bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Haplotype and genotypes of the VDR gene and cutaneous melanoma risk in non‐Hispanic whites in Texas: A case–control study
Authors: Li Chunying , Liu Zhensheng , Wang Li E. , Gershenwald Jeffrey E. , Lee Jeffrey E. , Prieto Victor G. , Duvic Madeleine , Grimm Elizabeth A. , Wei Qingyi 
Published: January 2008

AbstractIn a hospital‐based case–control study of 805 non‐Hispanic whites with cutaneous melanoma and 841 cancer‐free age‐, sex‐ and ethnicity‐matched control subjects, 3 VDR polymorphisms (i.e., TaqI, BsmI and FokI) were genotyped using blood samples collected between 1994 and 2006. We tested the hypothesis that the haplotypes and combined genotypes of these polymorphisms were associated with melanoma risk by interacting with known risk factors. Haplotypes t‐B‐F (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.34–0.80) and t‐B‐f (adjusted OR, 0.51; CI, 0.27–0.94) were associated with a reduced risk when compared to T‐b‐f. The combined genotypes Tt+tt/Bb+BB/Ff+ff (adjusted OR, 0.69; CI, 0.52, 0.90) and Tt+tt/Bb+BB/FF (adjusted OR, 0.58; CI, 0.43, 0.78) were also associated with reduced risk, whereas the combined genotype TT/Bb+BB/Ff+ff genotype (adjusted OR, 2.35; CI, 1.13, 4.98) was associated with increased risk when compared to TT/bb/Ff+ff genotypes. On multivariate analysis, only the TaqI polymorphism was an independent risk factor, while the FokI polymorphism interacted with skin color (p = 0.029), moles (p = 0.017) and first‐degree relatives with any cancer (p = 0.013) in modifying risk. Together, these findings suggest that VDR polymorphisms may directly affect or modify the risk associated with known melanoma risk factors. Larger, population‐based studies are needed to replicate our findings. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sperm storage in the oviduct of the American alligator
Authors: Gist Daniel H. , Bagwill April , Lance Valentine , Sever David M. , Elsey Ruth M. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractOviducts of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) were examined histologically for the presence of stored sperm. Two regions containing sperm were identified, one at the junction of the posterior uterus and the vagina (UVJ) and the other at the junction of the tube and isthmus (TIJ). In these areas, sperm were found in the lumina of oviductal glands. The glands in these areas of the oviduct are diffuse and shallow and appear to allow better access to sperm than glands located elsewhere. Histochemically, the glands of the UVJ reacted weakly for carbohydrates and proteins, whereas those of the TIJ reacted strongly for these same two components, secretions of which are associated with sperm storage structures in other reptiles. Sperm were not in contact with the glandular epithelium, and glands at the UVJ contained more sperm than those at the TIJ. Oviductal sperm storage was observed not only in recently mated females but in all females possessing uterine eggs as well as all females known to be associated with a nest. We conclude that female alligators are capable of storing sperm in their oviductal glands, but not from one year to the next. J. Exp. Zool. 309A:581–587, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bradykinin increases blood–tumor barrier permeability by down‐regulating the expression levels of ZO‐1, occludin, and claudin‐5 and rearranging actin cytoskeleton
Authors: Liu Li‐bo , Xue Yi‐xue , Liu Yun‐hui , Wang Yi‐bao 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBradykinin (BK) has been shown to open blood‐tumor barrier (BTB) selectively and to increase permeability of the BTB transiently, but the mechanism is unclear. This study was performed to determine whether BK opens the BTB by affecting the tight junction (TJ)‐associated proteins zonula occluden‐1 (ZO‐1), occludin, and caludin‐5 and cytoskeleton protein filamentous actin (F‐actin). In rat brain glioma model and BTB model in vitro, we find that the protein expression levels of ZO‐1, occludin, and claudin‐5 are attenuated by BK induction. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence assays show that the attenuated expression of ZO‐1, occludin, and claudin‐5 and F‐actin is most obvious in the smaller tumor capillaries (<20 μm) after BK infusion, and there is no change in the larger tumor capillaries (>20 μm). The redistribution of ZO‐1, occludin, and claudin‐5 and rearrangement of F‐actin in brain microvascular endothelial cells are observed at the same time. Meanwhile, Evans blue assay shows that the permeability of BTB increases after BK infusion. Transmission electron microscopy indicates that TJ is opened and that pinocytotic vesicular density is increased. Transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and horseradish peroxidase flux assays also reveal that TJ is opened by BK induction. In addition, radioimmunity and Western blot assay reveal a significant decrease in expression levels of cAMP and catalytic subunit of protien kinase A (PKAcs) of tumor tissue. This study demonstrates that the increase of BK‐mediated BTB permeability is associated with the down‐regulation of ZO‐1, occludin, and claudin‐5 and the rearrangement of F‐actin and that cAMP/PKA signal transduction system might be involved in the modulating process. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thrombin‐induced oxidative stress contributes to the death of hippocampal neurons: Role of neuronal NADPH oxidase
Authors: Park Keun W. , Jin Byung K. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe present study investigated whether thrombin can induce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through activation of neuronal NADPH oxidase and whether this contributes to oxidative damage and consequently to neurodegeneration. Immunocytochemical and biochemical evidence demonstrated that, in neuron‐enriched hippocampal cultures, thrombin induces neurodegeneration in a dose‐dependent manner. In parallel, ROS production was evident as assessed by analyzing DCF and hydroethidine. Real‐time PCR analysis, at various time points after thrombin treatment, also demonstrated that expression of NADPH oxidase subunits (p47phox and p67phox) occurs. In addition, Western blot analysis and double‐label immunocytochemistry showed an up‐regulation in the expression of cytosolic components (Rac 1 and p67phox), the translocation of cytosolic proteins (p47phox and p67phox) to the membrane, and the localization of gp91phox or p47phox expression in hippocampal neurons of cultures and CA1 layer. The thrombin‐induced ROS production, protein oxidation, and loss of cultured hippocampal neurons were partially attenuated by an NADPH oxidase inhibitor and/or by several antioxidants. Collectively, the present study is the first to demonstrate that, in cultured hippocampal neurons, thrombin‐induced neurotoxicity is, at least in part, caused by neuronal NADPH oxidase‐mediated oxidative stress. This strongly suggests that thrombin can act as an endogenous neurotoxin, and inhibitors of thrombin and/or antioxidants can be useful agents for treating oxidative stress‐mediated hippocampal neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Indirect down‐regulation of nuclear NF‐κB levels by cobalamin in the spinal cord and liver of the rat
Authors: Veber Daniela , Mutti Elena , Tacchini Lorenza , Gammella Elena , Tredici Giovanni , Scalabrino Giuseppe 
Published: January 2008

AbstractWe used electrophoretic mobility shift assays to investigate the effects of cobalamin (Cbl) deficiency on the levels of activated nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) in the spinal cords (SCs) and livers of rats made Cbl‐deficient (Cbl‐D) by total gastrectomy or a Cbl‐D diet. We chose the SC and liver because they are severely or scarcely affected, respectively, by Cbl deficiency in terms of histological damage. We found permanently increased NF‐κB levels (particularly the p50 and p65 subunits) in the SCs and livers of both types of Cbl‐D rats, and Western blot analysis demonstrated increased p65 levels. NF‐κB and p65 protein levels normalized when the totally gastrectomized (TGX) rats were treated with Cbl replacement. As we have previously demonstrated that Cbl deficiency increases tumor necrosis factor (TNF)–α and nerve growth factor (NGF) levels in the SC (each of which is a known NF‐κB activator), we redetermined NF‐κB levels in the SCs and livers of TGX rats treated with anti‐TNF‐α or anti‐NGF antibodies and found that NF‐κB levels normalized in both tissues after either treatment. These results demonstrate that: (1) Cbl physiologically and indirectly down‐regulates NF‐κB levels in rat SC and liver, and (2) NF‐κB is an important signaling molecule after Cbl deficiency injury. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dynamic in vivo three‐dimensional (3D) kinematics of the anterior cruciate ligament/medial collateral ligament transected ovine stifle joint
Authors: Tapper Janet E. , Fukushima Shige , Azuma Hiro , Sutherland Craig , Marchuk Linda , Thornton Gail M. , Ronsky Janet L. , Zernicke Ron , Shrive Nigel G. , Frank Cyril B. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe objective of this study was to use an ovine stifle joint model to assess the impact of combined transection of the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments on three‐dimensional (3D) joint motion serially over 20 weeks after transection. In vivo 3D kinematics were measured in the right hind limb of eight sheep while walking on a treadmill (accuracy, 0.4 mm ± 0.4 mm, 0.4° ± 0.4°). Five sheep received surgical ligament transection and three sheep received sham surgery without transection. At 2 weeks after transection, average joint flexion at hoof strike was significantly increased (8.9° ± 3.0°), and the tibial position was significantly shifted in the anterior direction relative to the femur during midstance (4.9 mm ± 0.9 mm). By 20 weeks after transection, joint flexion had normalized, but the tibial position was significantly adducted (0.5° ± 0.7°) and shifted in the medial (2.5 mm ± 1.2 mm), anterior (5.8 mm ± 1.9 mm), and superior directions (1.6 mm ± 0.4 mm). At 2 and 20 weeks after surgical intervention, the maximal anterior tibial position was significantly increased during mid‐stance in the transected group (4.9 mm ± 0. 9 mm and 5.8 mm ± 1.9 mm) compared to the sham operated group (0.2 mm ± 0.2 mm and −0.1 ± 0.1 mm). Although the anterior tibial shift was observed in all transected sheep, a high degree of variability existed between sheep, in the intitial joint position, the magnitude of the early change, the change over time, and the change at 20 weeks. In this situation statistics must be interpreted carefully, and in future studies, individual changes should be assessed in the context of individual pathological changes in order to investigate potential clinical significance. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:660–672, 2008
In vivo intervertebral disc remodeling: Kinetics of mRNA expression in response to a single loading event
Authors: MacLean Jeffrey J. , Roughley Peter J. , Monsey Robert D. , Alini Mauro , Iatridis James C. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractKinetics of mRNA expression following a single loading event was measured using an in vivo rat tail model. Animals were instrumented and loaded in compression for 1.5 h at 1 MPa and 1 Hz. Real‐time RT‐PCR was used to measure mRNA levels 0, 8, 24 and 72 h after mechanical stimulation for genes associated with matrix proteins (aggrecan, collagen‐I, collagen‐II), proteases (MMP‐2, MMP‐3, MMP‐13, ADAMTS‐4), and their inhibitors (TIMP‐1, TIMP‐3) in anulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus regions. Baseline mRNA levels were of greatest abundance for matrix proteins and lowest for proteases. The mRNA levels reached maximum levels 24 h following mechanical stimulation for the majority of genes evaluated, but some had maximum levels 8 and 72 h following loading. The mRNA levels returned to baseline levels for all genes in the nucleus 72 h following loading, but the majority of genes in the anulus remained upregulated. Results support a coordinated strategy of relative mRNA expression that varied over time beginning with inhibition of tissue breakdown, followed by synthesis of aggrecan and matrix degrading enzymes, and eventually collagen metabolism days following loading. Consequently, optimal time for tissue harvest for mRNA measurements depends on genes of interest. Results suggest attempts at anabolic remodeling must be given adequate time for metabolic processes and protein synthesis to occur, and that changes in TIMP and MMP levels may have greater potency in affecting structural protein abundance than direct changes in the structural protein messages. Results have important implications for disc remodeling and tissue engineering. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:579–588, 2008
Gradient HPLC of antibiotics in urine, ground water, chicken muscle, hospital wastewater, and pharmaceutical samples using C‐18 and RP‐amide columns
Authors: Kumar Ashwini , Kumar Malik Ashok , Kumar Tewary Dhananjay , Singh Baldev 
Published: January 2008

AbstractA simple and highly sensitive high pressure liquid chromatographic (HPLC‐UV) method has been developed for the determination of ofloxacin, lomefloxacin, cinoxacin, and nalidixic acid, in mobile phase citrate buffer (0.001 M) of pH 4.5 prepared in water (X), methanol (Y), and ACN (Z) using gradient at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min by direct UV absorbance detection at λ = 280 nm. Separation of analytes was studied on the C‐18 and RP‐amide columns and best results were observed on the RP‐amide column with LODs (3.3×S/m) 0.89, 0.55, 0.67, and 1.41 ng/mL for ofloxacin, lomefloxacin, cinoxacin, and nalidixic acid, respectively, and better RSD than the C‐18 column. The recovery of Fluoroquinolones (FQs) in urine, ground water, hospital wastewater, and chicken muscle using this method is more than 90%. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of ofloxacin, lomefloxacin, cinoxacin, and nalidixic acid in urine, ground water, pharmaceutical dosage forms, hospital wastewater, and chicken muscle.
Purification of hydroxyanthraquinones and cinnamic acid from the roots of Rheum officinale Baill.
Authors: Huang Yanyan , Sun Ailing , Qi Yuanying , Liu Renmin 
Published: January 2008

AbstractA chromatographic method for isolation and purification of chemical constituents from the well‐known traditional Chinese drug Da‐huang (roots of Rheum officinale Baill.) was established by using 12% cross‐linked agarose gel, Superose 12, as the separation media. A two‐step separation procedure is employed. Sixty five percent methanol was used as the eluent for separation of cinnamic acid, rhein, physcion and emodin form Da‐huang crude extract. The fraction containing aloe‐emodin and chrysophanol was then separated by using 55% methanol containing 0.5% acetic acid as the eluent. As a result, cinnamic acid and five kinds of hydroxyanthraquinones including rhein, aloe‐emodin, chrysophanol, physcion and emodin were obtained. The retention behavior of hydroxyanthraquinones on Superose 12 was also studied. The retention of hydroxyanthraquinones on Superose 12 is based on a mixture of hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions between the hydroxyl groups of the hydroxyanthraquinones and the residues of the cross‐linking reagents used in the manufacturing process of Superose 12.
NMR spin‐spin couplings involving nuclei in the neighborhood of a carbonyl group. 3JCH couplings in α‐substituted acetamides
Authors: Pedersoli Susimaire , dos Santos Francisco P. , Rittner Roberto , Contreras Rubén H. , Tormena Cláudio F. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractIn this work 3JCH spin‐spin coupling constants (SSCCs) for the cis‐ and trans‐conformers for α‐X‐acetamides (X = F, Cl, Br and CN) (1–4) were studied in detail since they were found to be notably different for both conformers. These differences are rationalized as originating in the changes of the strong negative hyperconjugative interactions that take place within the carbonyl group. Such changes are found to depend not only on conformation, but also on solvent. For the cis‐conformers there is a close proximity between the X‐substituent and the in‐plane oxygen lone pair of pure p character, which affects notably their respective negative hyperconjugative interactions. Both the efficiency for transmitting the Fermi contact (FC) term through the coupling pathway of 3JCH SSCCs and its potential as a probe to study the stereochemical properties of the XH2C group are discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantification of hepatic transaldolase exchange activity and its effects on tracer measurements of indirect pathway flux in humans
Authors: Jones John G. , Garcia Paula , Barosa Cristina , Delgado Teresa C. , Caldeira M. Madalena , Diogo Luisa 
Published: January 2008

AbstractExchange of hepatic glucose‐6‐phosphate (G6P) and glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate via transaldolase modifies hepatic G6P enrichment from glucose or gluconeogenic tracers. Transaldolase exchange was quantified in five healthy, fed subjects following an oral bolus of [1,2,3‐13C3]glycerol (25–30 mg/kg) and paracetamol (10–12 mg/kg). 13C Isotopomers of hepatic G6P were quantified by 13C NMR spectroscopy of urinary glucuronide. [1,2,3‐13C3]‐ and [4,5,6‐13C3]glucuronide isotopomers, representing the conversion of [1,2,3‐13C3]glycerol to G6P via dihydroxyacetone phosphate, were resolved from [1,2‐13C2]‐ and [5,6‐13C2]glucuronide 13C‐isotopomers, derived from metabolism of [1,2,3‐13C3]glycerol via pyruvate and phosphoenolpyruvate. Enrichment of [1,2,3‐13C3]glucuronide was significantly less than that of [4,5,6‐13C3]glucuronide (1.30 ± 0.57% versus 1.67 ± 0.42%, P < 0.05). Also, [1,2‐13C2]glucuronide enrichment was significantly less than that of [5,6‐13C2]glucuronide (0.28 ± 0.08% versus 0.36 ± 0.03%, P < 0.05). Transaldolase and triose phosphate isomerase exchange activities were estimated by applying the 13C‐isotopomer data to a model of hepatic sugar phosphate metabolism. Triose phosphate isomerase exchange was ≈99% complete and did not contribute significantly to the unequal 13C‐isotopomer distributions of the glucuronide triose halves. Instead, this was attributable to 25 ± 23% of hepatic G6P flux undergoing transaldolase exchange. This results in substantial overestimates of indirect pathway contributions to hepatic glycogen synthesis with tracers such as [5‐3H]glucose and 2H2O. Magn Reson Med, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
3D non‐contrast‐enhanced MR angiography with balanced steady‐state free precession dixon method
Authors: Stafford Randall B. , Sabati Mohammad , Mahallati Houman , Frayne Richard 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBalanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP) is capable of producing ample fat‐water separation. In the case of the bSSFP Dixon method, the phase between fat and water can be manipulated by setting repetition time (TR) to an odd‐half‐multiple of the cycle time and adjusting the center frequency to acquire fat‐water in in‐phase and opposed‐phase images. Adding an image collected when fat and water are in‐phase to an image in which fat and water are opposed‐phase produces a water‐only image. Of the water signals, arterial blood has the highest T2/T1 contrast, making the arterial signal appear brighter than both venous blood and muscle in the final image. In this study, the bSSFP Dixon method was used to collect coronal water‐only three‐dimensional (3D) volumes at multiple anatomical stations in the legs of five healthy volunteers. The image quality was quantified by region‐of‐interest (ROI) analysis of signal intensities between arterial blood, venous blood, muscle, and fat. The images were also assessed for diagnostic quality by a trained radiologist. The bSSFP Dixon method was successful in producing non‐contrast‐enhanced (NCE) images of the blood vessels in the lower limbs. The work presented here is a proof‐of‐concept for the use of the bSSFP Dixon method for 3D peripheral angiography. Magn Reson Med, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Community cardiopulmonary resuscitation training in Greece
Authors: Konstandinos Hatzakis D. , Evangelos Kritsotakis I. , Stamatia Karadimitri , Thyresia Sikioti , Zacharenia Androulaki D. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThere is a lack of information about the status and characteristics of community cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training in Greece. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of basic aspects of CPR practice, characteristics of training, and areas in need of improvement to increase CPR competence in the community. Using a random‐digit‐dialing telephone survey, 390 residents of a large county were interviewed. Weighting methods were used to estimate population statistics. Results indicated a low prevalence of current training and lack of basic CPR knowledge, reflecting the limited extent of and access to training. Results suggest the need for a standardized, widespread CPR program. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 31:165–171, 2008
Synthesis of poly[(decanoic acid)‐block‐styrene] diblock copolymers and their self‐assembly behavior in aqueous medium
Authors: Li Dongshuang , Sha Ke , Li Yapeng , Ai Peng , Liu Xiaotian , Wang Wei , Wang Jingyuan 
Published: January 2008

AbstractDiblock copolymers, poly[(10‐hydroxydecanoic acid)‐block‐styrene] (PHDA‐b‐PSt), were synthesized by combining enzymatic condensation polymerization of HDA and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) as of St PHDA was first obtained via enzymatic condensation polymerization catalyzed by Novozyme‐435. Subsequently, one terminus of the PHDA chains was modified by reaction with α‐bromopropionyl bromide and the other terminus was protected by chlorotrimethylsilane. The resulting monofunctional macroinitiator was used subsequently in ATRP of St using CuCl/2,2′‐bipyridine as the catalyst system to afford diblock copolymers including biodegradable PHDA blocks and well‐defined PSt blocks. Polymeric nanospheres were prepared by self‐assembly of the PHDA‐b‐PSt diblock copolymers in aqueous medium. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of transfer film on tribological behavior of polyamide 66‐based binary and ternary nanocomposites
Authors: Yu Sirong , Hu Haixia , Zhang Yingbo , Liu Yaohui 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: In a polymer–metal sliding system, the formation and performance of the transfer film have important effects on the tribological behavior of the polymer. In order to reveal the wear mechanism of polyamide 66 (PA 66) and its composites consisting of styrene–(ethylene/butylene)–styrene triblock rubber grafted with maleic anhydride (SEBS‐g‐MA) particles and organoclay nano‐layers, the tribological behavior and transfer films of polyamide 66 and its composites were investigated under dry sliding.RESULTS: The incorporation of SEBS‐g‐MA rubber particles reduces the wear mass loss of PA 66, while the addition of organoclay nano‐layers increases the wear mass loss. The transfer films formed by neat PA 66 and PA 66/organoclay binary nanocomposite include a dark portion and bright portion. In the dark portion, the transfer film is thicker; in the bright portion, the steel ring surface is exposed. The transfer film formed by PA 66/SEBS‐g‐MA/organoclay ternary nanocomposite is thinner and more uniform than the transfer films formed by the other materials.CONCLUSION: When SEBS‐g‐MA rubber particles and organoclay nano‐layers are added simultaneously to PA 66, the wear resistance of PA 66 can be improved markedly. The main reason is that PA 66/SEBS‐g‐MA/organoclay ternary nanocomposite can form a thin and uniform transfer film on the steel ring surface. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry