bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human rhomboid family-1 gene silencing causes apoptosis or autophagy to epithelial cancer cells and inhibits xenograft tumor growth
Authors: Yan Zhenwen , Zou Huafei , Tian Fang , Grandis Jennifer R. , Mixson A. James , Lu Patrick Y. , Li Lu-Yuan 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
The rhomboid family of genes carry out a wide range of important functions in a variety of organisms. Little is known, however, about the function of the human rhomboid family-1 gene (RHBDF1). We show here that RHBDF1 function is essential to epithelial cancer cell growth. RHBDF1 mRNA level is significantly elevated in clinical specimens of invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast, and the protein is readily detectable in human breast cancer or head and neck cancer cell lines. Silencing the RHBDF1 gene with short interfering RNA (siRNA) results in apoptosis in breast cancer MDA-MB-435 cells and autophagy in head and neck squamous cell cancer 1483 cells. The treatment also leads to significant down-modulation of activated AKT and extracellular signal-regulated kinase in the cells, suggesting that critically diminished strength of these growth signals may be the key attributes of the induction of cell death. Furthermore, silencing the RHBDF1 gene in MDA-MB-435 or 1483 xenograft tumors on athymic nude mice by using i.v. administered histidine-lysine polymer nanoparticle-encapsulated siRNA results in marked inhibition of tumor growth. Our findings indicate that RHBDF1 has a pivotal role in sustaining growth signals in epithelial cancer cells and thus may serve as a therapeutic target for treating epithelial cancers. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(6):1355–64]
Generation of adenovirus-mediated anti-CD20 antibody and its effect on B-cell deletion in mice and nonhuman primate cynomolgus monkey
Authors: Chen Jie , Su Changqing , Lu Qiujun , Shi Wenfang , Zhang Qi , Wang Xinghua , Long Ju , Yang Qin , Li Linfang , Jia Xiaoyuan , Wang Jianming , Da Wanming , Liu Xinyuan , Wu Mengchao , Qian Qijun 
Published: June 2008

AbstractTherapeutic monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody (Rituxan) is increasingly applied to treat B-cell-related hematologic malignancies and autoimmune disorders with great clinical success, whereas its widespread application is limited by antibody manufacturing capability. Here, we explored a quick and economical adenovirus-mediated anti-CD20 antibody generating system to directly produce anti-CD20 antibody in vivo. We generated a recombinant adenovirus encoding the anti-CD20 antibody gene and found that infection of cells with this recombinant adenovirus led to the generation of anti-CD20 antibody in cells with a similar CD20 binding affinity and specificity as commercial product Rituxan. After one single administration of the anti-CD20-expressing adenoviruses through tail vein at a dose of 1 × 109 plaque-forming units/mouse in nude mice, anti-CD20 antibody in the serum was detectable at day 3, reached to the peak value of 246.34 μg/mL at day 14, and maintained a high serum concentration of &gt;40 μg/mL for 56 days. Furthermore, the in vivo generation of anti-CD20 antibody led a complete elimination of preestablished B-cell lymphoma Raji cells in nude mice, and a single administration of the anti-CD20-expressing adenovirus at a dose of 2.0 × 109 plaque-forming units/kg in cynomolgus monkey led a continuous B-cell deletion in circulation blood and bone marrow. These observations thus suggest that adenovirus-mediated in vivo generation of anti-CD20 antibody may serve as a new strategy to combat B-cell-related hematologic disorders. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(6):1562–8]
Spectral UV Measurements of Global Irradiance, Solar Radiance, and Actinic Flux in New Zealand: Intercomparison between Instruments and Model Calculations
Authors: Blumthaler Mario , Schallhart Barbara , Schwarzmann Michael , McKenzie Richard , Johnston Paul , Kotkamp Michael , Shiona Hisako 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Presented here are the results of a short but intense measurement campaign at Lauder, New Zealand, in which spectral irradiance from instruments operated by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) and Austria/Innsbruck (ATI) were traced to different irradiance standards and compared. The observed spectral differences for global irradiance were relatively small (&lt;5%) and were consistent with those expected from observed differences in the radiation standards used by each group. Actinic fluxes measured by both groups were also intercompared and found to agree at the 10% level. The ATI instrument had the additional capability of measuring solar direct beam irradiance and sky radiances. These provided the first series of sky radiance measurements at this pristine Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC) site. The polarization of sky radiance results were compared with estimates from a radiative transfer model without any aerosols and was found to be up to 25% smaller. Total ozone values derived from Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS), Dobson measurements by NIWA, spectral direct sun measurements by ATI, and spectral global irradiance measurements by NIWA agreed generally within 2%–3%.
Distributions of Envelope and Phase in Wind Waves
Authors: Tayfun M. Aziz 
Published: June 2008

AbstractA theoretical expression derived previously for describing the joint distribution of the envelope and phase of second-order nonlinear waves is verified with wind wave measurements gathered in the North Sea. The same distribution is explored further to obtain the marginal and conditional distributions of wave envelopes and phases. The nature and implications of these are examined, with emphasis on the occurrence of large waves and associated phases. It is shown that the wave phase distribution assumes two distinct forms depending on whether envelope heights exceed the significant envelope height. For envelope heights sufficiently larger than this threshold, the wave phase distribution approaches a simple limit form, indicating that large surface displacements can occur only above the mean sea level. Comparisons with the North Sea data confirm these theoretical results and indicate that large surface displacements and thus large waves result from the random superposition of elementary spectral components enhanced by second-order nonlinear interactions. Further, large waves with higher and sharper crests do not display any secondary maxima or minima. They appear more regular or “narrow banded” than relatively low waves, and their heights and crests do not violate the Miche–Stokes-type upper limits. The results also suggest that third-order nonlinearities do not affect the surface statistics in any discernable way.
Verification of imatinib cost-effectiveness in advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumor in British Columbia (VINCE-BC study)
Authors: Mabasa Vincent H , Taylor Suzanne CM , Chu Christina CY , Moravan Veronika , Johnston Karissa , Peacock Stuart , Knowling Meg 
Published: June 2008

Background. This cost-effectiveness analysis of imatinib in British Columbia Cancer Agency (BCCA) patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) was performed to justify funding. Patients and Methods. A pragmatic, retrospective review identified BCCA patients with advanced GIST who received imatinib or historical treatment during successive, pre-specified time periods. Primary outcome was the cost-effectiveness (CE) of imatinib based on median overall survival (MOS). Secondary outcomes were cost-effectiveness based on median progression-free survival (PFS) and comparison to literature efficacy. This study took the BCCA perspective. Sensitivity analyses varying effectiveness over the 95% confidence interval (CI), cost to its extremes, discounting level at 0, 3, and 5%, and substituting life expectancy for MOS were performed. Results. Forty-six and 47 patients in the imatinib and historical groups respectively showed MOS with imatinib to be 66.7 months (95%CI 61.7— infinity) compared to 7.7 (95%CI 6.0—12.6) in the historical group. Median-PFS were 45.3 months (95%CI 24.4—infinity) and 5.6 (95%CI 3.5—8.5) respectively. Imatinib effectiveness was similar to literature reports. The annual incremental CE ratio for imatinib was $15,882 CDN per median life year gained and $23,603 CDN per median year of PFS. Conclusions. Imatinib for advanced GIST seems cost-effective in BC. Results were robust across a range of sensitivity analyses. J Oncol Pharm Practice (2008) 14: 105—112.
Highly plastic genome of Microcystis aeruginosa PCC 7806, a ubiquitous toxic freshwater cyanobacterium
Authors: Frangeul Lionel , Quillardet Philippe , Castets Anne-Marie , Humbert Jean-François , Matthijs Hans CP , Cortez Diego , Tolonen Andrew , Zhang Cheng-Cai , Gribaldo Simonetta , Kehr Jan-Christoph , Zilliges Yvonne , Ziemert Nadine , Becker Sven , Talla Emmanuel , Latifi Amel , Billault Alain , Lepelletier Anthony , Dittmann Elke , Bouchier Christiane , Tandeau de Marsac Nicole 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe colonial cyanobacteriumMicrocystisproliferates in a wide range of freshwater ecosystems and is exposed to changing environmental factors during its life cycle.Microcystisblooms are often toxic, potentially fatal to animals and humans, and may cause environmental problems. There has been little investigation of the genomics of these cyanobacteria.ResultsDeciphering the 5,172,804 bp sequence ofMicrocystis aeruginosaPCC 7806 has revealed the high plasticity of its genome: 11.7% DNA repeats containing more than 1,000 bases, 6.8% putative transposases and 21 putative restriction enzymes. Compared to the genomes of other cyanobacterial lineages, strain PCC 7806 contains a large number of atypical genes that may have been acquired by lateral transfers. Metabolic pathways, such as fermentation and a methionine salvage pathway, have been identified, as have genes for programmed cell death that may be related to the rapid disappearance ofMicrocystisblooms in nature. Analysis of the PCC 7806 genome also reveals striking novel biosynthetic features that might help to elucidate the ecological impact of secondary metabolites and lead to the discovery of novel metabolites for new biotechnological applications.M. aeruginosaand other large cyanobacterial genomes exhibit a rapid loss of synteny in contrast to other microbial genomes.ConclusionMicrocystis aeruginosaPCC 7806 appears to have adopted an evolutionary strategy relying on unusual genome plasticity to adapt to eutrophic freshwater ecosystems, a property shared by another strain ofM. aeruginosa(NIES-843). Comparisons of the genomes of PCC 7806 and other cyanobacterial strains indicate that a similar strategy may have also been used by the marine strainCrocosphaera watsoniiWH8501 to adapt to other ecological niches, such as oligotrophic open oceans.
Cervix carcinoma is associated with an up-regulation and nuclear localization of the dual-specificity protein phosphatase VHR
Authors: Henkens Rachel , Delvenne Philippe , Arafa Mohammad , Moutschen Michel , Zeddou Mustapha , Tautz Lutz , Boniver Jacques , Mustelin Tomas , Rahmouni Souad 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Background
The 21-kDa Vaccinia virus VH1-related (VHR) dual-specific protein phosphatase (encoded by the DUSP3 gene) plays a critical role in cell cycle progression and is itself regulated during the cell cycle. We have previously demonstrated using RNA interference that cells lacking VHR arrest in the G1 and G2 phases of the cell cycle and show signs of beginning of cell senescence.

Methods
In this report, we evaluated successfully the expression levels of VHR protein in 62 hysterectomy or conization specimens showing the various (pre) neoplastic cervical epithelial lesions and 35 additional cases of hysterectomy performed for non-cervical pathologies, from patients under 50 years of age. We used a tissue microarray and IHC technique to evaluate the expression of the VHR phosphatase. Immunofluorescence staining under confocal microscopy, Western blotting and RT-PCR methods were used to investigate the localization and expression levels of VHR.

Results
We report that VHR is upregulated in (pre) neoplastic lesions (squamous intraepithelial lesions; SILs) of the uterine cervix mainly in high grade SIL (H-SIL) compared to normal exocervix. In the invasive cancer, VHR is also highly expressed with nuclear localization in the majority of cells compared to normal tissue where VHR is always in the cytoplasm. We also report that this phosphatase is highly expressed in several cervix cancer cell lines such as HeLa, SiHa, CaSki, C33 and HT3 compared to primary keratinocytes. The immunofluorescence technique under confocal microscopy shows that VHR has a cytoplasmic localization in primary keratinocytes, while it localizes in both cytoplasm and nucleus of the cancer cell lines investigated. We report that the up-regulation of this phosphatase is mainly due to its post-translational stabilization in the cancer cell lines compared to primary keratinocytes rather than increases in the transcription of DUSP3 locus.

Conclusion
These results together suggest that VHR can be considered as a new marker for cancer progression in cervix carcinoma and potential new target for anticancer therapy.
Validation of a questionnaire measuring the regulation of autonomic function
Authors: Kröz M , Feder G , von Laue HB , Zerm R , Reif M , Girke M , Matthes H , Gutenbrunner C , Heckmann C 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Background
To broaden the range of outcomes that we can measure for patients undergoing treatment for oncological and other chronic conditions, we aimed to validate a questionnaire measuring self-reported autonomic regulation (aR), i.e. to characterise a subject's autonomic functioning by questions on sleeping and waking, vertigo, morningness-eveningness, thermoregulation, perspiration, bowel movements and digestion.

Methods
We administered the questionnaire to 440 participants (♀: N = 316, ♂: N = 124): 95 patients with breast cancer, 49 with colorectal cancer, 60 with diabetes mellitus, 39 with coronary heart disease, 28 with rheumatological conditions, 32 with Hashimoto's disease, 22 with multiple morbidities and 115 healthy people. We administered the questionnaire a second time to 50.2% of the participants. External convergence criteria included the German version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-D), a short questionnaire on morningness-eveningness, the Herdecke Quality of Life Questionnaire (HLQ) and a short version questionnaire on self-regulation.

Results
A principal component analysis yielded a three dimensional 18-item inventory of aR. The subscales orthostatic-circulatory, rest/activity and digestive regulation had internal consistency (Cronbach-α: rα = 0.65 – 0.75) and test-retest reliability (rrt = 0.70 – 85). AR was negatively associated with anxiety, depression, and dysmenorrhoea but positively correlated to HLQ, self-regulation and in part to morningness (except digestive aR) (0.49 – 0.13, all p < 0.05).

Conclusion
An internal validation of the long-version scale of aR yielded consistent relationships with health versus illness, quality of life and personality. Further studies are required to clarify the issues of external validity, clinical and physiological relevance.
Seasonal and Diel Movements of White Sturgeon in the Lower Columbia River
Authors: Parsley Michael J. , Popoff Nicholas D. , Wright Corey D. , van der Leeuw Bjorn K. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractContinuous monitoring of the movements and depths used by white sturgeon Acipenser transmontanus with acoustic telemetry technologies in the lower Columbia River provided information on diel and seasonal migrations, local movements, and site fidelity. White sturgeon moved to shallower water at night and showed greater activity, inferred from rates of movement, than during daytime. The extent of local movement within a season was variable among fish; some fish readily moved among habitats while the movements of others were more constrained. White sturgeon were absent from the study area (river kilometers 45‐52) during winter and returned from upstream during the spring, confirming an upstream seasonal migration in the fall and downstream migration in spring. The return of individual fish and reoccupation of areas previously inhabited showed that some white sturgeon exhibit site fidelity. This work shows that studies seeking to characterize habitat for white sturgeon need to be cognizant of diel migrations and site fidelity. We urge caution in the use of limited fish location data to describe habitats if diel activities and fine‐scale movements are not known.
Metal distribution and metallothionein induction after cadmium exposure in the terrestrial snail Helix aspersa (Gastropoda, Pulmonata)
Authors: Hispard Florian , Schuler Dietmar , de Vaufleury Annette , Scheifler Renaud , Badot Pierre-Marie , Dallinger Reinhard 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
The aim of the present work was to study the effect of Cd2+ exposure on metallothionein (MT) induction and on the distribution of metals (Cd, Cu, and Zn) in the terrestrial pulmonate Helix aspersa. In particular, the soluble and nonsoluble pools of the accumulated metals and their tissue distribution in uncontaminated and contaminated edible snails were investigated after a two-week exposure to Cd2+. In the soluble cytosolic pool of the midgut gland of H. aspersa, three metal-specific putative MT isoforms were separated following a fractionation protocol with diethylaminoethyl cellulose, size-exclusion chromatography, ultrafiltration, and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Interestingly, one of the above isoforms seems to bind both Cd and Cu, which may in addition mobilize, after induction by Cd2+, some of the intracellular Cu and, thus, perhaps increase the Cu pool in the cytosolic fraction. The cDNA and its translated amino acid sequence of a Cd2+-binding MT isoform from the snail midgut gland was characterized and attributed to one of the putative MT isoforms obtained by RP-HPLC. The amino acid sequence of this Cd-MT isoform of H. aspersa differed from similar sequences described in other terrestrial pulmonates, such as Helix pomatia or Arianta arbustorum, by only a few amino acids (n = 4 and 8, respectively). That the identified Cd-MT from H. aspersa is inducible by Cd2+ also was shown, chromatographic evidence aside, by a specific polymerase chain reaction protocol on a cDNA basis, which included a noninducible housekeeping gene as a control.
Influence of Abutment Connections and Plaque Control on the Initial Healing of Prematurely Exposed Implants: An Experimental Study in Dogs
Authors: Jeong Seung‐Mi , Choi Byung‐Ho , Li Jingxu , Kim Han‐Sung , Ko Chang‐Yong , Lee Seoung‐Ho 
Published: June 2008

Background: Spontaneous early implant exposure is believed to be harmful, resulting in early crestal bone loss around submerged implants. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of abutment connections and plaque control on the initial healing of prematurely exposed implants in the canine mandible.Methods: Bilateral, edentulated, flat alveolar ridges were created in the mandible of 10 mongrel dogs. After 3 months of healing, two implants were placed on each side of the mandible following a commonly used two‐stage surgical protocol. Implants on each side were randomly assigned to one of two procedures: 1) connection of a cover screw to the implant and removal of the gingiva to expose the cover screw; and 2) connection of a healing abutment to the implant so that the coronal portion of the abutment remained exposed to the oral cavity. In five dogs (plaque control group), meticulous plaque control was performed. In the other five dogs (no plaque control group), plaque was allowed to accumulate. At 8 weeks post‐implantation, microcomputed tomography was performed at the implantation site to measure bone height in the peri‐implant bone.Results: The plaque control group had greater vertical alveolar ridge height (9.7 ± 0.5 mm) than the group without plaque control (7.4 ± 0.7 mm; P <0.05). In the plaque control group, the average bone height was greater with the abutment‐connected implant (10.1 ± 0.5 mm) than with the partially exposed implant (9.3 ± 0.5 mm; P <0.05). In the group without plaque control, the average bone height was greater with the partially exposed implant (8.2 ± 0.6 mm) than with the abutment‐connected implant (6.5 ± 0.7 mm; P <0.05).Conclusion: These results suggest that the placement of healing abutments and meticulous plaque control may limit bone loss around submerged implants when implants are partially exposed.
In Vivo Effect of Photodynamic Therapy on Periodontal Bone Loss in Dental Furcations
Authors: de Almeida Juliano Milanezi , Theodoro Leticia Helena , Bosco Alvaro Francisco , Nagata Maria José Hitomi , Oshiiwa Marie , Garcia Valdir Gouveia 
Published: June 2008

Background: The purpose of this study was to histometrically evaluate the influence of photodynamic therapy on bone loss in furcation areas in rats with experimentally induced periodontal disease.Methods: Ligatures were placed on the first mandibular molar in rats. Then the animals were divided into four groups: control group = no treatment; methylene blue group (MB) = treated topically with methylene blue (100 μg/ml); laser group (LLLT) = treated with low‐level laser therapy; and photodynamic therapy group (PDT) = treated topically with MB followed by LLLT (4.5 J/cm2). Rats from all groups were sacrificed at 7, 15, or 30 days postoperatively. The area of bone loss in the furcation region of the first molar was histometrically analyzed. Data were analyzed statistically (analysis of variance and Bonferroni tests; P <0.05).Results: The PDT group demonstrated less bone loss compared to the other groups at 7 days (1.986 ± 0.417 mm2); at 15 days, the PDT (1.641 ± 0.115 mm2) and MB groups (1.991 ± 0.294 mm2) demonstrated less bone loss compared to the control (4.062 ± 0.416 mm2) and LLLT (2.641 ± 0.849 mm2) groups.Conclusion: Within the parameters used in this study, PDT may be an effective alternative for control of bone loss in furcation areas in periodontitis.
A Morphometric and Histopathologic Evaluation of the Effects of Propolis on Alveolar Bone Loss in Experimental Periodontitis in Rats
Authors: Toker Hulya , Ozan Fatih , Ozer Hatice , Ozdemir Hakan , Eren Kaya , Yeler Hasan 
Published: June 2008

Background: Propolis collected by honeybees from various plant sources is a resinous hive product possessing a broad spectrum of biologic activities. Propolis has been used extensively in the diet to improve health and prevent disease. The purpose of this study was to analyze the morphometric and histopathologic changes associated with experimental periodontitis in rats in response to the systemic administration of propolis.Methods: Forty Wistar rats were divided into four experimental groups: non‐ligated (NL; N = 10); ligature only (LO; N = 10); and systemic administration of ligature and propolis (100 mg/kg body weight per day [Pro100; N = 10] or 200 mg/kg body weight per day [Pro200; N = 10]). Silk ligatures were placed at the gingival margin of the lower first molars in both mandibular quadrants. The study duration was 11 days, and the animals were sacrificed at the end of this period. Changes in alveolar bone levels were clinically measured, and tissues were histopathologically examined to assess the differences among the study groups.Results: At the end of 11 days, alveolar bone loss was significantly higher in the LO group compared to the NL, Pro100, and Pro200 groups (P <0.05). Osteoclast numbers in the LO group were significantly higher than those of the NL, Pro100, and Pro200 groups (P <0.05). Both dosages of propolis significantly reduced the periodontitis‐related bone loss, but the differences between the two propolis groups were not statistically significant (P >0.05).Conclusion: The findings of this study provide morphologic and histologic evidence that propolis, when administered systemically, prevents alveolar bone loss in the rat model.