bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trehalose treatment suppresses inflammation, oxidative stress, and vasospasm induced by experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Echigo Ryosuke , Shimohata Nobuyuki , Karatsu Kensuke , Yano Fumiko , Kayasuga-Kariya Yuko , Fujisawa Ayano , Ohto Takayo , Kita Yoshihiro , Nakamura Motonao , Suzuki Shigeki , Mochizuki Manabu , Shimizu Takao , Chung Ung-il , Sasaki Nobuo 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackgroundSubarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) frequently results in several complications, including cerebral vasospasm, associated with high mortality. Although cerebral vasospasm is a major cause of brain damages after SAH, other factors such as inflammatory responses and oxidative stress also contribute to high mortality after SAH. Trehalose is a non-reducing disaccharide in which two glucose units are linked by α,α-1,1-glycosidic bond, and has been shown to induce tolerance to a variety of stressors in numerous organisms. In the present study, we investigated the effect of trehalose on cerebral vasospasm, inflammatory responses, and oxidative stress induced by bloodin vitroandin vivo.MethodsEnzyme immunoassay for eicosanoids, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and endothelin-1, and western blotting analysis for cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and inhibitor of NF-κB were examined in macrophage-like cells treated with hemolysate. After treatment with hemolysate and hydrogen peroxide, the levels of lipid peroxide and amounts of arachidonic acid release were also analyzed. Three hours after the onset of experimental SAH, 18 Japanese White rabbits received an injection of saline, trehalose, or maltose into the cisterna magna. Angiographic and histological analyses of the basilar arteries were performed. In a separate study, the femoral arteries from 60 rats were exposed to fresh autologous blood. At 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 20 days after treatment, cryosections prepared from the femoral arteries were histologically analyzed.ResultsWhen cells were treated with hemolysate, trehalose inhibited the production of several inflammatory mediators and degradation of the inhibitor of NF-κB and also suppressed the lipid peroxidation, the reactive oxygen species-induced arachidonic acid releasein vitro. In the rabbit model, trehalose produced an inhibitory effect on vasospasm after the onset of experimental SAH, while maltose had only a moderate effect. When the rat femoral arteries exposed to blood were investigated for 20 days, histological analysis revealed that trehalose suppressed vasospasm, inflammatory response, and lipid peroxidation.ConclusionsThese data suggest that trehalose has suppressive effects on several pathological events after SAH, including vasospasm, inflammatory responses, and lipid peroxidation. Trehalose may be a new therapeutic approach for treatment of complications after SAH.
Ultra-long Pt nanolawns supported on TiO2-coated carbon fibers as 3D hybrid catalyst for methanol oxidation
Authors: Shen Yu-Lin , Chen Shih-Yun , Song Jenn-Ming , Chen In-Gann 
Published: April 2012

AbstractIn this study, TiO2thin film photocatalyst on carbon fibers was used to synthesize ultra-long single crystalline Pt nanowires via a simple photoreduction route (thermally activated photoreduction). It also acted as a co-catalytic material with Pt. Taking advantage of the high-aspect ratio of the Pt nanostructure as well as the excellent catalytic activity of TiO2, this hybrid structure has the great potential as the active anode in direct methanol fuel cells. The electrochemical results indicate that TiO2is capable of transforming CO-like poisoning species on the Pt surface during methanol oxidation and contributes to a high CO tolerance of this Pt nanowire/TiO2hybrid structure.
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus nonstructural protein 2 contributes to NF-κB activation
Authors: Fang Ying , Fang Liurong , Wang Yang , Lei Yingying , Luo Rui , Wang Dang , Chen Huanchun , Xiao Shaobo 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) is an inducible transcription factor that plays a key role in inflammation and immune responses, as well as in the regulation of cell proliferation and survival. Previous studies by our group and others have demonstrated that porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection could activate NF-κB in MARC-145 cells and alveolar macrophages. The nucleocapsid (N) protein was identified as an NF-κB activator among the structural proteins encoded by PRRSV; however, it remains unclear whether the nonstructural proteins (Nsps) contribute to NF-κB activation. In this study, we identified which Nsps can activate NF-κB and investigated the potential mechanism(s) by which they act.

Results
By screening the individual Nsps of PRRSV strain WUH3, Nsp2 exhibited great potential to activate NF-κB in MARC-145 and HeLa cells. Overexpression of Nsp2 induced IκBα degradation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Furthermore, Nsp2 also induced NF-κB-dependent inflammatory factors, including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, COX-2, and RANTES. Compared with the Nsp2 of the classical PRRSV strain, the Nsp2 of highly pathogenic PRRSV (HP-PRRSV) strains that possess a 30 amino acid (aa) deletion in Nsp2 displayed greater NF-κB activation. However, the 30-aa deletion was demonstrated to not be associated with NF-κB activation. Further functional domain analyses revealed that the hypervariable region (HV) of Nsp2 was essential for NF-κB activation.

Conclusions
Taken together, these data indicate that PRRSV Nsp2 is a multifunctional protein participating in the modulation of host inflammatory response, which suggests an important role of Nsp2 in pathogenesis and disease outcomes.
Cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of tri-block copolymer nanoparticles with different size and surface characteristics
Authors: Bhattacharjee Sourav , Ershov Dmitry , Fytianos Kleanthis , van der Gucht Jasper , Alink Gerrit M , Rietjens Ivonne M C M , Marcelis Antonius T M , Zuilhof Han 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackgroundPolymer nanoparticles (PNP) are becoming increasingly important in nanomedicine and food-based applications. Size and surface characteristics are often considered to be important factors in the cellular interactions of these PNP, although systematic investigations on the role of surface properties on cellular interactions and toxicity of PNP are scarce.ResultsFluorescent, monodisperse tri-block copolymer nanoparticles with different sizes (45 and 90 nm) and surface charges (positive and negative) were synthesized, characterized and studied for uptake and cytotoxicity in NR8383 and Caco-2 cells. All types of PNP were taken up by the cells. The positive smaller PNP45(45 nm) showed a higher cytotoxicity compared to the positive bigger PNP90(90 nm) particles including reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, ATP depletion and TNF-α release. The negative PNP did not show any cytotoxic effect. Reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), uncoupling of the electron transfer chain in mitochondria and the resulting ATP depletion, induction of ROS and oxidative stress may all play a role in the possible mode of action for the cytotoxicity of these PNP. The role of receptor-mediated endocytosis in the intracellular uptake of different PNP was studied by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Involvement of size and charge in the cellular uptake of PNP by clathrin (for positive PNP), caveolin (for negative PNP) and mannose receptors (for hydroxylated PNP) were found with smaller PNP45showing stronger interactions with the receptors than bigger PNP90.ConclusionsThe size and surface characteristics of polymer nanoparticles (PNP; 45 and 90 nm with different surface charges) play a crucial role in cellular uptake. Specific interactions with cell membrane-bound receptors (clathrin, caveolin and mannose) leading to cellular internalization were observed to depend on size and surface properties of the different PNP. These properties of the nanoparticles also dominate their cytotoxicity, which was analyzed for many factors. The effective reduction in the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), uncoupling of the electron transfer chain in mitochondria and resulting ATP depletion, induction of ROS and oxidative stress likely all play a role in the mechanisms behind the cytotoxicity of these PNP.
Diversity of use and local knowledge of wild edible plant resources in Nepal
Authors: Uprety Yadav , Poudel Ram C , Shrestha Krishna K , Rajbhandary Sangeeta , Tiwari Narendra N , Shrestha Uttam B , Asselin Hugo 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Background
Wild edible plants (WEP) provide staple and supplement foods, as well as cash income to local communities, thus favouring food security. However, WEP are largely ignored in land use planning and implementation, economic development, and biodiversity conservation. Moreover, WEP-related traditional knowledge is rapidly eroding. Therefore, we designed this study to fulfill a part of the knowledge gap by providing data on diversity, traditional knowledge, economic potential, and conservation value of WEP from Nepal.

Methods
The information was collected through focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Percentage of general utility of the plants among the study communities was evaluated using the Chi-square (χ2) test of homogeneity. High priority species were identified after consultation with the local stakeholders followed by scoring based on defined criteria. Pairwise ranking was used to assess ethnoecological knowledge to identify the threats to WEP.

Results
We documented 81 species belonging to Angiosperms (74), Pteridophytes (5), and Fungi (2). Most of the species were used as fruits (44 species) followed by vegetables (36). Almost half of the species (47%) were also used for purposes other than food. From the species with market value (37% of the total), 10 were identified as high priority species. Pairwise ranking revealed that WEP are threatened mostly by habitat destruction, land-use change and over-harvesting. Some of these plants are crop wild relatives and could thus be used for crop improvement. Interestingly, our study also revealed that young people who spend most of the time in the forest as herdsmen are particularly knowledgeable of wild fruit plants.

Conclusion
We provide empirical evidence from a relatively large area of Nepal about diversity and status of WEP, as well as methodological insights about the proper knowledge holders to consult. Regarding the unique and important knowledge they have on WEP, young people should be included when recruiting participants to ethnobotanical studies or to any type of consultation about WEP. The habit of using wild edible plants is still alive and is a traditional culinary practice that demonstrates rich traditional knowledge of local people. WEP were found to be important for livelihood as well as showing great potential for crop improvement. Priority species should be promoted for income generation activities through sustainable collection and trade. Communities should engage in minimizing the threats to these valuable resources.
Effects of Coptis extract combined with chemotherapeutic agents on ROS production, multidrug resistance, and cell growth in A549 human lung cancer cells
Authors: He Chengwei , Rong Rong , Liu Jing , Wan Jianbo , Zhou Keyuan , Kang Jing X 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
Non–small cell lung cancer is associated with high expression of multidrug resistance (MDR) proteins and low production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Coptis extract (COP), a Chinese medicinal herb, and its major constituent, berberine (BER), have anticancer properties. This study aims to investigate the effects of COP and BER combined with chemotherapeutic agents, including fluorouracil (5-FU), camptothecin (CPT), and paclitaxel (TAX), on cell proliferation, ROS production, and MDR in A549 human non-small cell lung cancer cells.

Methods
A549 cells were treated with different doses of COP and BER, combined with 5-FU, CPT, and TAX. Cell viability was measured by an XTT (2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4- nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2 H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide) assay. Intracellular ROS levels were determined by measuring the oxidative conversion of cell permeable 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate to fluorescent dichlorofluorescein. MDR of A549 cells was assessed by rhodamine 123 retention assay.

Results
Both COP and BER significantly inhibited A549 cell growth in a dose-dependent manner. Combinations of COP or BER with chemotherapeutic agents (5-FU, CPT, and TAX) exhibited a stronger inhibitory effect on A549 cell growth. In addition, COP and BER increased ROS production and reduced MDR in A549 cells.

Conclusion
As potential adjuvants to chemotherapy for non–small cell lung cancer, COP and BER increase ROS production, reduce MDR, and enhance the inhibitory effects of chemotherapeutic agents on A549 cell growth.
Relationship between vitamin B12, folate and homocysteine levels and H. Pylori infection in patients with functional dyspepsia: A cross-section study
Authors: Rasool Shahid , Abid Shahab , Iqbal Mohammad Perwaiz , Mehboobali Naseema , Haider Ghulam , Jafri Wasim 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background

H. pylori infection has been associated with many micronutrient deficiencies. There is a dearth of data from communities with nutritional deficiencies and high prevalence of H. pylori infection. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of H. pylori infection on serum levels of vitamin B12, folate and homocysteine in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD).

Methods
One hundred and thirty-two patients with FD undergoing gastroscopy were enrolled. The serum was analyzed for B12, folate and homocysteine levels before gastroscopy. H. pylori infection was diagnosed by histopathological examination of gastric biopsies and urea breath test. An independent sample t-test and the Mann–Whitney test were used to compare mean serum concentrations of biomarkers between H. pylori- positive and H. pylori- negative groups of patients. A Chi-square test was performed to assess the differences among proportions, while Spearman’s rho was used for correlation analysis between levels of B12 and homocysteine.

Results
The mean age of the group was 40.3 ± 11.5 (19–72) years. Folate deficiency was seen in 43 (34.6%), B12 deficiency in 30 (23.1%) and hyperhomocysteinemia in 60 (46.2%) patients. H. pylori was present in 80 (61.5%) patients with FD while it was absent in 50 (38.5%). Mean serum levels of B12, folate and homocysteine in the H. pylori- positive group of patients were not significantly different from the levels in the H. pylori- negative group (357 ± 170 vs. 313 ± 136 pg/mL; p = 0.13), (4.35 ± 1.89 vs. 4.42 ± 1.93 ng/mL; p = 0.84); (15.88 ± 8.97 vs. 16.62 ± 7.82 μmol/L; p = 0.24); respectively.
B12 deficiency (≤200 pg/mL) was 23.8% in the H. pylori- positive patients versus 22.0% in the H. pylori- negative patients. Folate deficiency (≤3.5 ng/mL) was 33.8% in the H. pylori- positive group versus 36% in the H. pylori- negative group. Hyperhomocysteinemia (>15 μmol/L) was present in 46.2% of H. pylori- positive patients compared to 44% in the H. pylori- negative group. Correlation analysis indicated that serum B12 levels were inversely associated with serum levels of homocysteine in patients with FD (rho = −0.192; p = 0.028).

Conclusions
This study demonstrated an inverse relationship between serum levels of B12 and homocysteine in patients with FD. Moreover, no impact of the presence of H. pylori was found on B12, folate and homocysteine levels in such patients.
Clinical applications of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Wang Shihua , Qu Xuebin , Zhao Robert Chunhua 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have generated a great amount of enthusiasm over the past decade as a novel therapeutic paradigm for a variety of diseases. Currently, MSC based clinical trials have been conducted for at least 12 kinds of pathological conditions, with many completed trials demonstrating the safety and efficacy. This review provides an overview of the recent clinical findings related to MSC therapeutic effects. Roles of MSCs in clinical trials conducted to treat graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) and cardiovascular diseases are highlighted. Clinical application of MSC are mainly attributed to their important four biological properties- the ability to home to sites of inflammation following tissue injury when injected intravenously; to differentiate into various cell types; to secrete multiple bioactive molecules capable of stimulating recovery of injured cells and inhibiting inflammation and to perform immunomodulatory functions. Here, we will discuss these four properties. Moreover, the issues surrounding clinical grade MSCs and principles for MSC therapeutic approaches are also addressed on the transition of MSCs therapy from bench side to bedside.
The Effect of Ex Ante Management Forecast Accuracy on the Post-Earnings-Announcement Drift
Authors: Zhang Li 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACT
I examine the effect of ex ante management forecast accuracy on the post-earnings-announcement drift when management forecasts about next quarter's earnings are bundled with current quarter's earnings announcements. I build a composite measure of ex ante management forecast accuracy that takes into account forecast ability, forecast difficulty, and forecast environment. The results show that the bundled forecasts with higher ex ante accuracy mitigate investors' under-reaction to current earnings and reduce the magnitude of the post-earnings-announcement drift.
Data Availability: The data used in this paper are available from the sources listed in the text.
An Alternative Technique to Evaluate Crack Propagation Path in Hyperelastic Materials
Authors: Ozelo R. R. M. , Sollero P. , Costa A. L. A. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
REFERENCE: R. R. M. Ozelo, P. Sollero, and A. L. A. Costa, “An Alternative Technique to Evaluate Crack Propagation Path in Hyperelastic Materials,” Tire Science and Technology, TSTCA, Vol. 40, No. 1, January–March 2012, pp. 42–58.
ABSTRACT: The analysis of crack propagation in tires aims to provide safety and reliable life prediction. Tire materials are usually nonlinear and present a hyperelastic behavior. Therefore, the use of nonlinear fracture mechanics theory and a hyperelastic material constitutive model are necessary. The material constitutive model used in this work is the Mooney–Rivlin. There are many techniques available to evaluate the crack propagation path in linear elastic materials and estimate the growth direction. However, most of these techniques are not applicable to hyperelastic materials. This paper presents an alternative technique for modeling crack propagation in hyperelastic materials, based in the J-Integral, to evaluate the crack path. The J-Integral is an energy-based parameter and is applicable to nonlinear materials. The technique was applied using abaqus software and compared to experimental tests.
Nonprogrammable and programmable cerebrospinal fluid shunt valves: a 5-year study
Authors: Hatlen Timothy J. , Shurtleff David B. , Loeser John D. , Ojemann Jeffrey G. , Avellino Anthony M. , Ellenbogen Richard G. 
Published: April 2012

Object
Programmable valves (PVs) for shunting CSF have increasingly replaced nonprogrammable valves (NPVs). There have been only a few longer-term studies (≥ 5 years) conducted that have compared the effectiveness of NPVs with that of PVs for children with hydrocephalus, and only 1 study has reported NPVs as being favorable over PVs. The objective of this retrospective study was to compare the long-term survival of these 2 types of shunt valves.

Methods
The authors collected data for all patients who underwent CSF shunt insertion or revision between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2008. Patients underwent follow-up for a minimum of 2 years postoperatively. Statistical analyses were done using chi-square, Kaplan-Meier survival curve, and multivariate analyses.

Results
A total of 616 valves were implanted, of which 313 were PVs and 303 were NPVs. Of these, 253 were original shunt implantations and 363 were revisions. The proportion of 5-year survival for NPVs (45.8%) was significantly higher than that for PVs (19.8%) (p = 0.0005, log-rank). The NPVs that survived longer than 6 months also survived through the 5th year better than the PVs (p = 0.0001).

Conclusions
The authors' data suggest that NPVs survive longer than PVs in children, but there is a need for prospective, case-control studies to confirm these data.
Clinicopathological analysis of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas in patients younger than 25 years of age
Authors: Yamaguchi-Okada Mitsuo , Inoshita Naoko , Nishioka Hiroshi , Fukuhara Noriaki , Yamada Shozo 
Published: April 2012

Object
The authors evaluated the pathological and clinical characteristics of young patients with clinically nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs).

Methods
Twenty-one patients (13 males and 8 females) with NFPAs who were 25 years of age or younger (mean 20 years, range 13–25 years) were retrospectively investigated. The following factors were examined: results of conventional light microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy; clinical symptoms; tumor size and invasion on MRI; and clinical course after therapeutic procedures such as surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy.

Results
Two major significant findings in young patients with NFPAs were noted. First, silent subtype 3 adenomas were common, whereas silent gonadotroph adenomas were rare. Second, silent subtype 3 adenomas in young patients tended to be clinically and radiologically aggressive.

Conclusions
To correct the morphological diagnosis, NFPAs in young patients should be examined by immunohistochemical analysis and electron microscopy, as well as by light microscopy. The authors' results provide information that will be useful when making decisions regarding the treatment of young patients with NFPAs.