bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alterations in cell growth and signaling in ErbB3 binding protein-1 (Ebp1) deficient mice
Authors: Zhang Yuexing , Lu Yan , Zhou Hua , Lee Myounghee , Liu Zhenqiu , Hassel Bret A , Hamburger Anne W 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe ErbB3 binding protein-1 (Ebp1) belongs to a family of DNA/RNA binding proteins implicated in cell growth, apoptosis and differentiation. However, the physiological role of Ebp1 in the whole organism is not known. Therefore, we generatedEbp1-deficient mice carrying a gene trap insertion in intron 2 of theEbp1 (pa2g4)gene.ResultsEbp1-/-mice were on average 30% smaller than wild type and heterozygous sex matched littermates. Growth retardation was apparent from Day 10 until Day 30. IGF-1 production and IGBP-3 and 4 protein levels were reduced in both embryo fibroblasts and adult knock-out mice. The proliferation of fibroblasts derived from Day 12.5 knock out embryos was also decreased as compared to that of wild type cells. Microarray expression analysis revealed changes in genes important in cell growth including members of the MAPK signal transduction pathway. In addition, the expression or activation of proliferation related genes such as AKT and the androgen receptor, previously demonstrated to be affected by Ebp1 expressionin vitro, was altered in adult tissues.ConclusionThese results indicate that Ebp1 can affect growth in an animal model, but that the expression of proliferation related genes is cell and context specific. The Ebp1-/-mouse line represents a newin vivomodel to investigate Ebp1 function in the whole organism.
CLOCK expression identifies developing circadian oscillator neurons in the brains of Drosophila embryos
Authors: Houl Jerry H , Ng Fanny , Taylor Pete , Hardin Paul E 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackgroundTheDrosophilacircadian oscillator is composed of transcriptional feedback loops in which CLOCK-CYCLE (CLK-CYC) heterodimers activate their feedback regulatorsperiod(per) andtimeless(tim) via E-box mediated transcription. These feedback loop oscillators are present in distinct clusters of dorsal and lateral neurons in the adult brain, but how this pattern of expression is established during development is not known. Since CLK is required to initiate feedback loop function, defining the pattern of CLK expression in embryos and larvae will shed light on oscillator neuron development.ResultsA novel CLK antiserum is used to show that CLK expression in the larval CNS and adult brain is limited to circadian oscillator cells. CLK is initially expressed in presumptive small ventral lateral neurons (s-LNvs), dorsal neurons 2 s (DN2s), and dorsal neuron 1 s (DN1s) at embryonic stage (ES) 16, and this CLK expression pattern persists through larval development. PER then accumulates in all CLK-expressing cells except presumptive DN2s during late ES 16 and ES 17, consistent with the delayed accumulation of PER in adult oscillator neurons and antiphase cycling of PER in larval DN2s. PER is also expressed in non-CLK-expressing cells in the embryonic CNS starting at ES 12. Although PER expression in CLK-negative cells continues inClkJrkembryos, PER expression in cells that co-express PER and CLK is eliminated.ConclusionThese data demonstrate that brain oscillator neurons begin development during embryogenesis, that PER expression in non-oscillator cells is CLK-independent, and that oscillator phase is an intrinsic characteristic of brain oscillator neurons. These results define the temporal and spatial coordinates of factors that initiateClkexpression, imply that circadian photoreceptors are not activated until the end of embryogenesis, and suggest that PER functions in a different capacity before oscillator cell development is initiated.
Defence reactions in the apoplastic proteome of oilseed rape (Brassica napus var. napus) attenuate Verticillium longisporumgrowth but not disease symptoms
Authors: Floerl Saskia , Druebert Christine , Majcherczyk Andrzej , Karlovsky Petr , Kües Ursula , Polle Andrea 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background

Verticillium longisporum is one of the most important pathogens of Brassicaceae that remains strictly in the xylem during most stages of its development. It has been suggested that disease symptoms are associated with clogging of xylem vessels. The aim of our study was to investigate extracellular defence reactions induced by V. longisporum in the xylem sap and leaf apoplast of Brassica napus var. napus in relation to the development of disease symptoms, photosynthesis and nutrient status.

Results

V. longisporum (strain VL43) did not overcome the hypocotyl barrier until 3 weeks after infection although the plants showed massive stunting of the stem and mild leaf chlorosis. During this initial infection phase photosynthetic carbon assimilation, transpiration rate and nutrient elements in leaves were not affected in VL43-infected compared to non-infected plants. Proteome analysis of the leaf apoplast revealed 170 spots after 2-D-protein separation, of which 12 were significantly enhanced in response to VL43-infection. LS-MS/MS analysis and data base searches revealed matches of VL43-responsive proteins to an endochitinase, a peroxidase, a PR-4 protein and a β-1,3-glucanase. In xylem sap three up-regulated proteins were found of which two were identified as PR-4 and β-1,3-glucanase. Xylem sap of infected plants inhibited the growth of V. longisporum.

Conclusion

V. longisporum infection did not result in drought stress or nutrient limitations. Stunting and mild chlorosis were, therefore, not consequences of insufficient water and nutrient supply due to VL43-caused xylem obstruction. A distinct array of extracellular PR-proteins was activated that might have limited Verticillium spreading above the hypocotyl. In silico analysis suggested that ethylene was involved in up-regulating VL43-responsive proteins.
Reliable microRNA profiling in routinely processed formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded breast cancer specimens using fluorescence labelled bead technology
Authors: Hasemeier Britta , Christgen Matthias , Kreipe Hans , Lehmann Ulrich 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background
During the last years the analysis of microRNA expression patterns has led to completely new insights into cancer biology. Furthermore, these patterns are a very promising tool for the development of new diagnostic and prognostic markers. However, most human tumour samples for which long term clinical records are available exist only as formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of microRNA profiling studies in routinely processed formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded human breast cancer specimens using fluorescence labelled bead technology.

Results
A statistically highly significant correlation (Spearman r: 0.78 – 0.90, p < 0.0001) was observed for the expression of 319 microRNAs in routinely processed FFPE breast cancer specimens and paired fresh frozen tissue samples (n = 5). Results were confirmed in a larger series analyzing a selection of 10 microRNAs reported to be deregulated in breast cancer (n = 12). The expression pattern of 3 microRNAs was independently validated in this cohort using real-time RT-PCR technology.

Conclusion
Comprehensive microRNA expression patterns can be reliably derived from routinely processed FFPE breast cancer specimens using fluorescence labelled bead technology.
Cryptogenic hepatic insult, failing heart and advancing age: a case report
Authors: Agrawal Akansha , Soneja Manish , Goel Ashish , Pati H , Dey Aparajit B 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background
Weakness and fatigue are accepted as normal accompaniments of aging. Usually, older individuals are not investigated with much enthusiasm but a treatable cause is discernible on several occasions.

Case presentation
We had a 67 year old hypertensive lady with a mitral stenosis, presenting in ischemic or hypertensive heart failure with underlying valvular disease, without pulmonary hypertension in sinus rhythm. She had pancytopenia with severe anemia and raised liver enzymes. Bone marrow examination showed aplastic anemia. She was treated with ATG and improved subsequently to become transfusion free. However, she succumbed to an unrelated sudden cardiac death.

Conclusion
Our patient is unique in her uncommon presentation, complex management issues and a favorable outcome after a long and persevering therapeutic intervention and finally her sudden death.
A genome-wide screen for modifiers of transgene variegation identifies genes with critical roles in development
Authors: Ashe Alyson , Morgan Daniel K , Whitelaw Nadia C , Bruxner Timothy J , Vickaryous Nicola K , Cox Liza L , Butterfield Natalie C , Wicking Carol , Blewitt Marnie E , Wilkins Sarah J , Anderson Gregory J , Cox Timothy C , Whitelaw Emma 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Background
Some years ago we established an N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea screen for modifiers of transgene variegation in the mouse and a preliminary description of the first six mutant lines, named MommeD1-D6, has been published. We have reported the underlying genes in three cases: MommeD1 is a mutation in SMC hinge domain containing 1 (Smchd1), a novel modifier of epigenetic gene silencing; MommeD2 is a mutation in DNA methyltransferase 1 (Dnmt1); and MommeD4 is a mutation in Smarca 5 (Snf2h), a known chromatin remodeler. The identification of Dnmt1 and Smarca5 attest to the effectiveness of the screen design.

Results
We have now extended the screen and have identified four new modifiers, MommeD7-D10. Here we show that all ten MommeDs link to unique sites in the genome, that homozygosity for the mutations is associated with severe developmental abnormalities and that heterozygosity results in phenotypic abnormalities and reduced reproductive fitness in some cases. In addition, we have now identified the underlying genes for MommeD5 and MommeD10. MommeD5 is a mutation in Hdac1, which encodes histone deacetylase 1, and MommeD10 is a mutation in Baz1b (also known as Williams syndrome transcription factor), which encodes a transcription factor containing a PHD-type zinc finger and a bromodomain. We show that reduction in the level of Baz1b in the mouse results in craniofacial features reminiscent of Williams syndrome.

Conclusions
These results demonstrate the importance of dosage-dependent epigenetic reprogramming in the development of the embryo and the power of the screen to provide mouse models to study this process.
Detection of Isolated Tumor Cells in Neuroblastoma by Immunohistochemical Analysis in Bone Marrow Biopsy Specimens
Authors: Krishnan Chandra , Twist Clare J. , Fu Teresa , Arber Daniel A. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Evaluation of the bone marrow is a critical component of accurate staging and surveillance for recurrent disease in neuroblastoma. The value of routine immunohistochemical analysis of otherwise histologically negative bone marrow biopsy specimens has not been adequately evaluated. By using synaptophysin, chromogranin, and β-catenin, immunohistochemical analysis performed on otherwise histologically negative bone marrow specimens identified isolated tumor cells (ITCs) in 9.1%, 5.0%, and 10.0% of 220 biopsy specimens, respectively. Overall survival, as estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method, was not significantly different between patients with and without ITCs (P = .357). Of the immunohistochemical markers evaluated, β-catenin showed the greatest sensitivity for identifying ITCs in the bone marrow and showed reactivity in primary tumor samples. We found that the presence of ITCs identified by immunohistochemical analysis may predict the persistence of disease but does not show significant overall survival differences. We also identified β-catenin as a sensitive immunohistochemical marker of primary and metastatic neuroblastoma.
Lymphangiogenesis in Esophageal Adenocarcinomas--Lymphatic Vessel Density as Prognostic Marker in Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Saad Reda S. , Lindner Jennifer L. , Liu Yulin , Silverman Jan F. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
We studied tumor lymphatic vascular density (LVD) as a predictive marker for the risk of lymph node (LN) metastasis and its relationship to other prognostic parameters and survival in 75 patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma. Samples were immunostained for D2-40, CD31, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Microvessels were counted in densely vascular/lymphatic foci (hot spots) at ×400 field (0.17 mm2). Intensity of staining for VEGF was scored on a 2-tiered scale. CD31 microvessel counts showed significant correlation with tumor stage and patient survival (P &lt; .01). D2-40 LVD demonstrated a significant correlation with LN metastases, lymphovascular invasion, and tumor stage (r = 0.45, r = 0.47, and r = 0.37, respectively) and with shorter disease-free survival. D2-40 detected lymphovascular invasion in 29 of 75 cases, more than with CD31 (23/75) and H&E (18/75). VEGF was expressed in 48 (64%) of 75 cases and was significantly correlated with lymphovascular invasion, LN metastases, and overall survival. Our study showed that angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis have important roles in the progression of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
External Quality Assurance of HER2 FISH and ISH Testing
Authors: Bartlett John M.S. , Ibrahim Merdol , Jasani Bharat , Morgan John M. , Ellis Ian , Kay Elaine , Connolly Yvonne , Campbell Fiona , O’Grady Anthony , Barnett Sarah , Miller Keith 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
The American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists guidelines highlighted the critical importance of quality assurance in diagnostic testing for HER2.
Unstained formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded human breast carcinoma cell line sections were circulated to scheme participants on 9 occasions. “Reference laboratories” reported results for the HER2/chromosome 17 ratio and HER2 copy number for 3 years for each cell line, including 418 sets of results (1,671 results total). The number of participants was 62 laboratories in the final analysis.
The mean and SD of results from reference laboratories demonstrated consistency during the 3-year period. The percentage of laboratories achieving “appropriate” results ranged from 45% to 88%, and the percentage achieving “inappropriate” results ranged from 5% to 29%. No consistent effect of the HER2 in situ hybridization testing method was demonstrated.
Participation in external quality assurance schemes is a valuable mechanism for demonstrating and acquiring consistency for HER2 testing by in situ hybridization. Poor performance can be corrected via assistance and advice.
Individual differences in young offender emotional behaviour
Authors: Clarbour J. , Roger D. , Miles J. N. V. , Monaghan R. 
Published: December 2008

Purpose. Recent research into adolescent emotional behaviour has confirmed a three‐factor structure for emotional style in samples of children and adolescents, ranging in age from nine to nineteen years (Clarbour & Roger, 2004). This study was aimed at replicating the factor structure for the Emotional Behaviour Scale (EBS) amongst young offenders, and investigating the role of the factors in offender behaviour.Method. Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to compare the responses of 307 male young offenders to those of 294 schoolchildren. A subsample of 264 offenders additionally completed indices of offending behaviour that were used for further validation of the EBS amongst young offenders.Results and conclusions. The three emotional style factors obtained for schoolchildren – social anxiety, malevolent aggression and social self‐esteem – were confirmed in the young offender sample. Lower scores on malevolent aggression, and higher scores on social anxiety and social self‐esteem, were significantly associated with later first police contact. High malevolent aggression and lower social anxiety were also significantly associated with placement on Governor's report, and high malevolent aggression was associated with violent offence types. The three scales were also found to relate systematically and predictably to a range of other personality and emotional style scales.
Tracking of High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein after an Initially Elevated Concentration: The JUPITER Study
Authors: Glynn Robert J , MacFadyen Jean G , Ridker Paul M 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground: The JUPITER (Justification for the Use of Statins in Prevention: An Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin) trial suggests that increased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) concentrations may be useful in decisions about the initiation of statin therapy for primary prevention of vascular disease. Although studies of specific populations have suggested that hsCRP is a reliable longitudinal marker, it is unclear how strongly hsCRP tracks in individuals after a single increased concentration.Methods: We evaluated tracking of hsCRP in 8901 individuals randomized to placebo in the JUPITER trial. These individuals had screening LDL cholesterol concentrations &lt;130 mg/dL (&lt;3.37 mmol/L) and hsCRP concentrations ≥2 mg/L, with subsequent hsCRP measurements made before randomization; at 13 weeks; 1, 2, 3, and 4 years later; and at trial termination. Longitudinal trends and associations were evaluated nonparametrically with box plots and Spearman correlations. After data transformation to achieve normality, repeated-measures regression models estimated the intraclass correlation of hsCRP, with and without controlling for known demographic, lifestyle, and medical determinants of hsCRP concentration. For comparison, we evaluated tracking of systolic and diastolic blood pressure; total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol; and fasting triglycerides.Results: The median hsCRP concentration in these untreated individuals showed modest regression to the mean over time, declining from 3.8 mg/L at randomization to 3.4 mg/L at 4 years. Tracking correlations for hsCRP over time were comparable to those for blood pressure and LDL cholesterol, but lower than those for HDL, fasting triglycerides, and total cholesterol. The intraclass correlation for repeated hsCRP measurements was 0.54 (95% CI, 0.53–0.55) without covariate adjustment and 0.50 (95% CI, 0.49–0.51) after adjustment for demographic, lifestyle, and comorbidity determinants.Conclusions: Concentrations of hsCRP show strong tracking, even after selection of individuals with initially high values. Without statin therapy, increased concentrations of hsCRP generally remain high over time.
Antimicrobial activity of polyelectrolyte multilayer-treated cellulose films 2nd ICC 2007, Tokyo, Japan, October 25–29, 2007
Authors: Westman Eva-Helena , Ek Monica , Wågberg Lars 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
A polyelectrolyte multilayer film with antimicrobial properties was prepared by the layer-by-layer technique on porous cellulose membranes by the alternate adsorption of hydrophobically modified polyvinylamine (PVAm) and polyacrylic acid. The approach included the introduction of negative charges onto cellulose membranes by NaBr and TEMPO-catalysed oxidation which created anchoring sites for the positively charged PVAm. The antibacterial activity of the cellulose membranes were tested with the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli as organism. A significant decrease in bacterial growth was observed with increasing number of polymeric bilayers (between three and six layers of cationic polymer) on the cellulose membranes. The antimicrobial property was ascribed to the modified PVAm.
Maternal visfatin concentration in normal pregnancy
Authors: Mazaki-Tovi Shali , Romero Roberto , Kusanovic Juan Pedro , Vaisbuch Edi , Erez Offer , Than Nandor Gabor , Chaiworapongsa Tinnakorn , Nhan-Chang Chia-Ling , Pacora Percy , Gotsch Francesca , Yeo Lami , Kim Sun Kwon , Edwin Samuel S. , Hassan Sonia S. , Mittal Pooja 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjective:Adipose tissue has now emerged as a powerful endocrine organ via the production of adipokines. Visfatin, a novel adipokine with diabetogenic and immuno-modulatory properties has been implicated in the pathophysiology of insulin resistance in patients with obesity and Type-2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to determine whether there are changes in the maternal plasma concentration of visfatin with advancing gestation and as a function of maternal weight.Study design:In this cross-sectional study, maternal plasma concentrations of visfatin were determined in normal weight and overweight/obese pregnant women in the following gestational age groups: 1) 11–14 weeks (n=52); 2) 19–26 weeks (n=68); 3) 27–34 weeks (n=93); and 4) >37 weeks (n=60). Visfatin concentrations were determined by ELISA. Non parametric statistics were used for analysis.Results:1) The median maternal plasma visfatin concentration was higher in pregnant women between 19–26 weeks of gestation than that of those between 11–14 weeks of gestation (P<0.01) and those between 27–34 weeks of gestation (P<0.01); 2) among normal weight pregnant women, the median plasma visfatin concentrations of women between 19–26 weeks of gestation was higher than that of those between 11–14 weeks (P<0.01) and those between 27–34 weeks (P<0.01); and 3) among overweight/obese patients, the median maternal visfatin concentration was similar between the different gestational age groups.Conclusion:The median maternal plasma concentration of visfatin peaks between 19–26 and has a nadir between 27–34 weeks of gestation. Normal and overweight/obese pregnant women differed in the pattern of changes in circulating visfatin concentrations as a function of gestational age.
Molecular Dynamics Study of a Model SN1 Dissociation Reaction at Liquid/Liquid Interfaces: Effect of Liquid Polarity
Authors: Winter Nicolas , Benjamin Ilan 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe ionic dissociation step of the nucleophilic substitution reaction: t‐BuCl → t‐Bu+ + Cl− is studied at the water/dichloroethane (DCE) interface using molecular dynamics computer simulations. The t‐BuCl is modeled using an empirical valence bond method where two diabatic states, covalent and ionic, are coupled in the electronically adiabatic limit. Umbrella sampling is used to determine the potential of mean force (PMF) along the reaction coordinate R (defined as the t‐Bu to Cl distance) in several interfacial regions of varying distances from the Gibbs dividing surface. The results at the water/DCE interface are compared to previous molecular dynamics calculations of t‐BuCl at the water liquid/vapor and water/carbon tetrachloride interfaces. As in the other systems, the transition state shifts to larger R values, and the activation barrier and ΔGrxn increase with decreasing solvent polarity. In contrast with the water/carbon tetrachloride interface, a well‐defined transition state exists at the water/DCE interface and persists even as the solute is moved 3 to 6 Å into the DCE phase. Dynamical flux correlation calculations reveal larger deviation of the rate from TST than in bulk water due to slower vibrational relaxation of the product ions. However, the increased density at the water/DCE interface increases the rate of dissociation relative to the water liquid/vapor interface. The transmission coefficient at the water/DCE interface was found to be 25% of the TST rate prediction, or about twice the rate at the water liquid/vapor interface.