bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 expression in pelvic lymph nodes predicts the risk of cancer progression after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Fujita Kazutoshi , Nakayama Masashi , Nakai Yasutomo , Takayama Hitoshi , Nishimura Kazuo , Ujike Takeshi , Nishimura Kensaku , Aozasa Katsuyuki , Okuyama Akihiko , Nonomura Norio 
Published: February 2009

Recent studies suggest that vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) 1‐positive hematopoietic progenitor cells precede the arrival of tumor cells and form clusters that may portend sites of future metastatic disease. The aim of the present study was to clarify whether VEGFR1 expression in pelvic lymph nodes predicts the risk of prostate cancer progression after radical prostatectomy. VEGFR1 expression in pelvic lymph nodes was examined by immunohistochemistry in 95 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. A cluster of VEGFR1‐positive cells was considered positive. Expression of VEGFR1 in pelvic lymph nodes and biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy were examined by univariate survival analysis and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Thirty‐seven of 79 lymph node‐negative patients (46.8%) were found to have VEGFR1‐positive cells in their pelvic lymph nodes, whereas 16 of 16 lymph node metastasis‐positive patients (100%) had VEGFR1 clusters. There was a significant correlation between pathological stage and VEGFR1 staining (P = 0.002). Univariate analysis showed that pathological stage ≥pT3 and VEGFR1 expression in pelvic lymph nodes were each significantly associated with biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy. Multivariate analysis showed VEGFR1 expression to be an independent predictor of biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy (risk ratio = 5.715, P = 0.010), as was preoperative prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level ≥10 ng/mL. Although larger validation studies are required, our results suggest that VEGFR1 expression in pelvic lymph nodes predicts the risk of biochemical PSA recurrence after radical prostatectomy. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 1047–1050)
Role of protein kinase C‐iota in transformed non‐malignant RWPE‐1 cells and androgen‐independent prostate carcinoma DU‐145 cells
Authors: Win H. Y. , Acevedo‐Duncan M. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractProstate cancer is one of the leading causes of death among men in the USA.Objective:  In this study, we investigated the role of atypical protein kinase C‐iota (PKC‐ι) in androgen‐independent prostate DU‐145 carcinoma cells compared to transformed non‐malignant prostate RWPE‐1 cells.Materials and methods:  Western blotting and immunoprecipitations demonstrated that PKC‐ι is associated with cyclin‐dependent kinase activating kinase (CAK/Cdk7) in RWPE‐1 cells, but not in DU‐145 cells.Results:  Treatment of prostate RWPE‐1 cells with PKC‐ι silencing RNA (siRNA) decreased cell viability, cell‐cycle accumulation at G2/M phase, and phosphorylation of Cdk7 and Cdk2. In addition, PKC‐ι siRNA treatment caused less phosphorylation of Bad at ser‐155, ser‐136, and greater Bad/Bcl‐xL heterodimerization, leading to apoptosis. In DU‐145 cells, PKC‐ι was anti‐apoptotic and was required for cell survival. Treatment with PKC‐ι siRNA blocked increase in cell number, and inhibited G1/S transition by accumulation of cells in G0/G1 phase. In addition to cell‐cycle arrest, both RWPE‐1 and DU‐145 cells underwent apoptosis due to mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis cascades, such as release of cytochrome c, activation of caspase‐7, and poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage.Conclusion:  Our results suggest that PKC‐ι is required for cell survival in both transformed non‐malignant prostate RWPE‐1 cells and androgen‐independent malignant prostate DU‐145 cells, whereas suppressing PKC‐ι lead to apoptosis in DU‐145 prostate cells.
Carbohydrate complexity and proportion of serum FSH isoforms reflect pituitary–ovarian activity in perimenopausal women and depot medroxyprogesterone acetate users
Authors: Loreti Nazareth , Ambao Verónica , Juliato Cassia Teatin , Machado Cecilia , Bahamondes Luis , Campo Stella 
Published: February 2009

SummaryBackground  FSH is synthesized and secreted in multiple glycosylation variants with different oligosaccharide structures; the endocrine milieu regulates the composition of FSH carbohydrate moiety.Objectives  To characterize serum FSH isoforms according to their sialic acid content and oligosaccharide complexity in regularly menstruating women and in depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) users during the menopausal transition.Subjects and methods  Ten regularly menstruating perimenopausal women aged 45–52, with mid‐follicular phase FSH levels ≤10 IU/l and 10 regularly menstruating women, aged 20–39, were included. Blood samples were collected on the ninth day of the menstrual cycle. Twenty DMPA users were divided into two groups (n = 10) according to age: DMPA1, age range 20–39 and DMPA2, age range 45–52. Blood samples were collected 90 ± 5 days after the last injection of DMPA. Oestradiol (E2), inhibin B (Inh B), Pro‐αC levels and the relative abundance of FSH isoforms on the basis of charge (preparative isoelectric focusing) and carbohydrate complexity (Concanavalin A chromatography) were determined.Results  Decreased Inh B and moderately elevated E2 levels were observed in perimenopausal women associated with an increase in FSH sialylation and a decrease in its oligosaccharide complexity. DMPA induced changes in the hormonal profile and FSH molecular microheterogeneity; the secreted hormone was more heterogeneous and its oligosaccharides were less complex under this condition.Conclusion  Serum FSH glycoforms with increased sialylation and decreased oligosaccharide complexity reflect the decline of the gonadal activity induced either by age or by the use of a DMPA as a contraceptive.
Reassessing fecundity in women with classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH): normal pregnancy rate but reduced fertility rate
Authors: Casteràs Anna , De Silva Purnami , Rumsby Gillian , Conway Gerard S. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryObjective  Fertility in women with classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) has been reported low; however, the true pregnancy rate for women trying to conceive with this condition is unknown. Our aim was to calculate pregnancy rate for women with CAH calculated as a proportion of those who had attempted conception. Fertility expressed as live birth rate is also calculated.Patients  One hundred and six women with classical CAH followed in a multidisciplinary service [81 salt‐losing (SL) and 25 nonsalt‐losing (NSL) form].Results  Twenty‐five (23·6%) women with CAH women considered motherhood, 23 had actively tried conception of whom 21 (91·3%) achieved 34 pregnancies. Pregnancy rate is no different from that in the normal population (95%). Pregnancy rates were similar in the SL (88·9%) and NSL (92·9%) subgroups but those with NSL‐CAH were more likely to seek motherhood than those with SL‐CAH (16/25 vs. 9/81). Optimized glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid regimes during fertility monitoring resulted spontaneous conception in nearly all recent cases. Fertility rate was 0·25 live births per woman compared with 1·8 in the UK population (P < 0·001).Conclusion  We report a normal pregnancy rate (91·3%) for women with classical CAH, similar in SL and NSL subgroups. Fertility rate, however, remains much lower than in general population.
Amphotericin B up‐regulates angiogenic genes in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines
Authors: Lin Z. Y. , Chuang W. L. , Chuang Y. H. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTBackground Amphotericin B (AmB) has a discordant influence on epirubicin (4′‐epidoxorubicin) cytotoxicity in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This indicates that the cellular function of HCC may be significantly influenced by AmB. Whether the influence of AmB on HCC has any possibility to influence cancer growth has not been studied. This study was to try and clarify this issue.Materials and methods Two HCC cell lines including one without augmentation of the epirubicin cytotoxicity by AmB (cell line A; HCC24/KMUH) and one with this effect (cell line B; HCC38/KMUH) were studied by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and whole human genome microarray (experimental group: 2·5 µg mL−1AmB).Results Differential expressions of genes induced by AmB in two cell lines had no influence on cell proliferation as determined by MTT assay. Only cell line B showed up‐regulation of genes related to oxidative stress, acute phase reaction, cytokine‐cytokine receptor interaction and complement and coagulation cascades. Among the chemokine genes up‐regulated by AmB, five genes (CCL2, CXCL1, CXCL5, CXCL6, IL8) were angiogenic. Cell line B also showed up‐regulation of one angiogenic C10orf10 gene and down‐regulation of one angiostatic chemokine gene (CXCL10). Up‐ or down‐regulation of other genes in cell line A and B did not show any evidence to promote angiogenesis.Conclusion AmB has the capacity to concomitantly up‐regulate angiogenic genes in HCC cells susceptible to AmB‐induced oxidative stress.
A diet enriched with mackerel (Scomber scombrus)–derived products improves the endothelial function in a senior population (Prevención de las Enfermedades Cardiovasculares: Estudio Santoña – PECES project)
Authors: De Berrazueta J. R. , Gómez de Berrazueta J. M. , Amado Señarís J. A. , Peña Sarabia N. , Fernández Viadero C. , García‐Unzueta M. T. , Sáez de Adana M. , Sanchez Ovejero C. J. , LLorca J. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTBackground Regular consumption of fish reduces cardiovascular risks. Here, we investigate if the consumption of products with mackerel (Scomber scombrus) with 8·82 g of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content per 100 g of product improves parameters of endothelial function in a controlled population.Materials and methods Subjects maintained a 12‐week diet with products with mackerel. The population consisted of 58 senior subjects (12 withdrawals, 25 women), aged 82·08 ± 8·13 years (Group A). Twenty‐three senior subjects (13 women) on a regular diet were used as the control group (Group B).Subjects of Group A received 57 portions throughout 12 weeks (four to five portions a week of products with a mean EPA + DHA content of 2·5 g a day). A continuous follow‐up and a final evaluation were performed to determine the level of consumption. Plasma samples were stored at –70 °C for a biochemical study. Endothelial function was analysed by reactive hyperemia with a mercury strain gauge plethysmography with measurement of blood flow in the forearm, both baseline and at the end of the 12‐week diet.Results Endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation significantly increased in Group A subjects (P < 0·001). No changes were found in Group B. The subgroup analyses showed that improvements were produced in Group A subjects without cardiovascular disease (P < 0·001). Nitrites/nitrates and von Willebrand factor plasma concentrations were higher in participants after the 12‐week diet.Conclusions The consumption of mackerel meat products improves endothelium‐dependent, flow‐mediated vasodilatation in a senior population. This finding might explain some of the cardioprotective effects of fish consumption.
Clinical screening and diagnosis of diabetic polyneuropathy: the North Catalonia Diabetes Study
Authors: Jurado J. , Ybarra J. , Romeo J. H. , Pou J. M. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTBackground  To evaluate the prevalence of diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) and develop a simple and accurate method for the evaluation of DPN risk in primary care settings.Materials and methods  Cross‐sectional descriptive study in a random sample (N = 307) of type 2 diabetes mellitus participants. DPN was diagnosed by both clinical neurological examination and simplified DPN Selection Method in each patient. Correlation between the two methods was obtainedResults  Prevalence of DPN was 23·13% (confidence interval,18·38–27·87) according to clinical neurological examination. Noteworthy, clinical neurological evaluation scores were related to nerve conduction studies (r = 0·882; P < 0·0005). DPN presence was positively related to age, metabolic control (HbA1c levels), known duration of diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, cardiovascular disease, peripheral ischemia and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, but was negatively related to current high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) levels (P < 0·0001). The sensitivity and specificity of our DPN Selection Method (using four clinical parameters: age, retinopathy, HbA1c and HDL‐C plasma levels) for diagnosis of DPN was 74·20% and 74·90%, respectively.Conclusions  The expected prevalence of DPN was observed. The sensitivity of the DPN Selection Method correlated well with formal clinical neurological exam in detection of the condition. We therefore conclude the DPN Selection Method is a useful tool in primary care settings in the evaluation and diagnosis of DPN.
Peritoneal fluid adipokines: ready for prime time?
Authors: Wiest R. , Leidl F. , Kopp A. , Weigert J. , Neumeier M. , Buechler C. , Schoelmerich J. , Schäffler A. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTBackground  Visceral adipose tissues secret a variety of adipokines; however, it is not known whether they are present in the peritoneal fluid. It was the aim of this study to investigate peritoneal fluid concentrations of novel (cartonectin, omentin) and classical adipokines (leptin, adiponectin, resistin, visfatin) in patients with ascites.Material and methods  Ninety‐six patients (71 men and 25 women) undergoing paracentesis were included. Of these, 76 suffered from liver cirrhosis. Adipokines were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay or Western blot.Results  Each adipokine was detected in ascites with a broad range. Serum–ascites ratios (SAR) correlated with clinical and laboratory parameters. The main variables influencing peritoneal fluid adipokine concentrations were body mass index (BMI), local inflammation, systemic inflammation and serum adipokine concentrations. Resistin was significantly higher in patients with peritonitis and showed a positive correlation with peripheral leucocytes (white blood cell count). Leptin was correlated with the underlying disease. Visfatin correlated with peripheral white blood cell and C‐reactive protein levels. Omentin expression was correlated with ascitic leucocyte count, ascitic albumin concentration and low albumin SAR. BMI was correlated positively with ascitic leptin levels and cartonectin protein levels.Conclusions  Peritoneal fluid adipokine concentrations are characterized by individual SARs, depend on the presence of peritonitis, and correlate with underlying disease, BMI and systemic inflammation. The data open a new field of research on the role of the peritoneum and visceral adipokines in gastrointestinal diseases.
The bone marker plot: an innovative method to assess bone turnover in women
Authors: Bieglmayer C. , Kudlacek S. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTBackground  Biochemical markers of bone turnover reflect the resorptive and reconstructive effects that act on the skeleton. Although elevated markers are commonly interpreted as a sign of an increased turnover rate, the balance between bone resorption and formation is mostly neglected. We introduce a graphic report combining both complementary processes.Materials and methods  Bone turnover markers were measured in 599 women (aged 25–74 years). To set up reference ranges, 269 from 599 women were selected because of having T‐scores > –1 and inconspicuous basic laboratory data. Concentrations of resorption and formation markers were mathematically transformed to build up plots with four fields, symbolizing fast and slow resorption and fast and slow formation processes. The reference data of bone turnover were represented by a 95% confidence ellipse. For individual marker plots, we converted data of bone turnover markers from therapy follow‐up profiles of patients in a similar manner.Results  In pre‐, peri‐ and postmenopausal women (n= 190, 39 ± 6 years; n= 35, 51 ± 6 years; n= 44, 55 ± 5 years, respectively), the medians of the bone resorption marker CrossLaps and of the bone formation markers osteocalcin and aminoterminal propeptide of type I procollagen were 0·13/0·16/0·22 ng mL−1, 21/21/25 ng mL−1 and 36/35/45 ng mL−1, respectively. In postmenopausal women, the marker plots revealed a shift towards accelerated bone resorption. A discrimination from osteopenic women (n= 138) failed.Conclusion  The proposed marker plot facilitates the intuitive perception of bone turnover in individual patients as well as in patient groups by a synopsis of the balance between bone formation and resorption with the rate of these processes.
Challenges and opportunities in soil organic matter research
Authors: Lal R. 
Published: February 2009

SummarySoil organic matter (SOM) can be a source or sink for atmospheric CO2depending on land use, and management of soil, vegetation and water resources. SOM is a source of atmospheric CO2, with the use of extractive farming practices that lead to a negative nutrient balance and exacerbate soil degradation. The historic loss of C from the SOM pool between the 1850s and 2000 is estimated at 78 ± 12 Gt compared with the emission of 270 ± 30 Gt from fossil fuel combustion. Despite its numerous direct and ancillary benefits, enhancing the SOM pool is a major challenge, especially in impoverished and depleted soils in harsh tropical climates. In addition to biophysical factors, there are also numerous social, economic and political constraints that limit increase in SOM pools. Conversion of plough‐tillage to no‐till farming, an important practice to enhance the SOM pool, is constrained by the limited access to herbicides and seed drill, and the competing uses of crop residues. Yet, enhancing the SOM pool is essential to restoring degraded soils, advancing food security and improving the environment. Important subjects among researchable topics include: assessing the rate of SOM accretion for a wide range of land use and management practices with reference to a baseline; evaluating the importance of biochar; measuring and predicting SOM at landscape and extrapolation to regional scale; establishing relationships between SOM and soil quality and agronomic productivity; determining on‐ and off‐site effects of crop residues removal for ethanol/biofuel production; determining the fate of C in SOM translocated by erosional processes; evaluating nutrient requirements for increasing SOM in croplands; validating predictive models in tropical environments; and developing methodology for trading C credits.
DNA‐based analysis of planktonic methanotrophs in a stratified lake
Authors: KOJIMA HISAYA , IWATA TOMOYA , FUKUI MANABU 
Published: February 2009

Summary1. The assemblage of planktonic methanotrophs in a stratified freshwater lake was investigated. Vertical patterns were analysed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, using the primer pair specific for 16S rRNA genes of type I methanotrophs.2. The resulting banding patterns could be divided into three distinct groups, and sequenced bands were all related to the Methylobacter species. No amplicon was obtained with the primer pair specific for type II methanotrophs.3. Cloning analysis of the pmoA gene was performed using samples from three water depths (epilimnion, metalimnion and hypolimnion). The compositions of the clone libraries from the three depths were distinct from each other but all three libraries were dominated by clones related to Methylobacter species.
Gas hazard assessment at the Monticchio crater lakes of Mt. Vulture, a volcano in Southern Italy
Authors: Caracausi Antonio , Nuccio P. Mario , Favara Rocco , Nicolosi Marco , Paternoster Michele 
Published: February 2009

AbstractGeochemical investigations have shown that there is a considerable inflow of gas into both crater lakes of Monticchio, Southern Italy. These lakes are located in two maars that formed 140 000 years ago during Mt. Vulture volcano’s last eruptive activity. Isotopic analyses suggest that CO2 and helium are of magmatic origin; the latter displays 3He/4He isotope ratios similar to those measured in olivines of the maar ejecta. In spite of the fact that the amount of dissolved gases in the water is less than that found in Lake Nyos (Cameroon), both the results obtained and the historical reports studied indicate that these crater lakes could be highly hazardous sites, even though they are located in a region currently considered inactive. This could be of special significance in very popular tourist areas such as the Monticchio lakes, which are visited by about 30 000 people throughout the summer, for the most part on Sundays.
Resolving climate change in the period 15–23 ka in Greenland ice cores: a new application of spectral trend analysis
Authors: De Jong Mat G. G. , Nio Djin S. , Böhm Alain R. , Seijmonsbergen Harry C. , De Graaff Leo W. S. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractNorthern Hemisphere climate history through and following the Last Glacial Maximum is recorded in detail in ice cores from Greenland. However, the period between Greenland Interstadials 1 and 2 (15–23 ka), i.e. the period of deglaciation following the last major glaciation, has been difficult to resolve in great detail. We here offer a new subdivision of this in the NGRIP, GRIP and GISP2 ice cores, by newly introducing spectral trend analysis to the study of climate‐related data series from ice cores. This analysis reveals patterns of change and discontinuity in the waveform properties of a data series, relating to the environmental (including climatic) history of accumulation of the rock or ice record. The application allows high‐resolution correlation between the ice cores, and a greatly improved subdivision of the study interval. Nine climatic phases are recognized, within which more identifiable events can also be correlated between the three locations.
Muco‐ciliary differentiation of nasal epithelial cells is decreased after wound healing in vitro
Authors: Lazard D. S. , Moore A. , Hupertan V. , Martin C. , Escabasse V. , Dreyfus P. , Burgel P.‐R. , Amselem S. , Escudier E. , Coste A. 
Published: February 2009

Background:  Epithelial damage and modifications of cell differentiation are frequent in airway diseases with chronic inflammation, in which transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) plays an important role. The aim of this study was to evaluate the differentiation of human nasal epithelial cells (HNEC) after wound healing and the potential effects of TGF‐β1.Methods:  Basal, mucus, and ciliated cells were characterized by cytokeratin‐14, MUC5AC, and βIV tubulin immunodetection, respectively. Their expression was evaluated in situ in nasal polyps and in an in vitro model of wound healing in primary cultures of HNEC after wound closure, under basal conditions and after TGF‐β1 supplementation. Using RT‐PCR, the effects of TGF‐β1 on MUC5AC and DNAI1 genes, specifically transcribed in mucus and ciliated cells, were evaluated.Results:  In situ, high TGF‐β1 expression was associated with low MUC5AC and βIV tubulin expression. In vitro, under basal conditions, MUC5AC expression remained stable, cytokeratin‐14 expression was strong and decreased with time, while βIV tubulin expression increased. Transforming growth factor‐β1 supplementation downregulated MUC5AC and βIV tubulin expression as well as MUC5AC and DNAI1 transcripts.Conclusion:  After a wound, differentiation into mucus and ciliated cells was possible and partially inhibited in vitro by TGF‐β1, a cytokine that may be involved in epithelial remodeling observed in chronic airway diseases.