bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extracellular calcium increases CXCR4 expression on bone marrow‐derived cells and enhances pro‐angiogenesis therapy
Authors: Wu Quiling , Shao Hongwei , Darwin Eton D.  , Li Jiahui , Li Jie , Yang Bing , Webster Keith A. , Yu Hong 
Published: February 2009

AbstractCell surface receptors play major roles in the mobilization and homing of progenitor cells from the bone marrow to peripheral tissues. CXCR4 is an important receptor that regulates homing of leucocytes and endothelial progenitors in response to the chemokine stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1). Ionic calcium is also known to regulate chemotaxis of selective bone marrow cells (BMCs) through the calcium‐sensing receptor, CaR. Here we show that calcium regulates CXCR4 expression and BMC responses to SDF‐1. CaCl2 treatment of BMC induced a time‐ and dose‐dependent increase in both the transcription and cell surface expression of CXCR4. BMC subpopulations expressing VEGFR2+, CD34+ and cKit+/Sca‐1+ were especially sensitive to calcium. The effects were blocked by calcium influx inhibitors, anti‐CaR antibody and the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide, but not by the CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100. Calcium treatment also enhanced SDF‐1‐mediated CXCR4 internalization. These changes were reflected in significantly improved chemotaxis by SDF‐1, which was abolished by AMD3100 and by antibody against CXCR4. Calcium pre‐treatment improved homing of CD34+ BMCs to ischemic muscle in vivo, and enhanced revascularization in ischemic mouse hindlimbs. Our results identify calcium as a positive regulator of CXCR4 expression that promotes stem cell mobilization, homing and therapy.
Sorafenib and rapamycin induce growth suppression in mouse models of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Huynh Hung , Ngo Van Chanh , Koong Heng Nung , Poon Donald , Choo Su Pin , Thng Choon Hua , Chow Pierce , Ong Hock Soo , Chung Alexander , Soo Khee Chee 
Published: February 2009

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common malignancy worldwide. Vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet derived growth factor and the Raf/mitogen‐activated protein kinase/extracellular signal regulated kinase (Raf/MEK/ERK) signalling pathway regulates the growth, neovascularization, invasiveness and metastatic potential of HCC. In this study, we investigated the in vivo antitumour activity and mechanisms of action of sorafenib tosylate on four patient‐derived HCC xenografts. Sorafenib dosed at 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg inhibited tumour growth by 85% and 96%, respectively. Sorafenib‐induced growth suppression and apoptosis were associated with inhibition of angiogenesis, down‐regulation of phospho‐platelet‐derived growth factor receptor β Tyr1021, phospho‐eIF4E Ser209, phospho‐c‐Raf Ser259, c‐Raf, Mcl‐1, Bcl‐2, Bcl‐x and positive cell cycle regulators, up‐regulation of apoptosis signalling kinase‐1, p27 and p21. Expression of IGF‐1Rβ and phosphorylation of c‐Raf Ser338, MEK1/2 Ser217/221 and ERK1/2 Thr202/Tyr204 were increased by sorafenib treatment. Phosphorylation of mammalian target‐of‐rapamycin (mTOR) targets (p70S6K, S6R and 4EBP1) was reduced by sorafenib in sorafenib‐sensitive lines but activated in sorafenib‐less‐sensitive 10–0505 xenograft. Sorafenib‐induced phosphorylation of c‐met, p70S6K and 4EBP1 was significantly reduced when 10–0505 cells were co‐treated with anti‐human anti‐HGF antibody, suggesting that treatment with sorafenib leads to increased HGF secretion and activation of c‐met and mTOR targets. Treatment of 10–0505 tumours with sorafenib plus rapamycin resulted in growth inhibition, inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 phosphorylation, increased apoptosis and completely blocked sorafenib‐induced phosphorylation of mTOR targets and cyclin B1 expression. These data also provide a strong rationale for clinical investigation of sorafenib in combination with mTOR inhibitors in patients with HCC.
Phenoxodiol, an anticancer isoflavene, induces immunomodulatory effects in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Georgaki Sylvianna , Skopeliti Margarita , Tsiatas Marinos , Nicolaou Katerina A. , Ioannou Kyriaki , Husband Alan , Bamias Aristotelis , Dimopoulos Meletios A. , Constantinou Andreas I. , Tsitsilonis Ourania E. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractPhenoxodiol (PXD) is a synthetic analogue of the plant isoflavone genistein with improved anticancer efficacy. Various properties and mechanisms of action have been attributed to the drug, the most important being its ability to sensitize resistant tumour cells to chemotherapy, which led to its fast track FDA approval for phase II/III clinical trials. In this study, we examined the effects of PXD on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and its potential role in regulating immune responses. We show that PXD, at concentrations ≥1 μg/ml (4 μM), inhibited proliferation and reduced the viability of healthy donor‐derived PBMC. In contrast, lower PXD concentrations (0.05–0.5 μg/ml) augmented, upon 3‐day incubation, PBMC cytotoxicity. Experiments with purified CD56+ lymphocytes revealed that PXD enhanced the lytic function of natural killer (NK) cells by directly stimulating this lymphocytic subpopulation. Furthermore, in an in vivo colon cancer model, Balb/C mice administered low‐dose PXD, exhibited significantly reduced tumour growth rates and prolonged survival (in 40% of the animals). Ex vivo results showed that PXD stimulated both NK and tumour‐specific cell lytic activity. We conclude that PXD, when administered at low concentrations, can act as an immunomodulator, enhancing impaired immune responses, often seen in cancer‐bearing individuals.
MicroRNAs and micromanaging the skeleton in disease, development and evolution
Authors: He Xinjun , Eberhart Johann K. , Postlethwait John H. 
Published: February 2009

Introduction
The skeleton in evolution, health and disease
An overview of skeletal development
miRNA biogenesis
miRNAs and genome evolution
microRNAs and the micromanagement of development
Micromanaging skeletal system development
Candidate miRNAs controlling skeletal development
The function of mirn140 in skeletal development: a case study
miRNAs and Hox gene patterning of the axial skeleton
microRNAs and microevolution: a hypothesis
Skeletal miRNAs and skeletal disease
Conclusions

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, non‐protein‐encoding RNAs that effect post‐transcriptional gene regulation by targeting messenger RNAs. miRNAs are associated with specific human diseases and help regulate development. Here we review recent advances in understanding the roles of miRNAs in skeletal malformations, including cleft palate, and in the evolution of skeletal morphologies. We propose the hypothesis that evolutionary variation in miRNA expression patterns or structural variation in miRNA binding sites in messenger RNAs can help explain the evolution of craniofacial variation among species, the development of human craniofacial disease and physiological changes leading to osteopenia that increases with ageing.
Tooth loss and osteoporosis: the osteodent study
Authors: Nicopoulou‐Karayianni Kety , Tzoutzoukos Panagiotis , Mitsea Anastasia , Karayiannis Athanasios , Tsiklakis Kostas , Jacobs Reinhilde , Lindh Christina , Van Der Stelt Paul , Allen Philip , Graham Jim , Horner Keith , Devlin Hugh , Pavitt Susan , Yuan Jingsong 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAim: To determine the cross‐sectional association of the osteoporotic status of patients with the number of their teeth, with and without taking into account age and/or smoking.Material & Methods: At four centres, the study recruited 665 females aged 45–70 years and the number of teeth was counted for 651 subjects. Bone density was measured at the total hip, femoral neck and lumbar spine.Results: The mean number of teeth in the osteoporotic subjects was 3.3 fewer than normal subjects and 2.1 fewer if those with no teeth were excluded. The association between osteoporosis and having <6 or having <28 teeth remained significant after adjusting for age, smoking and centre with p‐values of 0.016 and 0.011, respectively. A single regression model for tooth count with normal errors would not fit all the data. By fitting mixture regression models to subjects with tooth count >0, three clusters were identified corresponding to different degrees of tooth loss. The overall effect of osteoporosis was as follows: −1.8 teeth before and after adjusting for smoking, −1.2 teeth after adjusting for age, and −1.1 teeth after adjusting for both age and smoking.Conclusions: We have established a significant association between osteoporosis and tooth loss after adjusting the effect for age and smoking.
Three‐dimensional imaging as a pre‐operative tool in decision making for furcation surgery
Authors: Walter Clemens , Kaner Dogan , Berndt Dorothea C. , Weiger Roland , Zitzmann Nicola U. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAim: To investigate the use of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in assessing furcation involvement (FI) and concomitant treatment decisions in maxillary molars.Material and Methods: Twelve patients with generalized chronic periodontitis were consecutively recruited and CBCT was performed in maxillary molars (n=22) with clinical FI and increased probing pocket depths. CBCT images were analysed and FI, root length supported by bone and anatomical features were evaluated. FI and treatment recommendations based on clinical examinations and periapical radiographs were compared with data derived from CBCT images.Results: The estimated degree of FI based on clinical findings was confirmed in 27% of the sites, while 29% were overestimated and 44% revealed an underestimation according to CBCT analyses. Among degree I FI, 25% were underestimated, among degree II and II–III, the underestimation was as high as 75%, while all sites with degree III FI were confirmed in the CBCT. Discrepancies between clinically and CBCT‐based therapeutic treatment approaches were found in 59–82% of the teeth, depending on whether the less invasive or the most invasive treatment recommendation was selected for comparison.Conclusions: CBCT images of maxillary molars may provide detailed information of FI and a reliable basis for treatment decision.
Minimally Invasive Craniopuncture Therapy vs. Conservative Treatment for Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Results from a Randomized Clinical Trial in China
Authors: Wang Wen-Zhi , Jiang Bin , Liu g-Mei , Li Di , Lu Chuan-Zhen , Zhao Ya-Du , Sander J. W. 
Published: February 2009

Background and purposes To evaluate the effects of minimally invasive craniopuncture therapy compared with conservative treatment in treating intracerebral hemorrhage (25-40 ml) in the basal ganglion. Methods A multicenter, randomized control clinical trial comprised 465 cases of hemorrhage in the basal ganglion from 42 hospitals in China. Three hundred and seventy-seven patients with hemorrhage were randomly assigned to receive minimally invasive craniopuncture therapy ( n = 195) or conservative control treatment ( n = 182). The main indices of evaluation were the degree of neurological impairment at the 14th day after treatment, activities of daily living at the end of the 3rd month and the case fatality within 3 months. Results Improvement of neurological function in the minimally invasive craniopuncture group was significantly better than that in the control group at the 14th day ( χ2 = 7 93, P = 0 02). At the end of the 3rd month, there was a significant difference between the two groups in activities of daily living score ( χ2 = 2313, P<0·001). The proportion of dependent survival patients (modified Rankin scale > 2) in the craniopuncture group (40·9%) was significantly lower than that in the conservative group (63·0%) at the end of the 3rd month ( χ2 = 16·95, P<0·01). There was no significant difference in the cumulative fatality rates within three months between the two groups [6·7% (13/195) in the craniopuncture group and 8·8% (16/182) in the conservative group]. Conclusions This minimally invasive craniopuncture technique can improve the independent survival of patients with small basal ganglion hemorrhage. It is a safe and practical technique in treating cerebral hemorrhage.
Sputum dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine level as a novel airway inflammatory marker in asthmatic children
Authors: Shaheen Malak Ali , Mahmoud Magdy Ahmed , Abdel Aziz Manal Mohamed , El Morsy Hamam Ibrahim , Abdel Khalik Karima Ahmed 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIntroduction:  Pulmonary surfactant is a unique mixture of lipids and surfactant‐specific proteins. Phosphatidylcholine comprises almost 80% of the total surfactant lipids, about half of which is dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC). Alteration of surfactant composition and function is documented with various airway or lung parenchyma disorders.Objective:  To assess sputum concentration of DPPC as a major component of airways surfactant in asthmatic children compared to conventional airway inflammatory markers.Methods:  This case control study included 68 well‐known asthmatic children of different grades of severity and 20 age‐ and sex‐matched normal children as controls. All children were subjected to thorough clinical examination, pulmonary function tests, sputum induction and processing for cytology, DPPC level and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) level assessment.Results:  Elevated DPPC levels were evident in all sputum samples of asthmatic children (mean value 626.6 ± 189.7 mcg/mL) compared to controls (mean value 49.3 ± 20.1 mcg/mL). Significant negative correlations (r = −0.83, −0.752 and −0.384) were found between asthmatics sputum DPPC levels and pulmonary function test parameters [% of forced expiratory volume in first second, % of forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory flow rate over 25%–75% part of FVC], respectively. Meanwhile, significant positive correlations were evident between asthmatics sputum DPPC levels and the sputum inflammatory cells and their sputum ECP levels.Conclusion:  Elevated DPPC levels are evident in induced sputum of all asthmatic children and they are significantly related to sputum ECP levels and pulmonary function test parameters. Nevertheless, the value of DPPC estimation in the clinical management of children with asthma remains to be determined.Please cite this paper as: Shaheen MA, Mahmoud MA, Abdel Aziz MM, El Morsy HI and Abdel Khalik KA. Sputum dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine level as a novel airway inflammatory marker in asthmatic children. The Clinical Respiratory Journal 2009; 3: 95–101.
Fish oil replacement in finfish nutrition
Authors: Turchini Giovanni M. , Torstensen Bente E. , Ng Wing‐Keong 
Published: February 2009

AbstractUnsustainable fishing practices have placed a heavy emphasis on aquaculture to meet the global shortfalls in the supply of fish and seafood, which are commonly accepted as the primary source of health‐promoting essential omega‐3 (n‐3 highly unsaturated fatty acids). However, dietary fish oil is required for the production of omega‐3‐rich farmed fish and this commodity, in a vicious circle, is at present derived solely from wild fisheries. Decreasing global availability coupled with the highly variable price of this resource has forced the aquaculture industry to investigate the possibilities of alternative dietary lipid sources. This review attempts to compile all principal information available regarding the effects of fish oil replacement for the diets of farmed finfish, analysing the findings using a comparative approach among different cultured fish species. The review initially focuses on the present situation with regard to the production, availability and main nutritional characteristics of fish oil and the principal alternative lipid sources (such as vegetable oils and animal fats). Following this, the effects of fish oil replacement in finfish nutrition on feed quality, fish performance, feed efficiency, fish lipid metabolism, final eating quality and related economic aspects are presented and discussed.
Transboundary management of large carnivores in Europe: from incident to opportunity
Authors: Rosen Tatjana , Bath Alistair 
Published: February 2009

AbstractTransboundary management of large carnivores, such as that of bears in the human dominated landscapes in Europe is rife with challenges. During summer 2006, brown bear JJ1, one of the 27 cubs born in the Central Alps between 2002 and 2006, as a result of reintroduction efforts carried out in Trentino, Italy, wandered into Austria and Germany. Despite the public outcry he was eventually shot. The death of JJ1 turned into a real international incident that prompted the countries affected to meet and discuss how to manage bears at transboundary level. The author uses the policy sciences approach to map out the social context in which reintroductions and management of large carnivores are occurring and from there suggest possible approaches to improve their success.
The protective role of Visudyne eyeglass® against VEGF synthesis after photodynamic therapy with verteporfin
Authors: Türkçüoğlu Peykan , İlhan Nevin , Kurt Julide , Aydemir Orhan , Çeliker Ülkü 
Published: February 2009

Abstract.Purpose:  We aimed to determine the extent of protection provided by Visudyne eyeglass® against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) synthesis following photodynamic therapy (PDT).Methods:  Three groups with 14 rabbits in each were established. These consisted of a control (dextrose infusion) group, an infusion (verteporfin infusion) group and an irradiation (verteporfin infusion + irradiation) group. One eye in each animal was closed with Visudyne eyeglass® and the other by eyelid sutures. The rabbits were exposed to daylight for 30 mins at 2 and 48 hours after the infusion was administered. Half the animals in each group were killed on day 5. The remaining animals were killed on day 10. Levels of VEGF in homogenized retina and choroids were analysed with an ELISA (enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay).Results:  Mean VEGF levels, in pg/mg protein, on days 5 and 10 in the control + glass, control + suture, infusion + glass, infusion + suture, irradiation + glass and irradiation + suture subgroups were, respectively: 1.69 ± 0.67, 1.91 ± 0.44; 1.75 ± 0.69, 1.93 ± 0.53; 2.30 ± 0.77, 3.47 ± 2.02; 1.90 ± 1.00, 2.93 ± 0.16; 4.39 ± 2.74, 13.63 ± 5.25; 3.38 ± 1.05, 7.37 ± 2.12. On day 10, VEGF levels were significantly higher in the infusion and irradiation groups compared with the control group (p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between glass and suture samples on days 5 and 10 in the infusion group, or on day 5 in the irradiation group. However, on day 10, the mean VEGF level in eyes closed with Visudyne eyeglass® in the irradiation group was significantly higher than in sutured eyes (p = 0.011).Conclusions:  Visudyne eyeglass® offers full protection against VEGF increases caused by verteporfin infusion but is only partially protective in eyes exposed to sensitizing light.
Acute cardiac death associated with polypharmacy during use of anti‐obesity drug
Authors: Kang Tae Hoon , Zhang AiHua , Kim Hyoung Joong , Yoo Seong Ho , Sun Chung Hee , Lee Soong Deok 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTMany clinicians use anti‐obesity drugs before they have been proven safe. Further, polypharmacy of weight‐loss medications appears to be popular, and as a result unwanted drug interactions are occuring. We performed autopsies on three women who died after taking phendimetrazine and fluoxetine for weight loss. In all three cases, no internal or external abnormality could explain the direct cause of death – other than positive toxicological results for the weight‐loss drugs. Blood drug concentration was within the therapeutic range and blood alcohol was not detected. Although we cannot say for certain the exact mechanism of the death, we think that polypharmacy of phendimetrazine and fluoxetine may be a factor. We report these cases with a discussion of the use of anti‐obesity drugs.
Glypican‐3 and MAGE‐1 are predictors of tumor invasiveness of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Eun Shin , Lee Kyoung Bun , Park Soo Young , Yun Woong Jae , Kang Tae Hoon , Kim Bo Sung , Jang Ja‐June 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT Background and aim: Large scale studies on protein targeting for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are limited and the clinical implications of targeted proteins have not been fully investigated. We studied the expression of three candidate antigens, glypican‐3(GPC3), human melanoma antigen‐1(MAGE‐1) and alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) in HCC on large number samples. Methods: We performed immunohistochemistry using tissue microarray on 420 HCC samples and 120 non‐tumorous hepatic tissues. Results: GPC3 staining was observed in 250 (62.3%) of 401 HCC cases, while none of the control group had positive staining. The expression of MAGE‐1 was 9.75%, 7.1% and 18.8% with the three different antibodies. None of the control group was stained with MAGE‐1, with two antibodies. Control cases were more frequently stained than HCC with two different AFP antibodies. Microscopic vascular invasion, and T‐stage correlated with the expression of GPC3. Vascular and other organ invasion correlated with MAGE‐1 expression. GPC‐3+ HCC was associated with a short survival rate. Conclusions: GPC3 and MAGE‐1 are useful biomarkers indicating tumor aggressiveness as well as potent target proteins for HCC immunotherapy. AFP staining had a high false positivity and further evaluation is required.
Probable relationship between increased number of birefringent particles and diffuse interstitial lung diseases
Authors: Park Jae Hong , Ha Seung Yeon , Cho Hyun Yee , Chung Dong Hae , Kim Na Rae , Park Sanghui , Lee Jae‐Ik 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT Background and aim: Although there is increasing evidence that inhaled birefringent particles (BPs) cause pulmonary fibrotic reaction, the relationship between BPs and diffuse interstitial lung diseases (DILDs) remains unclear. Methods: We assessed 85 cases of interstitial lung diseases including 50 cases of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP), 22 cases of nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) and 13 cases of bronchiolitis obliterans‐organizing pneumonia (BOOP) and 55 cases of normal lung tissue from control group. BPs were measured and counted by image analyzer under polarizing microscope. Results: The average BP count in all types of interstitial lung disease was 223.60/10 high power fields (HPF), significantly higher than the average of 116.80/10HPFs found in the control group (P= 0.01). Among individual disease entities, UIP showed significantly higher BP count than control (232.80/10HPFs, P= 0.01). Although statistically insignificant, NSIP and BOOP also revealed higher BP counts than the control (192.09/10HPFs and 241.54/10HPFs, respectively). Conclusions: Increased BPs in the lung might be related to the fibrogenic process of interstitial lung diseases.
Anderson and Authoritarianism
Authors: Thiele Steven 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThis paper examines the work of John Anderson with particular reference to the issue of authority, or, more precisely, authoritarianism. It is suggested that opposition to authoritarianism, along with an attempt to spell out a non‐authoritarian form of social enquiry, is Anderson's central concern. In the light of this, a number of reasons are put forward as to why his work has not been taken up by many sociologists and anthropologists. Finally, a suggestion is made as to how his thinking might be challenged in a way sufficient to stimulate its development. This is done by reference to a distinction between guilt, an emotion and set of practices powerful where appeal to authority is important, and shame, which does not require such an appeal.