bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA‐27b regulates the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 13 in human osteoarthritis chondrocytes
Authors: Akhtar Nahid , Rasheed Zafar , Ramamurthy Sangeetha , Anbazhagan Arivarasu N. , Voss Frank R. , Haqqi Tariq M. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractObjectiveAberrant posttranscriptional regulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) by microRNA has emerged as an important factor in human diseases. The aim of this study was to determine whether the expression of MMP‐13 in human osteoarthritis (OA) chondrocytes is regulated by microRNA.MethodsChondrocytes were stimulated with interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) in vitro. Total RNA was prepared using TRIzol reagent. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–based arrays were used to determine the expression profile of 352 human microRNA. Gene expression was quantified using TaqMan assays, and microRNA targets were identified using bioinformatics. Transfection with reporter construct and microRNA mimic was used to verify suppression of target messenger RNA (mRNA). Gene expression of argonaute and Dicer was determined by reverse transcription–PCR, and expression of protein was determined by immunoblotting. The role of activated MAP kinases (MAPKs) and NF‐κB was evaluated using specific inhibitors.ResultsIn IL‐1β–stimulated OA chondrocytes, 42 microRNA were down‐regulated, 2 microRNA were up‐regulated, and the expression of 308 microRNA remained unchanged. In silico analysis identified a sequence in the 3′‐untranslated region (3′‐UTR) of MMP‐13 mRNA complementary to the seed sequence of microRNA‐27b (miR‐27b). Increased expression of MMP‐13 correlated with down‐regulation of miR‐27b. Overexpression of miR‐27b suppressed the activity of a reporter construct containing the 3′‐UTR of human MMP‐13 mRNA and inhibited the IL‐1β–induced expression of MMP‐13 protein in chondrocytes. NF‐κB and MAPK activation down‐regulated the expression of miR‐27b.ConclusionOur data demonstrated the expression of miR‐27b in both normal and OA chondrocytes. Furthermore, IL‐1β–induced activation of signal transduction pathways associated with the expression of MMP‐13 down‐regulated the expression of miR‐27b. Thus, miR‐27b may play a role in regulating the expression of MMP‐13 in human chondrocytes.
Mast cell–derived tryptase inhibits apoptosis of human rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts via rho‐mediated signaling
Authors: Sawamukai Norifumi , Yukawa Sonosuke , Saito Kazuyoshi , Nakayamada Shingo , Kambayashi Taku , Tanaka Yoshiya 
Published: January 2010

AbstractObjectiveAn abundance of mast cells are found in the synovium of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the role of mast cells in the pathogenesis of RA remains unclear. This study was undertaken to elucidate a role for mast cells in RA by investigating the antiapoptotic effects of tryptase, a major product of mast cells, on RA synovial fibroblasts (RASFs).MethodsRA synovial tissue was obtained from RA patients during joint replacement surgery, and histologic changes in the tissue were examined. The expression of cell surface molecules and apoptotic markers on RASFs were detected by flow cytometry. Rho activation was determined using a pull‐down assay.ResultsMast cells, bearing both c‐Kit and tryptase, accumulated in the sublining area of proliferating synovial tissue from RA patients. Protease‐activated receptor 2 (PAR‐2), a receptor for tryptase, was expressed on RASFs in the lining area, close to tryptase‐positive mast cells in the RA synovium. Fas‐mediated apoptosis of RASFs was significantly inhibited, in a dose‐dependent manner, by the addition of tryptase, and this effect correlated with increased activation of Rho kinase. Furthermore, Y27632, a Rho kinase inhibitor, reduced the antiapoptotic effect of tryptase on RASFs, suggesting that Rho was responsible for the antiapoptotic effects of tryptase.ConclusionThese results demonstrate that tryptase has a strong antiapoptotic effect on RASFs through the activation of Rho. Thus, we propose that the release of tryptase by mast cells leads to the binding of tryptase to PAR‐2 on RASFs and inhibits the apoptosis of RASFs via the activation of Rho. Such mechanisms could play a pivotal role in the marked proliferation of RASFs and hyperplasia of synovial tissue seen in RA synovium.
Effect of maternal asthma on the risk of specific congenital malformations: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Blais Lucie , Kettani Fatima‐Zohra , Elftouh Naoual , Forget Amélie 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBACKGROUNDThere is a lack of consensus in the literature about the effect of maternal asthma on the development of congenital malformations.OBJECTIVETo further examine the association between maternal asthma and the risk of congenital malformations.METHODSA cohort of 41,637 pregnancies from women with and without asthma who delivered between 1990 and 2002 was reconstructed by linking three Quebec (Canada) administrative databases. All cases of malformations were identified using either the medical services or the hospital databases. The main exposure was maternal asthma, defined by the presence of at least one asthma diagnosis and at least one prescription for an asthma medication at any time in the two years before or during pregnancy. Generalized Estimation Equation models were performed to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (OR) of congenital malformations as a function of maternal asthma.RESULTSThe crude prevalences of any congenital malformation were 9.5% and 7.5% for women with and without asthma, respectively. Maternal asthma was significantly associated with an increased risk of any malformation (OR=1.30; 95% CI: 1.20‐1.40) and three specific groups (at the 0.0028 level): nervous system (excluding spina bifida: OR=1.83; 1.37‐2.83); respiratory system (OR=1.75; 1.21‐2.53); and digestive system (OR=1.48; 1.19‐1.85).CONCLUSIONSMaternal asthma increases the risk of specific groups of congenital malformations. The disease itself, through fetal oxygen impairment, is likely to play a role in this increased risk, but more research is needed to disentangle the relative effect of asthma and medications used to treat this disease. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Segmental motions of rat thymidylate synthase leading to half‐the‐sites behavior
Authors: Świniarska Monika , Leś Andrzej , Rode Wojciech , Cieśla Joanna , Millán‐Pacheco César , Blake Iván Ortega , Pastor Nina 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThymidylate synthase (TS) is a homodimeric enzyme with two equivalent active sites composed of residues from both subunits. Despite the structural symmetry of the enzyme, certain experimental results are consistent with half‐the‐sites activity, suggesting negative cooperativity between the active sites. To gain insight into the mechanism behind this phenomenon, we explore segmental motions of rat TS in the absence of ligands, with normal mode analysis as a tool. Using solvent accessible surface area of the active site pocket as a monitor of the degree of opening of the active sites, we classified the first 25 nontrivial normal modes, obtained from the web server of the program ElNémo, according to the behavior of the active sites. We found seven modes that open and close both sites symmetrically and nine that do so in an anticorrelated fashion. We characterized the motions of these modes by visual inspection and through measurement of distances between selected atoms lining the active site pockets. The segments that regulate access to the active site correspond to the loop containing R44, helix K, and a long loop containing residues 103–125, in agreement with a large body of crystallographic studies. These elements can be activated together or in isolation. There are more asymmetric modes than symmetric ones in the set we analyzed, probably accounting for the half‐the‐sites behavior of the enzyme. Three of the asymmetric modes result in changes at the dimer interface and indicate the endpoints of possible communication pathways between the active sites. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 93: 549–559, 2010.This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Factors influencing selection for a day-case or 23-h stay procedure in transanal endoscopic microsurgery
Authors: Ford S J , Wheeler J M D , Borley N R 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEMS) is an alternative to radical resection of the rectum for benign lesions and early rectal cancer. This study aimed to identify whether day-case TEMS is safe and which factors dictate patient suitability and length of stay (LOS).

Methods
Details of patients undergoing TEMS resection were retrieved from a tertiary referral prospective database.

Results
Of 96 patients, 46 (48 per cent) were day cases, 24 (25 per cent) had a 23-h stay and 26 (27 per cent) were inpatients. The frequency of day-case surgery increased significantly over the study interval (P = 0·050). Distance of the lesion from the anorectal junction, malignant potential and travel distance had no bearing on LOS. Older age (P = 0·004) and duration of surgery (P = 0·002) correlated significantly with increased LOS. Lesions covering one quadrant involved a significantly shorter stay than those covering two or more quadrants (P = 0·002). Maximum diameter (mean 5·7 cm) was strongly related to LOS (P = 0·009). Day-case and 23-h stay patients had a significantly higher proportion of lower-risk lesions (P = 0·001).

Conclusion
High-volume day-case TEMS appears safe, even when long travel distances are involved. With advances in practice and procedural safety, traditional risk factors may not be as important as currently thought.
Transatlantic comparison of the competence of surgeons at the start of their professional career
Authors: Schijven M P , Reznick R K , ten Cate O Th J , Grantcharov T P , Regehr G , Satterthwaite L , Thijssen A S , MacRae H M 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
Although the objective in European Union and North American surgical residency programmes is similar—to train competent surgeons—residents' working hours are different. It was hypothesized that practice-ready surgeons with more working hours would perform significantly better than those being educated within shorter working week curricula.

Methods
At each test site, 21 practice-ready candidate surgeons were recruited. Twenty qualified Canadian and 19 qualified Dutch surgeons served as examiners. At both sites, three validated outcome instruments assessing multiple aspects of surgical competency were used.

Results
No significant differences were found in performance on the integrative and cognitive examination (Comprehensive Integrative Puzzle) or the technical skills test (Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill; OSATS). A significant difference in outcome was observed only on the Patient Assessment and Management Examination, which focuses on skills needed to manage patients with complex problems (P &lt; 0·001). A significant interaction was observed between examiner and candidate origins for both task-specific OSATS checklist (P = 0·001) and OSATS global rating scale (P &lt; 0·001) scores.

Conclusion
Canadian residents, serving many more working hours, perform equivalently to Dutch residents when assessed on technical skills and cognitive knowledge, but outperformed Dutch residents in skills for patient management. Secondary analyses suggested that cultural differences influence the assessment process significantly.
Objective evaluation of the performance of surgical trainees on a porcine model of open colectomy
Authors: Lipman J M , Marderstein E L , Zeinali F , Phitayakorn R , Ponsky J L , Delaney C P 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
Evaluation of surgical trainee operative performance is rarely objective. A rating system is proposed that assesses trainee performance objectively and quantifies technical improvement.

Methods
General surgery trainees were evaluated while performing porcine segmental colectomy. Initial instruction was provided for the critical operative steps. Evaluations were later repeated without additional instruction. Performance in 17 critical areas was scored.

Results
Twenty-three trainees were evaluated. Performance was divided into thirds, with a significant difference detected between tertiles (P &lt; 0·001). Postgraduate year 2 trainees scored lower than those in years 3 and 4 (P &lt; 0·001), but there was no difference between year 3 and 4 trainees (P = 0·557). Mean repeat scores were improved by 35 per cent, with most improvement at postgraduate year 2 level (71 per cent). Mean time taken to complete the operation was reduced by 23 per cent, with the largest reduction in the year 2 group.

Conclusion
The results support the use of this rating system as a tool for the objective evaluation of trainee operative skill. Instruction in the performance of segmental colectomy using deconstructed, step-by-step direction improved the ability of junior trainees to complete the operation. This evaluation system may be useful in the assessment, instruction and technical development of surgical trainees.
Resection of ectopic mediastinal parathyroid glands with the da Vinci® robotic system
Authors: Ismail M , Maza S , Swierzy M , Tsilimparis N , Rogalla P , Sandrock D , Rückert R I , Müller J M , Rückert J C 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
Mediastinal ectopic parathyroid adenoma is a frequent cause of persistent or recurrent hyperparathyroidism, traditionally treated by open surgery. Thoracoscopic access is associated with reduced morbidity in mediastinal surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of robot-assisted dissection for mediastinal ectopic parathyroid glands.

Methods
Two patients with recurrent secondary hyperparathyroidism and three with complicated primary hyperparathyroidism were operated on between July 2004 and August 2008 for ectopic mediastinal parathyroid glands. Fusion of single-photon emission computed tomography and computed tomography led to an exact identification of the culprit glands. Surgery was performed thoracoscopically with the da Vinci® robotic system using a three-trocar approach.

Results
All procedures were completed successfully with the robotic system. No perioperative morbidity or mortality was noted. Median operating time was 58 (range 42–125) min. Intraoperative parathyroid hormone reduction indicated complete resection. Median hospital stay was 3 (range 2–4) days.

Conclusion
Robot-assisted dissection is a promising approach for resection of ectopic parathyroid glands in remote narrow anatomical locations such as the mediastinum.
Alternative settings for liberal‐conservative exchange: Examining an undergraduate dialogue course
Authors: Hess Jacob Z. , Rynczak Danielle , Minarik Joseph D. , Landrum‐Brown Joycelyn 
Published: January 2010

AbstractGiven the polarization of the early 21st century political atmosphere in the U.S., intergroup dialogue has emerged as a unique alternative setting, with intentions of facilitating a more productive and thoughtful citizen engagement. Although cross‐partisan dialogue efforts are underway in community contexts, they have been slower to reach academic settings. This paper is an exploratory study of our own liberal‐conservative dialogue course at the University of Illinois–the first of its kind, to our knowledge. After describing basic features of the course, we identify themes from student journals and final evaluations suggesting both dialogue benefits and challenges. Finally, we discuss the growing literature around dialogue, questions of its long‐term impact, and larger potential barriers to participation in liberal‐conservative dialogue, specifically. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Urban residents' subtle prejudice towards rural‐to‐urban migrants in China: The role of socioeconomic status and adaptation styles
Authors: Yang Huadong , Tian Lili , van Oudenhoven Jan Pieter , Hofstra Jacomijn , Wang Qing 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe household registration system (Hukou) implemented by the Chinese government divides the Chinese society into two groups: urban residents and rural residents. Since the 1980s, millions of rural residents have migrated to cities without official permission. In this paper, we investigate urban residents' subtle prejudice towards rural‐to‐urban migrants. Specifically, the impacts of urban residents' socioeconomic status (SES) and their perception of migrants' adaptation styles are examined. A sample including 457 Chinese urban residents is taken from four cities in China. Educational and occupational levels are used to indicate urban residents' SES. Four adaptation styles (integration, assimilation, separation and marginalization) are manipulated by using vignettes. The results show that SES has a negative impact on urban residents' subtle prejudice. This link is further moderated by urban residents' perceptions of migrants' adaptations: the negative effect of SES on subtle prejudice holds only under a perception of integration or assimilation and disappears under a perception of separation or marginalization. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigating the relationship between meaningful time use and health in 18‐ to 25‐year‐old unemployed people in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Scanlan Justin Newton , Bundy Anita C. , Matthews Lynda R. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractA vast body of literature has reported on the association between unemployment and poor psychological health. Nonetheless, there remains limited understanding of the influence of meaningfulness of time use, suggested by some to be the key mediator between time use and health. This project set out to explore the association between meaningful time use and health in 18‐ to 25‐year‐old unemployed people. In April 2007, 150 unemployed 18‐ to 25‐year‐old Australians (56% female) completed an online survey package exploring meaningfulness of time use and health. Hierarchical stepwise regression equations were developed to analyse the relationship between psychological health and measures of meaningful time use. Results provided partial support for the hypothesis that measures of meaningful time use would contribute to the prediction of psychological health. The addition of the person measure for the combined construct of ‘meaningful time use’ failed to make a significant contribution towards the prediction of psychological health. However, ‘reason for doing the activity’ emerged as a significant predictor. Findings provide preliminary evidence for the establishment of activity‐based programs to support young unemployed people. Further research is required to evaluate the outcomes of such programs and to replicate this study with other groups of unemployed individuals. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic Charging Performance of a Solar Latent Heat Storage Unit for Efficient Energy Utilization
Authors: Wu S.‐M. , Fang G.‐Y. , Liu X. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe dynamic charging performance of a solar heat storage system involving a packed bed containing spherical capsules is studied. The dynamic charging process of the solar heat storage system is simulated according to the energy balance equations. Paraffin is used as the phase change material (PCM) and water is used as the heat transfer fluid (HTF). The temperatures of the PCM and HTF, melting fraction and solar heat storage capacity are illustrated and analyzed. The influences of inlet temperature, initial temperature and flow rate of HTF, and the porosity of the packed bed on the charging time and heat storage capacity during the heat storage process are also discussed.
Resolution of the First Nonracemic Diquats
Authors: Vachon Jérôme , Bernardinelli Gérald , Lacour Jérôme 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThree tricyclic diquats with an eight‐membered ring were prepared and shown to be the first configurationally stable derivatives of their kind. Resolution was achieved by using chiral hexacoordinated phosphorus BINPHAT and TRISPHAT anions. The diquat cations were obtained in high diastereo‐ and enantiomeric purity (ee>96 % in most cases). X‐ray diffraction analysis coupled with circular dichroism (CD) measurements allowed a precise determination of the relative and absolute configuration of the salts. The barriers to racemization of these compounds were calculated by using CD time‐course measurements at different temperatures, affording ΔG≠ values above 25 kcal mol−1. Derivatives 4 a, 4 b, and 4 c are the first eight‐membered‐ring derivatives with only three ring constraints to be resolved. This manuscript also reports the first procedure to remove TRISPHAT anions after diastereomeric separation.
ChemInform Abstract: Photoluminescence Properties of SrZrO3:Eu3+ and BaZrO3:Eu3+ Phosphors with Perovskite Structure.
Authors: Huang Junli , Zhou Liya , Wang Zhengliang , Lan Yuwei , Tong Zhangfa , Gong Fuzhong , Sun Jianhua , Li Liangping 
Published: January 2010

AbstractChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Phase Relationships and Crystallography of Annealed Alloys in the Ce5Si4—Ce5Ge4 Pseudobinary System.
Authors: Zhang H. , Mudryk Ya. , Zou M. , Pecharsky V. K. , Gschneidner K. A. Jr. , Long Y. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Reversible Hydrogen Storage in Titanium‐Catalyzed LiAlH4—LiBH4 System.
Authors: Mao J. F. , Guo Z. P. , Liu H. K. , Yu X. B. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Syntheses and Characterization of Two Oxoborates, (Pb3O)2(BO3)2MO4 (M: Cr, Mo).
Authors: Chen Xuean , Song Fangping , Chang Xinan , Zhang Hegui , Xiao Weiqiang 
Published: January 2010

AbstractChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Et‐Duphos‐Nickel‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Arylation of Benzaldehyde Derivatives Bearing an ortho‐Me2PhSi Group with Potassium Aryltriolborates.
Authors: Sakurai Fumie , Kondo Kazuhiro , Aoyama Toyohiko 
Published: January 2010

AbstractChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Diastereoselective Addition of Organometallic Reagents to Diimines Derived from (R,R)‐1,2‐Diaminocyclohexane and Aromatic Aldehydes.
Authors: Savoia Diego , Gualandi Andrea , Bandini Marco 
Published: January 2010

AbstractChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.