bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic results in patients with relapsed diffuse large B cell Non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma achieving complete response only after autologous stem cell transplantation
Authors: Ferrara Felicetto , Viola Assunta , Copia Carolina , Schiavone Ettore Mariano , Celentano Maria , Pollio Filiberto , D'Amico Maria Rosaria , Palmieri Salvatore 
Published: March 2006

AbstractForty patients with relapsed diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) autografted in partial response (PR) (n = 23) or in refractory relapse (RR) (n = 17) achieved complete remission (CR) after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Salvage treatment consisted of ifosphamide, epirubicin and etoposide (IEV) in 33 patients and Cisplatinum, ARA‐C and dexamethasone (DHAP) in 7 patients. All PR and 8 RR patients were conditioned with BEAM, while 9 RR cases received the BCV regimen. There were no significant differences between the two groups as age, serum LDH, duration of CR1 and IPI at relapse are concerned. Relapse rate after ASCT was 39% in PR group as opposed to 88% in RR group (p = 0.003). Median relapse free survival from ASCT was 6 months for RR patients as opposed to 34 months for PR patients (p = 0.003); median overall survival from ASCT was 10 months for RR subset as opposed to not reached for RR subgroup (p = 0.001). These data demonstrate that CR achieved after ASCT in DLBCL patients who are refractory to previous salvage therapy does not result in long‐term disease control. Alternative preparative regimens, allogeneic SCT and/or monoclonal antibodies in the post‐ASCT phase should be considered for RR patients despite CR achievement. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of novel oligodendroglioma‐associated candidate tumor suppressor genes in 1p36 and 19q13 using microarray‐based expression profiling
Authors: Tews Bjoern , Felsberg Joerg , Hartmann Christian , Kunitz Annegret , Hahn Meinhard , Toedt Grischa , Neben Kai , Hummerich Lars , von Deimling Andreas , Reifenberger Guido , Lichter Peter 
Published: March 2006

AbstractLoss of heterozygosity (LOH) on chromosomal arms 1p and 19q is the most common genetic alteration in oligodendroglial tumors and associated with response to radio‐ and chemotherapy as well as favorable prognosis. Using microsatellite analysis, we previously identified the chromosomal regions 1p36.22‐p36.31 and 19q13.3, as candidate tumor suppressor gene regions being commonly deleted in these tumors. To identify genes within these regions that are downregulated in oligodendroglial tumors with LOH 1p/19q, we performed cDNA microarray‐based RNA expression profiling of 35 gliomas with known allelic status on 1p and 19q, including 7 oligodendrogliomas and 8 diffuse astrocytomas of World Health Organization (WHO) grade II, as well as 14 anaplastic oligodendrogliomas and 6 anaplastic oligoastrocytomas of WHO grade III. The microarrays used for expression profiling carried ∼7,000 gene‐specific cDNAs, with complete coverage of the genes located in 1p36.13‐p36.31 and 19q13.2‐q13.33. Microarray analysis identified 8 genes from these regions (MGC4399, SRM, ICMT, RPL18, FTL, ZIN, FLJ10781 and DBP), which all showed significantly lower expression in 1p/19q‐deleted gliomas when compared to gliomas without 1p/19q losses. Quantitative real‐time reverse transcription‐PCR analyses were performed for the MGC4399, ICMT and RPL18 genes and confirmed the microarray findings. In addition, we found that the cytosolic phospholipase A2 (PLA2G4C) gene at 19q13.3 demonstrated significantly lower expression in anaplastic oligodendrogliomas (WHO grade III) when compared to well‐differentiated oligodendrogliomas (WHO grade II). Taken together, our study provides a set of interesting novel candidate genes that may play important roles in the pathogenesis of oligodendroglial tumors. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increasing cyclooxygenase‐2 (cox‐2) gene expression in the progression of Barrett's esophagus to adenocarcinoma correlates with that of Bcl‐2
Authors: Shimizu Daisuke , Vallböhmer Daniel , Kuramochi Hidekazu , Uchida Kazumi , Schneider Sylke , Chandrasoma Parakrama T. , Shimada Hiroshi , DeMeester Tom R. , Danenberg Kathleen D. , Peters Jeffrey H. , DeMeester Steven R , Danenberg Peter V. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractPrevious studies from our laboratory and others have suggested that increased expression of cox‐2 is important in the genesis of esophageal adenocarcinoma. In vitro studies suggest that cox‐2 regulates expression of the anti‐apoptotic protein bcl‐2, thus possibly accounting for reduced apoptosis in carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of these 2 genes in the development of Barrett's‐associated adenocarcinoma. Histologic sections from endoscopic biopsies or esophagectomy specimens were classified as non‐dysplastic Barrett's (n = 30), intraepithelial neoplasia (n = 12) and adenocarcinoma (n = 48). The desired tissue was isolated by laser capture microdissection and expression levels of cox‐2 and bcl‐2 were measured by quantitative real‐time PCR (Taqman®). Gene expression levels were compared to samples of the distal esophageal squamous epithelium (n = 55) and reflux‐esophagitis (n = 25), without Barrett's or cancer. Expression of both bcl‐2 and cox‐2 were increased in non‐dysplastic Barrett's (p = 0.0077, p = 0.0037), intraepithelial neoplasia (p = 0.0053, p = 0.0220) and adenocarcinoma (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001) compared to squamous epithelium or reflux‐esophagitis. Furthermore, there is a significant correlation between these two genes, especially in carcinoma (p < 0.0001). © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tc‐99m depreotide imaging of I‐131‐negative recurrent metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Valsamaki Pipitsa , Gotzamani‐Psarrakou Anna , Tsiouris Spyridon , Molyvda‐Athanasopoulou Elissavet , Psarrakos Kyriakos , Papantoniou Vassilios , Gerali Sophia , Zerva Cherry 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe detection of radioiodine (I‐131)‐negative metastases of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) has been hitherto successfully tried by the well‐known synthetic somatostatin analogue indium‐111‐labeled DTPA‐octreotide (In‐111 pentetreotide). The objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of scintiscan with the newer synthetic somatostatin analogue Tc‐99m depreotide, in the restaging of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) with detectable serum thyroglobulin (Tg) levels and negative I‐131 whole‐body scan (WBS). Whole‐body planar and cervico‐thoracic tomographic scintigraphy (single‐photon emission tomography—SPET) with Tc‐99m depreotide was performed in a 68‐year‐old male patient suffering from PTC stage III, with a mild increase in serum Tg levels coupled with a recent negative I‐131 WBS. The findings were compared with those of neck ultrasonography (US) and computerized tomography (CT). Nodal neck dissection and histopathology provided the definitive diagnosis. Tc‐99m depreotide scanning revealed foci of cervical lymph node metastases, which did not accumulate I‐131. The findings were in accordance with neck US and CT. Histopathology established the diagnosis of metastatic cervical lymph node PTC. Lymph node immunoreactivity was positive for the somatostatin receptor subtypes 2, 5 and 3. Scintigraphy with Tc‐99m depreotide could prove a useful adjunct to the armamentarium for the follow‐up of PTC, especially in the setting of detectable serum Tg and negative I‐131 WBS. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of xeroderma pigmentosum XPA, XPC, XPD, XPF, XPB, XPG and DDB2 genes in familial early‐onset lung cancer predisposition
Authors: Matakidou Athena , Eisen Tim , Fleischmann Christina , Bridle Helen , Houlston Richard S. ,   Members of the GELCAPS Consortium
Published: March 2006

AbstractEpidemiological data has implicated heterozygosity for xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) as a risk factor for lung cancer. XP has 8 known complementation groups, 7 of which are caused by mutations in genes encoding components of the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway. To formally investigate the role of XP‐related NER genes in lung cancer susceptibility, we screened germline DNA from 92 familial early‐onset lung cancer patients for mutations in all coding regions and intron–exon boundaries of XPA, XPC, XPD, XPF, XPB, XPG and DDB2. Forty‐one exonic variants were identified. Twenty‐four were nonsynonymous, of which 14 were previously documented polymorphisms. Ten missense variants had not been previously described; none of which were detected in germline DNA from 278 cancer‐free controls. Two of the novel missense changes are predicted to be functionally deleterious. Our findings are compatible with XP heterozygosity being a risk factor for lung cancer susceptibility. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Curcumin inhibits the mammalian target of rapamycin‐mediated signaling pathways in cancer cells
Authors: Beevers Christopher S. , Li Fengjun , Liu Lei , Huang Shile 
Published: March 2006

AbstractCurcumin (diferuloylmethane), a polyphenol natural product of the plant Curcuma longa, is undergoing early clinical trials as a novel anticancer agent. However, the anticancer mechanism of curcumin remains to be elucidated. Here we show that curcumin inhibited growth of rhabdomyosarcoma cells (Rh1 and Rh30) (IC50 = 2–5 μM) and arrested cells in G1 phase of the cell cycle. Curcumin also induced apoptosis and inhibited the basal or type I insulin‐like growth factor‐induced motility of the cells. At physiological concentrations (˜2.5 μM), curcumin rapidly inhibited phosphorylation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and its downstream effector molecules, p70 S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) binding protein 1 (4E‐BP1), in a panel of cell lines (Rh1, Rh30, DU145, MCF‐7 and Hela). Curcumin also inhibited phosphorylation of Akt in the cells, but only at high concentrations (>40 μM). The data suggest that curcumin may execute its anticancer activity primarily by blocking mTOR‐mediated signaling pathways in the tumor cells. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A recombinant endogenous retrovirus amplified in a mouse neuroblastoma is involved in tumor growth in vivo
Authors: Pothlichet Julien , Heidmann Thierry , Mangeney Marianne 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe theory of immunoediting postulates that tumor cells exhibit a reduced immunogenicity to escape eradication by the host immune system. It has been proposed that endogenous retroviruses—provided that they are active—could play a role in this process, via the immunosuppressive domain carried by their envelope protein. Here, we demonstrate that the Neuro‐2a tumor cell line—originating from a spontaneous A/J mouse neuroblastoma—produces an infectious retrovirus that most probably results from a recombination event between 2 mouse endogenous retroviral elements. This Neuro‐2a‐associated recombinant retrovirus derives from the unique ecotropic provirus located at the Emv‐1 locus, but with a gag sequence conferring B‐tropism, thus allowing its high‐level amplification in Neuro‐2a cells. We show that knocking down ‐by RNA interference‐ this endogenous retrovirus in Neuro‐2a cells has no effect on the transformed phenotype of the cells, but results in delayed tumor growth and prolonged animal survival, following engraftment of the cells into immunocompetent mice. Recombination between endogenous retroviruses, amplification of the resulting element and high‐level expression of its immunosuppressive activity are therefore likely steps of an immunoediting process, leading to an invading tumor. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Heat shock transcription factor (Hsf)‐4b recruits Brg1 during the G1 phase of the cell cycle and regulates the expression of heat shock proteins
Authors: Tu Naxin , Hu Yanzhong , Mivechi Nahid F. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractHuman brahma‐related gene 1(Brg1) is a subunit of the switching/sucrose non‐fermenting (SWI/SNF) chromatin‐remodeling complex and regulates transcription during cell growth and differentiation and has been found to be mutated in many types of human cancers. Mammalian heat shock factor 1 (Hsf1), which binds conserved sequences on the promoter of the hsp70 gene when cells are exposed to various stress stimuli, utilizes Brg1–SWI/SNF complexes and stimulates transcription in vitro at the level of initiation and elongation. In contrast to the stress‐inducibility of Hsf1, in vitro transcribed/translated Hsf4b binds to the heat shock element (HSE) constitutively and loses its ability to bind HSEs following stress. The regulation of Hsf4b transcriptional activity in vivo remains unclear. Here, we present evidence that Hsf4b recruits Brg1 complexes to the promoters of heat shock proteins (HSPs) under physiological growth conditions. Furthermore, in an asynchronous cell population, the association of Hsf4b with Brg1 complexes is regulated in response to activation/inactivation of the extracellular signal regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling pathway. Since Brg1 is also the target of mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinases and other protein kinases and it is hyperphosphorylated and inactivated during the G2/M phase of the cell cycle, we tested whether the association of Hsf4b with Brg1 complexes is altered during the cell cycle. The results indicate that association of Hsf4b with Brg1 complexes is undetectable during G2/M; however, an Hsf4b interaction with Brg1 complexes is evident at 1–3 h after progression of cells into G1, where chromatin structure is presumed to be more accessible to transcriptional regulatory proteins. At this time, Hsf4b exhibits increased DNA‐binding activity and is detectable on promoters of multiple Hsps. To determine the unique role of Hsf4b in stimulating the expression of Hsps during the cell cycle, experiments were conducted with mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) deficient in individual Hsfs. The results indicate that in the absence of Hsf1 and Hsf2, Hsf4b expression in cells leads to increased ability of Hsf4b to bind HSE during G1, leading to enhanced synthesis of inducible Hsp70. J. Cell. Biochem. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Carbenoxolone inhibits junctional transfer and upregulates connexin43 expression by a protein kinase A‐dependent pathway
Authors: Sagar G.D. Vivek , Larson D.M. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractWe have been investigating the function and gene expression of connexins by vascular wall cells, especially Connexin43 (Cx43) in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC). In this study, we tested the effects of carbenoxolone (CBN), a gap junction communication (GJC) blocker on the junctional transfer of Lucifer yellow in BAEC. CBN is a water‐soluble derivative of the liquorice‐root extract 18‐α‐glycyrrhetinic acid. CBN rapidly abolished dye‐transfer in the scrape‐load transfer assay (a measure of GJC) in a reversible and dose‐dependent fashion. We then asked whether the BAEC might somehow compensate for the loss of junctional communication by altering the expression of connexins. Thus, we treated BAEC with 100 µM CBN in serum free medium and determined the total Cx43 cellular distribution (immunostaining) and protein content (immunoblotting). Besides changes in distribution, by 6 h, Cx43 content levels increased to 166% ± 22% (P < 0.0001) of controls. RNA blot data showed two‐three fold increases in Cx43 message in BAEC after 6 h of CBN treatment, suggesting transcriptional control. Since CBN has structural similarities to corticosteroids, we tested both aldosterone and prednisolone but neither drug increased Cx43 levels, suggesting that the CBN response was not due to a generalized steroid effect. Staurosporine inhibited the CBN‐induced increase in Cx43 content, suggesting a role for kinases in the signaling pathway. Further studies with inhibitors indicated that PKA but not PKC was implicated. In summary, CBN blocks junctional communication and modulates Cx43 expression in BAEC. These results suggest a feedback mechanism for control of connexin expression based on junctional patency. J. Cell. Biochem. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Consensus between GCM climate change projections with empirical downscaling: precipitation downscaling over South Africa
Authors: Hewitson B. C. , Crane R. G. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThis paper discusses issues that surround the development of empirical downscaling techniques as context for presenting a new approach based on self‐organizing maps (SOMs). The technique is applied to the downscaling of daily precipitation over South Africa. SOMs are used to characterize the state of the atmosphere on a localized domain surrounding each target location on the basis of NCEP 6‐hourly reanalysis data from 1979 to 2002, and using surface and 700‐hPa u and v wind vectors, specific and relative humidities, and surface temperature. Each unique atmospheric state is associated with an observed precipitation probability density function (PDF). Future climate states are derived from three global climate models (GCMs): HadAM3, ECHAM4.5, CSIRO Mk2. In each case, the GCM data are mapped to the NCEP SOMs for each target location and a precipitation value is drawn at random from the associated precipitation PDF. The downscaling approach combines the advantages of a direct transfer function and a stochastic weather generator, and provides an indication of the strength of the regional versus stochastic forcing, as well as a measure of stationarity in the atmosphere–precipitation relationship.The methodology is applied to South Africa. The downscaling reveals a similarity in the projected climate change between the models. Each GCM projects similar changes in atmospheric state and they converge on a downscaled solution that points to increased summer rainfall in the interior and the eastern part of the country, and a decrease in winter rainfall in the Western Cape. The actual GCM precipitation projections from the three models show large areas of intermodel disagreement, suggesting that the model differences may be due to their precipitation parameterization schemes, rather than to basic disagreements in their projections of the changing atmospheric state over South Africa. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society.
Daily cycle of the surface energy balance in Antarctica and the influence of clouds
Authors: Van Den Broeke Michiel , Reijmer Carleen , Van As Dirk , Boot Wim 
Published: March 2006

AbstractWe present the summertime daily cycle of the Antarctic surface energy balance (SEB) and its sensitivity to cloud cover. We use data of automatic weather stations (AWS) located in four major Antarctic climate zones: the coastal ice shelf, the coastal and interior katabatic wind zone and the interior plateau. Absorbed short wave radiation drives the daily cycle of the SEB, in spite of the high surface albedo (0.84–0.88). The dominant heat sink is the cooling by long wave radiation, but this flux is distributed more evenly throughout the day so that a pronounced daily cycle in net all‐wave radiation remains with all‐sky night‐time heat losses of 20–30 W m−2 and noontime heat gains of 30–40 W m−2. During the night, heat is re‐supplied to the snow surface by the sensible heat flux, especially in the katabatic wind zone, and the sub‐surface heat flux. Daytime radiative energy excess is removed from the surface by sublimation (except at the high plateau) and sub‐surface heat transport. Daytime convection occurs at all sites around solar noon but is generally weak. Spatial differences in the SEB are largely controlled by differences in cloud cover. Clouds are associated with higher surface temperatures and near‐surface wind speeds. This especially limits nocturnal cooling, so that the strongest daytime convection is found during overcast conditions on the interior plateau. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society.
Applications of silica supports in affinity chromatography
Authors: Schiel John E. , Mallik Rangan , Soman Sony , Joseph Krina S. , Hage David S. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe combined use of silica‐based chromatographic supports with immobilized affinity ligands can be used in many preparative and analytical applications. One example is the use of silica‐based affinity columns in HPLC, giving rise to a method known as high‐performance affinity chromatography (HPAC). This review discusses the role that silica has played in the development of affinity chromatography and HPAC and the applications of silica in these methods. This includes a discussion of the types of ligands that have been employed with silica and the methods by which these ligands have been immobilized. Various formats have also been presented for the use of silica in affinity chromatographic methods, including assays involving direct or indirect analyte detection, on‐line or off‐line affinity extraction, and chiral separations. The use of silica‐based affinity columns in studies of biological systems based on zonal elution and frontal analysis methods will also be considered.
Kinetic characterization of a transient reaction by degeneration of the precursor mechanism: Application to the synthesis of 3,4‐diazabicyclo[4.3.0]‐ non‐2‐ene
Authors: Delalu H. , Berthet J. , Metz R. , Elkhatib M. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe rate of the oxidation of N‐amino‐3‐azabicyclo[3.3.0]octane by chloramine has been studied by GC and HPLC between pH 10.5 and 13.5. The second‐order reaction exhibits specific acid catalysis. The formation of N,N′‐azo‐3‐azabicyclo[3.3.0]octane or 3,4‐diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non‐2‐ene is pH, concentration, and temperature dependent. In alkaline media, the exclusive formation of 3,4‐diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non‐2‐ene is observed. Kinetic studies show that the oxidation of N‐amino‐3‐azabicyclo[3.3.0]octane by chloramine is a multistep process with the initial formation of a diazene‐type intermediate, which is converted by hydroxide ions into 3,4‐diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non‐2‐ene. Because it was not possible to follow the rate of change of the intermediate concentration, to determine the kinetics of 3,4‐diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non‐2‐ene formation, a procedure based on the degeneration of the precursor process was adopted. An appropriate mathematical treatment allowed a quantitative interpretation of all the phenomena observed over the given pH interval. The activation parameters were determined. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 38: 327–338, 2006
Reactions of hydroxymethyl derivatives of uric acid with oxiranes: Recognition of mechanism based on kinetic studies
Authors: Lubczak Jacek 
Published: March 2006

AbstractKinetic and mechanistic studies on the reaction between 1 equivalent of 1,3,7,9‐tetrakis(hydroxymethyl) ureate with 1 equivalent of oxirane (ethylene oxide or propylene oxide) are presented. This study led to recognition of the mechanism of reaction. It has been found that during the reaction the release of formaldehyde from hydroxymethyl groups blocked with oxirane occurs. The formaldehyde is consequently bound to the end of etherol chain. Owing to this rearrangement, the amount of formaldehyde remains constant during the process. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 38: 345–350, 2006