bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antitumor effects of Osthol fromCnidium monnieri: an in vitroandin vivo study
Authors: Chou Szu‐Yuan , Hsu Chun‐Sen , Wang Kun‐Teng , Wang Min‐Chieh , Wang Ching‐Chiung 
Published: December 2006

AbstractCnidium monnieri(L.) Cusson is a Chinese medicine which is used widely by traditional medicine doctors. Osthol is a major bio‐activity compound of the herb. In this study, osthol was isolated fromC. monnieriand itsin vitroandin vivoantitumor effects studied. The results of thein vitrostudy showed: that osthol inhibited the growth of HeLa, in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner, with IC50values of 77.96 and 64.94 µmfor 24 and 48 h, respectively; that osthol had lower cytotoxic effects in primary cultured normal cervical fibroblasts; and that increased DNA fragmentation and activated PARP in HeLa after treatment with osthol which could induce apoptosis. The results of thein vivomodel showed that the survival days of the P‐388 D1 tumor‐bearing CDF1mice were prolonged (ILS% = 37) after osthol (30 mg/kg) was given once a day for 9 days. Based on these results, it is suggested that osthol could inhibit P‐388 D1 cellsin vivoand induce apoptosis in HeLa cellsin vitro, and that osthol is good lead compound for developing antitumor drugs. However,C. formosanumYabe of Taiwan's endemic plants contained little osthol, with no imperatorin, and its major components were different from that ofC. monnieri. Therefore, it is suggested thatC. formosanumalso may possess economic worth. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oils from two species of Eucalyptus
Authors: Sartorelli Patrícia , Marquioreto Alexandre Donizete , Amaral‐Baroli Adriana , Lima Marcos Enoque L. , Moreno Paulo Roberto H. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe leaf‐essential oil from Eucalyptus robusta and E. saligna, the latter in two phenologic stages, were analysed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). The major constituent in E. robusta oil was the monoterpene α‐pinene (73.0% of the total amount). The oil composition of the E. saligna was dependent of the phenologic stage. In the vegetative phase, the major constituents were p‐cymene (54.2%) and γ‐terpinene (43.8%), while during the blossoming α‐pinene became the major constituent followed by p‐cymene (22.5%). Additionally, the antimicrobial activity for all three oils was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. The E. robusta oil presented the highest growth inhibition for all the microorganisms tested. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Power analyses for longitudinal study designs with missing data
Authors: Tu X. M. , Zhang J. , Kowalski J. , Shults J. , Feng C. , Sun W. , Tang W. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractExisting methods for power analysis for longitudinal study designs are limited in that they do not adequately address random missing data patterns. Although the pattern of missing data can be assessed during data analysis, it is unknown during the design phase of a study. The random nature of the missing data pattern adds another layer of complexity in addressing missing data for power analysis. In this paper, we model the occurrence of missing data with a two‐state, first‐order Markov process and integrate the modelling information into the power function to account for random missing data patterns. The Markov model is easily specified to accommodate different anticipated missing data processes. We develop this approach for the two most popular longitudinal models: the generalized estimating equations (GEE) and the linear mixed‐effects model under the missing completely at random (MCAR) assumption. For GEE, we also limit our consideration to the working independence correlation model. The proposed methodology is illustrated with numerous examples that are motivated by real study designs. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A mixed methods analysis of the effects of an integrative geobiological study of petrified wood in introductory college geology classrooms
Authors: Clary Renee M. , Wandersee James H. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractMixed methods research conducted across three semesters in introductory college geology classes (n = 187, 190, 138) attempted to ascertain whether integrated study of petrified wood could serve as a portal to improved student geobiological understanding of fossilization, geologic time, and evolution. The Petrified Wood Survey™ was administered as a preinstructional and postinstructional assessment in control and experimental classes; the experimental class received integrated petrified wood instruction. Paired t tests of differences in students' pre‐ and postinstructional scores for control and experimental groups revealed significance (α = 0.05, effect size = 0.79, confidence interval 0.56–1.01). The students with integrative study showed greater knowledge gains about petrified wood's abundance, properties, nature, location, and geologic time. However, understanding of fossilization geochemistry remained problematic for both groups. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 44: 1011–1035, 2007
Maternal cardiac function in early pregnancies with high uterine artery resistance
Authors: Prefumo F. , Sharma R. , Brecker S. J. D. , Gaze D. C. , Collinson P. O. , Thilaganathan B. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the maternal cardiac function and serum concentration of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) in first‐trimester patients, according to uterine artery Doppler velocimetry (UADV).MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included singleton pregnancies with normal UADV (n = 17) and abnormal UADV (n = 19). Maternal echocardiography was performed and blood samples were taken at 11–14 weeks. Echocardiographic parameters included: (a) left ventricular (LV) long axis velocities; (b) atrial size; (c) LV filling pressure; (d) the ratio of peak mitral flow velocity in early diastole and early mitral annular diastolic velocity (E/Ea ratio); and (e) the E/flow propagation velocity ratio. The maternal serum concentrations of cTnT and NT‐proBNP were determined by sensitive and specific immunoassays.ResultsPatients with abnormal UADV had higher estimated left ventricular filling pressure (P = 0.004), higher E/Ea ratio (P = 0.03), higher E/flow propagation ratio (P = 0.02), and lower LV long axis velocity (P = 0.02) than those with normal UADV. There were no significant differences in the maternal serum concentration of cTnT or NT‐proBNP.ConclusionsPatients with abnormal UADV in the first trimester have higher left ventricular filling pressure and may have left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of RNA interference targeting human telomerase reverse transcriptase on telomerase and its related protein expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells
Authors: Wang Yan , Duan Hong-Gang , Chen Shi-Ming , Xiao Bo-Kui , Cheng Jie , Tao Ze-Zhang 
Published: December 2006

Objective: Analysis of the correlation between telomerase and the expression of its related proteins may provide insight into the molecular mechanism of nasopharyngeal carcinogenesis. We investigated the effect of short hair pin ribonucleic acid (RNA) specific for human telomerase reverse transcriptase messenger RNA on the expression of the proteins c-myc (the transcription factor c-myc is a shortlived nuclear phospho-protein involved in cell proliferation and differentiation, belongs to the myc family), proliferating cell nuclear antigen and Caspase-3 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells.Methods: Short hairpin RNA expression vectors targeting the messenger RNA of human telomerase reverse transcriptase were constructed. Cells were treated with the short hairpin RNA expression vectors targeting human telomerase reverse transcriptase or vectors that included mismatched short hairpin RNA, and telomerase activity was measured by telomeric repeat amplification enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cell viability was examined using the 3-(4,5-dimethyl thizol-2-yl) 2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. The expression of the three proteins (c-myc, proliferating cell nuclear antigen and Caspase-3) was determined by Western blotting.Results: Short hairpin RNA specific for human telomerase reverse transcriptase messenger RNA significantly inhibited telomerase activity. In addition, the expression of and proliferating cell nuclear antigen were both inhibited, while the expression of Caspase-3 was up-regulated.Conclusions: Our results suggest that short hairpin RNA directed against human telomerase reverse transcriptase inhibits cell viability by regulating telomerase activity and its related proteins expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Therefore, RNA interference technology may be a promising strategy for the treatment of nasopharyngeal cancer.
Rhinitis due to food allergies: fact or fiction?
Authors: Malik V , Ghosh S , Woolford T J 
Published: December 2006

Food allergy is often thought to be a cause of rhinitis by patients, whose views are frequently influenced by information obtained from the Internet. The incidence of food allergy in children is 2–8 per cent, although a vast majority will grow out of it, and food allergy is actually very rare in adults. Food allergy usually presents with multi-system involvement, most commonly cutaneous and gastrointestinal symptoms. Food allergy induced rhinitis is less common, and isolated rhinitis due to food allergy is extremely rare. Treatment for rhinitis due to food allergy is therefore rarely indicated.This review summarises the literature related to the incidence, diagnosis and management of food allergy and food allergy induced rhinitis.
Let Freud rest in peace
Authors: McNally Richard J. 
Published: December 2006

Erdelyi's version of repression – trying successfully not to think about something – is no longer recognizably Freudian. Erdelyi fails to cite directed forgetting experiments involving psychiatric patients that indicate that the motivation to forget threatening material seldom translates into an ability to do so. The early Freud of the seduction theory of hysteria did inspire the recovered memory fiasco.
Repression, suppression, and oppression (in depression)
Authors: Shahar Golan 
Published: December 2006

Erdelyi's two key tenets – that repression may be conscious (“suppression”) and that it is context-sensitive – resonate well with findings on unipolar depression. Drawing from this field, I argue that (1) “oppression,” namely, pressure from significant others to refrain from attending to certain mental contents, influences individuals' repression/suppression; and that, (2) individuals actively create the very contexts that facilitate their repression/suppression.
Micropatterned Biopolymer 3D Scaffold for Static and Dynamic Culture of Human Fibroblasts
Authors: Figallo Elisa , Flaibani Marina , Zavan Barbara , Abatangelo Giovanni , Elvassore Nicola 
Published: December 2006

AbstractDuring in vivo tissue regeneration, cell behavior is highly influenced by the surrounding environment. Thus, the choice of scaffold material and its microstructure is one of the fundamental steps for a successful in vitro culture. An efficacious method for scaffold fabrication should prove its versatility and the possibility of controlling micro‐ and nanostructure. In this paper, hyaluronic acid 3D scaffolds were developed through lamination of micropatterned membranes, fabricated after optimization of a soft‐lithography method. The scaffold presented here is characterized by a homogeneous hexagonal lattice with porosity of 69%, specific surface area of 287 cm‐1, and permeability of 18.9 μm2. The control over the geometry was achieved with an accuracy of 20 μm. This technique allowed not only fabrication of planar 3D scaffolds but also production of thin wall tubular constructs. Mechanical tests, performed on dry tubular scaffolds, show high rupture tensile strength. This construct could be promising not only as engineered vascular grafts but also for regeneration of skin, urethra, and intestinal walls. The biocompatibility of a 3D planar scaffold was tested by seeding human fibroblasts. The cells were cultured in both static and dynamic conditions, in a perfusion bioreactor at different flow rates. Microscope analysis and MTT test showed cell proliferation and viability and a uniform cell distribution likely due to an appropriate lattice structure.
Growth factor‐independent 1B gene (GFI1B) is overexpressed in erythropoietic and megakaryocytic malignancies and increases their proliferation rate
Authors: Elmaagacli Ahmet H. , Koldehoff Michael , Zakrzewski Johannes L. , Steckel Nina K. , Ottinger Hellmut , Beelen Dietrich W. 
Published: December 2006

SummaryGrowth factor‐independent 1B (GFI1B) is a transcription factor essential for the development and differentiation of erythroid and megakaryocytic lineages. We evaluated the GFI1B expression in erythroleukaemia and megakaryocytic leukaemia, as well as in patients with other subtypes of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), severe aplastic anaemia (SAA), myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia (MMM) and in healthy volunteers. GFI1B expression was increased at least threefold in patients with erythroleukaemia (P < 0·01 compared with controls) and megakaryocytic leukaemia (P < 0·05) as well as in their corresponding leukaemic cell lines HEL, K562, CMK and M‐07e. Patients with undifferentiated or monocytic AML, ALL, MMM, MDS and CML had no significantly altered GFI1B expression, whereas GFI1B expression was decreased 10‐fold in patients with SAA (P < 0·0001 compared with controls). Silencing GFI1B by transfection with small interfering RNA (siRNA) markedly reduced the proliferation rate in the leukaemic cell lines HEL, K562 and NB4 (P < 0·01). Concomitantly, we observed a two‐ to threefold increase in the apoptosis rate in these cells after transfection with siRNA towards GFI1B. Our data indicate that GFI1B plays a major role in AML‐M6 and AML‐M7 and qualifies as a target for anti‐leukaemic strategies in these malignancies.
Severity of pulmonary hypertension during vaso‐occlusive pain crisis and exercise in patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Machado Roberto F. , Kyle Mack A. , Martyr Sabrina , Barnett Christopher , MacArthur Peter , Sachdev Vandana , Ernst Inez , Hunter Lori A. , Coles Wynona A. , Nichols James P. , Kato Gregory J. , Gladwin Mark T. 
Published: December 2006

SummaryPulmonary hypertension is associated with sudden death and is a risk factor for mortality in adult patients with sickle cell disease. The high mortality despite only mild‐to‐moderate increases in pulmonary vascular resistance remains an unresolved paradox. Accordingly, little is known about the cardiovascular effects of stressors, such as vaso‐occlusive pain crisis (VOC) and exercise, which may acutely increase pulmonary pressures and impair right heart function. We therefore evaluated pulmonary artery pressures by echocardiogram in 25 patients with sickle cell disease in steady‐state and during VOC, and by right heart catheterisation with exercise in a second cohort of 21 patients to determine whether pulmonary hypertension worsens during acute cardiopulmonary stress. TRV increased during VOC (P < 0·001), and the increased pulmonary pressures during VOC were associated with decreases in haemoglobin levels (P < 0·001), and increases in lactate dehydrogenase (P < 0·001) and plasma haemoglobin levels (P = 0·03). During exercise stress performed during cardiac catheterisation, mean pulmonary artery pressures (P < 0·001) and pulmonary vascular resistance increased (P < 0·001) in all subjects. These data suggest that acute elevations in pulmonary pressures during VOC or exercise may contribute to morbidity and mortality in patients with sickle cell disease.
Advances in the management of alloimmune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Murphy Michael F. , Bussel James B. 
Published: December 2006

SummaryThere have been considerable advances in the clinical and laboratory diagnosis of alloimmune thrombocytopenia (AIT), and its postnatal and antenatal management. The antenatal management of AIT has been particularly problematic, because severe haemorrhage occurs as early as 16 weeks gestation and there is no non‐invasive investigation that reliably predicts the severity of AITin utero. The strategies for antenatal treatment have included the use of serial platelet transfusions that, while effective, are invasive and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Maternal therapy involving the administration of intravenous immunoglobulin and/or steroids is also effective and associated with fewer risks to the fetus. Significant recent progress has involved refinement of maternal treatment, stratifying it according to the likely severity of AIT based on the history in previous pregnancies. However, the ideal antenatal treatment, which is effective without causing significant side‐effects to the mother or fetus, has yet to be determined, and further clinical trials are needed.
Gene expression profiles of erythroid precursors characterise several mechanisms of the action of hydroxycarbamide in sickle cell anaemia
Authors: Chagas Costa Flávia , Ferreira da Cunha Anderson , Fattori André , De Sousa Peres Tarcísio , Gilson Lacerda Costa Gustavo , Ferraz Machado Tiago , Martins de Albuquerque Dulcinéia , Gambero Sheley , Lanaro Carolina , Olala Saad Sara T. , Ferreira Costa Fernando 
Published: December 2006

SummaryHydroxycarbamide (HC) (or hydroxyurea) has been reported to increase fetal haemoglobin levels and improve clinical symptoms in sickle cell anaemia (SCA) patients. However, the complete pathway by which HC acts remains unclear. To study the mechanisms involved in the action of HC, global gene expression profiles were obtained from the bone marrow cells of a SCA patient before and after HC treatment using serial analysis of gene expression. In the comparison of both profiles, 147 differentially expressed transcripts were identified. The functional classification of these transcripts revealed a group of gene categories associated with transcriptional and translational regulation, e.g. EGR‐1, CENTB1, ARHGAP4 and RIN3, suggesting a possible role for these pathways in the improvement of clinical symptoms of SCA patients. The genes involved in these mechanisms may represent potential tools for the identification of new targets for SCA therapy.
The haematocrit and platelet target in polycythemia vera
Authors: Di Nisio Marcello , Barbui Tiziano , Di Gennaro Leonardo , Borrelli Giovanna , Finazzi Guido , Landolfi Raffaele , Leone Giuseppe , Marfisi RosaMaria , Porreca Ettore , Ruggeri Marco , Rutjes Anne W. S. , Tognoni Gianni , Vannucchi Alessandro M. , Marchioli Roberto ,   the European Collaboration on Low‐dose Aspirin in Polycythemia Vera (ECLAP) Investigators
Published: December 2006

SummaryPolycythemia vera (PV) is a chronic myeloproliferative disorder whose major morbidity and mortality are thrombohaemorragic events and progression to acute leukaemia or myelofibrosis. Whether the haematocrit and platelet count predict such complications remains unclear. The European Collaboration on Low‐dose Aspirin in Polycythemia Vera prospective study included 1638 PV patients. A total of 164 deaths (10%), 145 (8·85%) major thrombosis and 226 (13·8%) total thrombosis were encountered during 4393 person‐years follow‐up (median 2·8 years). In time‐dependent multivariable analysis, a haematocrit in the evaluable range of 40–55% was neither associated with the occurrence of thrombotic events, mortality nor with haematological progression in the studied population. The haematocrit of patients in the highest and lowest deciles at baseline was maintained within a narrow interval of haematocrit values ranging from 40% to 47% throughout follow‐up. High platelet count was associated with a lower progression rate to acute leukaemia/myelofibrosis, whereas it had no significant relationship with thrombotic events or mortality. Our findings do not suggest that the range of haematocrit (<55%) and platelet counts (<600 × 109/l) we encountered in our population had an impact on the outcome of PV patients treated by current therapeutic strategies.
Primary nodal marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma: clinical features and prognostic assessment of a rare disease
Authors: Arcaini Luca , Paulli Marco , Burcheri Sara , Rossi Andrea , Spina Michele , Passamonti Francesco , Lucioni Marco , Motta Teresio , Canzonieri Vincenzo , Montanari Mauro , Bonoldi Emanuela , Gallamini Andrea , Uziel Lilj , Crugnola Monica , Ramponi Antonio , Montanari Francesca , Pascutto Cristiana , Morra Enrica , Lazzarino Mario ,   Intergruppo Italiano Linfomi
Published: December 2006

SummaryThis study defined the clinical features and assessed the prognosis of 47 patients (17 males, 30 females, median age 63 years) with primary nodal marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma. Forty‐five per cent had stage IV disease. Hepatitis C virus serology was positive in 24%. According to the Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI), 33% were classified as low‐risk, 34% as intermediate‐risk, and 33% as high‐risk. The 5‐year overall survival (OS) was 69%. In univariate analysis worse OS was associated with: FLIPI (P = 0·02), age > 60 years (P = 0·05) and raised lactate dehydrogenase (P = 0·05). In multivariate analysis, only FLIPI predicted a worse OS (P = 0·02).
Dose‐adjusted EPOCH plus rituximab is an effective regimen in patients with poor‐prognostic untreated diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma: results from a prospective observational study
Authors: García‐Suárez Julio , Bañas Helena , Arribas Ignacio , De Miguel Dunia , Pascual Teresa , Burgaleta Carmen 
Published: December 2006

SummaryThis study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of an infusional DA‐EPOCH (dose‐adjusted etoposide/vincristine/doxorubicin/bolus cyclophosphamide/prednisone) and rituximab (DA‐EPOCH‐R) regimen for patients with poor prognosis diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Thirty‐three patients, aged 21–76 years, with an age‐adjusted International Prognostic Index (IPI) of 2 or 3, were enrolled, and 31/33 patients were evaluable for response. Consolidative radiation therapy was given to eight patients with bulky (≥10 cm) disease at presentation. Overall, 26 patients (83·8%) achieved a complete remission (CR), four patients (12·9%) achieved a partial remission, and one patient (3·2%) died during induction. Two patients relapsed (7·6%) within 15 months. Grade 3–4 neutropenia developed in 52% of cycles and neutropenic fever in 14% of cycles (51% of patients). The estimates for event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival at 2 years were 68% and 75% respectively. The only factor related to poor EFS was the presence of three age‐adjusted IPI‐risk factors. We conclude that DA‐EPOCH‐R has clinically significant activity with a favourable toxicity profile for poor‐prognostic DLBCL patients. The administration of DA‐EPOCH‐R as an outpatient regimen by using a single portable infusion pump may be a feasible alternative to improve the compliance and to reduce the total cost of this very effective regimen.