bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HOXC6 and HOXC11 increase transcription of S100β gene in BrdU‐induced in vitro differentiation of GOTO neuroblastoma cells into Schwannian cells
Authors: Zhang Xiuru , Hamada Jun‐ichi , Nishimoto Arata , Takahashi Yoko , Murai Taichi , Tada Mitsuhiro , Moriuchi Tetsuya 
Published: May 2007

AbstractHOX genes encode transcription factors that play a key role in morphogenesis and cell differentiation during embryogenesis of animals. Human neuroblastoma cells are known to be chemically induced to differentiate into neuronal or Schwannian cells. In the present study, we investigated the roles of HOX genes in differentiation of GOTO neuroblastoma cells into Schwannian cells.When GOTO cells were grown in the presence of 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU), they increased the expressions of two HOX genes (HOXC6 and HOXC11) and marker genes for Schwannian cells (S100β and myelin basic protein). Forced expression of HOXC11 alone or both HOXC6 isoform 1 and HOXC11 induced the expression of S100β in GOTO cells. In transient transfection experiments, the overexpression of HOXC6 and HOXC11 transactivated the S100β promoter‐reporter construct. Taken together, our results suggest that HOXC6 and HOXC11 are associated with differentiation of GOTO cells into Schwannian cells through the transcriptional activation of S100β gene.
Structural genomics and drug discovery
Authors: Lundstrom K. 
Published: May 2007

Background to drug discovery
Structure determination and drug discovery
Expression systems
Protein purification
Structure determination
Conclusions and future prospects

AbstractStructure determination has already proven useful for lead optimization and direct drug design. The number of high‐resolution structures available in public databases today exceeds 30,000 and will definitely aid in structure‐based drug design. Structural genomics approaches covering whole genomes, topologically similar proteins or gene families are great assets for further progress in the development of new drugs. However, membrane proteins representing 70% of current drug targets are poorly characterized structurally. The problems have been related to difficulties in obtaining large amount of recombinant membrane proteins as well as their purification and structure determination. Structural genomics has proven successful in developing new methods in areas from expression to structure determination by studying a large number of target proteins in parallel.
Pathogenesis of colorectal carcinoma and therapeutic implications: the roles of the ubiquitin–proteasome system and Cox‐2
Authors: Voutsadakis Ioannis A. 
Published: May 2007

Introduction
APC and the Wnt pathway
K‐ras initiated pathways
The TGF‐β pathway
P53 and its functional regulation and dysregulation in colorectal cancer
The ubiquitin‐proteasome system (UPS)
The ubiquitin‐proteasome system in apoptosis and the cell cycle
Proteasome inhibition in colorectal carcinoma
Cox‐2 in colorectal cancer
Cox‐2 and lipid metabolism in colorectal cancer
Cox‐independent anti‐carcinogenic effects of Cox inhibitors
Combined Cox and proteasome inhibition in colorectal cancer

AbstractPathways of the molecular pathogenesis of colorectal carcinoma have been extensively studied and molecular lesions during the development of the disease have been revealed. High up in the list of colorectal cancer lesions are APC (adenomatous polyposis coli), K‐ras, Smad4 (or DPC4‐deleted in pancreatic cancer 4) and p53 genes. All these molecules are part of important pathways for the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis and as a result perturbation of these processes lead to carcinogenesis. The ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) is comprised of a multi‐unit cellular protease system that regulates several dozens of cell proteins after their ligation with the protein ubiquitin. Given that among these proteins are regulators of the cell cycle, apoptosis, angiogenesis, adhesion and cell signalling, this system plays a significant role in cell fate and carcinogenesis. UPS inhibition has been found to be a pre‐requisite for apoptosis and is already clinically exploited with the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib in multiple myeloma. Cyclooxygenase‐2 (Cox‐2) is the inducible form of the enzyme that metabolizes the lipid arachidonic acid to prostaglandin H2, the first step of prostaglandins production. This enzyme is up‐regulated in colorectal cancer and in several other cancers. Inhibition of Cox‐2 by aspirin and other non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has been found to inhibit proliferation of colorectal cancer cells and in epidemiologic studies has been shown to reduce colon polyp formation in genetically predisposed populations and in the general population. NSAIDs have also Cox‐independent anti‐proliferative effects. Targeted therapies, the result of increasingly understanding carcinogenesis in the molecular level, have entered the field of anti‐neoplastic treatment and are used by themselves and in combination with chemotherapy drugs. Combinations of targeted drugs have started also to be investigated. This article reviews the molecular pathogenesis of colorectal cancer, the roles of UPS and Cox‐2 in it and puts forward a rational for their combined inhibition in colorectal cancer treatment.
Protective Effect of Protopine on the Focal Cerebral Ischaemic Injury in Rats
Authors: Xiao Xianghua , Liu Juntian , Hu Jingwen , Li Tianxia , Zhang Yuanhui 
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Protopine, an isoquinoline alkaloidis, is known to produce many effects such as vasodilation, down‐regulation of glutamate levels in brain and decrease of intracellular calcium. However, so far there is no report on the effect of protopine in cerebral ischaemia. In this study, the effect of protopine on the focal cerebral ischaemia was investigated in rats. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into five groups: sham‐operated group, vehicle‐treated group and three doses of protopine‐treated groups (0.98, 1.96 and 3.92 mg/kg). Protopine was intraperitoneally administered to rats once daily for 3 days prior to the ischaemia and 0.9% normal saline to rats in the vehicle‐treated group in the same pattern. Rats in the sham‐operated group were given 0.9% normal saline without the ischaemia. The focal cerebral ischaemia was induced by the middle cerebral artery occlusion for 24 hr via the intraluminal filament technique. The results showed that pre‐treatment with protopine reduced the cerebral infarction ratio and serum lactate dehydrogenase activity, and improved the ischaemia‐induced neurological deficit score and histological changes of brain in a dose‐dependent manner. The further studies demonstrated that protopine increased superoxide dismutase activity in serum, and decreased total calcium and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL)‐positive cells in the ischaemic brain tissue in the middle cerebral artery occlusion rats. The results indicate that protopine is able to produce an effective protection on the injury caused by the focal cerebral ischaemia in rats possibly through the multiple effects of calcium antagonism, antioxidation and depression of cell apoptosis.
Penile Rehabilitation After Radical Prostatectomy: Where Do We Stand and Where are We Going?
Authors: Wang Run 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Postprostatectomy erectile dysfunction (ED) remains a serious quality-of-life issue. Recent advances in the understanding of the mechanism of postprostatectomy ED have stimulated great attention toward penile rehabilitation.

Aim
This review presents and analyzes a contemporary series of the recent medical literature pertaining to penile rehabilitation therapy after radical prostatectomy (RP).

Main Outcome Measures
The laboratory and clinical studies related to penile rehabilitation are analyzed. The validity of the methodology and the conclusion of the findings from each study are determined.

Methods
The published and presented reports dealing with penile rehabilitation following RP in human and cavernous nerve injury in animal models are reviewed.

Results
Exciting scientific discoveries have improved our understanding of postprostatectomy ED at the molecular level. The rationale for postprostatectomy penile rehabilitation appears to be logical according to animal studies. However, clinical studies have not consistently replicated the beneficial effects found in the laboratory studies. Currently available clinical studies are flawed due to short-term follow-up, small number of patients in the studies, studies with retrospective nature, or prospective studies without control. Rehabilitation programs are also facing a challenge with the compliance, which is critical for success for any rehabilitation program. At the present time, we do not have concrete evidence to recommend what, when, how long, and how often a particular penile rehabilitative therapy can be used effectively.

Conclusions
Large prospective, multicentered, placebo-controlled trials with adequate follow-up are necessary to determine the cost-effective and therapeutic benefits of particular penile rehabilitative therapy or therapies in patients following the treatment of clinically localized prostate cancer. Until such evidence is available, it is difficult to recommend any particular penile rehabilitation program as a standard of practice.
Heart insufficiency in traumatic arteriovenous fistulas
Authors: Ilijevski Nenad , Otasevic Petar , Milosavljevic Bratislav , Jovovic Ljiljana , Sagic Dragan , Radak Djordje 
Published: May 2007

Objective:  To analyse the incidence, clinical presentation, and outcome of heart insufficiency in patients with chronic arteriovenous fistulas (AVF).Methodology:  From 1991 to 2000 we treated 49 patients with traumatic AVF. The present study included 19 patients with AVF present for 6 months or longer, as it was presumed that these AVF will have an impact on cardiac overload. There were 16 male and three female patients with a mean age of 36 years (17–59). The time from injury to admission varied from 6 months to 33 years. Cardiological examination checked for dyspnoea and palpitation. ECG, chest X‐ray and ECHO‐cardiography were also performed. All AVF were deleted, magistral vessels reconstructed, non‐magistral obliterated, either surgically or by percutaneous embolization.Results:  Mean follow up was 44.2 months (3–93). Serious heart insufficiency was seen in two patients only, with AVF in the subclavial vessels. Both suffered from serious heart disease prior to the therapeutic procedures that resulted in iatrogenic AVF, so it was difficult to connect heart insufficiency to the AVF alone. Despite surgical closure of AVF and intensive medical treatment, signs of heart insufficiency remained in both patients. Signs of cardiac overload were seen in six patients with long‐standing AVF in major vessels. Except for one patient who refused surgical closure of femoral AVF, the remaining five were symptom free for cardiac overload during the follow‐up period.Conclusion:  In our series, heart insufficiency was an infrequent complication in long‐standing AVF, even when major vessels were involved.
6 PROSPECTIVE SERIES OF ENDO‐ULTRASONOGRAPHY WITH MINIPROBE STAGING FOR EARLY COLORECTAL TUMOUR
Authors: Day W. , Lau P.Y.Y. , Meng W.C.S. , Yip A.W.C. 
Published: May 2007

Background:  Endo‐ultrasonography (EUS) with miniprobe ultrasound provides another means of preoperative staging of colorectal tumour. Unlike rigid transrectal ultrasonography, the miniprobe examines the tumour in its natural anatomy without direct contact and compression onto the index tumour. Second, it can reach lesions beyond the rectum. Furthermore, it can serve as a complementary investigation along with our usual colonoscopy.Aim:  To examine the accuracy of EUS with miniprobe in the staging of early colorectal tumour.Methods:  Patients’ early sessile colorectal tumours were assessed preoperatively with EUS and miniprobe. The ultrasonographic tumour staging (uTx) of lesions was correlated with pathological staging (pTx).Results:  Between June 2005 and November 2006, 17 patients with early sessile colorectal lesions were examined. The lesion was located in the rectum in 12 patients. The mean polyp size for uT0 lesion was 2.4 cm and the overall accuracy for uT0 staging was 92%.Conclusions:  Endo‐ultrasonography with miniprobe is accurate in preoperative T‐staging in early sessile colorectal tumours.
7 PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG HONG KONG CHINESE PATIENTS WITH RECTAL CANCER UNDERGOING CURATIVE LAPAROSCOPIC RESECTION
Authors: Leung W.W. , Ng S.S.M. , Lee J.F.Y. 
Published: May 2007

Aim:  This study aimed to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) among Hong Kong Chinese patients with rectal cancer undergoing curative laparoscopic resection.Methods:  Consecutive patients with rectal cancer undergoing curative laparoscopic resection were recruited into this prospective study. Their QoL was assessed using the validated Chinese version of two specific questionnaires (QLQ‐C30 and QLQ‐CR38) developed by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer; these were completed before surgery and at 4, 8, and 12 months after surgery. The preoperative and postoperative QoL scores were compared, and potential factors affecting the QoL were analysed.Results:  Forty‐six patients (32 male) recruited between September 2005 and March 2006 had completed the 8th‐month questionnaires. Longitudinally, there were no significant differences between the preoperative QoL and the QoL at 4 and 8 months after surgery. However, patients who underwent abdominoperineal resection had significantly worse QoL than patients who underwent sphincter‐saving surgery at 4 months (P = 0.012) and 8 months (P = 0.032). Patients who received adjuvant therapy had worse role functioning (P = 0.004) and cognitive functioning (P = 0.031) than patients who had no adjuvant therapy at 4 months onward until 8 months after surgery. Young patients (age < 65) had significantly better postoperative QoL (P = 0.015) and emotional functioning (P = 0.03) than older patients.Conclusions:  Although there are no major differences between the overall preoperative and postoperative QoL scores among Hong Kong Chinese patients with rectal cancer undergoing curative laparoscopic resection, factors such as old age, abdominoperineal resection, and adjuvant therapy can adversely affect the postoperative QoL.
8 LAPAROSCOPIC REVERSAL OF HARTMANN'S PROCEDURE: REPORT OF AN INITIAL EXPERIENCE
Authors: Wong H.H. , Cheung H.Y.S. , Wong J.C.H. , Yau K.K. , Chung C.C. , Li M.K.W. 
Published: May 2007

Background:  Restoration of bowel continuity after Hartmann's procedure is a major surgical undertaking which usually requires a long midline laparotomy. It carries significant morbidities including high risks of wound infection and incisional hernia. For this reason, we would like to review the results of laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann's procedure performed in our department.Methods:  During the study period we have performed four consecutive cases of laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann's operation. Data regarding demographic and clinical characteristics, surgical details, and postoperative course were recorded prospectively. Operative time, conversion, surgical complications and hospital stay were assessed.Results:  The median operating time was 90 min and median blood loss was 30 mL. The median time for ambulation was 4 days while that for discharge was 9 days. There was one case of anastomotic bleeding. No conversion and wound‐related complications occurred. No bowel incontinence was noticed postoperatively.Conclusion:  Laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann's operation is technically feasible and safe. It allows patients with previous Hartmann's operation to enjoy the benefits of minimally invasive surgery.
Rapid He ii→He i recombination and radiation arising from this process
Authors: Kholupenko E. E. , Ivanchik A. V. , Varshalovich D. A. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
Recombination of the primordial helium plasma (He ii → He i, z≃ 1500–3000) is considered. This process has an effect on the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMBR) anisotropy and CMBR spectrum distortion. In this work the influence of neutral hydrogen on the kinetics of He ii → He i recombination is investigated in the framework of the standard cosmological model. It is shown that a small amount of neutral hydrogen (a fraction 10−5–10−2 of the total number of hydrogen ions and atoms) leads to the acceleration of He ii → He i recombination at z≲ 2000, and at z≲ 1600 quasi-equilibrium He ii → He i recombination (according to the Saha formula) becomes valid.
Estimation of Recharge from Floods in Disconnected Stream‐Aquifer Systems
Authors: Vázquez‐Suñé E. , Capino B. , Abarca E. , Carrera J. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractStream‐aquifer interaction has been the subject of much research for cases of good hydraulic connection (continuous saturated zone) between a river and an aquifer. Under these conditions, floods do not represent a very large net input to the aquifer because most of the water that enters the aquifer during the flood returns to the river when its stage recedes. The situation is different in disconnected stream‐aquifer systems, where the streambed lies above the water level in the aquifer, thus preventing return flow from the aquifer. Under these conditions, floods may represent large, but hard to quantify, water inputs. Here, we present a methodology to estimate recharge from floods for disconnected stream‐aquifer systems. Recharge is estimated as the product of a flood time function (dependent on the streamflow) and an unknown factor, which is obtained from calibrating a ground water flow model to aquifer heads. The approach can also benefit from concentration data, which can be very informative when river water concentrations vary over time. This methodology is applied to a field situation where recharge from river flooding is found to amount to nearly 15 million m3/year on the average, which represents 40% of the total aquifer inputs. Recharge from flooding helps explain major head recoveries, suggesting that basin water management programs should allow some floods to occur.
Dynamics and Stable Isotope Composition of Gaseous and Dissolved Oxygen
Authors: Wassenaar L. I. , Hendry M. J. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe vadose zone and ground water environments are a sink for atmospheric O2. The pathways and rates of O2 consumption are primarily related to the availability and rate of oxidation of key reductants (e.g., organics, sulfides), through a combination of biological or abiotic reactions. The range in δ18O of O2 in the subsurface is large, from +20‰ to +39‰ (Vienna Standard Mean Ocean Water) in the vadose zone and from +12‰ to +46‰ in ground water. The aggregated O2 isotope fractionation by consumption (αk) was found to range from 0.970 to 1.300 and 0.980 to 1.030 in vadose zones and aquifers, respectively. These data suggest the δ18O patterns in both unsaturated zones and aquifers can be attributed to microbially mediated reactions (αk= range from 0.975 to 1.000), but there are apparently other inverse isotope fractionating processes (αk > 1.000). Circumstantial evidence suggested O2 processed during the sulfide oxidation and precipitation of Fe‐oxyhydroxides process (or other unidentified processes) could be the cause of the significant 18O depletions. Overall, δ18O data from vadose zones and ground water revealed that isotope fractionation by consumption of gaseous and dissolved O2 in the subsurface and ground water environments is more complicated than what has classically been attributed solely to geomicrobial respiration. Given the questions and inexplicable data arising from this study, further detailed research on O2 consuming processes in the Earth’s subsurface and ground water is warranted.
Fracture Control of Ground Water Flow and Water Chemistry in a Rock Aquitard
Authors: Eaton Timothy T. , Anderson Mary P. , Bradbury Kenneth R. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThere are few studies on the hydrogeology of sedimentary rock aquitards although they are important controls in regional ground water flow systems. We formulate and test a three‐dimensional (3D) conceptual model of ground water flow and hydrochemistry in a fractured sedimentary rock aquitard to show that flow dynamics within the aquitard are more complex than previously believed. Similar conceptual models, based on regional observations and recently emerging principles of mechanical stratigraphy in heterogeneous sedimentary rocks, have previously been applied only to aquifers, but we show that they are potentially applicable to aquitards. The major elements of this conceptual model, which is based on detailed information from two sites in the Maquoketa Formation in southeastern Wisconsin, include orders of magnitude contrast between hydraulic diffusivity (K/Ss) of fractured zones and relatively intact aquitard rock matrix, laterally extensive bedding‐plane fracture zones extending over distances of over 10 km, very low vertical hydraulic conductivity of thick shale‐rich intervals of the aquitard, and a vertical hydraulic head profile controlled by a lateral boundary at the aquitard subcrop, where numerous surface water bodies dominate the shallow aquifer system. Results from a 3D numerical flow model based on this conceptual model are consistent with field observations, which did not fit the typical conceptual model of strictly vertical flow through an aquitard. The 3D flow through an aquitard has implications for predicting ground water flow and for planning and protecting water supplies.
Rapid and high‐resolution detection of IgH gene rearrangements using PCR and melting curve analysis
Authors: UEMURA A. , MORI S. , SUGAHARA K. , AKAMATSU N. , TSURUDA K. , TSUKASAKI K. , HIRAKATA Y. , ATOGAMI S. , HASEGAWA H. , YAMADA Y. , KAMIHIRA SHIMERU 
Published: May 2007

SummaryThe analytical methods of Southern blot hybridization (SBH) and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for complementarity determining region‐3 (CDR3) are fundamental for detecting IgH gene rearrangement. However, there are problems stemming from the characteristics of both methods; especially, the long turn around time (TAT) because of the complex process in the SBH, and the low analytical sensitivity for amplicons in the PCR. Thus, to improve the PCR procedure, we investigated the application of detecting the clonal amplicons based on the different melting Temperature (Tm) in internal melting domains corresponding to the CDR3 hypervariable region. Our new protocol is based on the combination of a LightCycler Technology with high‐speed amplification, and Idaho‐Technology with rapid and high‐resolution melting curve analysis (MCA), designated PCR‐MCA. This method can provide the results within 3 h with an analytical sensitivity of 10−3. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity relative to the results documented with the SBH analysis were 89.2% and 100%, respectively. This indicates that the new protocol of PCR‐MCA is acceptable for clinical testing; especially, PCR‐MCA is relevant in terms of the rapid and sensitive detection of IgH clonality within amplicons.
EDTA‐dependent lymphoagglutination in a patient with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: LESESVE J.‐F. , FEDIUK T. , MERSEILLE J.‐M. , BRAUN F. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryLymphoagglutination is a rare EDTA‐dependent phenomenon far less frequent than neutrophil agglutination. It usually involves normal lymphocytes, but has also been reported in lymphoproliferative disorders. We report the case of a woman who developed artifactual agglutination of both normal and lymphoma cells in the context of an unusual primary cutaneous leg type B‐cell non‐Hodgkin's malignancy, raising the potential of misdiagnosis.