bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High-resolution ultrasound biomicroscopy for monitoring ovarian structures in mice
Authors: Jaiswal Rajesh S , Singh Jaswant , Adams Gregg P 
Published: July 2009

Abstract

Background
Until recently, the limit of spatial resolution of ultrasound systems has prevented characterization of structures <1 mm. Hence, the study of ovarian follicular development in rodents has been based on one-time histological examination of excised tissues; i.e., longitudinal study of day-to-day ovarian changes has not been possible in mice and rats. The objective was to establish an ultrasonographic approach to study follicular and luteal dynamics in mice and rats.

Methods
Experiment 1 was a pilot study to develop methods of immobilization (physical restraint vs. general anesthesia) and determine technical factors affecting ovarian images using ultrasound bio-microscopy in rats vs. mice. The hair coat was removed over the thoraco-lumber area using depilation cream, and a highly viscous acoustic gel was applied while the animals were maintained in sternal recumbency. In Experiment 2, changes in ovarian structures during the estrous cycle were monitored by twice daily ultrasonography in 10 mice for 2 estrous cycles.

Results
Ovarian images were not distinct in rats due to attenuation of ultrasound waves. Physical restraint, without general anesthesia, was insufficient for immobilization in mice. By placing the transducer face over the dorsal flank, the kidney was visualized initially as a point of reference. A routine of moving the transducer a few millimetres caudo-laterally from the kidney was established to quickly and consistently localize the ovaries; the total time to scan both ovaries in a mouse was about 10 minutes. By comparing vaginal cytology with non-anesthetized controls, repeated exposure to anesthesia did not affect the estrous cycle. Temporal changes in the number of follicles in 3 different size categories support the hypothesis that follicles ≥ 20 microns develop in a wave-like fashion.

Conclusion
The mouse is a suitable model for the study of ovarian dynamics using transcutaneous ultrasound bio-microscopy. Repeated general anesthesia for examination had no apparent effect on the estrous cycle, and preliminary results revealed a wave-like pattern of ovarian follicle development in mice.
Enzymatic hydrolysis of steam-pretreated lignocellulosic materials with Trichoderma atroviride enzymes produced in-house
Authors: Kovacs Krisztina , Macrelli Stefano , Szakacs George , Zacchi Guido 
Published: July 2009

Abstract

Background
Improvement of the process of cellulase production and development of more efficient lignocellulose-degrading enzymes are necessary in order to reduce the cost of enzymes required in the biomass-to-bioethanol process.

Results
Lignocellulolytic enzyme complexes were produced by the mutant Trichoderma atroviride TUB F-1663 on three different steam-pretreated lignocellulosic substrates, namely spruce, wheat straw and sugarcane bagasse. Filter paper activities of the enzymes produced on the three materials were very similar, while β-glucosidase and hemicellulase activities were more dependent on the nature of the substrate. Hydrolysis of the enzyme preparations investigated produced similar glucose yields. However, the enzymes produced in-house proved to degrade the xylan and the xylose oligomers less efficiently than a commercial mixture of cellulase and β-glucosidase. Furthermore, accumulation of xylose oligomers was observed when the TUB F-1663 supernatants were applied to xylan-containing substrates, probably due to the low β-xylosidase activity of the enzymes. The efficiency of the enzymes produced in-house was enhanced by supplementation with extra commercial β-glucosidase and β-xylosidase. When the hydrolytic capacities of various mixtures of a commercial cellulase and a T. atroviride supernatant produced in the lab were investigated at the same enzyme loading, the glucose yield appeared to be correlated with the β-glucosidase activity, while the xylose yield seemed to be correlated with the β-xylosidase level in the mixtures.

Conclusion
Enzyme supernatants produced by the mutant T. atroviride TUB F-1663 on various pretreated lignocellulosic substrates have good filter paper activity values combined with high levels of β-glucosidase activities, leading to cellulose conversion in the enzymatic hydrolysis that is as efficient as with a commercial cellulase mixture. On the other hand, in order to achieve good xylan conversion, the supernatants produced by the mutant have to be supplemented with additional β-xylosidase activity.
Increased levels of active c-Src distinguish invasive from in situ lobular lesions
Authors: Zou Donghui , Yoon Han-Seung , Anjomshoaa Ahmad , Perez David , Fukuzawa Ryuji , Guilford Parry , Humar Bostjan 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Mounting molecular evidence suggests that invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is developing from in situ lesions, atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH), and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). However, little is known about the mechanisms promoting the progression of lobular breast cancer (LBC) to invasive disease. Here, we investigated whether c-Src kinase, an established inducer of invasive states, contributes to the progression from ALH/LCIS to ILC.

Methods
Immunochemistry for c-Src and other cancer-related molecules was performed on archived tissue specimens from 57 LBC patients. Relative c-Src activity was estimated by comparing fluorescence intensity of ILC with that of adjacent ALH/LCIS and nonneoplastic epithelia after staining with an antibody against active c-Src. Expression of active c-Src was correlated with markers of invasion and malignancy and with relapse among LBC patients.

Results
Levels of activated c-Src were increased in ILC relative to ALH/LCIS (1.63-fold ± 0.24 SD) and nonneoplastic epithelia (1.47 ± 0.18 SD). Increased c-Src levels correlated with the activation of c-Src downstream targets (Fak, Stat-3) and the expression of mesenchymal markers. ILC cells with activated c-Src co-expressed metastatic markers (Opn, Cxcr4) and included cells positive for the cancer stem cell marker Aldh1. A tendency for high c-Src levels (P = 0.072) was observed among the seven LBC patients with relapsed disease.

Conclusions
Our data indicate elevated c-Src activity in ILC relative to noninvasive neoplastic tissue. The associated molecular changes suggest that c-Src promotes LBC invasiveness by inducing an epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Therefore, c-Src antagonists might counteract the acquisition of invasiveness during LBC progression. Inhibition of c-Src may also affect ILC cells thought to have a high metastatic potential and to be capable of initiating/maintaining tumor growth. Together with the possible association between high c-Src levels and disease recurrence, our findings encourage the evaluation of c-Src antagonists for the treatment of LBC.
Alternative use of multiple exons 1 of aromatase gene in cancerous and normal breast tissues from women over the age of 80 years
Authors: Honma Naoko , Takubo Kaiyo , Sawabe Motoji , Arai Tomio , Akiyama Futoshi , Sakamoto Goi , Utsumi Toshiaki , Yoshimura Noriko , Harada Nobuhiro 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Peripherally localized aromatase, which converts circulating androgens into estrogens, is important in the pathogenesis of postmenopausal breast carcinomas. We have previously shown that aromatase mRNA levels are higher in elderly breast carcinomas (EldCa) than breast carcinomas of the control group (ContCa) or normal breast tissues. Aromatase expression has been reported to be regulated through the alternative use of multiple exons 1 (exons 1a-1f and so on); however, the preferential usage of exons 1 in elderly breast tissue has never been systematically examined. In order to properly treat and protect against EldCa, the regulation mechanism of aromatase expression in elderly breast tissues should be elucidated. The aim of the present study is to elucidate whether there are any specific patterns in use of multiple exons 1 in elderly breast tissue.

Methods
Usage of multiple exons 1 of the aromatase gene and mRNA levels of aromatase were examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis in breast tissues of 38 elderly patients with breast cancer (age 80–99), and the results were compared with those in 35 patients of the control group (age 37–70). One-factor analysis of variance and the Scheffé test were used for the comparison of aromatase mRNA levels. Patterns of preferential utilization of multiple exons 1 of the aromatase gene were compared by χ2 test for independence or Fisher exact test for independence using a contingency table.

Results
Exon 1d was utilized much more frequently in elderly tissue than in the control group irrespective of cancerous or normal tissue (EldCa, 36/38, 95% versus ContCa, 7/35, 20%, P < 0.0001; normal tissue of the elderly, EldNorm, 30/34, 88% versus normal tissue of controls, ContNorm, 2/29, 7%, P < 0.0001). Twenty EldCa (53%) and 12 EldNorm (35%) used both exons 1c and 1d; however, their dominance was reversed (EldCa, all 1d > 1c; EldNorm, all 1c > 1d).

Conclusions
Elderly breast tissues exhibited specific patterns in use of multiple exons 1, which at least partly explained the higher aromatase levels in EldCa. The mechanisms of how these specific patterns occur during aging and carcinogenesis should be further examined.
Early down-regulation of the pro-inflammatory potential of monocytes is correlated to organ dysfunction in patients after severe multiple injury: a cohort study
Authors: Kirchhoff Chlodwig , Biberthaler Peter , Mutschler Wolf E , Faist Eugen , Jochum Marianne , Zedler Siegfried 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Severe tissue trauma results in a general inflammatory immune response (SIRS) representing an overall inflammatory reaction of the immune system. However, there is little known about the functional alterations of monocytes in the early posttraumatic phase, characterized by the battle of the individual with the initial trauma.

Methods
Thirteen patients with severe multiple injury; injury severity score (ISS) >16 points (17 to 57) were included. The cytokine synthesis profiles of monocytes were characterized on admission, and followed up 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after severe multiple injury using flow cytometry. Whole blood was challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and subsequently analyzed for intracellular monocyte-related TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8. The degree of organ dysfunction was assessed using the multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS)-score of Marshall on admission, 24 hours and 72 hours after injury.

Results
Our data clearly show that the capacity of circulating monocytes to produce these mediators de novo was significantly diminished very early reaching a nadir 24 hours after severe injury followed by a rapid and nearly complete recovery another 48 hours later compared with admission and controls, respectively. In contrast to the initial injury severity, there was a significant correlation detectable between the clinical signs of multiple organ dysfunction and the ex vivo cytokine response.

Conclusions
As our data derived from very narrow intervals of measurements, they might contribute to a more detailed understanding of the early immune alterations recognized after severe trauma. It can be concluded that indeed as previously postulated an immediate hyperactivation of circulating monocytes is rapidly followed by a substantial paralysis of cell function. Moreover, our findings clearly demonstrate that the restricted capacity of monocytes to produce proinflammatory cytokines after severe injury is not only an in vitro phenomenon but also undistinguishable associated with the onset of organ dysfunction in the clinical scenario.
The role of circulating mesenchymal progenitor cells (fibrocytes) in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Strieter Robert M , Keeley Ellen C , Hughes Molly A , Burdick Marie D , Mehrad Borna 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Bone marrow-derived fibrocytes review as key cellular players in the promotion of the pathogenesis of variety of fibroproliferative disorders, including pulmonary fibrosis.
Pulmonary fibrosis is associated with a number of disorders that affect the lung. Although there are several cellular types that are involved in the pathogenesis pulmonary fibrosis, the resident lung fibroblast has been viewed traditionally as the primary cell involved in promoting the deposition of ECM that culminates in pulmonary fibrosis. However, recent findings demonstrate that a circulating cell (i.e., the fibrocyte) can contribute to the evolution of pulmonary fibrosis. Fibrocytes are bone marrow-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells that express a variety of cell-surface markers related to leukocytes, hematopoietic progenitor cells, and fibroblasts. Fibrocytes are unique in that they are capable of differentiating into fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, as well as adipocytes. In this review, we present data supporting the critical role these cells play in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis.
Phase II Trial of Conformal Radiation Therapy for Pediatric Low-Grade Glioma
Authors: Merchant Thomas E. , Kun Larry E. , Wu Shengjie , Xiong Xiaoping , Sanford Robert A. , Boop Frederick A. 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe use of radiotherapy in pediatric low-grade glioma (LGG) is controversial, especially for young patients. We conducted a phase II trial of conformal radiation therapy (CRT) to estimate disease control by using a 10-mm clinical target volume (CTV) margin.Materials and MethodsBetween August 1997 and August 2006, 78 pediatric patients with LGG and a median age of 8.9 years (range, 2.2 to 19.8 years) received 54 Gy CRT by using a 10-mm CTV and by targeting with systematic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) registration. Tumor locations were diencephalon (n = 58), cerebral hemisphere (n = 3), and cerebellum (n = 17). Sixty-seven patients had documented or presumed WHO grade 1 tumors, 25 patients had prior chemotherapy, and 13 patients had neurofibromatosis type 1.ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 89 months, 13 patients experienced disease progression. One patient experienced marginal treatment failure, eight experienced local failures, and four experienced metastatic failure. The mean and standard error 5- and 10-year event-free (87.4% ± 4.4% and 74.3% ± 15.4%, respectively) and overall (98.5% ± 1.6% and 95.9% ± 5.8%, respectively) survival rates were determined. The mean and standard error cumulative incidences of local failure at 5 and 10 years were 8.7% ± 3.5% and 16.4% ± 5.4%, respectively. The mean and standard error cumulative incidence of vasculopathy was 4.79% ± 2.73% at 6 years, and it was higher for those younger than 5 years of age (P = .0105) at the time of CRT.ConclusionThis large, prospective series of irradiated children with LGG demonstrates that CRT with a 10-mm CTV does not compromise disease control. The results suggest that CRT should be delayed in young patients to reduce the risk of vasculopathy.
Late Effects of Conformal Radiation Therapy for Pediatric Patients With Low-Grade Glioma: Prospective Evaluation of Cognitive, Endocrine, and Hearing Deficits
Authors: Merchant Thomas E. , Conklin Heather M. , Wu Shengjie , Lustig Robert H. , Xiong Xiaoping 
Published: July 2009

Purpose We conducted a prospective trial to evaluate late effects in pediatric patients with low-grade glioma (LGG) treated with conformal radiation therapy (CRT). Patients and Methods Between August 1997 and August 2006, 78 pediatric patients with LGG (mean age, 9.7 years; standard deviation, ±4.4 years) received 54 Gy of CRT with a 10-mm clinical target volume margin. Tumor locations were diencephalon (n = 58), cerebral hemisphere (n = 3), and cerebellum (n = 17). Baseline and serial evaluations were performed to identify deficits in cognition, endocrine function, and hearing. Deficits were correlated with clinical factors and radiation dose within specific normal tissue volumes. Results Cognitive effects of CRT through 5 years after CRT correlated with patient age, neurofibromatosis type 1 status, tumor location and volume, extent of resection, and radiation dose. The effect of age exceeded that of radiation dose; patients younger than 5 years experienced the greatest decline in cognition. Before CRT, growth hormone (GH) secretion abnormality was diagnosed in 24% of tested patients, and 12% had precocious puberty. The 10-year cumulative incidence of GH replacement was 48.9%; of thyroid hormone replacement, 64.0%; of glucocorticoid replacement, 19.2%; and of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog therapy, 34.2%. The mean ± standard errors of the cumulative incidence of hearing loss at 10 years did not exceed 5.7% ± 3.3% at any frequency. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the largest series of prospectively followed children with LGG to undergo irradiation. Adverse effects are limited and predictable for most patients; however, this study provides additional evidence that CRT should be delayed for young patients and identifies the potential benefits of reducing radiation dose to normal brain.
The Human Lipodystrophy Gene Product Berardinelli-Seip Congenital Lipodystrophy 2/Seipin Plays a Key Role in Adipocyte Differentiation
Authors: Chen Weiqin , Yechoor Vijay K. , Chang Benny Hung-Junn , Li Ming V. , March Keith L. , Chan Lawrence 
Published: July 2009

AbstractMutations in the Berardinelli-Seip congenital lipodystrophy 2 gene (BSCL2) are the underlying defect in patients with congenital generalized lipodystrophy type 2. BSCL2 encodes a protein called seipin, whose function is largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the role of Bscl2 in the regulation of adipocyte differentiation. Bscl2 mRNA is highly up-regulated during standard hormone-induced adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells in vitro. However, this up-regulation does not occur during mesenchymal stem cell (C3H10T1/2 cells) commitment to the preadipocyte lineage. Knockdown of Bscl2 by short hairpin RNA in C3H10T1/2 cells has no effect on bone morphogenetic protein-4-induced preadipocyte commitment. However, knockdown in 3T3-L1 cells prevents adipogenesis induced by a standard hormone cocktail, but adipogenesis can be rescued by the addition of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ agonist pioglitazone at an early stage of differentiation. Interestingly, pioglitazone-induced differentiation in the absence of standard hormone is not associated with up-regulated Bscl2 expression. On the other hand, short hairpin RNA-knockdown of Bscl2 largely blocks pioglitazone-induced adipose differentiation. These experiments suggest that Bscl2 may be essential for normal adipogenesis; it works upstream or at the level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, enabling the latter to exert its full activity during adipogenesis. Loss of Bscl2 function thus interferes with the normal transcriptional cascade of adipogenesis during fat cell differentiation, resulting in near total loss of fat or lipodystrophy.
Melting and Crystallization Behaviors of an Ionic Liquid, 1-Isopropyl-3-methylimidazolium Bromide, Studied by Using Nanowatt-Stabilized Differential Scanning Calorimetry
Authors: Nishikawa Keiko , Wang Shaolan , Endo Takatsugu , Tozaki Ken-ichi 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
We studied the melting and crystallization behaviors of 1-isopropyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([i-C3mim]Br) using a laboratory-made differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) with nanowatt stability and sensitivity. In addition to common behaviors for many ionic liquids such as premelting over a wide temperature range and excessive supercooling, we observed unique thermal phenomena: reversible phase transitions of domains in the premelting region, rhythmic crystallization and melting, and intermittent crystallization. The latter two phenomena were observed in the returning experiments from the premelting region at a cooling rate as slow as 0.05 mK s−1. It is considered that these phenomena occurred because an [i-C3mim]+ ion is capable of taking plural stable conformations and the conformational changes occurred linking with melting and crystallization. We interpret these curious phenomena as the phase changes of the locally melted domains composed of different conformers, which significantly hindered the overall phase changes.
Colorimetric Recognition of d10 Metal Ions through an Adenine-Based ICT Probe
Authors: Upadhyay K K , Kumar Ajit , Mishra Rakesh K , Prasad Rajendra 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
We report hereby use of p-nitrophenyltriazenopurine, (PNTP) as a colorimetric receptor for recognition of d10 metal ions in DMSO through visible color changes. All the chosen metal ions showed 1:1 stoichiometry with PNTP. Among the chosen metal ions HgII was most preferred by PNTP.
Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of N-Arylcarbazolophanes
Authors: Shimizu Hideyuki , Kakinoya Yasuhiko , Takehira Kazuyuki , Yoshihara Toshitada , Tobita Seiji , Nakamura Yosuke , Nishimura Jun 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Two carbazolophanes bearing benzene or naphthalene rings on the nitrogen atoms of carbazole were successfully synthesized by the intramolecular etherification of the precursor tetraols, and their photophysical properties were investigated in detail based on the absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra, fluorescence lifetimes, quantum yields, phosphorescence spectra, and transient absorption spectra. It was concluded that the carbazolophane bearing benzene rings forms carbazole excimer in both excited singlet and triplet states, while the carbazolophane bearing naphthalene rings forms carbazole excimer only in the excited singlet state and has a locally excited state of naphthalene in the excited triplet state. These results are reasonably explained by the relationship of excitation energies between carbazole and benzene (or naphthalene) and their arrangement such as the extent of overlap. The introduction of aromatic rings on the carbazole nitrogen atoms was found to affect the electronic and photophysical properties of carbazolophanes sensitively.
Preparation, Structures, and Properties of New Monocarbenium Ion Compounds Stabilized by a 3-Guaiazulenyl Group and an Azobenzene Unit: Comparative Studies on Three Delocalized π-Electron Systems
Authors: Takekuma Shin-ichi , Fukuda Kenji , Kawase Yasuko , Minematsu Toshie , Takekuma Hideko 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Reaction of guaiazulene (=7-isopropyl-1,4-dimethylazulene) with 4′-hydroxyazobenzene-4-carbaldehyde in methanol in the presence of hexafluorophosphoric acid at 25 °C for 2 h gives as high as 94% yield of a new monocarbenium ion compound (3-guaiazulenyl)[4-(4-hydroxyphenylazo)phenyl]methylium hexafluorophosphate. Similarly, reactions of guaiazulene with 4′-methoxyazobenzene-4-carbaldehyde and 4′-(dimethylamino)azobenzene-4-carbaldehyde under the same reaction conditions as the above afford the corresponding new (3-guaiazulenyl)[4-(4-methoxyphenylazo)phenyl]methylium and {4-[4-(dimethylamino)phenylazo]phenyl}(3-guaiazulenyl)methylium hexafluorophosphates in 97 and 95% yields. Along with an efficient preparation of the target monocarbenium ion compounds, comparative studies on spectroscopic, chemical, and electrochemical properties of the unique products, indicating different delocalized π-electron systems, are reported. Moreover, crystal structure of {4-[4-(dimethylamino)phenylazo]phenyl}(3-guaiazulenyl)methylium tetrafluoroborate with an equiv of HBF4 molecule is documented.