bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of pyruvate kinase type M2 as potential oncoprotein in squamous cell carcinoma of tongue through microRNA profiling
Authors: Wong Thian‐Sze , Liu Xiao‐Bing , Chung‐Wai Ho Ambrose , Po‐Wing Yuen Anthony , Wai‐Man Ng Raymond , Ignace Wei William 
Published: May 2008

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding RNAs with specific regulatory role in gene expression. Recent reports suggested their involvement in human malignancies. Currently, there is no information concerning miRNA expression and functions in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of tongue. In this study, we evaluated the expression patterns of 156 mature miRNAs in tongue SCC using Taqman‐based microRNA assays. Of these 156 miRNAs, miR‐133a and miR‐133b were significantly reduced in tongue SCC cells in comparison with the paired normal epithelial cells. Tongue SCC cell lines transfected with miR‐133a and miR‐133b precursors displayed reduction in proliferation rate. In addition, the number of apoptotic cells was increased in response to the introduction of precursors. Computational target gene prediction suggested that both miR‐133a and miR‐133b are targeting transcript of pyruvate kinase type M2 (PKM2), a potential oncogene in solid cancers. In tongue SCC cell lines, PKM2 expression was reduced in response to miR‐133a and miR‐133b precursors transfection. Immunohistochemical staining results of tongue SCC tissues suggested that PKM2 was overexpressed in tongue SCC and was associated with the downregulation of miR‐133a and miR‐133b. Our results suggested that aberrant reduction of miR‐133a and miR‐133b was associated with the dysregulation of PKM2 in SCC of tongue. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of polymer composition on the gelation behavior of PLGA‐g‐PEG biodegradable thermoreversible gels
Authors: Tarasevich B. J. , Gutowska A. , Li X. S. , Jeong B.‐M. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractGraft copolymers consisting of a poly(D,L‐lactic acid‐co‐glycolic acid) backbone grafted with polyethylene glycol side chains were synthesized and formed thermoreversible gels in aqueous solutions that exhibited solution behavior at low temperature and sol‐to‐gel transitions at higher temperature. The composition of the polymer and relative amounts of polylactic acid, glycolic acid, and ethylene glycol were varied by controlling the precursor concentrations and reaction temperature. The gelation temperature could be systematically tailored from 15 to 34°C by increasing the concentration of polyethylene glycol in the graft copolymer. The gelation temperature also depended on the polymer molecular weight and concentration. This work has importance for the development of water soluble gels with tailored compositions and gelation temperatures for use in tissue engineering and as injectable depots for drug delivery. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Osteoblast adhesion on novel machinable calcium phosphate/lanthanum phosphate composites for orthopedic applications
Authors: Ergun Celaletdin , Liu Huinan , Webster Thomas J. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractLanthanum phosphate (LaPO4, LP) was combined with either hydroxyapatite (HA) or tricalcium phosphate (TCP) to form novel composites for orthopedic applications. In this study, these composites were prepared by wet chemistry synthesis and subsequent powder mixing. These HA/LP and TCP/LP composites were characterized in terms of phase stability and microstructure evolution during sintering using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Their machinability was evaluated using a direct drilling test. For HA/LP composites, LP reacted with HA during sintering and formed a new phase, Ca8La2(PO4)6O2, as a reaction by‐product. However, TCP/LP composites showed phase stability and the formation of a weak interface between TCP and LP machinability when sintered at 1100°C, which is crucial for achieving desirable properties. Thus, these novel TCP/LP composites fulfilled the requirements for machinability, a key consideration for manufacturing orthopedic implants. Moreover, the biocompatibility of these novel LP composites was studied, for the first time, in this paper. In vitro cell culture tests demonstrated that the LP and its composites supported osteoblast (bone‐forming cell) adhesion similar to natural bioceramics (such as HA and TCP). In conclusion, these novel LP composites should be further studied and developed for more effectively treating bone related diseases or injuries. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
New injectable and radiopaque antibiotic loaded acrylic bone cements
Authors: Hernandez Lidia , Muñoz M. Eugenia , Goñi Isabel , Gurruchaga Mariló 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe use of antibiotic loaded bone cements (ALBCs) has become a common clinical practice in the prevention and treatment of prosthesis‐related infections. However, due to antibiotic resistance, there is a general interest in broadening the antibacterial spectrum of currently used drugs. The aim of this work is to formulate ALBCs for specific use in vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, and to study the effect of the addition of ciprofloxacin alone and in combination with vancomycin on some properties of the cement. The cements were formulated using bismuth salicylate as the radiopacifier. The setting properties, residual monomer content, release of antibiotics, rheological behavior, injectability, and mechanical properties of these formulations were studied. They showed long setting times and low curing temperatures. From the release studies, antibacterial properties are assumed because the concentration of released antibiotic was higher than the minimum effective. Although the experimental cements had slightly reduced mechanical properties, the other alterations shown were negligible. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
A new efficient method for one‐pot conversions of aryl carboxylic acids into nitriles without solvent
Authors: Cao Yu‐Qing , Zhang Zhan , Guo Yan‐Xin 
Published: May 2008

AbstractA new efficient method for synthesising nitriles, important organic reagents, is reported in this paper. In an environmentally benign solvent‐free system, aryl carboxylic acids were converted into the corresponding nitriles via one‐pot reactions, by amidation with ethyl carbamate followed by dehydration with thionyl chloride, in excellent yields. The results showed that the method has the advantages of lower cost, higher yield, less pollution and greater ease of work‐up. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Ligand‐induced dimer formation of calmodulin
Authors: Zhang Yong , Tan Hongwei , Jia Zongchao , Chen Guangju 
Published: May 2008

AbstractCalmodulin (CaM) can bind to numerous proteins in several interaction modes. Recently a new mode of interaction was discovered, in which two CaM molecules form an X‐shaped dimer and two binding sites to trap the CaM‐binding domain (CBD) of calcineurin subunit A. However, the X‐shaped CaM dimer alone without ligand has not been observed. We performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and used MM_PBSA approach to investigate the properties of this new binding mode using ligand‐bound and ‐free dimer systems. MD trajectories show that two peptides of CBD play a critical role in stabilizing the X‐shaped conformation of the CaM dimer which would otherwise be unstable, leading to dimer disassembly in the absence of the ligands. Furthermore, we have analyzed the interaction free energy of the complex by MM‐PBSA method and provide further evidence to demonstrate that the CBD peptide ligands are responsible for the stabilization of the dimer. Comparing this new binding mode with the classical one represented by CaM in complex with smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase, we conclude that this new binding mode isinduced by the CBD of calcineurin subunit A. Our results explain the fact that the X‐shaped CaM dimer structure has never been observed in the absence of ligands. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cytomegalovirus prophylaxis with valganciclovir in cytomegalovirus‐seropositive kidney‐transplant patients
Authors: Wéclawiak Hugo , Kamar Nassim , Mengelle Catherine , Guitard Joëlle , Esposito Laure , Lavayssière Laurence , Cointault Olivier , Ribes David , Rostaing Lionel 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe aims of this prospective, open‐label, single‐center pilot study were to assess the efficacy and safety of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) prophylaxis using valganciclovir in HCMV‐ seropositive kidney‐transplant patients to prevent HCMV infection and disease. Fifty‐one HCMV seropositive kidney‐transplant patients recipients who received transplants between 1 December 2005 and 30 November 2006 were included in the study. Valganciclovir was given from transplantation up to 114 (37–329) days, and was adapted to renal function, i.e., 900 mg/d if calculated creatinine clearance was >60 ml/min, or 450 mg/day if it was <60 ml/min. HCMV DNAemia was assessed every 2 weeks during prophylaxis, and on the same basis for 3 months post‐prophylaxis. Immunosuppression was based on calcineurin inhibitors (ciclosporine A = 22; tacrolimus = 11), with mycophenolate mofetil (n = 51), and low‐dose steroids. Eighteen patients received no calcineurin‐inhibitors, but Belatacept instead. During valganciclovir prophylaxis, asymptomatic HCMV DNAemia was observed in one patient, and no case of HCMV disease occurred. Within 252 days (45–425) post‐valganciclovir prophylaxis, HCMV DNAemia was detected in 23.5% (n = 12) of patients, of whom two had two or more consecutive HCMV DNAemias. Valganciclovir prophylaxis in HCMV‐seropositive kidney‐transplant patients is effective for preventing cytomegalovirus disease. J. Med. Virol. 80: 1228–1232, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Kinetics of hepatitis C viral RNA and HCV‐antigen during dialysis sessions: Evidence for differential viral load reduction on dialysis
Authors: Kaiser Thorsten , Damerow Hans C. , Tenckhoff Solveig , Finger Andrea , Böttcher Isabella , Hafer Carsten , Schwarz Anke , Lüth Johann B. , Gürtler Hans Schmidt , Colucci Giuseppe , Manns Michael P. , Wedemeyer Heiner , Tillmann Hans L. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractHepatitis C infection is a common problem in dialysis units. The prevalence ranges from 3% to more than 50%. Several reports have described a variable reduction of HCV‐RNA during hemodialysis treatment sessions. But so far nothing is known about the HCV antigenemia or the kinetics of the reduction of HCV‐RNA and HCV antigenemia during these sessions. HCV‐RNA was monitored using the VERSANT HCV bDNA assay 3.0 (Bayer Healthcare Diagnostics, Leverkusen, Germany) or the HCV‐Monitor TaqMan (Roche Diagnostics). HCV antigenemia was tested by using Ortho‐trac‐C® assay (Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, Neckargemünd, Germany). Kinetics of HCV‐RNA were available in 15 dialysis sessions measured by bDNA assay and in 5 dialysis sessions measured by rt‐PCR. Quantitative HCV‐antigenemia was available in fourteen dialysis sessions. Not only HCV‐RNA but as expected also the HCV‐antigenemia fell during the dialysis session. However, while the average reduction of HCV‐antigen appears steady and linear, the level of HCV‐RNA seems to be stable during the first 3 hr of dialysis, and decreases rapidly during the last 2 hr. The results seem to be independent of the HCV‐RNA detection method. The different kinetics of HCV RNA and HCV antigen load suggest that there are different mechanisms responsible for the reduction of the HCV antigen and HCV‐RNA, respectively. Reduction of viral load during dialysis session indicates a potential benefit of dialysis in case of HCV associated antiviral therapy. J. Med. Virol. 80: 1195–1201, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sequence analysis of the capsid gene of Aichi viruses detected from Japan, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Vietnam
Authors: Pham Ngan Thi Kim , Trinh Quang Duy , Khamrin Pattara , Nguyen Tuan Anh , Dey Shuvra Kanti , Phan Tung Gia , Hoang Le Phuc , Maneekarn Niwat , Okitsu Shoko , Mizuguchi Masashi , Ushijima Hiroshi 
Published: May 2008

AbstractSequence analysis of the capsid gene of Aichi viruses was performed on 12 strains detected in Japan, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Vietnam during 2002–2005. The phylogenetic tree constructed from 17 nucleotide sequences of the capsid gene of the strains studied and reference strains demonstrated that Aichi virus strains clustered into two branches. A classification of Aichi viruses based on the capsid gene was proposed, in which lineage I consists of the Aichi virus strains detected from Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and Germany, and lineage II includes Bangladeshi strains and a Brazilian strain. J. Med. Virol. 80: 1222–1227, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association of RANTES −403 G/A, −28 C/G and In1.1 T/C polymorphism with HIV‐1 transmission and progression among North Indians
Authors: Rathore Anurag , Chatterjee Animesh , Sivarama P. , Yamamoto Naohiko , Singhal Pradeep K. , Dhole Tapan N. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe relationships between host immune factors and HIV‐1 disease progression are still in dispute. The RANTES SNPs exhibit distinct ethnic distribution and are associated with different effects on the course of HIV infection. Therefore, impact of RANTES gene polymorphism on HIV‐1 transmission and progression needs to be evaluated. The RANTES genotypes were identified by PCR‐RFLP method and confirmed by sequencing in HIV‐1 seronegative (HSN; n = 315), HIV‐1 exposed seronegative (HES; n = 47) and HIV‐1 seropositive (HSP; n = 196) patients classified into different clinical stages (i.e. Stages I, II, III). Fisher exact test was used for statistical analysis and Arlequin software for haplotype analysis. RANTES allele −403G, −28C and In1.1 T were the predominant allele in the subject studied. HSP group have higher frequency of RANTES In1.1 T allele compared with HSN (91.32% vs. 86.19%; P = 0.013) and HES (91.32% vs. 78.72%; P = 0.001). Higher frequency of RANTES In1.1 C allele in Stage III was observed, compared with Stage I (14.28% vs. 6.39%) and was significantly associated with high risk (P = 0.047, OR = 2.439, C.I. = 1.061–5.609). Haplotype II (ACT) was significantly higher in HSP compared with HSN (9.69% vs. 1.58%) and associated with high risk (P < 0.001, OR = 6.655, C.I. = 2.443–18.132). There were no significant differences in RANTES −403 A/G and −28 C/G genotype and allele distribution in all the groups compared. Our results implicate that RANTES In1.1 T allele and haplotype II (ACT) may be a risk factor for HIV‐1 transmission while RANTES In1.1 C allele may be risk factor for disease progression among North Indians. J. Med. Virol. 80: 1133–1141, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preliminary characterization of murine cytomegaloviruses with insertional and deletional mutations in the M34 open reading frame
Authors: Baluchova Katarina , Kirby Melissa , Ahasan Mohammad M. , Sweet Clive 
Published: May 2008

AbstractA viable virus could not be recovered from a mutant murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) BAC in which the M34 ORF had been deleted (BACΔM34). In contrast, an M34 mutant virus (RcM34), in which the M34 ORF was interrupted by transposon insertion at nt 44,827 of the Smith MCMV BAC, was attenuated in replication both in tissue culture and in SCID mice. Similarly, mutant virus Rc3′ΔM34, in which the 3′‐end was deleted from nt 44,724 to nt 45,647, produced similar replication kinetics in tissue culture to RcM34 while BAC5′ΔM34, in which the 5′‐end from nt 43,083 up to nt 44,896 was deleted, was non‐viable like BACΔM34. A transcript analysis of wt and RcM34 virus‐infected cells showed that a truncated transcript encoding a putative protein of 624 amino acids was produced by RcM34, of which the amino terminal 582 amino acids would be identical to the predicted wt 854 amino acids product. Recent, re‐annotations of the MCMV genome have identified three putative M34 overlapping ORFs (m33.1, m34.1, and m34.2) that may be interrupted in the above mutants. All three were transcribed in RcM34 virus‐infected cells confirming that the RcM34 virus phenotype was probably due to interruption of the M34 ORF. These results suggest that M34, like human CMV UL34, is an essential gene. J. Med. Virol. 80: 1233–1242, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Seoul virus enhances regulatory and reduces proinflammatory responses in male Norway rats
Authors: Easterbrook Judith D. , Klein Sabra L. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractZoonotic pathogens, including hantaviruses, are maintained in the environment by causing persistent infection in the absence of disease in their reservoir hosts. Spillover of hantaviruses to humans can cause severe disease that is mediated by excessive proinflammatory responses. The mechanisms mediating hantaviral persistence in rodent reservoirs remain largely unknown. Male Norway rats were inoculated with their species‐specific hantavirus, Seoul virus (SEOV), and viral RNA, cytokine, and chemokine responses were evaluated in spleen and lung tissue. More viral RNA was detectable in the lungs than spleen, with copies of SEOV peaking 15–30 days post‐inoculation (p.i.) and persisting for 60 days p.i. In the lungs, the expression and production of proinflammatory mediators (i.e., IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, IFN‐γ, CCL5, CCL2, CX3CL1, CXCL10, VCAM, VEGF, and NOS2) remained at or below baseline throughout SEOV infection; whereas, regulatory factors, including TGF‐β and FoxP3 were elevated. Conversely, in the spleen, proinflammatory responses were induced while regulatory responses remained unchanged during infection. To determine whether reduced proinflammatory responses mediate hantavirus persistence in the lungs, male rats were administered rIL‐1β or vehicle for 30 days during SEOV infection. SEOV persistence and shedding were not affected by IL‐1β treatment. Proinflammatory responses were elevated in rIL‐1β‐treated rats, but remained within physiological levels, suggesting that supra‐physiological concentrations may be necessary for viral clearance at the cost of causing disease. Elevated regulatory responses may suppress excessively high proinflammatory responses at a site of elevated SEOV replication to contribute to viral persistence and prevent proinflammatory‐mediated disease in reservoir hosts. J. Med. Virol. 80: 1308–1318, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The presence and distribution of lubricin in the caprine intervertebral disc
Authors: Shine Kristy M. , Spector Myron 
Published: May 2008

AbstractLubricin is a large, multifunctional glycoprotein that is known to play a role as a boundary lubricant in diarthrodial joint articulation. The hypothesis of this study was that lubricin is present in the intervertebral disc in a distribution consistent with serving to facilitate interlamellar tribology. The objectives were to: (1) determine the distribution of lubricin in the normal caprine disc; and (2) investigate the synthesis of lubricin by caprine annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) cells in vitro, using immunohistochemical methods. Caprine lumbar intervertebral discs from five levels and four animals were studied. Positive staining revealed the presence of the lubricin in the outer AF of nearly all samples. No staining was present in the inner AF or the NP. Within the outer AF, lubricin was prominent in the layers separating lamellae and in the extracellular matrix of the lamellae. Some of the AF cells within the lubricin‐positive regions demonstrated intracellular lubricin staining, suggesting that these cells may be synthesizing the lubricin protein observed. Immunohistochemistry performed on monolayer cultures of primary AF and NP cells demonstrated intracellular lubricin staining in both cell types. Thus, lubricin is selectively present in the outer caprine intervertebral disc AF, and its distribution suggests that it may play a role in interlamellar tribology. Cells from both the annulus and nucleus were found capable of synthesizing lubricin in vitro, suggesting that these cells may be a potential source of the glycoprotein under some conditions. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:1398–1406, 2008
Posterior cruciate ligament removal contributes to abnormal knee motion during posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Cromie Melinda J. , Siston Robert A. , Giori Nicholas J. , Delp Scott L. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAbnormal anterior translation of the femur on the tibia has been observed in mid flexion (20–60°) following posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasty. The underlying biomechanical causes of this abnormal motion remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to isolate the effects of posterior cruciate ligament removal on knee motion after total knee arthroplasty. We posed two questions: Does removing the posterior cruciate ligament introduce abnormal anterior femoral translation? Does implanting a posterior stabilized prosthesis change the kinematics from the cruciate deficient case? Using a navigation system, we measured passive knee kinematics of ten male osteoarthritic patients during surgery after initial exposure, after removing the anterior cruciate ligament, after removing the posterior cruciate ligament, and after implanting the prosthesis. Passively flexing and extending the knee, we calculated anterior femoral translation and the flexion angle at which femoral rollback began. Removing the posterior cruciate ligament doubled anterior translation (from 5.1 ± 4.3 mm to 10.4 ± 5.1 mm) and increased the flexion angle at which femoral rollback began (from 31.2 ± 9.6° to 49.3 ± 7.3°). Implanting the prosthesis increased the amount of anterior translation (to 16.1 ± 4.4 mm), and did not change the flexion angle at which femoral rollback began. Abnormal anterior translation was observed in low and mid flexion (0–60°) after removing the posterior cruciate ligament, and normal motion was not restored by the posterior stabilized prosthesis. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:1494–1499, 2008
The effect of oxygen tension on the in vitro assay of human osteoblastic connective tissue progenitor cells
Authors: Villarruel Sandra M. , Boehm Cynthia A. , Pennington Mark , Bryan Jason A. , Powell Kimerly A. , Muschler George F. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractConnective tissue progenitors (CTPs) are defined as the heterogeneous set of stem and progenitor cells that reside in native tissues and are capable of proliferation and differentiation into one or more connective tissue phenotypes. CTPs play important roles in tissue formation, repair, and remodeling. Therefore, in vitro assays of CTP prevalence and biological potential have important scientific and clinical relevance. This study evaluated oxygen tension as an important variable in optimizing in vitro conditions for quantitative assays of human CTPs. Bone marrow aspirates were collected from 20 human subjects and cultured using established medium conditions at ambient oxygen tensions of 1, 5, 10, and 20%. Colony‐forming efficiency (CFE), proliferation, and colony density were assessed. CFE and proliferation were greatest at 5% O2. Traditional conditions using atmospheric oxygen tension (20% O2) reduced CFE by as much as 32%. CFE and proliferation at 1% O2 were less than 5% O2 but comparable to that seen at 20% O2, suggesting that CTPs are relatively resilient under hypoxic conditions, a fact that may be relevant to their function in wound repair and their potential use in tissue engineering applications involving transplantation into settings of moderate to severe hypoxia. These data demonstrate that optimization of quantitative assays for CTPs will require control of oxygen tension. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:1390–1397, 2008