bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cucurbitacin B markedly inhibits growth and rapidly affects the cytoskeleton in glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Yin Dong , Wakimoto Naoki , Xing Hongtao , Lu Daning , Huynh Thien , Wang Xiao , Black Keith L. , Koeffler H. Phillip 
Published: July 2008

AbstractGlioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is almost inevitably a fatal tumor of the brain with most individuals dying within 1 year of diagnosis. It is the most frequent brain tumor in adults. Dose‐response studies showed that Cucurbitacin B inhibited 50% growth (ED50) of 5 human GBM cell lines in liquid culture at ∼10−7 M. Soft‐gel assays demonstrated that nearly all of the GBM clonogenic cells were inhibited at 10−8 M of Cucurbitacin B. FACS analysis found that the compound (10−7 M, 24 hr) caused G2/M arrest. The GBM cells underwent profound morphologic changes within 15–30 min after exposure to Cucurbitacin B (10−7 M), rounding up and losing their pseudopodia associated with disruption of actin and microtubules, as observed by immunoflourescence. Cucurbitacin B (10−7 M) caused prominent multinucleation of the cells after they were pulse‐exposed (48 hr) to the drug, washed and cultured in normal medium for an additional 2 days. The drug (10−7 M, 3–24 hr) increased levels of p‐p38, p‐JNK and p‐JUN in U87 and T98G GBM cell lines as seen by Western blot. Interestingly, alterations in cell morphology caused by Cucurbitacin B (10−7 M) were blocked by the JNK inhibitor SP600125. In summary, Cucurbitacin B has a prominent anti‐proliferative activity on GBM cells; and at least in part, the mode of action is by affecting the cytoskeleton, as well as, the JNK pathway. Clinical trails of this drug should be pursued in GBM. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of new genes associated with breast cancer progression by gene expression analysis of predefined sets of neoplastic tissues
Authors: Cimino Daniela , Fuso Luca , Sfiligoi Christian , Biglia Nicoletta , Ponzone Riccardo , Maggiorotto Furio , Russo Giandomenico , Cicatiello Luigi , Weisz Alessandro , Taverna Daniela , Sismondi Piero , De Bortoli Michele 
Published: July 2008

AbstractGene expression profiles were studied by microarray analysis in 2 sets of archival breast cancer tissues from patients with distinct clinical outcome. Seventy‐seven differentially expressed genes were identified when comparing 30 cases with relapse and 30 cases without relapse within 72 months from surgery. These genes had a specific ontological distribution and some of them have been linked to breast cancer in previous studies: AIB1, the two keratin genes KRT5 and KRT15, RAF1, WIF1 and MSH6. Seven out of 77 differentially expressed genes were selected and analyzed by qRT‐PCR in 127 cases of breast cancer. The expression levels of 6 upregulated genes (CKMT1B, DDX21, PRKDC, PTPN1, SLPI, YWHAE) showed a significant association to both disease‐free and overall survival. Multivariate analysis using the significant factors (i.e., estrogen receptor and lymph node status) as covariates confirmed the association with survival. There was no correlation between the expression level of these genes and other clinical parameters. In contrast, SERPINA3, the only downregulated gene examined, was not associated with survival, but correlated with steroid receptor status. An indirect validation of our genes was provided by calculating their association with survival in 3 publicly available microarray datasets. CKMT1B expression was an independent prognostic marker in all 3 datasets, whereas other genes confirmed their association with disease‐free survival in at least 1 dataset. This work provides a novel set of genes that could be used as independent prognostic markers and potential drug targets for breast cancer. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enhanced anti‐cancer effect of a phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase inhibitor and doxorubicin on human breast epithelial cell lines with different p53 and oestrogen receptor status
Authors: Wang Yan A. , Johnson Stuart K. , Brown Barry L. , McCarragher Leeza M. , Al‐Sakkaf Kaltoom , Royds Janice A. , Dobson Pauline R.M. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractNew efforts are being focused on signalling pathways as targets for cancer therapy. This particular study was designed to investigate whether blockade of the phosphatidylinositol 3OH‐kinase (PI3K) pathway (a survival/anti‐apoptosis pathway, overexpressed in various tumours) could sensitise human breast cancer cells to the effect of chemotherapeutics. Doxorubicin (Dox) and LY294002 (LY, a PI3K inhibitor) were used individually or in combination on MDA‐MB‐231 (p53 mutant, ER‐), T47D (p53 mutant, ER+), and MCF‐7 (p53 wildtype, ER+) human breast cancer cell lines, and on 184A1, a nonmalignant human breast epithelial cell line (p53 wildtype, ER‐). Each drug showed time‐ and dose‐dependent growth inhibition of cell proliferation on all 4 cell lines. The combination of Dox+LY resulted in enhanced cell growth inhibition in MDA‐MB‐231 and T47D cells, and additive inhibition in MCF‐7 and 184A1 cells. Cell cycle analysis showed that Dox+LY enhanced the arrest of MDA‐MB‐231 and T47D cells in G2 with the appearance of a sub‐G1 peak indicating apoptosis/necrosis, a notion supported by enhanced depolarisation of mitochondrial membrane potential in these cell types. The combination also caused a greater additive increase in Cyclin B1. Thus, the synergistic effect of the combination on cell proliferation in some, but not all, breast cancer cells may be through enhanced induction of both G2 arrest and apoptosis, in which p53 may play a role. Substantially lower doses of doxorubicin could be used with low doses of inhibitors of the PI3K pathway, without compromising the anti‐cancer effect, but also lowering detrimental side‐effects of doxorubicin. This study supports the notion that survival signalling pathways offer special targets for chemotherapy in cancer. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reflection in thought and action: Maternal parenting reflectivity predicts mind‐minded comments and interactive behavior
Authors: Rosenblum Katherine L. , McDonough Susan C. , Sameroff Arnold J. , Muzik Maria 
Published: July 2008

AbstractRecent research has identified mothers' mental reflective functioning and verbal mind‐minded comments as important predictors of subsequent infant attachment security. In the present study, we examine associations between mothers' (N = 95) parenting reflectivity expressed in an interview and observed parenting behavior, including verbal mind‐minded comments and interactive behavior during interaction with their 7‐month‐old infants. Parenting reflectivity was coded from the Working Model of the Child Interview. Maternal behavior was assessed via observations of mother–infant interaction during free play and structured teaching tasks. Both maternal appropriate mind‐minded comments as well as other indicators of maternal interactive behavior were coded. Parenting reflectivity was positively correlated with mind‐minded comments and behavioral sensitivity. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that parenting reflectivity contributed to maternal behavior beyond the contributions of mothers' educational status and depression symptoms. Discussion emphasizes the importance of individual differences in parental capacity to accurately perceive and mentalize their infants' experience, and the consequences of these differences for caregiving behavior.
Meeting the emotional needs of infants and toddlers in foster care: The collaborative mental health care experience
Authors: Wotherspoon Evelyn , O'Neill‐Laberge Marlene , Pirie June 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThis paper describes a partnership between an infant mental health consultation program and child welfare authorities, with a special focus on the use of a consultation model to support infants and toddlers in foster care. The authors describe a model of practice that incorporates the transactional model with a developmental perspective to help foster parents understand and address the emotional needs of these children. The clinical implications section reviews strategies for addressing attachment and relationship disturbances, promoting self‐regulation, and enhancing social competence in infants and young foster children.
Redox regulation of skeletal muscle
Authors: Jackson Malcolm J. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe potential deleterious roles of “oxidative stress” have been studied in skeletal muscle for over 30 years, but recent studies have identified that reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide generated by skeletal muscle can exert regulatory roles in cell signalling processes. This “redox regulation” appears to depend upon the reversible oxidation of cysteine residues within key proteins with reversible gluathionylation and formation of protein disulphides potentially leading to changes in the activities of proteins such as enzymes, transcription factors or transporters. Control of this process is dependent upon the local redox environment pertaining at a subcellular level. This short review provides examples of redox‐regulated physiological processes in skeletal muscle that include some activation of transcription factors and changes in gene expression that result from contractile activity and the modulation of force generation during sustained contractions. There is also increasing evidence that dysregulation of redox‐sensitive processes plays a role in the loss of muscle mass and function that occurs during normal ageing and in the gross muscle degeneration in disorders such as the muscular dystrophies. © 2008 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 60(8): 497–501, 2008
Fast photonic switching in pharaonis phoborhodopsin protein molecules
Authors: Sharma Parag 
Published: July 2008

AbstractLaser intensity induced nonlinear absorption based photonic switching in pharaonis phoborhodopsin (p pR) protein molecules has been analyzed theoretically, using a rate equation approach. The probe beam transmissions at 560 and 390 nm, respectively, have been shown to be switched by nanosecond pump pulse excitation at 498 nm. Fast digital operation with ∼250 ns switching time is achieved by utilizing its K ‐intermediate state population changes. The presently observed switching speed (∼250 ns) in p pR is much higher in comparison to earlier reported values in milliseconds and seconds in different rhodopsin protein molecules. Analysis provides the scheme for fast photonic switching with slow photochromic materials having some fast energy states. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Extracorporeal photopheresis improves nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy/nephrogenic systemic fibrosis: Three case reports and review of literature
Authors: Mathur Kiran , Morris Scott , Deighan Chris , Green Rachel , Douglas Kenneth William 
Published: July 2008

AbstractNephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy/nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NFD/NSF) is a recently recognized systemic fibrosing disorder that develops in the context of renal insufficiency. Its predominant manifestation is severe cutaneous fibrosis, often causing disabling contractures of neighboring joints. No therapy is consistently effective, and etiology and pathogenesis remain obscure. However, gadolinium‐containing contrast agents used in magnetic resonance imaging or angiography have recently been strongly linked to the development of fibrosis in NSF. We report a clinical response to treatment with extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) using the Therakos UVAR XTS system in three cases of NFD/NSF associated with flexion contractures affecting all four limbs. All three patients were receiving renal replacement therapy for longstanding end‐stage renal failure. All three showed clinical response with softening of skin plaques at the end of four cycles, and improved range of movement in all four limbs on completion of treatment. The first patient, with NFD/NSF of 4.5 year's duration, was able to resume most activities of daily living although still chairbound, while a second patient with more recent onset of NSF was able to walk short distances with the help of Zimmer frames by the end of 16–18 cycles of treatment, having been chairbound pretreatment. A third patient with milder initial symptoms also experienced significant improvement after a shorter course of ECP treatment. Our experience with these three patients confirms previous case reports, suggesting that ECP may be effective in NFD/NSF. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An efficient algorithm for energy gradients and orbital optimization in valence bond theory
Authors: Song Lingchun , Song Jinshuai , Mo Yirong , Wu Wei 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAn efficient algorithm for energy gradients in valence bond theory with nonorthogonal orbitals is presented. A general Hartree‐Fock‐like expression for the Hamiltonian matrix element between valence bond (VB) determinants is derived by introducing a transition density matrix. Analytical expressions for the energy gradients with respect to the orbital coefficients are obtained explicitly, whose scaling for computational cost is m4, where m is the number of basis functions, and is thus approximately the same as in HF method. Compared with other existing approaches, the present algorithm has lower scaling, and thus is much more efficient. Furthermore, the expression for the energy gradient with respect to the nuclear coordinates is also presented, and it provides an effective algorithm for the geometry optimization and the evaluation of various molecular properties in VB theory. Test applications show that our new algorithm runs faster than other methods. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2009
Site specificity of the αCH bond dissociation energy for a naturally occurring β‐hairpin peptide—An ab initio study
Authors: Cheng Wan‐Chun , Jang Soonmin , Wu Chen‐Chang , Lin Ren‐Jie , Lu Hsiu‐Feng , Li Feng‐Yin 
Published: July 2008

AbstractA naturally occurring β‐hairpin peptide (PDB ID 1UAO) was used as a model to study the backbone oxidation of a protein with ab initio calculation at the B3LYB/6‐31G(d) without any constraints. The αCH bond dissociation energy of three different glycyl radicals located at different sites on the β‐hairpin peptide was calculated to evaluate the site specificity of backbone oxidation. The molecular and electronic structures of these glycyl radicals were analyzed to rationalize this site specificity. The overall molecular structure of the α‐H abstracted β‐hairpin peptide remained almost unchanged with the exception of the local conformation of the attacked residue. However, the αCH bond strength varied dramatically among these different sites. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2009
The all‐too‐flexible abductive method: ATOM's normative status
Authors: Romeijn Jan‐Willem 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe author discusses the abductive theory of method (ATOM) by Brian Haig from a philosophical perspective, connecting his theory with a number of issues and trends in contemporary philosophy of science. It is argued that as it stands, the methodology presented by Haig is too permissive. Both the use of analogical reasoning and the application of exploratory factor analysis leave us with too many candidate theories to choose from, and explanatory coherence cannot be expected to save the day. The author ends with some suggestions to remedy the permissiveness and lack of normative force in ATOM, deriving from the experimental practice within which psychological data are produced. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 64:1–14, 2008.
On highly ramsey infinite graphs
Authors: Siggers M. H. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractWe show that, for r ≥ 2 and k ≥ 3, there exists a positive constant c such that for large enough n there are 2 non‐isomorphic graphs on at most n vertices that are r‐ramsey‐minimal for the odd cycle C2k+1. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 59: 97–114, 2008
List colorings with measurable sets
Authors: Hladký Jan , Kráal Daniel , Sereni Jean‐Sébastien , Stiebitz Michael 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe measurable list chromatic number of a graph G is the smallest number ξ such that if each vertex v of G is assigned a set L(v) of measure ξ in a fixed atomless measure space, then there exist sets $c(v)\subseteq L(v)$ such that each c(v) has measure one and $c(v)\cap c(v') = \emptyset$ for every pair of adjacent vertices v and v'. We provide a simpler proof of a measurable generalization of Hall's theorem due to Hilton and Johnson [J Graph Theory 54 (2007), 179–193] and show that the measurable list chromatic number of a finite graph G is equal to its fractional chromatic number. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 59: 229–238, 2008
Effects of alternative instrumentation strategies in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A biomechanical analysis
Authors: Robitaille Martin , Aubin Carl‐Éric , Labelle Hubert 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe recent advent of modern instrumentation systems has improved the correction of scoliosis, but complicated the surgical decision‐making process, especially with the introduction of diverse spinal fixation devices, new preoperative corrective maneuvers, and the reevaluation of many rules concerning the selection of fusion levels and other guidelines for surgical correction. Our objective was to assess the biomechanical effects of different instrumentation strategies for the same scoliotic cases. Several instrumentation strategies suggested by a group of 32 experienced senior surgeons for five cases were individually simulated using a validated computer model implemented in a spine surgery simulator. The resulting geometric indices varied among the five cases (e.g., range of main thoracic Cobb angles: 5–17°, 16–29°, 25–44°, 15–34°, 16–32°; kyphosis: 22–33°, 20–54°, 33–55°, 24–49°, 29–46°; and lordosis: 10–52°, 24–38°, 26–54°, 8–28°, 34–53°). The average correction was better with pedicle screws (71%) than with hooks (51%) and hybrid constructs (67%). For the first time, to our knowledge, the effect of different instrumentation strategies was compared on the same patients, which is possible only with a surgery simulator. A large variability of instrumentation strategies existed among experienced surgeons and produced rather different results. This study questions the criteria for optimal configuration and standards to design the best surgical construct. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:104–113, 2009
Effect of cell‐based VEGF gene therapy on healing of a segmental bone defect
Authors: Li Ru , Stewart Duncan J. , von Schroeder Herbert P. , Mackinnon Erin S. , Schemitsch Emil H. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractFracture healing requires coordinated coupling between osteogenesis and angiogenesis in which vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a key role. We hypothesized that targeted over‐expression of angiogenic and osteogenic factors within the fracture would promote bone healing by inducing development of new blood vessels and stimulating/affecting proliferation, survival, and activity of skeletal cells. Using a cell‐based method of gene transfer, without viral vector, 5.0 × 106 fibroblasts transfected with VEGF were delivered to a 10‐mm bone defect in rabbit tibiae (Group 1) (n = 9); control groups were treated with fibroblasts (Group 2) (n = 7), or saline (Group 3) (n = 7) only. After 12 weeks, eight tibial fractures healed in Group 1, compared to four each in Groups 2 and 3. In Group 1, ossification was seen across the entire defect; in Groups 2 and 3, the defects were fibrous and sparsely ossified. Group 1 had more positively stained (CD31) vessels than Groups 2 and 3. MicroCT 3‐D showed complete bridging of the new bone for Group 1, but incomplete healing for Groups 2 and 3. MicroCT bone structural parameters showed significant differences between VEGF treatment and control groups (p < 0.05). These results indicate that the cell‐based VEGF gene therapy has significant angiogenic and osteogenic effects to enhance healing of a segmental defect in the long bone of rabbits. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:8–14, 2009
Erythropoietin improves functional and histological recovery of traumatized skeletal muscle tissue
Authors: Rotter Robert , Menshykova Marija , Winkler Tobias , Matziolis Georg , Stratos Ioannis , Schoen Matthias , Bittorf Thomas , Mittlmeier Thomas , Vollmar Brigitte 
Published: July 2008

AbstractApart from its hematopoietic effect, erythropoietin (EPO) is known as pleiotropic cytokine with anti‐inflammatory and anti‐apoptotic properties. Here, we evaluated for the first time the EPO‐dependent regeneration capacity in an in vivo rat model of skeletal muscle trauma. A myoblast cell line was used to study the effect of EPO on serum deprivation‐induced cell apoptosis in vitro. A crush injury was performed to the left soleus muscle in 80 rats treated with either EPO or saline. Muscle recovery was assessed by analysis of contraction capacities. Intravital microscopy, BrdU/laminin double immunohistochemistry and cleaved caspase‐3 immunohistochemistry of muscle tissue on days 1, 7, 14, and 42 posttrauma served for assessment of local microcirculation, tissue integrity, and cell proliferation. Serum deprivation‐induced myoblast apoptosis of 23.9 ± 1.5% was reduced by EPO to 17.2 ± 0.8%. Contraction force analysis in the EPO‐treated animals revealed significantly improved muscle strength with 10–20% higher values of twitch and tetanic forces over the 42‐day observation period. EPO‐treated muscle tissue displayed improved functional capillary density as well as reduced leukocytic response and consecutively macromolecular leakage over day 14. Concomitantly, muscle histology showed significantly increased numbers of BrdU‐positive satellite cells and interstitial cells as well as slightly lower counts of cleaved caspase‐3‐positive interstitial cells. EPO results in faster and better regeneration of skeletal muscle tissue after severe trauma and goes along with improved microcirculation. Thus, EPO, a compound established as clinically safe, may represent a promising therapeutic option to optimize the posttraumatic course of muscle tissue healing. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
NG2 expression predicts the metastasis formation in soft‐tissue sarcoma patients
Authors: Benassi Maria Serena , Pazzaglia Laura , Chiechi Antonella , Alberghini Marco , Conti Amalia , Cattaruzza Sabrina , Wassermann Bruna , Picci Piero , Perris Roberto 
Published: July 2008

AbstractEnhanced expression levels of NG2 proteoglycan in presurgical original lesions of soft‐tissue sarcoma (STS) patients defines with 55% probability the immediate (i.e., within 12 months postsurgery) risk in these individuals to develop postsurgical secondary lesions, independently of any other clinical trait. It, therefore, provides a molecular factor that alone prospects a particularly unfavorable clinical outcome in such patients. Evaluation of the timing of metastasis formation in patients with high and low levels of NG2 in their primitive lesions further stratified the patients in subsets with diverse lag phases in the occurrence of metastatic disease. In our cohort of high‐grade STS cases, transcription of NG2 also showed a 81‐fold amplification in metastatic lesions, when compared to primitive ones, and this gene overexpression was accompanied by an abundant but nonuniform in situ expression of its product. In a similar manner as seen in primitive lesions, patients with higher levels of metastatic NG2 encountered a significantly more dismal clinical course. Multivariate analysis asserted that in these individuals upregulation of NG2 represented an absolute independent prognostic parameter. Therefore, minimally invasive assessment of the transcription levels of the NG2 gene represents a parameter capable of predicting the arising of metastatic disease within a definite postsurgery time interval, and affords in adjunct in the definition of life expectance in STS patients. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:135–140, 2009