bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complement‐mediated phagocytosis ‐ the role of Syk
Authors: Tohyama Yumi , Yamamura Hirohei 
Published: June 2006

AbstractPhagocytosis is a central event in the innate immune responses that are triggered by the association between ligands on the surface of pathogens and receptors on the membrane of phagocytes. Particularly, complement‐mediated phagocytosis is accomplished by specific recognition of bound complement components by the corresponding complement receptors on the phagocytes. The protein‐tyrosine kinase, Syk, plays a central role in Fcγ receptor‐mediated phagocytosis in the adaptive immune system. From recent studies using a macrophage‐like differentiated cell line and serum‐treated zymosan, it was found that Syk also plays an essential role in complement‐mediated phagocytosis in innate immunity. Serum‐treated zymosan particles promptly attached to the cells and were subsequently engulfed via complement receptor3. During this process, Syk became tyrosine‐phosphorylated and accumulated around the nascent phagosomes. The transfer of Syk‐siRNA or dominant‐negative Syk (DN‐Syk) into macrophages resulted in impaired engulfment of pathogen. Collectively, Syk is required for the engulfment of pathogen in complement‐mediated phagocytosis.
iubmb Life, 58: 304‐308, 2006
Regulatory mechanisms and functions of MAP kinase signaling pathways
Authors: Imajo Masamichi , Tsuchiya Yoshiki , Nishida Eisuke 
Published: June 2006

AbstractMitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways play central roles in controlling diverse cellular functions. They are finely regulated by several mechanisms, including scaffolding of their components, and phosphorylation/dephosphorylation and compartmentalization of MAPKs. A number of molecules have been identified as regulators involved in these mechanisms. They modulate the magnitude and the specificity of MAPK signaling, and thereby regulate the wide variety of signaling outputs. Recent studies have identified novel functions of the MAPK signaling pathways. It is becoming clear that strict regulation of the MAPK pathways underlies their manifold functions in numerous biological processes.
iubmb Life, 58: 312‐317, 2006
Apoptosis and autoimmune diseases
Authors: Nagata Shigekazu 
Published: June 2006

AbstractApoptosis is a process by which harmful or useless cells are eliminated. This process can be divided into two steps, death and engulfment. Molecules involved in apoptosis have been identified, and mouse lines deficient in these genes have been established. Among these deficiencies, those in the death receptor system or the engulfment of apoptotic cells cause systemic lupus erythematosus, whereas inefficient DNA degradation causes anemia by activating innate immunity, leading to death during embryogenesis. The apoptotic process and the diseases caused by defects in it are briefly reviewed.
iubmb Life, 58: 358‐362, 2006
Advanced colorectal polyps with the molecular and morphological features of serrated polyps and adenomas: concept of a ‘fusion’ pathway to colorectal cancer
Authors: Jass J R , Baker K , Zlobec I , Higuchi T , Barker M , Buchanan D , Young J 
Published: June 2006

Aim : To establish and explain the pattern of molecular signatures across colorectal polyps.Methods and results : Thirty‐two sessile serrated adenomas (SSA), 10 mixed polyps (MP), 15 traditional serrated adenomas (SA), 49 hyperplastic polyps (HP) and 84 adenomas were assessed for mutation of KRAS and BRAF and aberrant expression of p53. The findings were correlated with loss of expression of O‐6‐methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT). KRAS mutation occurred more frequently (26.5%) than BRAF mutation (4.8%) in adenomas (P < 0.001) and particularly in adenomas with villous architecture (50%). Loss of expression of MGMT correlated with KRAS mutation in small tubular adenomas (P < 0.04). BRAF mutation was frequent in HPs (67%) and SSAs (81%), while KRAS mutation was infrequent (4% and 3%, respectively). Of MPs and SAs, 72% had either BRAF or KRAS mutation. Aberrant expression of p53 was uncommon overall, but occurred more frequently in MPs and SAs (12%) than adenomas (1%) (P < 0.04) and there was concordant loss of expression of MGMT.Conclusions : Molecular alterations that are characteristic of the serrated pathway and adenoma–carcinoma sequence can co‐occur in a minority of advanced colorectal polyps that then show morphological features of both pathways. These lesions account for only 2% of colorectal polyps, but may be relatively aggressive.
Preoperative plasma osteopontin level as a biomarker complementary to carbohydrate antigen 125 in predicting ovarian cancer
Authors: Nakae Mitsuhiro , Iwamoto Ichiro , Fujino Toshinori , Maehata Yoshiyasu , Togami Shin‐ichi , Yoshinaga Mitsuhiro , Douchi Tsutomu 
Published: June 2006

AbstractAim:  New biomarkers other than carbohydrate antigen (CA) 125 are needed for the detection of ovarian cancer. Osteopontin (OPN) is one of the candidates identified by high‐throughput complementary DNA microarray techniques. We evaluated the preoperative plasma OPN level as a diagnostic biomarker for ovarian cancer in comparison with CA125.Methods:  Preoperative plasma OPN and CA125 levels were measured and compared in 32 patients with ovarian cancer, 34 patients with benign ovarian tumor, 30 patients with other gynecologic cancers and 31 healthy women. Preoperative plasma OPN levels were also assessed according to tumor stage, the volume of ascites and histological types. The sensitivity and specificity for predicting ovarian cancer was compared between OPN and CA125.Results:  Preoperative plasma OPN levels were significantly higher in patients with ovarian cancer than in those with benign ovarian tumor, in other gynecologic patients or in healthy women. Stage IV ovarian cancer patients and ovarian cancer patients with ascites had higher plasma OPN levels than those without ascites and in a lower stage. There was no relation between OPN and the histological type. The sensitivity of preoperative plasma OPN in detecting ovarian cancer was 81.3% and almost reached that of CA125. The specificity was moderate. Sensitivity increased to 93.8% with the combination of CA125, compared to 84.4% with CA125 alone.Conclusion:  Preoperative OPN is a useful biomarker for predicting ovarian cancer. It is especially useful when used complementary to CA125. Larger studies of patients with ovarian cancer showing a low CA125 level or in early stages of ovarian cancer are needed.
Paclitaxel/carboplatin versus cyclophosphamide/adriamycin/cisplatin as postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy for advanced endometrial adenocarcinoma
Authors: Hidaka Takao , Nakamura Takafumi , Shima Tomoko , Yuki Hiroyuki , Saito Shigeru 
Published: June 2006

AbstractAim:  There is no standard chemotherapy regimen for patients with advanced endometrial adenocarcinoma. In our hospital, a cyclophosphamide/adriamycin/cisplatin (CAP) regimen was commonly used as adjuvant chemotherapy. However, since October 1999 a paclitaxel/carboplatin regimen has been substituted for CAP. To evaluate the antitumor activity and toxic effects of those regimens, we retrospectively reviewed cases that were treated in our hospital.Methods:  Twenty‐eight patients who underwent surgery and had histologically confirmed advanced endometrial adenocarcinoma, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage III/IV, received combination chemotherapy. Treatment consisted of cisplatin, adriamycin and cyclophosphamide (CAP group, n = 16), or paclitaxel and carboplatin (paclitaxel/carboplatin group, n = 12). The response rate (RR), progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicities were evaluated.Results:  In the CAP group, complete response (CR) was observed in six patients and partial response (PR) in three, for an RR of 64.3%. In the paclitaxel/carboplatin group, CR was observed in five and PR in two, for an RR of 77.8%. The 3‐year PFS and OS rates were 50.0% and 75.0% in the paclitaxel/carboplatin group, and 37.5% and 50.0% in the CAP group, respectively, and there was no significant difference between the two groups. National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria grade 3–4 thrombocytopenia and gastrointestinal toxicities occurred significantly less frequently in the paclitaxel/carboplatin group (0% and 16.7%) than in the CAP group (31.3% and 68.8%) (P = 0.0389 and P = 0.0062).Conclusions:  We conclude that paclitaxel/carboplatin is a promising regimen which could be substituted for CAP, with major activity and a highly acceptable toxicity profile for the treatment of advanced endometrial adenocarcinomas.
Evisceration of pregnant uterus through the incisional hernia site
Authors: Sahu Latika , Bupathy Arounassalame 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe herniation of a gravid uterus through an incisional hernia site is a rare occurrence, but the evisceration of the gravid uterus through the incisional hernia is even rarer. The following is a case report of an evisceration of gravid uterus through an incisional hernia of a midline incision.
Puerperal uterine inversion: A report of four cases
Authors: Achanna Siva , Mohamed Zarina , Krishnan Mukudan 
Published: June 2006

AbstractAcute puerperal uterine inversion is a life‐threatening and unpredictable obstetric emergency. If overlooked, it could lead to a maternal death. Although the precise cause is unknown, it is postulated to be caused by the mismanagement of the third stage of labor with premature traction of the umbilical cord and fundal pressure before placental separation. At the Ipoh General Hospital in Malaysia there were 31 394 deliveries and four acute uterine inversions occurring from 1 January 2002 to 30 June 2005. The four patients were between 25 and 36 years of age and their parities were between two and three. When manual repositioning of the uterus failed, successful correction was accomplished by the O’Sullivan’s hydrostatic method. One case had to undergo subtotal hysterectomy after repositioning because of massive hemorrhage secondary to placenta accreta. Early diagnosis, immediate treatment of shock, and replacement are essential.
Hemoglobin E‐Saskatoon and pregnancy: Report of two cases
Authors: Theodoridou Stamatia , Vyzantiadis Timoleon‐Achilleas , Theodoridis Theodoros , Tantanasis Theoharis , Karababa Photini , Loutradi Afroditi , Manitsa Anna 
Published: June 2006

AbstractHemoglobin E‐Saskatoon (β22‐Glu‐Lys) is found worldwide but is extremely rarely. Two cases of pregnant women who carried the abnormal hemoglobin and the various problems that arise from it are reported. A discussion of the combinations with other abnormal hemoglobin is also presented.
Post‐traumatic stress disorder in patients with gynecologic cancers
Authors: Sukegawa Akiko , Miyagi Etsuko , Suzuki Rie , Ogasawara Tomoka , Asai‐Sato Mikiko , Yoshida Hiroshi , Sugiura Ken , Nakazawa Tsuneo , Onose Ryo , Onishi Hideki , Hirahara Fumiki 
Published: June 2006

AbstractWe present three cases of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that occurred in patients with gynecologic cancers. Case 1 and 2 had ovarian cancer and case 3 had endometrial cancer. The patients developed anxiety, difficulty in sleeping, and complaints of various discomforts after their diagnosis. On consulting with psychiatrists, PTSD was diagnosed based upon the DSM‐IV classification. In cases 1 and 2, the symptoms worsened during the patients’ primary treatment and interfered with their ability to continue the treatment. Psychiatric interventions were provided making it possible to complete their treatment. In case 3, the patient needed psychiatric intervention because of her psychological distress during her treatment. She was finally diagnosed as having PTSD. There are few reports regarding PTSD occurring in gynecologic cancer patients. However, attention should be given to the symptoms of these disorders so that patients may complete their standard therapies.
Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) in the management of large colo‐rectal polyps
Authors: Jameel J. K. A. , Pillinger S. H. , Moncur P. , Tsai H. H. , Duthie G. S. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackground  Colonoscopic polypectomy plays a major role in preventing colo‐rectal cancer. However, resection of sessile, broad‐based pedunculated and flat lesions carries a high risk of perforation. Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) may significantly reduce this risk. We aim to assess the safety and efficacy of EMR in our unit.Patients and methods  A review of a prospective database over a 3‐year period identified 87 patients who underwent endoscopic polypectomy for polyps in sizes from 10 to 50 mm, performed by two experienced endoscopists. A total of 33 EMRs were performed on 30 lesions in 24 of these patients.Results  Median size of lesions was 20 mm. Most were located in the rectum and sigmoid. 22 lesions were resected en‐bloc while 8 were resected piecemeal. Histologically these lesions were predominantly adenomatous polyps. An incidental focus of adenocarcinoma was found in 7 lesions. Histologically complete excision was achieved in 10 lesions. Although histological completeness of excision was not confirmed in 19 lesions, repeat colonoscopy confirmed successful excision. Only one lesion was incompletely excised requiring surgical resection. Bleeding occurred during 2 EMRs, both times successfully controlled by further injection of adrenaline locally. There was no case of bowel perforation. Further surveillance colonoscopy was performed according to established guidelines. Median follow‐up period was 21 months. None of the patients diagnosed with adenocarcinoma showed any evidence of recurrence.Conclusion  Within our unit endoscopic mucosal resection appeared to be safe and effective procedure for resecting large colorectal polyps not suitable for conventional polypectomy. This data would support prompt referral of lesions fulfilling these criteria to specialist units offering this service to avoid unnecessary surgery.
The influence of instructional methods on the quality of online discussion
Authors: Kanuka Heather , Rourke Liam , Laflamme Elaine 
Published: June 2006

AbstractIn this case study, we examined the influence of five groups of communication activities on the quality of students’ contributions to online discussion. The activities were the nominal group technique, debate, invited expert, WebQuest and reflective deliberation. Quality of discussion was operationalised as cognitive presence, a construct developed to investigate the role of critical discourse in higher, distance education contexts. Using the quantitative content analysis technique, the postings of 19 students in an undergraduate university course were assigned to one of the four categories of cognitive presence. Across the five activities, the proportion and number of contributions categorised in the highest phases of cognitive presence was low (20.21%), but was highest during the Webquest and debate activities. There are three advantageous qualities of these two activities, we argue:

They were well structured.
They provided clearly defined roles and responsibilities for the students.
They provoked the students to explicitly confront others’ opinions.
Designing online courses that effectively engage learners from diverse cultural backgrounds
Authors: Wang Minjuan 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThis study examines the effect of an important cultural dimension—power distance index (PDI)—on learners’ perceptions of their online learning experiences. PDI refers to the degree to which a learner’s response to another individual in a learning setting is inhibited or otherwise negatively altered when the other individual holds a position that is superior or inferior to the learner’s own position. This study aims to generate guidelines for better design and facilitation of online courses that can effectively engage all students in the learning process. Research findings are particularly relevant to researchers and practitioners who are interested in the cultural aspects of online learning. This study contributes to the current knowledge base about designing effective online courses and about practicing culturally responsive teaching in an online setting.
The effectiveness of information and communication technology on the learning of written English for 5‐ to 16‐year‐olds
Authors: Andrews Richard , Freeman Allison , Hou Dan , McGuinn Nick , Robinson Alison , Zhu Judy 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe last few years have seen an increase in research studies on the impact and effectiveness of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the teaching and learning of English as a school subject. It is against that research background and against recent developments in policy and practice in the UK that the present systematic review of the effectiveness of different ICTs in the teaching and learning of English has been undertaken. The aim of this review was to shed light on whether ICTs are effective in the teaching and learning of English for 5‐ to 16‐year‐olds. A total of 2103 papers were found in the initial search of studies published between 1998 and 2003 on the topic of the review. An in‐depth review on the effectiveness of ICT in the teaching and learning of written composition in English concentrated on nine studies. As eight of the nine studies were judged to be of medium weight of evidence and were also different from each other in nature, it was not possible to arrive at a clear answer to our in‐depth research question. Rather, we wish to report that the field is in a preparadigmatic state where definitions of English, literacy and ICT are still relatively unclear, and where the causal and/or reciprocal relationships between them have yet to be fully theorised.
Post‐16 e‐learning content production: a synthesis of the literature
Authors: De Freitas Sara 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThis paper provides a metareview of how e‐learning content is currently being produced and embedded in the learning practice in further education, work‐based learning and community learning contexts. Based upon this metareview, the paper has identified four categories of content production used: (1) learner‐authored content, (2) practitioner‐authored content, (3) commercial‐ and public sector‐commissioned content and (4) combinations of these categories. The metareview also identifies several well‐used, practitioner‐based and institutional models for embedding e‐learning content into practice, exploring some of the implications of this upon practitioners.
Effects of nifedipine and interleukin‐1α on the expression of collagen, matrix metalloproteinase‐1, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 in human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Sakagami G. , Sato E. , Sugita Y. , Kosaka T. , Kubo K. , Maeda H. , Kameyama Y. 
Published: June 2006

Background and Objective:  Nifedipine‐induced gingival overgrowth is known to be characterized by fibrosis and some degree of inflammation. However, the molecular mechanism of the fibrosis is not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate in vitro the effects of nifedipine and interleukin‐1α on the molecules involved in fibrosis, namely type I collagen, matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1).Material and Methods:  Four human gingival fibroblast strains, derived from four healthy volunteers, were cultured in media containing nifedipine (1 µg/ml), with or without interleukin‐1α (0.05 ng/ml). The mRNAs of type I collagen, MMP‐1, and TIMP‐1 were measured by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR). The proteins of MMP‐1 and TIMP‐1 were examined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the ratios of MMP‐1 to TIMP‐1 proteins were calculated.Results:  The mRNA expression of type I collagen showed no significant change. Both mRNA expression and protein production of MMP‐1 were up‐regulated by interleukin‐1α, either alone or in combination with nifedipine, whereas those of TIMP‐1 were up‐regulated by nifedipine alone or in combination with interleukin‐1α. The ratio of MMP‐1 to TIMP‐1 was not changed by nifedipine alone, but it was increased by interleukin‐1α alone or in combination with nifedipine. However, in two of the four cell strains tested, nifedipine reduced the ratio of MMP‐1 to TIMP‐1 compared with that for interleukin‐1α alone.Conclusion:  These results suggest that nifedipine may predispose to fibrosis in some individuals in situations where interleukin‐1 levels are raised.
The effect of cyclosporin on cell division and apoptosis in human oral keratinocytes
Authors: Birraux J. , Kirby J. A. , Thomason J. M. , Taylor J. J. 
Published: June 2006

Background and Objective:  Gingival overgrowth (GO) is a side‐effect of cyclosporin A (CsA) therapy and is characterised by enlargement of the gingiva with epithelial thickening and overproduction of extracellular matrix components. The pathogenesis of the epithelial thickening in GO remains obscure. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of CsA on the growth of oral epithelial cells in vitro and to test the hypothesis that CsA influences apoptosis in these cells.Material and Methods:  Cyclosporin was cocultured with an immortalized normal human oral keratinocyte cell line (HOK‐16B), an epitheloid cervical carcinoma cell line (HeLa) and primary oral keratinocytes. Cell division was quantified using a CyQUANT™ kit. Apoptosis was induced using tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and assayed by analysis of caspase‐3 activity. Expression of the anti‐apoptotic protein, Bcl‐2, was measured by western blotting.Results:  CsA exhibited a dose‐ and time‐dependent inhibition of cell division in all three keratinocyte cell cultures. Significantly, HOK‐16B cells treated with high doses of CsA (10 µg/ml) did not recover their proliferative capacity 3 d after withdrawal of CsA, indicating that CsA‐induced inhibition of growth is not temporary. Concentrations of CsA that inhibited cell division (1 µg/ml) did not have any effect on constitutive or TNF‐α ‐induced apoptosis or Bcl‐2 expression in HOK‐16B cells.Conclusion:  CsA inhibits oral epithelial cell division and this effect is not associated with changes in apoptosis in these cells. The action of CsA on oral epithelial cells may be associated with a long‐lasting stress signal, which might account for some of the pathological effects of this drug.
Ageing and vascular ageing
Authors: Jani B , Rajkumar C 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
There is an age related decline in various physiological processes. Vascular ageing is associated with changes in the mechanical and the structural properties of the vascular wall, which leads to the loss of arterial elasticity and reduced arterial compliance. Arterial compliance can be measured by different parameters like pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, and systemic arterial compliance. There is evidence that arterial compliance is reduced in disease states such as hypertension, diabetes, and end stage renal failure. Changes in arterial compliance can be present before the clinical manifestation of cardiovascular disease. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures have been shown to improve arterial compliance. Arterial compliance may constitute an early cardiovascular risk marker and may be useful in assessing the effects of drugs on the cardiovascular system. Pharmacogenetics and genetics of arterial compliance in the future will improve our knowledge and understanding about vascular ageing.