS3andNS4A,NS4BorNS5AandNS5B. Apoptosis was measured mainly by the detection of hypodiploid apoptotic nuclei in the absence or presence of mitomycin C, etoposide, TRAIL and an agonistic anti-CD95 antibody. To further characterize cell death induction, a variety of different methods like fluorescence microscopy, TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-catalyzed deoxyuridinephosphate (dUTP)-nick end labeling) assay, Annexin V staining, Western blot and caspase activation assays were included into our analysis.Two cell lines expressing thecoreprotein but not the total polyprotein exerted a strong apoptotic effect, while the other cell lines did not induce any or only a slight effect by measuring the hypodiploid nuclei. Cell death induction was caspase-independent since it could not be blocked by zVAD-fmk. Moreover, caspase activity was absent in Western blot analysis and fluorometric assays while typical apoptosis-associated morphological features like the membrane blebbing and nuclei condensation and fragmentation could be clearly observed by microscopy. None of the HCV proteins influenced the apoptotic effect mediated via the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway while only thecoreprotein enhanced death-receptor-mediated apoptosis.ConclusionOur data showed a caspase-independent apoptosis-like effect of thecoreprotein, which seems to be inhibited in the presence of further HCV proteins like the non structural (NS) proteins. This observation could be of relevance for the viral spread since induction of an apoptosis-like cell death by the core protein may have some impact on the release of the HCV particles from the host cell.
EZH2-dependent chromatin looping controls INK4a and INK4b, but not ARF, during human progenitor cell differentiation and cellular senescence
Authors: Kheradmand Kia Sima , Solaimani Kartalaei Parham , Farahbakhshian Elnaz , Pourfarzad Farzin , von Lindern Marieke , Verrijzer C Peter 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Background
The INK4b-ARF-INK4a tumour suppressor locus controls the balance between progenitor cell renewal and cancer. In this study, we investigated how higher-order chromatin structure modulates differential expression of the human INK4b-ARF-INK4a locus during progenitor cell differentiation, cellular ageing and senescence of cancer cells.

Results
We found that INK4b and INK4a, but not ARF, are upregulated following the differentiation of haematopoietic progenitor cells, in ageing fibroblasts and in senescing malignant rhabdoid tumour cells. To investigate the underlying molecular mechanism we analysed binding of polycomb group (PcG) repressive complexes (PRCs) and the spatial organization of the INK4b-ARF-INK4a locus. In agreement with differential derepression, PcG protein binding across the locus is discontinuous. As we described earlier, PcG repressors bind the INK4a promoter, but not ARF. Here, we identified a second peak of PcG binding that is located ~3 kb upstream of the INK4b promoter. During progenitor cell differentiation and ageing, PcG silencer EZH2 attenuates, causing loss of PRC binding and transcriptional activation of INK4b and INK4a. The expression pattern of the locus is reflected by its organization in space. In the repressed state, the PRC-binding regions are in close proximity, while the intervening chromatin harbouring ARF loops out. Down regulation of EZH2 causes release of the ~35 kb repressive chromatin loop and induction of both INK4a and INK4b, whereas ARF expression remains unaltered.

Conclusion
PcG silencers bind and coordinately regulate INK4b and INK4a, but not ARF, during a variety of physiological processes. Developmentally regulated EZH2 levels are one of the factors that can determine the higher order chromatin structure and expression pattern of the INK4b-ARF-INK4a locus, coupling human progenitor cell differentiation to proliferation control. Our results revealed a chromatin looping mechanism of long-range control and argue against models involving homogeneous spreading of PcG silencers across the INK4b-ARF-INK4a locus.
Abnormal muscle in the anterior compartment of the forearm: a case report
Authors: Rodrigues Vincent , Nayak Satheesha B , Rao Mohandas KG , Vollala Venkataramana , Somayaji Nagabhooshana , Rao Ashutosh S 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
During routine dissection for the undergraduate medical students, we encountered an unusual, additional muscle in the anterior compartment of the forearm. This muscle took origin from the anterior surface of the radius in common with the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle. It had a tendon of origin and a tendon of insertion. Its fleshy radial belly and the tendon of insertion, crossed superficial to the median nerve. The muscle was inserted partly to the flexor retinaculum and partly to the undersurface of palmar aponeurosis. The observations made by us in the present case will supplement our knowledge of variations of the muscles in this region which could be useful for hand surgeons as it could possibly compress the median nerve because of its close relationship to it.
A rare case of suture material obstructing the closure mechanism of a prosthetic aortic valve: a case report
Authors: Kidher Emaddin S , Perera Ryan , Rao Christopher , Rehman Syed M , Sutaria Nilesh , Athanasiou Thanos 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Prosthetic aortic valve dysfunction presenting as aortic regurgitation is a complication of mechanical valve replacement. We describe a case of late valve dysfunction caused by an annular suture of excessive length obstructing the closure mechanism of a bileaflet prosthetic valve.
We present this rare cause of valve dysfunction in an 80-year-old male patient who presented with haemolysis and dyspnoea. At the time of operation it was found that a long vertically positioned annular valve suture was interfering with the normal closure mechanism of one of the prosthetic leaflets causing eccentric regurgitation jets. These findings were misdiagnosed as paravalvular leaks on the preoperative transoesophageal echo. No paravalvular leak was identified intraoperatively. After removal of the responsible suture normal prosthetic valve function was restored.
Whilst early aortic valve dysfunction caused by suture material has previously been reported, this is the first report of suture material causing late dysfunction.
A multicenter, double-blind, randomized, controlled phase III clinical trial of chicken type II collagen in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wei Wei , Zhang Ling-Ling , Xu Jian-Hua , Xiao Feng , Bao Chun-De , Ni Li-Qing , Li Xing-Fu , Wu Yu-Qing , Sun Ling-Yun , Zhang Rong-Hua , Sun Bao-Liang , Xu Sheng-Qian , Liu Shang , Zhang Wei , Shen Jie , Liu Hua-Xiang , Wang Ren-Cheng 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Chicken type II collagen (CCII) is a protein extracted from the cartilage of chicken breast and exhibits intriguing possibilities for the treatment of autoimmune diseases by inducing oral tolerance. A 24-week, double-blind, double-dummy, randomized, methotrexate (MTX)-controlled study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CCII in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods
Five hundred three RA patients were included in the study. Patients received either 0.1 mg daily of CCII (n = 326) or 10 mg once a week of MTX (n = 177) for 24 weeks. Each patient was evaluated for pain, morning stiffness, tender joint count, swollen joint count, health assessment questionnaire (HAQ), assessments by investigator and patient, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) by using the standard tools at baseline (week 0) and at weeks 12 and 24. Additionally, rheumatoid factor (RF) was evaluated at weeks 0 and 24. Measurement of a battery of biochemical parameters in serum, hematological parameters, and urine analysis was performed to evaluate the safety of CCII.

Results
Four hundred fifty-four patients (94.43%) completed the 24-week follow-up. In both groups, there were decreases in pain, morning stiffness, tender joint count, swollen joint count, HAQ, and assessments by investigator and patient, and all differences were statistically significant. In the MTX group, ESR and CRP decreased. RF did not change in either group. At 24 weeks, 41.55% of patients in the CCII group and 57.86% in the MTX group met the American College of Rheumatology 20% improvement criteria (ACR-20) and 16.89% and 30.82%, respectively, met the ACR 50% improvement criteria (ACR-50). Both response rates for ACR-20 and ACR-50 in the CCII group were lower than those of the MTX group, and this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The DAS28 (disease activity score using 28 joint counts) values of the two treatment groups were calculated, and there was a statistically significant difference between the two treatment groups (P < 0.05). Gastrointestinal complaints were common in both groups, but there were fewer and milder side effects in the CCII group than in the MTX group. The incidence of adverse events between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
CCII is effective in the treatment of RA and is safe for human consumption. CCII exerts its beneficial effects by controlling inflammatory responses through inducing oral tolerance in RA patients.

Trials Registration
Clinical trial registration number: ChiCTR-TRC-00000093.
Regulation of Class A scavenger receptor-mediated cell adhesion and surface localization by PI3K: identification of a regulatory cytoplasmic motif
Authors: Cholewa Jill , Nikolic Dejan , Post Steven R 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
A novel mechanism for enhancing cell adhesion through recruitment of SR-A to the cell surface.
The importance of cytoplasmic motifs in differentially regulating SR-A function was demonstrated by deleting the first 49 cytoplasmic aa (SR-AΔ1–49), which abolished SR-A-mediated ligand internalization without reducing cell adhesion. To identify additional cytoplasmic motifs within the first 49 aa that regulate SR-A function, the acidic residues in a conserved motif (EDAD) were changed to their amide derivatives (SR-AQNAN). The function and regulation of SR-AQNAN were compared with that of SR-AΔ1–49 and SR-A in transfected HEK-293 cells. Blocking PI3K activation inhibited SR-A, but not SR-AΔ1–49- or SR-AQNAN-mediated cell adhesion. Although deleting (SR-AΔ1–49) or mutating (SR-AQNAN) the EDAD motif abolished the PI3K sensitivity of SR-A-mediated cell adhesion, these mutations did not affect ligand internalization or PI3K activation during cell adhesion. To define the mechanism by which PI3K regulates SR-A-mediated cell adhesion, the cellular localization of wild-type and mutant SR-A was examined. PI3K inhibition reduced surface localization of SR-A but not of SR-AΔ1–49 or SR-AQNAN. The regulation of SR-A surface localization by PI3K was confirmed in peritoneal macrophages, which endogenously express SR-A. Together, these results suggest a pathway in which SR-A binding to an immobilized ligand activates PI3K to recruit more receptor to the plasma membrane and enhances cell adhesion.
Transient β-catenin stabilization modifies lineage output from human thymic CD34+CD1a– progenitors
Authors: Valencia Jaris , Hernández-López Carmen , Martínez Víctor G , Hidalgo Laura , Zapata Agustín G , Vicente Ángeles , Varas Alberto , Sacedón Rosa 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Transient activation of canonical Wnt signaling pathway promotes subsequent NK cell development and inhibits the differentiation of DCs and monocytes from human thymic progenitors.
Increasing evidence includes Wnt proteins inside the group of master-signaling pathways that govern immune and nonimmune differentiation systems, fundamental for normal development and homeostasis. Although their precise functions in bone marrow and thymus are still controversial, numerous studies have shown that Wnt signaling is able to control the proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells and thymic progenitors and might also affect their cell-fate decisions and subsequent maturation. In the present work, we analyze the effect of transient stimulation of the canonical Wnt pathway in the differentiation potential of Lin–CD34+ CD1a– human thymic progenitors, a multipotent and heterogeneous cell population that has the capacity to develop into T cells, NK cells, monocytes, cDC, and pDC. Our results demonstrate that giving a boost to canonical Wnt signaling, triggered by transient exposure to Wnt3a or LiCl, the differentiation capacity of thymic progenitors changes, enhancing NK cell production. On the contrary, Wnt3a- or LiCl-pretreated thymic progenitors generate a significantly lower number of myeloid lineage cells, monocytes, and cDC and exhibit a reduced capacity to differentiate into pDC lineage. As a possible mechanism for this effect, we show that Wnt3a- and LiCl-pretreated progenitors change their membrane levels of receptors for cytokines pivotal for their expansion and differentiation, such as Flt3L. Moreover, canonical Wnt pathway stimulation modifies the transcription factor profile of CD34+CD1– thymocytes, increasing Hes-1 and ID3 expression levels.
CD70 expression by dendritic cells plays a critical role in the immunogenicity of CD40-independent, CD4+ T cell-dependent, licensed CD8+ T cell responses
Authors: Van Deusen Katherine E , Rajapakse Rohan , Bullock Timothy N J 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Helper-dependent, CD40-independent, CD8+ T cell responses are shown to be CD70-dependent, demonstrating alternative mechanisms by which CD4+ T cells induce CD70 expression on DC.
The stimulation of DC by CD4+ T cells is known to condition DC to activate naïve CD8+ T cells, predominantly via CD40-CD40L interactions. It has been proposed that a critical consequence of DC conditioning is the induction of CD70 expression. Whether and how CD70 induction contributes to CD8+ T cell responses in the absence of CD40-CD40L interactions are unknown. CD8+ T cell responses to adenoviral- or DC-based immunization of CD40-deficient mice revealed a CD40-independent, CD4+ T cell-dependent pathway for CD70 induction on conventional DC. This pathway and subsequent CD8+ T cell responses were enhanced by, but not dependent on, concomitant activation of TLR and in part, used TRANCE and LIGHT/LTαβ stimulation. Blocking TRANCE and LIGHT/LTαβ during stimulation reduced the immunogenicity of CD40-deficient DC. These data support the hypothesis that induction of CD70 expression on DC after an encounter with activated CD4+ T cells is a major component of CD4+ T cell-mediated licensing of DC. Further, multiple pathways exist for CD4+ T cells to elicit CD70 expression on DC. These data in part explain the capacity of CD40-deficient mice to mount CD8+ T cell responses and may provide additional targets for immunotherapy in situations when CD40-mediated licensing is compromised.
Liquid versus foam sclerotherapy
Authors: Hamel-Desnos C , Allaert F-A 
Published: December 2009

Objectives A systematic review to compare efficacy and safety of foam (F) sclerotherapy versus liquid (L) sclerotherapy for primary varicose veins of the lower limbs. Methods Systematic searches of electronic databases were conducted in April 2009 to identify relevant published studies. Database searches were augmented with abstracts from conference proceedings and electronic and hand searching of journals not consistently indexed in the major databases. Results For treatment of saphenous veins, six trials (four randomized controlled trials) were considered. Despite containing much less sclerosing agent, F was markedly more effective compared with L, the difference being put at between 20% and 50%. Four studies were included in a meta-analysis showing efficacy of F at 76.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 71–82) versus L at 39.5% (95% CI 33–46), χ2 = 60.9740; P ≤ 0.0001. For reticular veins and telangiectases, only two comparative trials were found and do not at present provide any conclusive evidence to support the superiority of efficacy of one form over the other. Statistically, the side-effects reported in all the available comparative trials do not differ between F and L forms, even if visual disturbances seem to be more common with F. Conclusion In the treatment of varices of the lower limbs, F shows much greater efficacy compared to L. Concerning the side effects, no statistical significant differences were found between L and F.
Evaluation of published reports of foam sclerotherapy: what do we know conclusively?
Authors: Myers K A , Roberts S 
Published: December 2009

Objectives The aim was to evaluate the published literature to assess what is conclusively known about optimal technique and outcome for foam sclerotherapy. Methods A literature search was performed for randomised controlled trials, meta-analyses and observational studies using appropriate statistical techniques with survival analysis for long-term outcome. Results Foam is more effective than liquid for ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy. Both sclerosants commonly used are equally effective for sclerotherapy for small veins. Ultrasound signals appear in the systemic circulation in most patients after foam sclerotherapy but do not appear to be associated with serious complications. Conclusion Little else is known about the optimal preparation of foamed sclerosants and the best technique for administering foam for sclerotherapy. Long-term studies are required to determine outcome for various techniques. There is an opportunity for many controlled trials to assess results.
Sclerotherapy and foam sclerotherapy for varicose veins
Authors: Coleridge Smith P 
Published: December 2009

Objectives To review published evidence concerning treatment of varicose veins using ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) to assess the safety and efficacy of this treatment. Methods Medical literature databases including MedLine, Embase and DH-DATA were searched for recent literature concerning UGFS. Papers describing the early results and later outcome have been assessed and their main findings were included in this summary. Results Few randomized studies have been published in this field and much of the available data come from clinical series reported by individual clinicians. It is clear that foam sclerotherapy is far more effective than liquid sclerotherapy and that ultrasound imaging allows the treatment to be delivered accurately to affected veins. There is evidence that 3% polidocanol foam is no more effective than 1% polidocanol foam. The optimum ratio of gas to liquid is 4:1, although a range of ratios is reported in the published work. There is a wide variation in the volume used as well as the method by which it is injected. The use of carbon dioxide foam reduces the systemic complications, particularly visual disturbance, as compared with air foams. Very few serious adverse events have been reported in the literature despite the widespread use of this method. Rates of recanalization of saphenous trunks following UGFS are similar to those observed after endovenous laser and endovenous RF ablation of veins, as well as the residual incompetence after surgical treatment. Conclusion UGFS is a safe and effective method of treating varicose veins. The relative advantages or disadvantages of this treatment in the longer term have yet to be published.
Foam sclerotherapy: cardiac and cerebral monitoring
Authors: Morrison N , Neuhardt D L 
Published: December 2009

Objectives To investigate and review collected and reported transcutaneous ultrasound, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and transcranial Doppler (TCD) data obtained during ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (USGFS) of incompetent saphenous, tributary and perforating veins of the lower extremities. Methods TTE and/or middle cerebral artery TCD were performed during USGFS. Ultrasound (US) findings and adverse events were recorded. Existing literature was reviewed. Results Ultrasound detected emboli circulating in superficial, perforating, communicating and deep veins and into the central circulation. TTE detected bright echoes in the right heart after every injection and in the left heart in up to 65% of selected patients. TCD high-intensity transient signals (HITS) were detected in 14–42% of the patients. Incidence of HITS was higher than patient reports of adverse events. Incidence of HITS was independent of foam volumes injected. Conclusion Echogenic signals were detected in non-treated veins, in heart chambers and in the cerebral circulation by transcutaneous US, TTE and TCD. Pathological consequences of such findings remain to be investigated.
Brookite titania photocatalytic nanomaterials: Synthesis, properties, and applications
Authors: Xie Jimin , Lü Xiaomeng , Liu Jun , Shu Huoming 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Phase-pure brookite TiO2 and its activity has been obscured for its difficulty of synthesis. Hence, we introduced the method of preparation and property of phase-pure brookite TiO2 and prepared phase-pure brookite TiO2 by hydrothermal method using Ti(SO4)2 as precursor. Phase formation was achieved by hydrothermal treatment at 180 °C after different synthesis time. The physical and photophysical properties of samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–vis diffraction (UV–vis/DRS), and Raman spectroscopy. The dependence of the photocatalytic activities on synthesis time and correlations with the physical properties of brookite samples was examined in detail. In the case of mineralization of rhodamine B (Rh B), the sample with the narrowest bandgap and the lowest photoluminescence (PL) intensity (at hydrothermal synthesis time 36 h) showed the best photodecolorization activity. Proposed decolorization mechanism was elucidated in the light of the UV–vis spectra of the analyzed degradation products and frontier electron density (FED) theory. The results indicated that photocatalytic decolorization by brookite TiO2 is a highly effective way to remove Rh B under near-visible light irradiation.
Study of the sulfonation of expanded polystyrene waste and of properties of the products obtained
Authors: Sułkowski Wieslaw W. , Nowak Krzysztof , Sułkowska Anna , Wolińska Agnieszka , Bajdur Wioletta M. , Pentak Danuta , Mikuła Barbara 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Waste-expanded polystyrene (EPS) and virgin polystyrene (VPS) were converted into ion exchangers by chemical modification. For this purpose, we used silica sulfuric acid as the sulfonating agent and conducted sulfonation under heterogeneous conditions. For VPS, the influence of the quantity of the sulfonating agent, the temperature, and the reaction time on the product properties were studied. As it appeared, silica sulfuric acid simplifies the reaction in comparison with the conventional sulfonation methods. Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectra and elemental analysis revealed that products were cross-linked and the content of sulfonate groups in a polymer chain varied. Some of the yielded polymers exhibited good water absorption and cation-exchange properties. The ion-exchange capacity (IEC) for chosen products was also determined, and it turned out to be similar to the commercial resin. The batch method was used to study the purification of solutions of Zn2+ and Cu2+ by the obtained resins. The performed study proved the usefulness of waste PS derivatives for the water treatment process.