bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Watershed delineation for the Amazon sub‐basin system using GTOPO30 DEM and a drainage network extracted from JERS SAR images
Authors: Seyler Frédérique , Muller Frédéric , Cochonneau Gérard , Guimarães Leandro , Guyot Jean Loup 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIn this study, we used a geographic information system (GIS), remote sensing products and a digital elevation model (DEM) to prepare and to test the existing data sources and algorithms for a distributed, physically based, hydrological model, incorporating the gauging stations of the national networks of the Amazon basin. Watershed delineation for the Amazon sub‐basin system is a necessary first step in distributed hydrological modelling. The DEMs currently available for the Amazon basin are GTOPO30, which has a grid spacing of about 1 km, and SRTM, which can be freely obtained from the internet at a resolution of about 90 m. Each of these DEMs has different sources and consequently different kinds of uncertainties. We have tested the two DEMs, comparing the results obtained using both of them on different sub‐basins within the Amazonian basin. The delineation of the sub‐basins for the entire Amazonian basin, which is currently available on our project site (http://www.mpl.ird.fr/hybam/), has been obtained from the GTOPO30. With GTOPO30 alone, the D8 algorithm (which determines the direction of flow in eight neighbouring cells) does not always give the correct delineation of sub‐basins corresponding to the gauging stations. This problem occurs mainly in the very flat areas of the region. One way to overcome this problem is to burn‐in the DEM with a river network. The spatial precision of this river network must be compatible with that of the DEM, and homogeneous throughout the basin. We tested three river networks on the Negro River sub‐basins. We found that a suitable river network could be extracted by digitising a JERS‐1 mosaic image. The DEM GTOPO30 burned‐in with the JERS‐1 extracted river network made the correct distributed modelling of the Amazon gauged sub‐basins possible by determining water transfer times within the basin. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapamycin potentiates the effects of paclitaxel in endometrial cancer cells through inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis
Authors: Shafer Aaron , Zhou Chunxiao , Gehrig Paola A. , Boggess John F. , Bae‐Jump Victoria L. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractMammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors modulate signaling pathways involved in cell cycle progression, and recent phase II trials demonstrate activity in patients with endometrial cancer. Our objective was to examine the effects of combination therapy with rapamycin and paclitaxel in endometrial cancer cell lines. Paclitaxel inhibited proliferation in a dose‐dependent manner in both cell lines with IC50 values of 0.1–0.5 nM and 1–5 nM for Ishikawa and ECC‐1 cells, respectively. To assess synergy of paclitaxel and rapamycin, the combination index (CI) was calculated by the method of Chou and Talalay. Simultaneous exposure of cells to various doses of paclitaxel in combination with rapamycin (1 nM) resulted in a significant synergistic anti‐proliferative effect (CI <1, range 0.131–0.920). Rapamycin alone did not induce apoptosis, but combined treatment with paclitaxel increased apoptosis over that of paclitaxel alone. Treatment with rapamycin and paclitaxel resulted in decreased phosphorylation of S6 and 4E‐BP1, two critical downstream targets of the mTOR pathway. Rapamycin decreased hTERT mRNA expression by real‐time RT‐PCR while paclitaxel alone had no effect on telomerase activity. Paclitaxel increased polymerization and acetylation of tubulin, and rapamycin appeared to enhance this effect. Thus, in conclusion, we demonstrate that rapamycin potentiates the effects of paclitaxel in endometrial cancer cells through inhibition of cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis and potentially increased polymerization and acetylation of tubulin. This suggests that the combination of rapamycin and paclitaxel may be a promising effective targeted therapy for endometrial cancer.
Cell based therapy for duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Farini Andrea , Razini Paola , Erratico Silvia , Torrente Yvan , Meregalli Mirella 
Published: August 2009

AbstractMutations in the dystrophin gene cause an X‐linked genetic disorder: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Stem cell therapy is an attractive method to treat DMD because a small number of cells are required to obtain a therapeutic effect. Here, we discussed about multiple types of myogenic stem cells and their possible use to treat DMD. The identification of a stem cell population providing efficient muscle regeneration is critical for the progression of cell therapy for DMD. We speculated that the most promising possibility for the treatment of DMD is a combination of different approaches, such as gene and stem cell therapy. J. Cell. Physiol. 221: 526–534, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human cytomegalovirus productively infects adrenocortical cells and induces an early cortisol response
Authors: Trevisan Marta , Matkovic Urska , Cusinato Riccardo , Toppo Stefano , Palù Giorgio , Barzon Luisa 
Published: August 2009

AbstractFollowing our recent findings on the presence of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in the normal human adrenal cortex and in adrenocortical tumors, especially in cortisol‐secreting tumors, aim of the present study was to investigate the direct effects of HCMV infection on human adrenocortical cells. To this aim, both clinical isolates and laboratory strains of HCMV were used to assess the early effects of infection on human adrenocortical cell morphology, proliferation, gene expression, and steroidogenic function. Both clinical and laboratory HCMV strains could infect and replicate in primary human adrenocortical cell cultures and in adrenocortical carcinoma cell lines, leading to cytopathic changes. Most importantly, in the first hours post‐infection (p.i.), adrenocortical cells showed a significant increase of cortisol and estrogen production, paralleled by up‐regulation of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and expression of steroidogenic enzymes involved in the last steps of adrenal steroidogenesis. This effect was probably due to HCMV immediate‐early gene expression, since it was most evident in the early phases p.i. and UV‐inactivated viral particles did not affect hormone production. Moreover, the effect on steroidogenesis was HCMV specific, since it was not observed after infection with herpes simplex virus. These data suggest that human adrenocortical cells are permissive to HCMV infection and acutely respond to infection with increased cortisol production. An acute glucocorticoid response is typically triggered by infections and is considered to be critical to host defense against pathogens, although, in the case of HCMV infection, it might also enhance viral replication and reactivation from latency. J. Cell. Physiol. 221: 629–641, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intracellular presence of insulin and its phosphorylated receptor in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Mattarocci Stefano , Abbruzzese Claudia , Mileo Anna M. , Visca Paolo , Antoniani Barbara , Alessandrini Gabriele , Facciolo Francesco , Felsani Armando , Radulescu Razvan T. , Paggi Marco G. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractInsulin has been known for a long time to influence the growth and differentiation of normal and transformed cells. In order to delineate the role of insulin specifically in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we have now searched by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for the presence of insulin in NSCLC samples. Among the 112 samples we studied, 30 were found to contain insulin, which was detected in the form of intracytoplasmic granula. Moreover, its expression significantly correlated with (a) the morphological/histopathological subtype of NSCLC, being more frequent in adenocarcinomas; (b) the grade of tumor differentiation, displaying an increase in low‐grade carcinomas; (c) tumor size, occurring predominantly in smaller tumors; (d) the presence of phosphorylated, activated insulin receptor; (e) the median patient age, being present in relatively younger individuals. Furthermore and interestingly, surrounding atypical adenomatous hyperplastic areas and normal alveolar pneumocytes scored insulin‐positive in some of the insulin‐negative tumors. In addition, PCR exploration for insulin transcripts in some samples positive for immunoreactive insulin was negative, indicating a possibly exogenous origin for the intracellular insulin in our NSCLC cohort. Taken together, our data suggest that an intracellular insulin activity is important for the progression of low‐grade human lung adenocarcinomas. J. Cell. Physiol. 221: 766–770, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The vertebral formula of the last common ancestor of African apes and humans
Authors: McCollum Melanie A. , Rosenman Burt A. , Suwa Gen , Meindl Richard S. , Lovejoy C. Owen 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe modal number of lumbar vertebrae in modern humans is five. It varies between three and four in extant African apes (mean=3.5). Because both chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and gorillas (Gorilla gorilla) possess the same distributions of thoracic, lumbar, and sacral vertebrae, it has been assumed from parsimony that the last common ancestor (LCA) of African apes and humans possessed a similarly short lower back. This “short‐backed LCA” scenario has recently been viewed favorably in an analysis of the intra‐ and interspecific variation in axial formulas observed among African apes and humans (Pilbeam, 2004. J Exp Zool 302B:241–267). However, the number of bonobo (Pan paniscus) specimens in that study was small (N=17). Here we reconsider vertebral type and number in the LCA in light of an expanded P. paniscus sample as well as evidence provided by the human fossil record. The precaudal (pre‐coccygeal) axial column of bonobos differs from those of chimpanzees and gorillas in displaying one additional vertebra as well as significantly different combinations of sacral, lumbar, and thoracic vertebrae. These findings, along with the six‐segmented lumbar column of early Australopithecus and early Homo, suggest that the LCA possessed a long axial column and long lumbar spine and that reduction in the lumbar column occurred independently in humans and in each ape clade, and continued after separation of the two species of Pan as well. Such an explanation is strongly congruent with additional details of lumbar column reduction and lower back stabilization in African apes. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 314B:123–134, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. [This article was published online on 17 August 2009. An error was subsequently identified and the article was corrected on 8 September 2009.]
Head morphology of selected Staphylinoidea (Coleoptera: Staphyliniformia) with an evaluation of possible groundplan features in Staphylinidae
Authors: Weide Daniela , Betz Oliver 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIn insects, anatomical features of the head have been found to provide important information for phylogenetic and comparative evolutionary studies. We analyzed the internal head morphology of three (omaliine, tachyporine, oxyteline group) out of the four subfamily groups of the beetle family Staphylinidae plus two non‐staphylinid outgroups (i.e., Agyrtidae and Leiodidae). Synchrotron X‐ray micro‐tomography was used to obtain comparative head anatomical datasets of eight species to describe (i) the presence/absence of muscles inside the head capsule and (ii) the variability in their points of origin. Nineteen of these muscles were phylogenetically informative (nine with respect to presence/absence and eleven with respect to the origin; one muscle had an influence on both analyses) and were used in character mapping analyses to reconstruct groundplan patterns of the head musculature in Staphylinidae and their subgroups. Three muscles (Mm. 7, 9, 50) were identified as possibly autapomorphic for Staphyliniformia. The taxon (Agyrtidae + Leiodidae) is supported by the absence of M. 9. The monophyly of the tachyporine group is supported by a common origin of M. 4. Aleocharinae, a subfamily within the tachyporine group, is supported by the absence of M. 42 and possibly by numerous points of origin of various muscles (Mm. 1, 17, 28, 29, 30). Our analysis of the general organization of the hypopharynx‐prementum‐complex has revealed that this complex is organized in a similar way in the investigated staphylinoids, i.e., with the prementum lying anteriorly to and being in line with the hypopharynx and the mentum. We have found deviating conditions in the investigated species of the Aleocharinae, in which the prementum can be largely retracted posteriorly. Consequently, it is sandwiched between the ventral mentum and the dorsal hypopharyngeal region. The hypopharyngeal region is thus lifted dorsad to a large extent, approaching the cibarial roof. This situation is paralleled by a loss of the hypopharyngeal retractor (M. 42) and a shift of origin of premental retractors (Mm. 28–30) posteriorly toward the gula. J. Morphol. 270:1503–1523, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fat embolism: Evolution of histopathological changes in the rat lung
Authors: McIff Terence E. , Poisner Alan M. , Herndon Betty , Lankachandra Kamani , Schutt Shane , HaileSelassie Berekeetab , Patel Sapna , Quinn Tim , Adler Federico , Molteni Agostino 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe pathophysiology of Fat Embolism Syndrome (FES) is poorly understood and subject to some controversy. Evaluation of the evolution of histological changes in the lungs of patients with FES is impractical. The current theories of FES were established through acute clinical observations and acute animal experiments, but sequential changes in the histology of lungs over a prolonged period have not been made. The progressive effects of fat embolization of the lungs were examined in a rat model over a period of 11 days. Triolein, a major bone marrow fat, was administered to conscious Sprague‐Dawley rats via the caudal vein. Rats were euthanized at 24, 48, 96 h, and 11 days, but some died within a few hours. Histomorphometric evaluations of lung tissue were made, including stains for fat, collagen, and smooth muscle actin. Arterial and arteriolar patency decreased progressively up to 96 h, but returned toward normal after 11 days. A striking finding was the very early presence of inflammation and fibrosis after only several hours, persisting up to 11 days. The results of this study provide evidence of both very early and prolonged changes due to fat embolization. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:191–197, 2010
Skeletal repair in rabbits using a novel biomimetic composite based on adipose‐derived stem cells encapsulated in collagen I gel with PLGA‐β‐TCP scaffold
Authors: Hao Wei , Pang Long , Jiang Ming , Lv Rong , Xiong Zhuo , Hu Yun‐Yu 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIn bone tissue engineering, the cell distribution mode in the scaffold may affect in vivo osteogenesis. Therefore, we fabricated a novel biomimetic construct based on a combination of rabbit adipose‐derived stem cells (rASCs) encapsulated in collagen I gel with a PLGA‐β‐TCP scaffold (rASCs‐COL/PLGA‐β‐TCP, group A), the combination of rASCs and PLGA‐β‐TCP (rASCs/PLGA‐β‐TCP, group B), the combination of collagen I gel and PLGA‐β‐TCP (COL/PLGA‐β‐TCP, group C), and PLGA‐β‐TCP scaffold (group D). The composites were implanted into a 15‐mm length critical‐sized segmental radial defect. The results were assessed by histology, radiographs, bone mineral density (BMD), and mechanical testing. After 24 weeks, the medullary cavity recanalized, bone was rebuilt, and molding finished, the bone contour remodeled smoothly and the scaffold degraded completely in group A. The BMDs and mechanical properties were similar to normal. However, the bone defect remained unrepaired in groups B, C, and D. Moreover, the scaffold degradation rate in group A was significantly higher than the other groups. Thus, enhanced in vivo osteogenesis of rASCs wrapped in collagen I gel combined with PLGA‐β‐TCP was achieved, and the bone defect was repaired. We hope this study provides new insights into ASCs‐based bone tissue engineering. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:252–257, 2010
Identification and characterisation of the E951 artificial food sweetener by vibrational spectroscopy and theoretical modelling
Authors: Peica Niculina 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAspartame (E951), a very well‐known dipeptide sweetener, approximately 150–200 times sweeter than sugar, is widely used in a variety of applications, especially in soft drinks. A drawback of E951 is its relatively low stability at high pH values and at high temperatures, thereby limiting its use. The changes observed in the very strong bands from the 1600–1300 cm−1 spectral region, characteristic to the υ(CO) mode coupled with the NH bending mode, allows to establish the species present in the Raman and SERS solutions at different concentrations and pH values. More exactly, a molecule protonation at the amino group was detected on going from basic to acidic pH values. The DFT calculated geometry, harmonic vibrational modes and Raman scattering activities of E951 were in good agreement with the experimental data and helped establish its SERS behaviour on silver surfaces. According to the DFT calculations performed, E951 can give rise to an intramolecular hydrogen bonding network, with lengths in the same range as the hydrogen bonds in the peptide unit moieties. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Micro‐Raman spectroscopy and VP‐SEM/EDS applied to the identification of mineral particles and fibres in histological sections
Authors: Rinaudo Caterina , Allegrina Mario , Fornero Elisa , Musa Maya , Croce Alessandro , Bellis Donata 
Published: August 2009

AbstractHistological sections of a patient affected by an important respiratory disease were analysed firstly by optical microscope(OM)—crossed polarisers—to identify the presence of incorporated inorganic particles, with particular attention to the fibrous ones. Then, the particles/fibres that were found were studied both with micro‐Raman spectroscopy and variable‐pressure scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (VP‐SEM/EDS). The two techniques allowed the in situ characterisation of the inorganic phases without disintegration of the organic matter. Micro‐Raman spectroscopy was able to identify the vibrating chemical groups of the mineral phase associated with the inorganic grain while the crystalline structure was preserved by the biological system. The VP‐SEM/EDS characterisation, defining the elemental chemical composition of the analysed particle/fibre, allowed confirmation of the mineral phase deducible from spectroscopic data or its identification with certainty when the spectroscopic data were not exhaustive. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fungus ball of the paranasal sinuses: Experience in 160 patients treated with endoscopic surgery
Authors: Nicolai Piero , Lombardi Davide , Tomenzoli Davide , Villaret Andrea Bolzoni , Piccioni Michela , Mensi Magda , Maroldi Roberto 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Herein we present our experience in the management of fungus ball (FB) of the paranasal sinuses. Preoperative imaging strategy and findings, surgical technique, and pathologic and microbiologic results are discussed.Study Design:Retrospective chart review of patients with FB of the paranasal sinuses who underwent endoscopic surgery at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of the University of Brescia, Italy.Methods:From January 1990 to December 2006, 160 patients with sinonasal fungus ball were treated with a purely endoscopic approach. All patients underwent preoperative computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging; an endo‐oral dental x‐ray or orthopantomography and odontological evaluation were also performed in patients with maxillary sinus localization. All removed material was sent for pathologic and microbiologic evaluation. All patients were prospectively followed with endoscopic control every 2 months during the first postoperative year and subsequently every 6 months.Results:The patient cohort included 118 females and 42 males, with an age from 19 to 85 years (mean, 52.7 years). FB was located in the maxillary sinus in 135 (84.4%) patients; in two cases both sinuses were affected. Sphenoid and ethmoid involvement was observed in 23 (14.4%) and 1 (0.6%) patients, respectively. Simultaneous ethmoid and sphenoid involvement was found in one (0.6%) case. In all patients complete removal of fungal debris was obtained through wide sinusotomy. No recurrence was observed.Conclusions:Endoscopic surgery is a safe and effective treatment for paranasal sinuses FB. A proper imaging study by MR and/or CT can address diagnosis, which is based upon detection of fungal hyphae at histology. Laryngoscope, 2009
Radiation‐induced volume changes in parotid and submandibular glands in patients with head and neck cancer receiving postoperative radiotherapy: A longitudinal study
Authors: Wang Zhong‐He , Yan Chao , Zhang Zhi‐Yuan , Zhang Chen‐Ping , Hu Hai‐Sheng , Kirwan Jessica , Mendenhall William M. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:To investigate changes in parotid and submandibular gland volumes of patients with head and neck cancer treated with postoperative intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) or conventional radiotherapy (CRT), and to relate the volume changes to different mean radiation therapy (RT) doses to the parotid and submandibular glands.Methods:Between May 2007 and May 2008, 82 head and neck cancer patients (oral cavity cancer, 71; oropharynx cancer, 11) were treated with surgery and postoperative RT (IMRT, 40; CRT, 42) at our institution. Every patient underwent four computed tomography (CT) scans: one before RT, one after 3 weeks or at the 15th fraction of RT, one upon completing RT, and one at 2 months after RT; 39 of 82 patients had an additional CT scan at 6 months after RT. A dose‐volume histogram was used to evaluate the mean volumes of patients' parotid and submandibular glands and mean RT doses to the glands on every CT scan. Altogether, 241 salivary glands (parotid, 162; submandibular, 79) were analyzed. The volume changes of the glands were evaluated against three levels of mean gland doses: <30 Gy, 30 to 50 Gy, and >50 Gy.Results:The mean RT doses to spared parotid glands, spared submandibular glands, and irradiated submandibular glands in patients treated with IMRT were 22.21 Gy, 18.26 Gy, and 52.19 Gy, respectively. The mean doses to parotid and submandibular glands in patients treated with CRT were 50.22 Gy and 62.09 Gy, respectively. The average volume loss rates in parotid glands after 3 weeks of RT, at the end of RT, and 2 months after RT versus before RT were 20.01%, 26.93%, and 27.21%, respectively. The average volume loss rates in submandibular glands after 3 weeks of RT, at the end of RT, and 2 months after RT versus before RT was 11.49%, 16.76%, and 16.29%, respectively. Parotid and submandibular glands did not continue to shrink after completing RT. We observed more volume loss during RT in the parotid glands than in the submandibular glands. The average rates of volume loss during the first 3 weeks of RT (20.01% and 11.49%, respectively) were larger than in the last 3 weeks of RT (8.57% and 6.0%, respectively). No significant differences were observed in the mean volumes of both parotid and submandibular glands between the end of RT, 2 months post‐RT, and 6 months post‐RT (P > .05). Volume loss at higher doses (>30 Gy) to the glands was significantly larger than at low doses (<30 Gy; P < .001).Conclusions:The parotid and submandibular glands shrunk during RT, but the parotid glands shrunk more than the submandibular glands. These gland volume reductions correlated significantly with the mean dose to the irradiated glands; the spared glands showed few changes. Laryngoscope, 2009