bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Twisting the Th1/Th2 immune response via the retinoid X receptor: Lessons from a genetic approach
Authors: Spilianakis Charalampos G. , Lee Gap Ryol , Flavell Richard A. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe immune system is influenced by environmental factors such as hormones and nutrients. Previous studies have suggested that vitamins A and D influence the process of naive T helper (Th) cell differentiation into Th1 or Th2 cells. Vitamins A and D signal through the retinoid X receptor (RXR), which partners with either the retinoic acid receptor or the vitamin D receptor. Most previous studies into the role of RXR in Th differentiation have been performed in vitro and it was necessary for these to be verified in a physiological environment. However, in vivo study has been hindered since RXRα deficient mice are embryonic lethal. Du et al. in this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, overcome this obstacle using “pinkie” mice that harbor a hypomorphic mutation in the Rxrα gene. The authors report that the mutant mice have an exaggerated Th1 immune response which is attributed to the aberrant antigen‐presenting cell and CD4 T cell function. This study confirms previous studies indicating that RXR signaling plays an important role in Th cell differentiation and also provides a valuable tool with which to study the mechanisms and the in vivo functions of this signaling pathway.See accompanying article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/eji.200535366
Synthesis and the Effect of a Peripheral N‐Arylcarbazole Moiety on theAcid‐Base and DNA Binding Properties of a Novel RuII Complex
Authors: Lü Yuan‐Yuan , Gao Li‐Hua , Han Mei‐Jiao , Wang Ke‐Zhi 
Published: December 2005

AbstractA novel RuII complex of [Ru(bpy)2(cpipH)](ClO4)2 (where bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine, cpipH = 2‐[4‐(9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)phenyl]‐1H‐imidazol[4,5‐f][1,10]phenanthroline) was synthesized. The binding of the complex to calf thymus DNA was investigated with UV/Vis absorption and luminescence titrations, steady‐state emission quenching by [Fe(CN)6]4–, DNA competitive binding with ethidium bromide, and thermal denaturation. The pH effects on the UV/Vis absorption and emission spectra of the complex were also studied, and the ground‐ and excited‐state ionization constants were derived. The results indicated that the complex intercalatively bound to the DNA, with an intrinsic binding constant of (8.2 ± 0.8) × 105 M–1 in buffered 50 mM NaCl, is stronger than the parent complex, [Ru(bpy)2(pip)]2+ (pip = 2‐phenylimidazo[4,5‐f][1,10]phenanthroline), and its excited states are 0.7–0.8 pKa units more basic than those of the ground states. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Magnetic effect on the formation of longitudinal vortices in a rotating laminar boundary layer
Authors: Lin Ming‐Han 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThis paper presents a numerical study of magnetic effect on the formation of longitudinal vortices in a rotating laminar boundary layer. The criterion for the position marking the onset of longitudinal vortices is defined in this paper. The onset position characterized by the rotational Goertler number Gδ,rot, depends on the local rotation number, Reynolds number, the magnetic field parameter, the Prandtl number and the wave number. The results show that positive rotation destabilizes the flow. The flow is found to become more unstable to the vortex mode of instability as the value of magnetic field parameter M increases. The numerical data shows good agreement with the experimental results. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of primary health care services according to the different degrees of obesity in the Girona Health Region, Spain
Authors: Saez Marc , Saurina Carme , Coenders Germà , González‐Raya Sònia 
Published: December 2005

AbstractOur main hypothesis in this paper was that, once controlled for age and gender, the use of primary health care services of people in each of the groups defined by their degree of obesity (i.e. normal weight, overweight and obese) did not correspond to the need for care implied by the level of risk of the group he/she belonged to. This fact could reflect some inequity in the utilisation of such services. Using a survey of the general population from the Girona Health Region, Spain, carried out during the fourth quarter of 2002, we have found that: first, the probability of primary health care use decreased with income for GPs (until 1200€) and increased for specialists (from 1500€). Second, we could conclude by confirming our hypothesis, i.e. there was more probability of obese individuals using general practice care, public in particular, and less probability of them using specialists, private in particular, than the rest of individuals. Third, we conclude that the use of multilevel (also hierarchical or mixed) models could explain most of our original findings in this paper. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and drug release characteristics of pingyangmycin‐loaded dextran cross‐linked gelatin microspheres for embolization therapy
Authors: Wu Hong , Zhang Zhenxi , Wu Daocheng , Zhao Hongping , Yu Kaitao , Hou Zhenqing 
Published: December 2005

AbstractGelatin microspheres (GMs) containing Pingyangmycin hydrochloride were prepared for the interventional embolization by a double‐phase emulsified thermal gelation method using oxidized dextran (ox‐dex) as the cross‐linking agent. The average diameter of the microspheres was 82 μm with 74% ranging from 50–200 μm. Drug content and the characteristics of drug release in vitro and in vivo were evaluated using UV‐spectroscopy and HPLC, respectively. The prepared microspheres showed a rather high percentage of encapsulation ranging from 85 to 88% and drug content at 7.2%. The results of in vitro experiments showed that about 65.5% of the total amount of the encapsulated drug was released after 6 h at 37°C. Experiments conducted through artery perfusion and artery embolization in rabbits revealed that the local drug concentration was significantly higher than the systemic blood–drug concentration, with a high level of local drug concentration maintained for more than 120 min after artery embolization with the Pingyangmycin‐loaded ox‐dex‐GMs. The results indicated that the external carotid artery embolization with Pingyangmycin‐loaded ox‐dex‐GMs at reduced dosages prolonged the local drug concentration at a higher level, and could achieve the purpose of a localized targeting tumor therapy. Compared with other embolization materials, ox‐dex‐GMs are an excellent alternative interventional embolization material for the treatment of head and neck tumors. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
Augmentation of osteoporotic bone: Effect of pulsed jet‐lavage on injection forces, cement distribution, and push‐out strength of implants
Authors: Gisep A. , Curtis R. , Flütsch S. , Suhm N. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractDemographic change in the population leads to higher incidence of fragility fractures. Fracture fixation with standard implants may lead to implant cut‐out due to reduced purchase. Augmentation of the bone stock with bone cements might overcome this problem. However, cancellous bone infiltration with the viscous cement dough reveals problems of fat embolism or high pressures during application of the cement. This study investigates the improved quality of bovine cancellous bone augmentation when pulsed jet‐lavage is used for fat and marrow removal. Parameters such as injection forces, cement dough distribution through cannulated implants and mechanical strength of the fixation were applied for quantification. Injection of 5 mL of acrylic bone cement required significantly lower forces in the lavaged as compared to the untreated bone (50 N vs. >300 N). Cement distribution was much more homogeneous and push‐out forces significantly higher in the pretreated bone group (8.33 ± 1.41 kN vs. 1.66 ± 0.63 kN). The application of pulsed jet‐lavage for fat removal prior to acrylic cement augmentation led to much more controlled outcomes of the augmentation. This seems to be a relevant step towards safe and efficient injection of bone cements into cancellous bone structures. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
Protein kinase C can inhibit TRPC3 channels indirectly via stimulating protein kinase G
Authors: Kwan Hiu‐Yee , Huang Y , Yao Xiaoqiang 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThere are two known phosphorylation‐mediated inactivation mechanisms for TRPC3 channels. Protein kinase G (PKG) inactivates TRPC3 by direct phosphorylation on Thr‐11 and Ser‐263 of the TRPC3 proteins, and protein kinase C (PKC) inactivates TRPC3 by phosphorylation on Ser‐712. In the present study, we explored the relationship between these two inactivation mechanisms of TRPC3. HEK cells were first stably transfected with a PKG‐expressing construct and then transiently transfected with a TRPC3‐expressing construct. Addition of 1‐oleoyl‐2‐acetyl‐sn‐glycerol (OAG), a membrane‐permeant analog of diacylglycerol (DAG), elicited a TRPC3‐mediated [Ca2+]i rise in these cells. This OAG‐induced rise in [Ca2+]i could be inhibited by phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA), an agonist for PKC, in a dose‐dependent manner. Importantly, point mutations at two PKG phosphorylation sites (T11A‐S263Q) of TRPC3 markedly reduced the PMA inhibition. Furthermore, inhibition of PKG activity by KT5823 (1 µM) or H8 (10 µM) greatly reduced the PMA inhibition of TRPC3. These data strongly suggest that the inhibitory action of PKC on TRPC3 is partly mediated through PKG in these PKG‐overexpressing cells. The importance of this scheme was also tested in vascular endothelial cells, in which PKG plays a pivotal functional role. In these cells, OAG‐induced [Ca2+]i rise was inhibited by PMA, which activates PKC, and by 8‐BrcGMP and S‐nitroso‐N‐acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), both of which activate PKG. Importantly, the PMA inhibition on OAG‐induced [Ca2+]i rise was significantly reduced by PKG inhibitor KT5823 (1 µM) or DT‐3 (500 nM), suggesting an important role of PKG in the PMA‐induced inhibition of TRPC channels in native endothelial cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 207: 315–321, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anticandidal low molecular compounds from higher plants with special reference to compounds from essential oils
Authors: Pauli A. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe most active low molecular weight compounds from higher plants againstCandidaspecies are compiled from a database of antimicrobials (Amicbase) to find out new hints on their mechanism of action. The selected compounds possess strong inhibitory activitiesin vitroagainstCandidaspecies either in the agar diffusion test, bioautography, agar dilution test, serial dilution test, or activity in the vapour phase. The test conditions are listed thoroughly and aspects of the different methods and recent developments in the testing of anticandidal drugs are discussed. The anticandidal spectra of drugs, antiseptics, and disinfectants licensed on the major markets are given for comparision of activities with compounds from natural sources. So far known mechanisms of action are described and some new structure–activity relationships are deduced from relationships between biological activities and chemical and physical parameters. Main specific targets of natural anticandidals are the ergosterol pathway, respiratory chain, and chitin biosynthesis. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev
Prospective longitudinal evaluation of doxorubicin‐induced cardiomyopathy in sarcoma patients: A report of the late effects surveillance system (LESS)
Authors: Paulides M. , Kremers A. , Stöhr W. , Bielack S. , Jürgens H. , Treuner J. , Beck J.D. , Langer T. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackgroundProspective longitudinal examinations of anthracycline‐induced cardiomyopathy in a homogeneous cohort are rare in pediatric oncology. We herein report the results of observations on the frequency of cardiomyopathy in doxorubicin‐treated sarcoma patients in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.ProcedureThe Late Effects Surveillance System (LESS) prospectively collects longitudinal data on late sequelae of antineoplastic therapy in Ewing‐, soft tissue‐, and osteosarcoma patients treated within the therapy trial protocols of the German Society of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology. Two hundred sixty‐five relapse‐free patients who had received doxorubicin for the treatment within the EICESS‐92/EURO‐E.W.I.N.G.‐99, COSS‐96, and CWS‐96 therapy trials were serially examined by echocardiography. The analyzed population consisted of 142 males and 123 females. Their mean age at the end of therapy was 13 ± 5 years. The mean follow‐up time was 34 ± 12 months. The mean cumulative doxorubicin dose was 290 ± 91 mg/m2.ResultsIn this cohort, the total cumulative incidence of doxorubicin‐induced cardiomyopathy was 7.5%. Four patients (1.5%) suffered from a symptomatic cardiomyopathy and 16 (6%) from a subclinical cardiomyopathy. Cardiomyopathy manifested in 11 cases already under antineoplastic therapy and in the remaining nine cases at a median of 26 days (range: 17–174 days) after stopping antineoplastic therapy. Univariate and multivariable analysis did not confirm any of the known risk factors for developing anthracycline‐induced cardiomyopathy in our patient group within the described time interval.ConclusionsAfter a mean follow‐up of 34 ± 12 months, cumulative incidence of doxorubicin‐induced cardiomyopathy in our pediatric sarcoma patients was at the lower end of that reported by other groups. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2006, 46:489–495. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Features and outcome of neonatal leukemia in Japan: Experience of the Japan Infant Leukemia Study Group
Authors: Ishii Eiichi , Oda Megumi , Kinugawa Naoko , Oda Takanori , Takimoto Tetsuya , Suzuki Nobuhiro , Kosaka Yoshiyuki , Ohara Akira , Ogawa Atsushi , Ishii Mutsuo , Sakata Naoki , Okamura Takayuki , Koike Kenichi , Kojima Seiji , Horibe Keizo , Mizutani Shuki 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackgroundNeonatal leukemia characterized by early stem cell origin and extramedullary infiltration in the first 4 weeks of life is rare. We analyzed the features and outcome of neonatal leukemia in Japan to establish an appropriate treatment strategy for this rare disorder.ProcedurePatients with infant leukemia registered and treated in the Japan Infant Leukemia Study between 1996 and 2001 were analyzed.ResultsAmong 162 infant leukemia patients, 11 exhibited neonatal leukemia; frequencies for all infant leukemias were 6.9% (8/116) for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and 7.3% (3/41) for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Positive MLL gene rearrangement was observed in all eight patients with ALL; a single patient with AML displayed germline configuration. Acute monoblastic leukemia was apparent in all three patients with AML (M5a in the FAB classification). Most of the patients demonstrated hepatoplenomegaly and hyperleukocytosis at diagnosis. Cutaneous and central nervous system involvement were detected in half of the patients. Four patients (one with AML, and three with ALL) have survived following stem cell transplantation (SCT); however, growth impairment related to SCT was observed in these patients.ConclusionsThese results suggest an improvement attributable to treatment of neonatal leukemia. International‐based collaborative studies are necessary to investigate the biology of this condition and to establish appropriate therapeutic strategies. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2006;47:268–272. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multiple behavioral risk factors among adolescent survivors of childhood cancer in the Survivor Health and Resilience Education (SHARE) Program
Authors: Tercyak Kenneth P. , Donze Jessica R. , Prahlad Sowmya , Mosher Revonda B. , Shad Aziza T. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackgroundHealth‐compromising behaviors among survivors of childhood cancer may increase their risks of cancer recurrence and the onset of chronic disease in adulthood. Regardless of whether such behaviors occur singly or in combination with one another, multiple behavioral risk factors must be identified and addressed early to promote better health outcomes within this special population. Adolescent survivors may be especially vulnerable, as reported rates of smoking and other risky behaviors are at or near levels of their healthy peers. The psychological literature suggests stress may play a role in risk behavior initiation and maintenance, including multiple behavioral risks, and that adolescent survivors are stress‐prone. This report focuses on the prevalence and co‐occurrence of three behavioral risk factors (cigarette use, insufficient physical activity, and non‐adherence to sun protection recommendations) and describes stress‐health behavior relationships in this special population.ProcedureAll patients in this study (n = 75) were adolescent survivors of childhood cancer and completed a baseline assessment of their health behaviors and stress as part of a randomized controlled trial of health promotion.ResultsTwenty‐eight percent of the patients reported one of three risk factors, 12% reported two of three risk factors, and 7% reported all three risk factors. Non‐adherence to sun protection was the single most common risk factor; physical inactivity and non‐adherent sun protection were the most common co‐occurring risk factors. Greater age and stress were significantly associated with the presence of more behavioral risk factors.ConclusionsThe evidence suggests interventions to reduce multiple health‐compromising behaviors in these patients are warranted, and that efforts to address these patients' personal and family stress levels are important as well. Pediatric Blood Cancer 2006;47:825–830. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Favorable histology, MYCN‐amplified 4S neonatal neuroblastoma
Authors: Chan Edward L. , Harris Richard E. , Emery Kathleen H. , Gelfand Michael J. , Collins Margaret H. , Gruppo Ralph A. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractWe report a neonate with 4S neuroblastoma and MYCN amplification, but favorable Shimada histology, successfully treated with chemotherapy and 13‐cis‐retinoic acid without stem cell transplantation. MYCN amplification in neuroblastoma is usually associated with unfavorable Shimada histology; the presence of these features in infants with 4S disease confers a poor prognosis. A small number of infants with 4S neuroblastoma and MYCN amplification have favorable Shimada histology. In this subgroup of infants, histopathology may be equally important in predicting outcome. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Low incidence of sepsis due to viridans streptococci in a ten‐year retrospective study of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Brunet A.S. , Ploton C. , Galambrun C. , Pondarré C. , Pages M.P. , Bleyzac N. , Freydière A.M. , Barbé G. , Bertrand Y. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackgroundInfections remain an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and particularly viridans group streptococci (VGS) sepsis. The present study, conducted between 1993 and 2003 in children with AML, sought to assess the frequency and characteristics of infectious complications (ICs), the incidence of VGS sepsis, the interest of preventive decontamination, and a possible cytarabine dose‐effect on the occurrence of ICs.MethodsMedical charts of 78 children treated according to the EORTC 58921 clinical trial were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were isolated in laminar air flow rooms, received non‐absorbable gut decontamination, gum decontamination with vancomycin mouthwash, and trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxasole. ICs were categorized as microbiologically documented infections (MDI), clinically documented infections (CDI), or fever of unknown origin (FUO).ResultsOverall, 268 ICs occurred: 57.5% FUO, 8.5% CDI, and 34% MDI. Bloodstream infections occurred in 58 febrile episodes: Gram‐positive bacteria represented 83% of the pathogens including 66.1% Staphylococcus species and 8.5% Streptococcus species (6.8% VGS), Gram‐negative bacteria represented 13.5% of the pathogens and yeasts 3.5%. Five patients died of infection (6.4%). None died from bacterial infection and no case of VGS sepsis required intensive care. Invasive fungal infection was proven in four patients. Number of ICs was significantly different according to gum and gut decontamination status, and according to the cytarabine dose during the first intensification. No resistant strains were detected in spite of the use of local antibiotics.ConclusionThe low rate of VGS and enterobacteriaceae sepsis was probably due to the effective decontamination. Our supportive care strategy could potentially help enhance overall survival in children with AML. Pediatric Blood Cancer 2006;47:765–772. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Copolymerization of glycolide and trimethylene carbonate
Authors: Zurita Raül , Puiggalí Jordi , Franco Lourdes , Rodríguez‐Galán Alfonso 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe bulk ring‐opening copolymerization of glycolide with trimethylene carbonate was performed under different conditions. The influence of the composition, temperature, reaction time, and catalyst on the chain microstructure was studied by means of 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The final microstructure was found to be highly dependent on the transesterification reactions. The thermal behavior was sensitive to the composition and to the length of the glycolyl microblocks. Differential scanning calorimetry and X‐ray diffraction demonstrated that glycolyl‐rich sequences could give rise to a single crystalline phase, whereas trimethylene carbonyl units were incorporated into the amorphous phase. The synthesis of copolymers from the melt‐state transesterification of polyglycolide and poly(trimethylene carbonate) homopolymer mixtures was also studied. The hydrolytic degradation rate of the copolymers was found to depend on the microstructure and in general was enhanced with the degree of randomness. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 993–1013, 2006
Synthesis and characterization of ether derivatives of brominated poly(isobutylene‐co‐isoprene)
Authors: Guillén‐Castellanos Sergio A. , Parent J. Scott , Whitney Ralph A. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractVariations of the Williamson ether synthesis were employed to prepare a range of new derivatives of brominated poly(isobutylene‐co‐isoprene) (BIIR). Unambiguous characterization of the polymeric products was accomplished by spectroscopic comparisons to low‐molecular‐weight analogues derived from brominated 2,2,4,8,8‐pentamethyl‐4‐nonene, which served as a model for the reactive functionality found within BIIR. The substitution of bromide from BIIR occurred at moderate temperatures with stoichiometric amounts of quaternary ammonium phenoxide to yield O‐alkylation products in high yields. Simple mixtures of BIIR, KOH, and aliphatic alcohols generated the desired allylic ethers when heated above 110 °C in the absence of quaternary ammonium salts. Knowledge gained from these small‐molecule alkylations was used to prepare graft copolymers from BIIR and poly(ethylene oxide) through the exploitation of the apparent ability of polyethers to activate potassium alkoxides in nucleophilic substitutions. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 983–992, 2006