bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Upregulation of secretory connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in keratinocyte‐fibroblast coculture contributes to keloid pathogenesis
Authors: Khoo Ying Ting , Ong Chee Tian , Mukhopadhyay Anandaroop , Han Hwan Chour , Do Dang Vinh , Lim Ivor Jiun , Phan Toan Thang 
Published: May 2006

AbstractConnective tissue growth factor (CTGF) plays a critical role in keloid pathogenesis by promoting collagen synthesis and deposition. Previous work suggested epithelial‐mesenchymal interactions as a plausible factor affecting the expression of various growth factors and cytokines by both the epithelial and dermal mesenchymal cells. The aim of this study is to explore the role of epithelial‐mesenchymal interactions in modulating CTGF expression. Immunohistochemistry was employed to check CTGF localization in skin tissue. Western blot assay was performed on total protein extracts from skin tissue, cell lysates and conditioned media to detect the basal/expression levels of CTGF. Study groups were subjected to serum stimulation (fibroblast‐single cell culture) and pharmacological inhibitors targeted against mTOR (Rapamycin), Sp1 (WP631 and Mitoxanthrone), Smad3 (SB431542), and PI3K (LY294002). Increased localization of CTGF in the basal layer of keloid epidermis and higher expression of CTGF was observed in the keloid tissue extract. Interestingly, lower basal levels of CTGF was observed in fibroblast cell lysates cocultured with keloid keratinocytes compared to normal keratinocytes, while the conditioned media from the former culture consistently demonstrated a higher expression of secreted CTGF as compared to the latter group. These results demonstrate an important role of epithelial‐mesenchymal interactions in the regulation of CTGF expression. Fibroblasts treated with inhibitors against mTOR, Sp1, Smad3, and PI3K demonstrated a reduced expression of CTGF, suggesting these signaling pathways to be important in the regulation of CTGF expression. Thus, revealing the therapeutic potentials for inhibitors that are selective for these factors in controlling CTGF expression in fibrotic conditions. J. Cell. Physiol. 208: 336–343, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Atmospheric pressure photoionization‐mass spectrometry and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization‐mass spectrometry of neurotransmitters
Authors: Kauppila T. J. , Nikkola T. , Ketola R. A. , Kostiainen R. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractA group of five neurotransmitters with different properties was analyzed using atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization‐mass spectrometry (APCI‐MS). The sensitivity of the techniques for the analytes was tested in six solvents and in positive and negative ion modes. APPI was found to be superior in sensitivity for all the compounds in both positive and negative ion modes. In positive ion mode, water/methanol/formic acid was found to be the best solvent, whereas in negative ion mode, water/methanol/ammonium hydroxide performed best. Detection limits using APPI were between 2.5–250 fmol, depending on the compound. The sensitivity was best for the neurosteroids dehydroepiandrosterone and β‐estradiol, and acetylcholine (LOD 2.5–10 fmol). Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry of methoxylated polybrominated diphenyl ethers (MeO‐PBDEs)
Authors: Athanasiadou Maria , Marsh Göran , Athanassiadis Ioannis , Asplund Lillemor , Bergman Åke 
Published: May 2006

AbstractTwenty‐six methoxylated polybrominated diphenyl ethers (MeO‐PBDEs) were characterized by gas chromatography (GC) on four different GC columns with different lengths and polarities, as well as by mass spectrometry using three ionization techniques, electron ionization (EI), electron capture negative ionization (ECNI) and positive ion chemical ionization (PICI). MeO‐PBDE congeners with similar retention times on a nonpolar GC column were separated when analyzed on a polar GC column. EI can be used to determine the position of the methoxy substituent (ortho, meta or para) relative to the diphenyl ether oxygen in the MeO‐PBDEs. The PICI ionization technique is shown to be valuable to generate structural information of the MeO‐PBDEs, i.e. the degree of bromination on both the methoxy‐substituted ring and the entirely brominated phenyl ring can be obtained. This structure information can also be achieved for certain MeO‐PBDEs with the methoxy group in ortho position to the diphenyl ether bond in ECNI mode. Like other brominated compounds ECNI is preferable when analyzing environmental samples for quantification of MeO‐PBDEs because of the formation of bromide ions, which enables low detection limits. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Climatic behavior of various urban parks during hot and humid summer in the mediterranean city of Tel Aviv, Israel
Authors: Potchter Oded , Cohen Pninit , Bitan Arieh 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThis study examines the climatic behavior of different designs of urban parks during hot and humid summer conditions, and their influence on human comfort in Tel Aviv, Israel. The research was conducted in three different types of urban parks: a park with grass and a few low trees, a park with medium sized trees and a park with high and wide‐canopied trees. The results showed that an urban park that contains high trees with a wide canopy has the maximum cooling effect during daytime, reduces temperatures by up to 3.5 °C and lowers heat stress values despite increasing relative humidity values. An urban park that contains dense, medium sized trees can also reduce temperatures during daytime by up to 2.5 °C as well as slightly lower heat stress. However, during nighttime it can create uncomfortable climatic conditions owing to the reduction of wind velocity and increase in relative humidity. An urban park covered with grass can be warmer and sometimes even more humid than the built‐up area during the day, which increases heat stress values. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society.
Changes in perlecan during chondrocyte differentiation in the fetal bovine rib growth plate
Authors: West Leigh , Govindraj Prasanthi , Koob Thomas J. , Hassell John R. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractPerlecan is a heparan sulfate proteoglycan present in the growth plate and essential for endochondral ossification. We evaluated the synthesis and structure of perlecan in the different zones of the growth plate. The growth plates from fetal bovine ribs were isolated and sequentially sliced into 1‐mm sections containing the hypertrophic zone, lower proliferative zone, upper proliferative zone, intermediate zone, and resting zone, respectively. The slices were then either incubated in culture medium with 35SO4 to measure total sulfated proteoglycan synthesis and perlecan synthesis, extracted for perlecan core protein analysis by Western blot, or extracted for perlecan isolation and subsequent characterization of glycosaminoglycan size and disaccharide composition. 35SO4 incorporation into perlecan was three–fourfold higher in the proliferating/hypertrophic zone than the resting zone. Western blot showed perlecan content was greatest in the lower and upper proliferating zones and that a perlecan fragment lacking portions of the N‐ and C‐terminal domains containing heparan sulfate was also present in all zones. Purified perlecan from the hypertrophic/lower proliferative zone had larger chondroitin sulfate chains and a different composition of CS and HS disaccharides than the perlecan isolated from the resting zone. These results indicate perlecan deposition is increased and is turned over during proliferation to be replaced by a perlecan with a different sulfation pattern. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:1317–1326, 2006
Variability in tendon and knee joint biomechanics among inbred mouse strains
Authors: Wang Vincent M. , Banack Trevor M. , Tsai Christine W. , Flatow Evan L. , Jepsen Karl J. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractHereditary factors are thought to be responsible for impaired tendon function and joint laxity. The present study investigated the genotypic variability of knee laxity and stiffness and tendon mechanical and geometric properties among 16‐week‐old female A/J, C57BL/6J (B6), and C3H/HeJ (C3H) inbred mice. In one group of mice, knee mechanics were quantified using a custom loading apparatus enabling translation of the tibia against a stationary femur. In a second group, flexor digitorum longus and Achilles tendons from the left hind limb underwent biomechanical testing, while those of the contralateral limb were analyzed histologically for determination of cross‐sectional area. Our results demonstrate that tendon and joint mechanics varied significantly among the inbred mouse strains, indicating that biomechanical properties are genetically determined. A/J mouse knees exhibited greater laxity (p < 0.001) and lower stiffness (p < 0.001) compared to those of the B6 and C3H mice. The genotypic differences in whole joint properties were similar to those of the tendons' structural biomechanical traits. Although body mass did not differ (p > 0.2) among the three strains, significant genotypic differences were found at the whole tendon, material quality, and morphological levels of the tissue hierarchy. Furthermore, genetic regulation of tendon mechanical properties varied with anatomic site. Patterns of genotypic differences in tendon size were not consistent with those of biomechanical properties, suggesting that unique combinations of structural and compositional factors contribute to tendon growth, adaptation, and development. Therefore, the three inbred strains constitute a useful experimental model to elucidate genetic control of structure–function relationships in normal and healing tendons and ligaments. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:1200–1207, 2006
Prolonged down regulation of specific gene expression in nucleus pulposus cell mediated by RNA interference in vitro
Authors: Kakutani Kenichiro , Nishida Kotaro , Uno Koki , Takada Toru , Shimomura Takatoshi , Maeno Koichiro , Kurosaka Masahiro , Doita Minoru 
Published: May 2006

AbstractTo investigate the efficacies and the longevity of RNA interference in nucleus pulposus cells from rat and human, two reporter luciferase plasmids (Firefly and Renilla) were used. These plasmids were cotransfected with siRNA targeting Firefly luciferase to the nucleus pulposus cells extracted from Sprague Dawley rats and scoliosis patients. The inhibitory effects were evaluated by dual luciferase assay for 3 weeks. Proliferation activity of fibroblast‐like cells extracted from the subcutaneous tissue of Sprague Dawley rats and the nucleus pulposus cells were measured by proliferation assay (WST‐8 assay) every 2 days after plating. The expression of Firefly luciferase was drastically inhibited both in rats (94.7%) and in humans (93.7%). The inhibitory effects were maintained for 2 weeks and had disappeared completely by 3 weeks. The proliferation activity of nucleus pulposus cells was significantly lower than fibroblast‐like cells. We have shown, for the first time, siRNA‐mediated gene silencing in rat and human disc cells for a relatively sustained period, probably due to the stability of the nucleus pulposus cells in terms of cell proliferation. The demonstration of this study may allow further exploration of the use of siRNA for scientific research and the treatment of disc degenerative diseases. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:1271–1278, 2006
Apoptosis induced by chemotherapeutic agents involves c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase activation in sarcoma cell lines
Authors: Koyama Takaaki , Mikami Takashi , Koyama Takashi , Imakiire Atsuhiro , Yamamoto Kengo , Toyota Hiroko , Mizuguchi Junichiro 
Published: May 2006

AbstractMolecular mechanisms underlying chemotherapeutic agent–induced apoptosis in sarcoma cells are not well known. Induction of apoptosis is regulated by several components including mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) comprising ERK, p38MAPKs, and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK). In the present study, we examined whether activation of JNK is induced by the chemotherapeutic agents cis‐diaminedichloroplatinum (cisplatin, CDDP) or doxorubicin (DXR), and whether the ectopic expression of constitutively active (MKK7‐JNK1) or dominant‐negative form of JNK (dnJNK) influenced apoptosis in response to the CDDP or DXR in sarcoma cell lines MG‐63 and SaOS‐2. The CDDP or DXR induced JNK activation in the both cell lines, as assessed by Western blotting using phosphospecific antibodies. A transient expression of the activated form of JNK sensitized the MG‐63 and SaOS‐2 cells to the drug‐induced apoptosis, while dnJNK1 reduced the proportion of apoptotic cell death. Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry using annexin‐V Cy5. Collectively, our results indicate that JNK activation is involved in apoptotic cell death in sarcoma cell lines following stimulation with CDDP or DXR. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:1153–1162, 2006
Inhibitory effects of a new bisphosphonate, minodronate, on proliferation and invasion of a variety of malignant bone tumor cells
Authors: Kubo Tadahiko , Shimose Shoji , Matsuo Toshihiro , Tanaka Kumi , Yasunaga Yuji , Sakai Akira , Ochi Mitsuo 
Published: May 2006

AbstractLittle is known about the biological effects of bisphosphonates on primary malignant bone tumors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antitumor effects of newly developed minodronate (MIN) on a variety of human malignant bone tumors. We examined the effects of MIN and clinically relevant incadronate (INC) on the proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle of two osteosarcoma (Saos‐2, MG‐63), two chondrosarcoma (SW1353, OUMS27), and two Ewing's sarcoma (RD‐ES, SK‐ES‐1) cell lines. Furthermore, we investigated the anti‐invasion effects of MIN on sarcoma cells and the effects of MIN on tumor growth in nude mice. MIN inhibited the viability of all six cell lines in a dose‐dependent manner with IC50 values of 2.7 to 5.0 µM, which were significantly lower than those of INC. Importantly, both bisphosphonates affected the viability of normal bone marrow stromal cells much less than sarcoma cells. Both bisphosphonates induced cell cycle perturbation in all sarcoma cells tested and apoptosis in Saos‐2 and SW1353 cells, although they failed to induce apoptosis in RD‐ES and SK‐ES‐1 cells. MIN significantly suppressed invasion, even at a low concentration of 1 µM (p < 0.01). Daily injection of 5 µg of MIN inhibited the growth of SK‐ES‐1 xenograft sarcoma in nude mice without loss of body weight. These findings suggest that MIN may have a beneficial adjuvant role in the treatment of patients with malignant bone tumors. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:1138–1144, 2006
Release of nitric oxide, but not prostaglandin E2, by bone cells depends on fluid flow frequency
Authors: Mullender Margriet G. , Dijcks Saskia J. , Bacabac Rommel G. , Semeins Cornelis M. , Van Loon Jack J.W.A. , Klein‐Nulend Jenneke 
Published: May 2006

AbstractLoading frequency is an important parameter for the stimulation of bone formation in vivo. It is still unclear how the information of external loading characteristics is conveyed to osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Osteocytes are thought to detect mechanical loads by sensing fluid flow through the lacuno‐canalicular network within bone and to translate this information into chemical signals. The signaling molecules nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) are known to play important roles in the adaptive response of bone to mechanical loads. We have investigated the effects of fluid flow frequency on the production of PGE2 and NO in bone cells in vitro. Pulsatile fluid flow with different frequencies stimulated the release of NO by MC3T3‐E1 osteoblasts in a dose‐dependent manner. In contrast, PGE2 production was enhanced consistently by all fluid flow regimes, independent of flow frequency. This implies that the NO response may play a role in mediating the differential effects of the various loading patterns on bone. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:1170–1177, 2006
The use of Raman spectrometry to predict the stability of historic glasses
Authors: Robinet Laurianne , Coupry Claude , Eremin Katherine , Hall Christopher 
Published: May 2006

AbstractIn the National Museums of Scotland (NMS) widespread alterations have been observed in the glass collections of 19th to 20th century, affecting British, Islamic and Asian glasses. It is important for museums to be able to distinguish between stable and unstable glasses, so that particular care can be taken to preserve the most sensitive objects. Elemental analysis by electron microprobe of a selection of stable and unstable British and Islamic glasses indicated that the composition was directly linked to the degree of stability of the glass. Because sampling of glass objects is often difficult or impossible, we investigated the ability of Raman spectroscopy, which can be applied in situ and non‐destructively, to distinguish between stable and unstable glasses. The analysis concentrated on the soda‐lime silicate glasses, which displayed a mixed stability. We show, by combining the elemental composition and the Raman spectroscopy data, that a correlation can be established between the 550 cm−1 band shift and the SiO2 content (or degree of polymerisation). A second correlation was established between the 950 cm−1 band and the number of cations charge‐coordinated to the silicate with two non‐bridging oxygens (NBOs). Finally, a method based on the peak area ratio (A900 + A950 + A990)/(A900–1150) from the Raman spectrum is proposed to determine the stability of soda silicate glass. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preoperative chemoradiation in rectal cancer: Retrospective comparison between capecitabine and continuous infusion of 5‐fluorouracil
Authors: Yerushalmi Rinat , Idelevich Efraim , Dror Ygael , Stemmer Salomon M. , Figer Arie , Sulkes Aaron , Brenner Baruch , Loven David , Dreznik Zeev , Nudelman Israel , Shani Adi , Fenig Eyal 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackgroundWe compared the efficacy and toxicity of oral capecitabine and continuous infusion of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) in the preoperative chemoradiation treatment of patients with rectal cancer.Patients and MethodsThe files of 89 patients with rectal cancer, 43 treated preoperatively with oral capecitabine and 46 with intravenous 5‐FU, were reviewed, and the outcome of the groups was compared.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference in the complete pathological response rate between the capecitabine and the 5‐FU groups (30% vs. 17%, P = 0.15). The downstaging rate was higher in the capecitabine group (77% vs. 50%, P = 0.009). Toxicity was mild in both groups. The rate of Grade 3 gastrointestinal toxicity was similar in the two groups (diarrhea 2% vs. 4%, proctitis 5% vs. 7%), except for one patient in the 5‐FU group (2%) who developed a rectovaginal fistula. In the capecitabine group, one patient (2%) had Grade 3 hand‐foot syndrome, and another had an acute myocardial infarction. In the 5‐FU group, two patients (4%) had Grade 3 hematological toxicity, and three (6%) had complications from Port‐a‐Cath insertion.ConclusionPreoperative chemoradiation with oral capecitabine appears to be safe and well tolerated, and at least as good as continuous 5‐FU. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;93:529–533. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Outcomes of resection of stage IV rectal cancer with mesorectal excision
Authors: Law Wai Lun , Chu Kin Wah 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackgroundThere is no consensus as to the management of the primary rectal cancer in the presence of distant metastasis and data on the outcomes of radical resection in stage IV rectal cancer are limited. This study aims to evaluate the results of resection of rectal cancer in the patients with stage IV disease and to analyze the factors that might affect the survival of these patients.MethodsOf the 744 patients with radical resection of primary rectal and rectosigmoid cancer during the study period from August 1993 to July 2002, 70 had stage IV disease on the initial presentation. The demographics, the operative details, the tumor characteristics, the postoperative outcomes and survival of the patients were collected prospectively. Factors influencing the survival were analyzed with univariate and multivariate analysis.ResultsFifty‐three men and 17 women with a median age of 66 years (range: 31–90 years) were included. The median level of the tumor from the anal verge was 10 cm (range 3–20 cm). The operations included abdominoperineal resection (n = 5), anterior resection (n = 53), and Hartmanns operation (n = 11). The operation mortality was 4.3%. The overall morbidity was 42.7% while the surgical morbidity and the reoperation rates were 15.7% and 5%, respectively. The local recurrence rate was 4.3% and the 2‐year actuarial rate was 7.8%. All the patients who had local recurrences also had disseminated peritoneal metastasis. The median cancer‐specific survival of the patients who survived the surgery was 15.2 months. Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of gross residual local disease, lymph node metastasis, liver involvement of over 50%, the absence of surgical management of liver metastasis and those without chemotherapy were independent factors associated with poor survival.ConclusionsPostoperative mortality and morbidity were acceptable in patients with stage IV rectal cancer. The local disease can be controlled effectively with radical resection. However, in patients with extensive liver involvement and advanced local disease, resection is not worthwhile because of the poor survival. Surgical management of the metastasis and the administration of chemotherapy are associated with better survival. However, the optional treatment regimes are yet to be defined. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;93:523–528. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quality of life in newly diagnosed cancer patients waiting for surgery is seriously impaired
Authors: Visser Mechteld R.M. , van Lanschot J. Jan B. , van der Velden Jacobus , Kloek Jaap J. , Gouma Dirk J. , Sprangers Mirjam A.G. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesNewly diagnosed cancer patients waiting for initial surgery experience a stressful time. Study objectives were (1) to examine the quality of life (QL) of these patients by comparing QL (a) between the four diagnostic groups included in this study, (b) to the QL of the general population, (2) to determine the factors that contribute most to patients' overall QL.MethodsOne hundred ninety six patients with lung, periampullary, oesophageal and cervical cancer completed questionnaires on generic QL (SF‐36), overall QL, cancer‐site specific symptoms (EORTC‐modules), anxiety (STAI), health expectations, demographics and comorbidity.ResultsBetween diagnostic groups no significant differences were found on generic QL. As compared to the general population, generic QL was impaired on all aspects except bodily pain. Using stepwise regression analysis, 46% of the variance in overall QL was explained with the SF‐36 scales vitality (Beta = 0.43) and mental health (Beta = 0.23) being the most important predictors.ConclusionsThe QL of these patients is seriously impaired. In this stage, not cancer‐site specific aspects but fatigue and emotions colour their lives. It is recommended to keep the waiting period brief. In addition, suggestions are offered by which physicians might help their patients in alleviating the distress. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;93:571–577. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.