bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cloning and characterization of an alternative splicing transcript of the gene coding for human cytidine deaminase
Authors: Lisboa Bianca Cristina Garcia , Machado Tamara da Rocha , Pimenta Daniel Carvalho , Won Han Sang 
Published: May 2007

Human cytidine deaminase (HCD) catalyzes the deamination of cytidine or deoxycytidine to uridine or deoxyuridine, respectively. The genomic sequence of HCD is formed by 31 kb with 4 exons and several alternative splicing signals, but an alternative form of HCD has yet to be reported. Here we describe the cloning and characterization of a small form of HCD, HSCD, and it is likely to be a product of alternative splicing of HCD. The alignment of DNA sequences shows that the HSCD matches HCD in 2 parts, except for a deletion of 170 bp. Based on the HCD genome organization, exons 1 and 4 should be joined and all sequences of introns and exons 2 and 3 should be deleted by splicing. This alternative splicing shifted the translation of the reading frame from the point of splicing. The estimated molecular mass is 9.8 kDa, and this value was confirmed by Western blot and mass spectroscopy after expressing the gene fused with glutathionine-S-transferase in the pGEX vector. The deletion and shift of the reading frame caused a loss of HCD activity, which was confirmed by enzyme assay and also with NIH3T3 cells modified to express HSCD and challenged against cytosine arabinoside. In this work we describe the identification and characterization of HSCD, which is the product of alternative splicing of the HCD gene.
The association of HLA-DRB1 alleles with rheumatoid arthritis in the Chinese Shantou population: a follow-up studyThis paper is one of a selection of papers in this Special Issue, entitled International Symposium on Recent Advances in Molecular, Clinical, and Social Medicine, and has undergone the Journal's usual peer-review process.
Authors: Lin Ling , Chen Yongsong , Xiao Zhengyu , Huang Shaobi , Yang Ze 
Published: May 2007

We investigated the distribution of HLA-DRB1 alleles in a sample of the Chinese Shantou population, and explored the relationship between HLA-DRB1 alleles and the susceptibility and clinical features of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We studied 117 consecutive patients with RA and control groups, including 38 cases of systemic lupus erythematosus and 100 healthy individuals. HLA-DRB1 genotyping was performed using PCR with sequence-specific primers. HLA-DRB1*04 subtypes were detected using spot hybridization of PCR products with sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes. We compared the frequency of HLA-DRB1 alleles in healthy control patients with that in patients with RA. Patients with RA were evaluated for sex, age at disease onset, disease duration, extra-articular involvement, presence of autoantibodies, global functional status, and radiographic damage. The frequency of HLA-DRB1*04 was found to be significantly higher in RA patients than in healthy individuals (49.6% vs 18.0%, odds ratio = 4.478, P < 0.001). HLA-DRB1*0405 was the most prominently associated subtype in RA patients (62.1% vs 27.8%, odds ratio = 4.255, P = 0.011). Compared with the HLA-DRB1*04-negative RA group, the mean duration of RA in the HLA-DRB1*04-positive RA group was longer, and the mean age at disease onset was lower. A 2–9 year follow-up study was performed, and the risk factors associated with the radiographic progression of RA were determined. Logistic regression analysis revealed that only HLA-DRB1*04 alleles were significantly associated with the radiographic progression of RA (B = 2.652, P = 0.018, Exp(B) = 14.182). Our observations indicated that the HLA-DRB1*04 alleles, especially the subtype HLA-DRB1*0405, were significantly associated with RA susceptibility in the Chinese Shantou population. The HLA-DRB1*04 alleles may be associated with the severity of RA.
The effect of locally deliveredc-mycantisense oligonucleotides combined with intravascular brachytherapy of188Re liquid-filled balloon therapy on vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation in rabbit iliac arteries after injury with a balloon catheterThis paper is one of a selection of papers in this Special Issue, entitled International Symposium on Recent Advances in Molecular, Clinical, and Social Medicine, and has undergone the Journal's usual peer-review process.
Authors: Wang Wei , Li Ji-lin , Wang Xin 
Published: May 2007

Poststenting restenosis is a significant clinical problem that involves vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. We primarily investigated the effect of c-myc antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ASODNs) combined with188Re radiation therapy on VSMC proliferation in rabbit common iliac arteries injured by the porous balloon catheter to explore the therapeutic potential of the combined therapy for the prevention of restenosis. The iliac arteries in rabbits were injured with balloon catheters, and radiation therapy was carried out with a 2.5 mm balloon catheter filled with188Re (8 or 15 Gy), and ASODNs (300 µg) were applied to the adventitia introduced using a pluronic gel releasing system and a lipofectin delivery system. After 3 weeks, the animals were killed and defined segments of arteries were sectioned. The histological sections were stained using α-actin immunohistochemistry staining. The positive α-actin ratios were calculated and analyzed statistically among groups. In contrast to the rate of α-actin positive cell staining in the control group, the rate of α-actin positive cell staining did not decrease (P > 0.05) in the188Re-irradiated group (8 Gy). However, in the ASODN-treated group, the188Re-irradiated group (15 Gy), and the combined ASODN –188Reirradiated groups (8 or 15 Gy), the ratios had markedly decreased (P < 0.01). The effect of the combined group (ASODNs +188Re (15 Gy)) provided the lowest level of α-actin positive cell staining (P < 0.01). The ASODNs (300 µg) effectively decreased VSMC poliferation. The effect of the188Re radiation on the VSMCs depended on the dosage. The ASODNs (300 µg) and combined188Re irradiation effectively lowered VSMC proliferation, and the effect was better than that achieved with any other treatment.
The ASP receptor C5L2 is regulated by metabolic hormones associated with insulin resistance
Authors: MacLaren R. , Kalant D. , Cianflone K. 
Published: May 2007

Acylation-stimulating protein (ASP) and interaction with its receptor C5L2 influences adipocyte metabolism. We examined insulin resistance and differentiation-mediated regulation of C5L2 and the mechanistic impact on both C5L2 cell-surface protein and ligand binding to the receptor. C5L2 mRNA increased 8.7-fold with differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells (p < 0.0001) by day 9. In preadipocytes, insulin and dexamethasone increased C5L2 mRNA (1 μmol/L insulin resulted in a 2.6-fold increase, p < 0.01; 10 nmol/L dexamethasone resulted in a 17.9-fold increase, p < 0.01) and C5L2 cell-surface protein (100 nmol insulin resulted in a 2.7-fold increase, p < 0.001; 10 nmol/L dexamethasone resulted in a 2.8-fold increase, p < 0.001). In adipocytes, 100 nmol/L insulin increased C5L2 mRNA and ASP binding (respectively, 1.3-fold, p < 0.01; and 2.4-fold, p < 0.05). Dexamethasone decreased ligand binding (–60%, p < 0.02) without changing mRNA. Tumor necrosis factor alpha decreased C5L2 mRNA (–88% in preadipocytes and –38% in adipocytes, p < 0.001), C5L2 cell-surface protein (–53% in preadipocytes, p < 0.0001), and ASP binding (–60% and –49% in, respectively, preadipocytes and adipoctyes, p < 0.05). Conversely, 1 μmol/L and 10 nmol/L rosiglitazone increased, respectively, C5L2 mRNA (9.3-fold, p < 0.0001) and ASP binding (2.4-fold, p < 0.05). Thus, C5L2 mRNA increases with differentiation, insulin, and thiazolidinedione treatment, and decreases with tumor necrosis factor alpha, all of which results in functional changes in ASP–C5L2 response and may have implications for human metabolism.
Staurosporine inhibition of zipper-interacting protein kinase contractile effects in gastrointestinal smooth muscle
Authors: Borman Meredith A. , MacDonald Justin A. , Haystead Timothy A. J. 
Published: May 2007

Zipper-interacting protein kinase (ZIPK) is a serine–threonine kinase that has been implicated in Ca2+-independent myosin II phosphorylation and contractile force generation in vascular smooth muscle. However, relatively little is known about the contribution of this kinase to gastrointestinal smooth muscle contraction. The addition of a recombinant version of ZIPK that lacked the leucine zipper domain to permeabilized ileal strips evoked a Ca2+-independent contraction and resulted in myosin regulatory light chain diphosphorylation at Ser19and Thr18. Neither Ca2+-independent force development nor myosin regulatory light chain phosphorylation was elicited by the addition of kinase-dead ZIPK to the ileal strips. The sensitivity of ZIPK-induced contraction to various kinase inhibitors was similar to the in vitro sensitivity of purified ZIPK to these inhibitors. Staurosporine was the most effective ZIPK inhibitor, with a Kivalue calculated to be 2.6 ± 0.3 µmol/L. Through the use of specific kinase inhibitors, we determined that Rho-associated protein kinase and Ca2+/phospholipid-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase C) do not mitigate ZIPK-induced contraction in ileum. Our findings support a role for ZIPK in Ca2+-independent contractile force generation in gastrointestinal smooth muscle.
Cardiovascular diseases in ChinaThis paper is one of a selection of papers in this Special Issue, entitled International Symposium on Recent Advances in Molecular, Clinical, and Social Medicine, and has undergone the Journal's usual peer-review process.
Authors: Liu Lisheng 
Published: May 2007

Statistics from the National Population Census of China revealed a significant increase in the Chinese population, from 590 million in 1953 to 1.26 billion in 2000. The average life expectancy increased to 71.4 years in 2000 compared with the expectancy of 68.6 years a decade before. World Health Organization statistics on the death rate for total cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, and stroke in men and women aged 35–74 years revealed discrepancies between rural and urban parts of China. The China Multicenter Collaborative Study of Cardiovascular Epidemiology indicated that cardiovascular disease was the major cause of death for both men and women, with stroke accounting for over 40% of deaths. Ischemia was shown to be the most common subtype of stroke in both sexes. Smoking was an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The World Health Organization reported that the death rate attributable to tobacco was 6.0% worldwide and 9.2% in China in 1990. The latter is projected to reach 16.6% by 2020. In China, the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus, the two key risk factors of cardiovascular disease, have also increased significantly in the past 20 years. In addition, elevated blood pressure and plasma cholesterol were two important determinants of increased cardiovascular disease in eastern Asia. These studies indicate that an integrated management of comprehensive risk is urgently required to address China’s increasing cardiovascular disease burden.
Physiological testosterone stimulates tissue plasminogen activator and tissue factor pathway inhibitor and inhibits plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 release in endothelial cellsThis paper is one of a selection of papers in this Special Issue, entitled International Symposium on Recent Advances in Molecular, Clinical, and Social Medicine, and has undergone the Journal's usual peer-review process.
Authors: Jin Hong , Lin Jijin , Fu Lu , Mei Yi-Fang , Peng Geng , Tan Xuerui , Wang Dong-Ming , Wang Wei , Li Yu-Guang 
Published: May 2007

There is a striking gender difference in atherosclerotic vascular disease. For decades, testosterone was considered detrimental to the cardiovascular system. Recent studies, however, have presented some alternative results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of testosterone, using physiological and supraphysiological concentrations, on antigen and mRNA levels of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1), and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) released by human umbilical vein endothelial cells and to investigate the cellular mechanism. Cells within 2–3 passages were cultured in 25 cm2 flasks or plated onto 96-well plates with a density of about 1 × 105 cells/mL as recommended. The cells were incubated in the presence or absence of testosterone (3, 30, 3 × 103, 3 × 104 nmol/L) for 48 h. Levels of tPA, PAI-1, and TFPI antigen were assayed with ELISA kits. Reverse transcriptase PCR was carried out to detect tPA, PAI-1, and TFPI mRNA levels. Cells were incubated in androgen-receptor antagonist (flutamide 10 µmol/L) or aromatase inhibitor (aminoglutethimide 50 µmol/L) for 3 h, and then the experiments were repeated. Testosterone at a physiologic concentration (30 nmol/L) increased the antigen levels of tPA and TFPI significantly (P < 0.05). However, tPA and TFPI levels were markedly reduced (P < 0.05) at a larger dose (3 × 104 nmol/L). On the other hand, PAI-1 antigen levels decreased significantly at the testosterone concentrations ranging from 3 to 3 × 104 nmol/L (P < 0.05). The change in the levels of tPA and TFPI were reflected in the corresponding change in mRNA levels. Flutamide attenuated the effect of testosterone at physiological concentration (30 nmol/L). The results demonstrated that testosterone at physiological concentrations may have a beneficial influence on the haemostatic system through enhancement of anticoagulant activity, resulting from stimulation of TFPI and tPA expression and inhibition of PAI-1 secretion by the endothelium.
Effects ofN-n-butyl haloperidol iodide on L-type calcium channels and intracellular free calcium in rat ventricular myocytesThis paper is one of a selection of papers in this Special Issue, entitled International Symposium on Recent Advances in Molecular, Clinical, and Social Medicine, and has undergone the Journal's usual peer-review process.
Authors: Huang Zhanqin , Shi Ganggang , Gao Fenfei , Zhang Yanmei , Liu Xingping , Christopher Theodore A. , Lopez Bernard , Ma XinLiang 
Published: May 2007

The ability of N-n-butyl haloperidol iodide (F2) to cause vasodilation, and thereby produce a cardioprotective effect, has been well documented. The aim of this study was to investigate whether F2might act as a Ca2+antagonist. Myocytes were obtained from rat heart, and the whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to record Ca2+current. Laser scanning confocal microscopy was used to measure intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i). The results obtained from this study demonstrate that F2reduced calcium current (ICa) in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50of 1.19 µmol/L, upshifted the current-voltage curve of ICa, shifted the inactivation kinetics of ICaleftward, and slowed down the recovery of ICafrom inactivation. F2decreased the fluorescent intensity of [Ca2+]ielevation induced by KCl with an IC50of 1.61 µmol/L, and had no effects on the intracellular calcium release induced by caffeine and inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate. These findings indicate that F2may act as a calcium antagonist, which could account for its cardiovascular benefits.
Anti-CD3 scFv-B7.1 fusion protein expressed on the surface of HeLa cells provokes potent T-lymphocyte activation and cytotoxicityThis paper is one of a selection of papers in this Special Issue, entitled International Symposium on Recent Advances in Molecular, Clinical, and Social Medicine, and has undergone the Journal's usual peer-review process.
Authors: Yang Zhang-Min , Li En-Min , Lai Bao-Chang , Wang Yi-Li , Si Lu-Sheng 
Published: May 2007

The targeting of tumor cells by cytotoxic T lymphocytes is a promising strategy for biotherapy, but T cells require 2 signals via the T-cell receptor – CD3 complex and CD28 molecules for activation. To bridge the gap between cytotoxic T lymphocytes and tumor cells, our objective in this study was to describe the construction and the cell surface-anchored expression of a fusion protein, anti-CD3 scFv-B7.1, derived from inserting a fusion gene encoding anti-CD3 scFv and the extra-cellular domain of B7.1 fused by the splicing by overlap extension method into a mammalian expression vector, pDisplay. Transfection of the recombinant vector by electroporation into HeLa cells resulted in the production of protein migrating at approximately 57 kDa under reducing conditions. The expressed fusion protein could bind to T lymphocytes and induce strong T-cell activation. Meanwhile, a potent cytotoxicity was induced in the mixed culture of T-cell-modified tumor cells in a 96 h methyl-thiazolyl-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. Our results indicate that this bifunctional protein, through activating T lymphocytes to lyse homologous human carcinomas, may be of potential value for T-cell-based immunotherapeutical treatment protocols in vivo.
A Rapid, High-yielding, and Efficient Friedlander Synthesis of Quinolines Catalyzed by 2,4,6-Trichloro-1,3,5-triazine
Authors: Das Biswanath , Damodar Kongara , Chowdhury Nikhil , Suneel Kanaparthy 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
A general procedure for the synthesis of quinolines via the Friedlander annulation using 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine (TCT) (4 mol %) as a novel catalyst is described. The method is simple, efficient, and rapid to afford quinolines in high yields.
Detection of Antibacterial Activity of Berberine Hydrochloride by Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Xiao Sai Jin , Li Yuan Fang , Huang Cheng Zhi 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
In order to investigate the effect of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as a carrier of drug on its cargoes, this paper choose berberine hydrochloride (BH) as a model and find that MWCNTs have the ability to enhance the antibacterial activity of BH.
An Efficient and Facile Hydroiodination of Alkenes and Alkynes Using Polymethylhydrosiloxane–Iodine System
Authors: Das Biswanath , Srinivas Yallamalla , Holla Harish , Narender Ravirala 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
A mild and efficient method has been developed for the synthesis of alkyl and alkenyl iodides from alkenes and alkynes using polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS) and iodine in chloroform at room temperature. The reagent system generates hydrogen iodide which regioselectively adds to the alkenes and alkynes.
Highly Efficient Electron-transporting Phenanthroline Derivatives for Electroluminescent Devices
Authors: Xiao Lixin , Lan Hsinglin , Kido Junji 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
A series of phenanthroline derivatives containing quinoxaline moieties were synthesized, and their electron-transporting properties were investigated by using N,N′-di(1-naphthyl)-N,N′-diphenyl-(1,1′-biphenyl)-4,4′-diamine (α-NPD) and tris(8-hydroxyquinolato)aluminum (Alq3) as the hole-transporting material and the emitting layer, respectively. Higher external quantum efficiency for the phenanthroline derivative than Alq3 in the electroluminescent devices at a luminance of 100 cd/m2 was obtained.
Conductive Polymer-based Mesoscopic Counterelectrodes for Plastic Dye-sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Muto Takuma , Ikegami Masashi , Kobayashi Koichi , Miyasaka Tsutomu 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
Semitransparent mesoporous counterelectrode was prepared on a plastic substrate by low-temperature coating of a viscous composite comprising nanocrystalline TiO2 particles and PEDOT–PSS. The electrode shows high cathodic activity in a full-plastic dye-sensitized solar cell, yielding energy conversion efficiency of 4.38%.
A Spin-coated Si/TiOx/Pt/TaOx Electrode for Electrochemical Ozone Generation
Authors: Kitsuka Kenta , Kaneda Kazuhiro , Ikematsu Mineo , Iseki Masahiro , Mushiake Katsuhiko , Mohammad Ahmad M , Ohsaka Takeo 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
A novel electrode, with the composition Si/TiOx/Pt/TaOx (TiOx: titanium oxide, TaOx: tantalum oxide), was fabricated by spin-coating, and its effectiveness at electrochemical ozone generation was compared with that of a traditional Pt plate electrode. The electrode achieved a high current efficiency (1.3%) at a low current density (30 mA·cm−2). The results confirm that TaOx is effective for the ozone generation in electrochemical ozone generation.
Graft Polymerization Initiated by Photosensitizer Segregated at Surface of Polymer Film upon Ultraviolet Irradiation
Authors: Atarashi Hironori , Akabori Kei-ichi , Tanaka Akihiro , Ozawa Masaaki , Tanaka Keiji , Nagamura Toshihiko 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
A novel approach to surface modification of polymer films is proposed on the basis of graft polymerization initiated from photosensitizers attached to hyperbranched polymers which are localized at the film surface.
Control of Rocking Mobility of Rotaxanes by Size Change of Stimulus-responsive Ring Components
Authors: Hirose Keiji , Ishibashi Kazuaki , Shiba Yoshinobu , Doi Yasuko , Tobe Yoshito 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
A rotaxane having a ring molecule composed of a metaphenylene unit which swings as a pendulum and a dianthrylethane unit which undergoes isomerization in response to external stimuli was synthesized. The rates of the rocking motion were switched reversibly and changed substantially in response to photo and thermal stimuli by changing the size of the ring component.
Formation of a Chiral 2D-layered Host System Composed of (1R,2R)-1,2-Diphenylethylenediamine and Benzenediacetic Acid Derivatives
Authors: Imai Yoshitane , Kawaguchi Kakuhiro , Murata Katuzo , Sato Tomohiro , Kuroda Reiko , Matsubara Yoshio 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
A chiral supramolecular host system was developed by combining (1R,2R)-1,2-diphenylethylenediamine and benzenediacetic acid derivatives. These supramolecular complexes are constructed by the self-assembly of a chiral 2D-layered network structure with multiple chiral points derived from chiral transfers.
The effects of surgical procedures, halothane anaesthesia and nalbuphine on locomotor activity and food and water consumption in rats
Authors: Flecknell P. A. , Liles J. H. 
Published: May 2007

A study was undertaken to investigate the effects of surgical procedures on food and water intake and spontaneous locomotor activity in laboratory rats. The influence of anaesthesia with halothane and administration of the opioid analgesic nalbuphine was investigated in normal rats and in animals which underwent either unilateral nephrectomy or jugular vein cannulation. Both nephrectomy and jugular cannulation were associated with a significant reduction in food and water consumption and a depression in locomotor activity levels. The reduction in activity following nephrectomy was reversed by administration of 6 doses of nalbuphine at 4 hourly intervals. Administration of nalbuphine at the same dose rate following halothane anaesthesia in normal rats resulted in a stimulation of activity. The prevention of the depressant effects of surgery by this opioid appears to be due to its stimulatory effect rather than a specific analgesic action. The degree of depression of food and water consumption after nephrectomy was significantly reduced following 6 doses of nalbuphine. This beneficial effect of repeated administration of an opioid may be related to the compound's analgesic action.
In-vivomonitoring of corticomedullary nephrocalcinosis in rats using computerized tomography
Authors: Grimm P. , Nowitzki-Grimm S. , Weidenmaier W. , Schumacher K. A. , Classen H. G. 
Published: May 2007

An in-vivo method, computerized tomography (CT), was used to monitor nephrocalcinosis in female rats. CT density data correlated well with renal Ca content measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. In-vivo CT measurements revealed that the severity of nephrocalcinosis may change spontaneously with time. Manifest calcifications may exhibit spontaneous regression and are probably affected positively by high dietary Mg, in contrast to increased Ca. It is concluded that CT is a suitable and reliable non-invasive in vivo method to follow up time-dependent alterations in kidney calcifications in rats.