bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HLA‐DQ7 β1 and β2 derived peptides as immunomodulators
Authors: Skarlas Theodore , Panou‐Pomonis Eugenia , Kluczyk Alicja , Szewczuk Zbigniew , Zimecki Michal , Kosmopoulou Aggeliki , Sakarellos‐Daitsiotis Maria , Sakarellos Constantinos 
Published: February 2009

AbstractModulation of protein–protein interactions involved in the immune system by using small molecular mimics of the contact interfaces may lead to the blockage of the autoimmune response and the development of drugs for immunotherapy. The nonpolymorphic β‐regions, exposed to the microenvironment, of the modeled HLA‐DQ7, which is genetically linked to autoimmune diseases, were determined. Peptides 132–141 and 58–67, located at the β1 and β2 domains of HLA‐DQ7, respectively, were tested for their involvement in the interactions with CD4+ T lymphocytes. Linear, cyclic, and dimeric analogs that mimic the exposed surfaces of HLA‐DQ7 were designed and synthesized. Their immunosuppressory activities, found in the secondary, humoral immune response to sheep erythrocytes (SRBC) in mice in vitro, ranged from 11% to 53%. The significance of the total charge of the peptides, the pattern of the hydrogen bonding, and the presence of secondary structure were investigated in relation to the immunomodulatory effect of the peptides. Two dimeric analogs of the HLA‐DQ7 58–67 fragment, consisting of the two monomers covalently linked by a polyethylene glycol (PEG) spacer, able to mimic the superdimers, were also synthesized and studied. As the 58–67 segment is located at the β1 region of HLA‐DQ7, close to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) groove, one may assume that the 58–67 peptide could accommodate the association between T‐cell receptor (TCR) and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) by activating a co‐stimulatory molecule of the TCR/HLA interaction. This hypothesis is supported by the confocal laser image of the fluorescein‐labeled 58–67 peptide and by the fact that it is an immunostimulator at low concentration. Copyright © 2009 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of dimerization of the cell‐penetrating peptide Tat analog on antimicrobial activity and mechanism of bactericidal action
Authors: Zhu Wan Long , Shin Song Yub 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe cell‐penetrating peptide Tat (48–60) (GRKKRRQRRRPPQ) derived from HIV‐1 Tat protein showed potent antibacterial activity (MIC: 2–8 µM). To investigate the effect of dimerization of Tat (48–60) analog, [Tat(W): GRKKRRQRRRPWQ‐NH2], on antimicrobial activity and mechanism of bactericidal action, its dimeric peptides, di‐Tat(W)‐C and di‐Tat(W)‐K, were synthesized by a disulfide bond linkage and lysine linkage of monomeric Tat(W), respectively. From the viewpoint of a weight basis and the monomer concentration, these dimeric peptides displayed almost similar antimicrobial activity against six bacterial strains tested but acted more rapidly against Staphylococcus aureus on kinetics of bactericidal activity, compared with monomeric Tat(W). Unlike monomeric Tat(W), these dimeric peptides significantly depolarized the cytoplasmic membrane of intact S. aureus cells at MIC and induced dye leakage from bacterial‐membrane‐mimicking egg yolk L‐α‐phosphatidylethanolamine/egg yolk L‐α‐phosphatidyl‐DL‐glycerol (7:3, w/w) vesicles. Furthermore, these dimeric peptides were less effective to translocate across lipid bilayers than monomeric Tat(W). These results indicated that the dimerization of Tat analog induces a partial change in the mode of its bactericidal action from intracellular target mechanism to membrane‐targeting mechanism. Collectively, our designed dimeric Tat peptides with high antimicrobial activity and rapid bactericidal activity appear to be excellent candidates for future development as novel antimicrobial agents. Copyright © 2009 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An improved version of SLICE for conservative monotonic remapping on a C‐grid
Authors: Zerroukat M. , Wood N. , Staniforth A. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThis Note presents some further developments to the Semi‐Lagrangian Inherently Conservative and Efficient (SLICE) scheme. The revised scheme, termed C‐SLICE, is designed to exploit the good dispersion properties of a C‐grid staggering of mass and momentum variables in atmospheric models. Furthermore, several simplifications are made to the SLICE scheme, leading to improved computational efficiency without loss of accuracy. The revised scheme is evaluated using some standard tests from the literature. © Crown Copyright 2009. Reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the girth of random Cayley graphs
Authors: Gamburd A. , Hoory S. , Shahshahani M. , Shalev A. , Virág B. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWe prove that random d‐regular Cayley graphs of the symmetric group asymptotically almost surely have girth at least (logd‐1|G|)1/2/2 and that random d‐regular Cayley graphs of simple algebraic groups over 𝔽q asymptotically almost surely have girth at least log d‐1|G|/dim(G). For the symmetric p‐groups the girth is between loglog |G| and (log |G|)α with α < 1. Several conjectures and open questions are presented. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2009
Identification of Gastric Cancer Stem Cells Using the Cell Surface Marker CD44
Authors: Takaishi Shigeo , Okumura Tomoyuki , Tu Shuiping , Wang Sophie S.W. , Shibata Wataru , Vigneshwaran Ramanathan , Gordon Shanisha A.K. , Shimada Yutaka , Wang Timothy C. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been defined as a unique subpopulation in tumors that possess the ability to initiate tumor growth and sustain tumor self-renewal. Although the evidence has been provided to support the existence of CSCs in various solid tumors, the identity of gastric CSCs has not been reported. In this study, we have identified gastric cancer-initiating cells from a panel of human gastric cancer cell lines using cell surface marker CD44. Among six gastric cancer cell lines, three lines MKN-45, MKN-74, and NCI-N87 had a sizeable subpopulation of CD44(+) cells, and these cells showed spheroid colony formation in serum-free media in vitro as well as tumorigenic ability when injected into stomach and skin of severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice in vivo. The CD44(+) gastric cancer cells showed the stem cell properties of self-renewal and the ability to form differentiated progeny and gave rise to CD44(−) cells. CD44 knockdown by short hairpin RNA resulted in much reduced spheroid colony formation and smaller tumor production in SCID mice, and the CD44(−) populations had significantly reduced tumorigenic ability in vitro and in vivo. Other potential CSC markers, such as CD24, CD133, CD166, stage-specific embryonic antigen-1 (SSEA-1), and SSEA-4, or sorting for side population did not show any correlation with tumorigenicity in vitro or in vivo. The CD44(+) gastric cancer cells showed increased resistance for chemotherapy- or radiation-induced cell death. These results support the existence of gastric CSCs and may provide novel approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Cre Recombination-Mediated Cassette Exchange for Building Versatile Transgenic Human Embryonic Stem Cells Lines
Authors: Du Zhong-Wei , Hu Bao-Yang , Ayala Melvin , Sauer Brian , Zhang Su-Chun 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
To circumvent the silencing effect of transgene expression in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), we employed the Cre recombination-mediated cassette exchange strategy to target the silencing-resistant site in the genome. We have identified new loci that sustain transgene expression during stem cell expansion and differentiation to cells representing the three germ layers in vitro and in vivo. The built-in double loxP cassette in the established master hESC lines was specifically replaced by a targeting vector containing the same loxP sites, using the cell-permeable Cre protein transduction method, resulting in successful generation of new hESC lines with constitutive functional gene expression, inducible transgene expression, and lineage-specific reporter gene expression. This strategy and the master cell lines allow for rapid production of transgenic hESC lines in ordinary laboratories.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
The prevalence of chronic otitis media and its complication rates in teenagers and adult patients
Authors: Lin Yung Song , Lin Li‐Ching , Lee Fei‐Peng , Lee Kuan Ji 
Published: February 2009

ObjectiveTo determine the annual complication rates of chronic otitis media (COM) and its management.Study DesignRetrospective.Subjects and MethodsData were extracted from 3,223 adult patients, aged 15.1 years and older, under the diagnosis of COM from 1998 to 2007. Complications secondary to COM were identified in a total of 115 patients.ResultsThe incidence of COM in adults decreased from 407 to 145 cases per year (R 2 = 0.845, P < 0.001) from 1998 to 2007. The mean age of patients with COM increased from 44.67 to 49.43 years (R 2 = 0.896, P < 0.001). The prevalence of COM decreased considerably during the study period. However, the annual extracranial complication rate (R2 = 0.109, P = 0.352) and intracranial rate (R2 = 0.382, P = 0.057) did not reduce during the past 10 years.ConclusionThe complication rate for COM remained steady in the past 10 years, regardless of the overall reduction in the prevalence of COM with use of antibiotics. A high index of suspicion and imaging studies for early identification are recommended. Pneumococcal vaccination is recommended, particularly for the elderly patients who are treated conservatively because of relatively poor general health conditions.
Histologic analysis of the effects of three different support materials within rat middle ear
Authors: Dogru Salim , Haholu Abdulah , Gungor Atila , Kucukodaci Zafer , Cincik Hakan , Ozdemir Taner , Sen Huseyin 
Published: February 2009

ObjectiveTo investigate histologic changes in the mucosa of rat middle ear after implantation of three different support materials.Study DesignA prospective, controlled animal study.Subjects and MethodsThree types of absorbable materials were implanted into the middle ear cavity of rats: (1) Gelfoam (purified gelatin) (Pharmacia & Upjohn Company, New York, NY), (2) Sepragel (viscoelastic gel composed of cross‐linked polymers of hyaluronan) (GENZYME Corp, Ridgefield, NJ), and (3) Nasopore (a biodegradable/fragmentable, synthetic polyurethane foam) (Polyganics, Groningen, The Netherlands). Rats were sacrificed after 3 and 20 days to ascertain early and late histologic changes. The bulla of each rat was excised and prepared for microscopic examination. The histologic changes were evaluated by observation of the middle ear cavity and mucosa in terms of polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNL), macrophages, giant cells, fibroblasts and other cells, fibrosis, and remnant materials.ResultsThe histologic appearance of gelfoam‐treated middle ears was characterized by more severe acute inflammation in the short‐term and prominent fibrosis in the long‐term in comparison with sepragel‐ and nasopore‐treated groups. Nasopore appeared to be prone to remnant formation and reorganization by means of fibroblastic activity.ConclusionCompared with gelfoam, both sepragel and nasopore caused less histologic alterations.
Complications after craniofacial resection for malignant tumors: Are complication trends changing?
Authors: Gil Ziv , Patel Snehal G. , Bilsky Mark , Shah Jatin P. , Kraus Dennis H. 
Published: February 2009

ObjectiveTo determine the rate and type of complications after craniofacial resection (CFR) during the most recent 10‐year period in comparison to a historic control.MethodsPatients underwent CFR in 1973–1995 (“earlier” period; n = 114) and in 1996–2005 (“later” period; n = 120) before and after a broad‐spectrum antibiotic regime was used.ResultsIn the later period patients had higher rates of comorbidity, dural invasion, high‐grade malignancy, and wide resections (P < 0.02). Complications were identified in 52 percent of the early and 33 percent of the later groups (P = 0.002). There was 20 percent decrease in wound complications in the later period (P < 0.0001), but not in other complications. In the earlier period, complications were evenly distributed between patients younger and older than 50 years. However, in the later period, most complications occurred among elderly patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that a broad‐spectrum antibiotic regime was associated with a lower complication rate (P = 0.02).ConclusionsComplication rates decreased during the last 10 years due to a decline in wound infections. Broad‐spectrum antibiotic coverage probably contributed to this change.
Using nasal steroids to treat nasal obstruction caused by adenoid hypertrophy: Does it work?
Authors: Chadha Neil K. , Zhang Linjie , Mendoza‐Sassi Raúl A. , César Juraci A. 
Published: February 2009

ObjectiveTo systematically review the evidence for the usage of nasal steroids to improve symptoms of nasal airway obstruction in children with adenoidal hypertrophy.Data SourcesPublished studies indexed in the MEDLINE (1951 to 2008), EMBASE (1974 to 2008), and the Cochrane databases (Issue 3, 2008).Review MethodsData from the included trials were extracted and trial quality was assessed. Meta‐analysis was not applicable and data were summarized in a narrative format. Evidence from excluded studies was also discussed.ResultsSeven studies (six randomized controlled trials and one cohort study) met the inclusion criteria of the review, including a total of 493 patients. Six of these studies demonstrated significant efficacy of various nasal steroids (mometasone, beclomethasone, flunisolide) in improving nasal obstruction symptoms and in reducing adenoid size, as measured with symptom scores and fiber‐optic nasopharyngeal endoscopy, respectively. The response appeared to be a group effect and may be maintained longer‐term by continuing nasal steroids at a lower maintenance dose. The treatment was safe and well‐tolerated with few minor adverse events.ConclusionThe available evidence suggests that nasal steroids may significantly improve nasal obstruction symptoms in children with adenoid hypertrophy. This improvement appears to be associated with a reduction of adenoid size. Evidence of long‐term efficacy is limited but suggests that in many children maintenance therapy is needed if symptom‐relief is to persist. Further studies are required to support the use of nasal steroids as a first‐line approach in these children.
Controlling MRSA in head and neck cancer patients: What works?
Authors: Supriya Mrinal , Shakeel Muhammad , Santangeli Louise , Ah‐See Kim Wong 
Published: February 2009

ObjectiveWe aimed to determine any beneficial effect from targeted surveillance, cohort nursing, and restricted health care worker access in controlling MRSA infection in patients undergoing surgery for head and neck cancer.Study DesignHistorical cohort study.Subjects and MethodsIn phase 1 data were gathered on MRSA‐positive cases admitted from February 1, 2006 to February 28, 2007. In phase 2, from July 1, 2007 to January 31, 2008, eligible patients underwent screening swabs, cohort nursing, and restricted access.ResultsIn the first phase, 24 patients developed MRSA infection out of a total of 84 eligible admissions. There were 31 eligible admissions during phase 2. None of them had known risk factors for MRSA as per Scottish Infection Standards and Strategy Group (SISS) guidelines. All screened patients were noncarriers of MRSA. Three patients out of this group subsequently developed MRSA during their hospital stay. There was a statistically significant drop in MRSA to 9.6 percent (3/31) during this phase compared to 28.5 percent (24/84) in phase 1.ConclusionHead and neck cancer patients are at high risk of acquiring MRSA infection. Their targeted surveillance is unlikely to influence their MRSA infection rate. However, cohort nursing with restricted health care worker access may help control MRSA infection in them.
Electrocautery adenoidectomy outcomes: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Reed Jeremy , Sridhara Shankar , Brietzke Scott E. 
Published: February 2009

ObjectiveReview the published literature regarding clinical outcomes of suction electrocautery adenoidectomy (ECA) in pediatric patients.Data SourceThe MEDLINE database was systematically reviewed for articles reporting on the use of ECA.Review MethodsEach study was independently reviewed by each investigator. Inclusion criteria included English language, sample size greater than five, and presentation of extractable data regarding outcomes with ECA. Random‐effects modeling was used to estimate summary outcomes.ResultsNine studies met the inclusion criteria. The mean sample size was 276 patients with a grand mean age of 6.0 years. Random‐effects modeling of intraoperative hemorrhage (4.1 cc vs 24.0 cc, 95 percent CI of difference = 16.5–23.1, P < 0.001) and operative time (10.0 minutes vs 18.4 minutes, 95 percent CI of difference = 0.82–2.90, P < 0.001) favored ECA vs curette adenoidectomy. Subjective success was reported in 95.0 percent (95% CI = 92.7%‐97.3%, P < 0.001) of ECA patients with a grand mean of 5.8 months of follow‐up. Adenoid regrowth was evaluated objectively (endoscopy or x ray) in only 116 of 2132 patients (5.4%), with an observed regrowth rate of 2.8 percent that (95% CI = 0%‐5.5%, P = 0.052).ConclusionsThe preponderance of available evidence favors ECA vs curette adenoidectomy in terms of decreased intraoperative hemorrhage and operative time. Long‐term outcome data for ECA are scarce but suggest a low regrowth and complication rate.
Landschaft und Gesundheit: Verbindung zweier Konzepte
Authors: Rodewald Raimund 
Published: February 2009

Einleitung
Die medizinische Wissenschaft blieb bis vor kurzem den Nachweis einer gesundheitsfördernden Wirkung bestimmter Landschaften schuldig. Inspiriert durch den holländischen Bericht Nature and Health: The influence of nature on social, psychological and physical well-being (Health Council of the Netherlands & Dutch Advisory Council for Research on Spatial Planning, 2004) lancierte die Stiftung Landschaftsschutz Schweiz (SL-FP) zusammen mit den Ärztinnen und Ärzten für Umweltschutz das Projekt „Paysage à votre santé“, welches konkrete Maßnahmen für eine gesundheitsfördernde Raum- und Landschaftsplanung erarbeiten will.
Wo ist die Natur in der Gesundheitspsychologie?
Authors: Wiesmann Ulrich 
Published: February 2009

EinleitungIn den aktuellen gesundheitspsychologischen Lehrbüchern (Faltermaier, 2005; Knoll et al., 2005; Renneberg und Hammelstein, 2006; Schwarzer, 2004) kommt das Thema Natur nicht vor. Dabei ist die Exposition mit Natur eine nachgewiesen wirksame Intervention zur Förderung von Gesundheit und Wohlbefinden auf individueller und populationsbezogener Ebene (Maller et al., 2006; Münkemüller und Homburg, 2005; Seel et al., 1993). Empirische Studien aus der Stressforschung zeigen, ….
Gesundheitschancen und -risiken von Natur
Authors: Kistemann Thomas , Lengen Charis 
Published: February 2009

Einleitung
Im Laufe der Menschheitsgeschichte hat das Verhältnis des Menschen zur Natur einen grundlegenden Wandel erfahren. Abgesehen einmal davon, dass menschliche Gesundheit zwingend von zahlreichen Elementen und Erscheinungen der Natur abhängig ist bzw. an deren Vorkommen angepasst ist, war Natur lange der Widerstand, dem der Mensch sein Leben abringen musste, an dessen Gegenhalt er sein Handeln orientierte, und die Herausforderung, an der er wuchs.
Pflanzen als Auslöser allergischer Erkrankungen
Authors: Ruëff Franziska 
Published: February 2009

Einleitung
Bei allergischen Reaktionen finden Abwehrreaktionen gegen üblicherweise nicht krankmachende Stoffe (z.B. Nahrungsmittel, Pollen oder Tierhaare) statt. Durch Allergenvermeidung kann verhindert werden, dass sich eine allergische Reaktionslage entwickelt, bzw. wenn eine solche bereits besteht, können durch Karenz Krankheitserscheinungen vermieden werden. Die Beifußambrosie ist eine eingeschleppte Pflanze mit hohem Allergenpotential, deren weitere Verbreitung ein Gesundheitsrisiko darstellt.
Numerical modeling of salt tectogenesis in the Cambrian deposits of the cis-Yenisei sedimentary basin (PR3-PZ) (West Siberia)
Authors: Filippov Yu.F. , Lapkovskii V.V. , Lunev B.V. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Density sections of the Upper Proterozoic-Paleozoic cis-Yenisei sedimentary basin were numerically modeled to show that the gravity mechanism was sufficient to bring about linear deformation structures. The main conditions of their formation and development have been determined. Comparative analysis of the results of modeling with variations in initial parameters shows an important role of dolomite interbeds in the formation of structures in the section of Cambrian evaporates. The specific evolution of the structures was related to the specific basin sedimentation and the subsequent tectonic evolution of the region as a whole. The conclusion has been drawn that the tectonic influence of neighboring folded zones might have triggered salt tectogenesis.
Modeling Cenozoic crustal deformation in Gorny Altai
Authors: Babichev A.V. , Novikov I.S. , Polyansky O.P. , Korobeynikov S.N. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
The Altai lithospheric structure has been generally understood due to available high-resolution digital models. As a further step in modeling, we have simulated the structure of southeastern Altai as interaction of eight blocks which comprise or surround the Chuya and Kurai basins, proceeding from the basic configuration of blocks and earthquake mechanisms. Should the stresses in the system remain invariable, the western periphery of the Kurai basin will deform to let the Uimen-Sumulta fault join the Chuya (western end of Tolbonur) fault and evolve further as a single shear zone. The best fit model was one with slip along a single border fault in the middle of the area between two rheologically different terranes. This setting corresponds to a fault boundary between the more plastic Gorny Altai and more rigid Teletskoe-Chulyshman domains, which is consistent with current crustal movements from GPS data. In addition to scientific significance, models of this kind have practical applications as they highlight areas of stress buildup prone to release in large earthquakes. The new approach was applied to simulate the stress and strain patterns of central and southeastern Gorny Altai, and the models were tested against available geomorphological and seismotectonic data.