bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
miR‐15b and miR‐16 modulate multidrug resistance by targeting BCL2 in human gastric cancer cells
Authors: Xia Lin , Zhang Dexin , Du Rui , Pan Yanglin , Zhao Lina , Sun Shiren , Hong Liu , Liu Jie , Fan Daiming 
Published: April 2008

AbstractmicroRNAs are endogenous small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression negatively at posttranscriptional level. This latest addition to the complex gene regulatory circuitry revolutionizes our way to understanding physiological and pathological processes in the human body. Here we investigated the possible role of microRNAs in the development of multidrug resistance (MDR) in gastric cancer cells. microRNA expression profiling revealed a limited set of microRNAs with altered expression in multidrug‐ resistant gastric cancer cell line SGC7901/VCR compared to its parental SGC7901 cell line. Among the downregulated microRNAs are miR‐15b and miR‐16, members of miR‐15/16 family, whose expression was further validated by qRT‐PCR. In vitro drug sensitivity assay demonstrated that overexpression of miR‐15b or miR‐16 sensitized SGC7901/VCR cells to anticancer drugs whereas inhibition of them using antisense oligonucleotides conferred SGC7901 cells MDR. The downregulation of miR‐15b and miR‐16 in SGC7901/VCR cells was concurrent with the upregulation of Bcl‐2 protein. Enforced mir‐15b or miR‐16 expression reduced Bcl‐2 protein level and the luciferase activity of a BCL2 3′ untranslated region‐based reporter construct in SGC7901/VCR cells, suggesting that BCL2 is a direct target of miR‐15b and miR‐16. Moreover, overexpression of miR‐15b or miR‐16 could sensitize SGC7901/VCR cells to VCR‐induced apoptosis. Taken together, our findings suggest that miR‐15b and miR‐16 could play a role in the development of MDR in gastric cancer cells at least in part by modulation of apoptosis via targeting BCL2. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of a novel epigenetically‐silenced, growth‐suppressive gene, ADAMTS9, and its association with lymph node metastases in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Lung Hong Lok , Lo Paulisally Hau Yi , Xie Dan , Apte Suneel S. , Cheung Arthur Kwok Leung , Cheng Yue , Law Evan Wai Lok , Chua Daniel , Zeng Yi‐Xin , Tsao Sai Wah , Stanbridge Eric J. , Lung Maria Li 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBy using a functional complementation approach, suppression of tumorigenicity was observed after transfer of intact or truncated copies of chromosome 3 into a nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) HONE1 cell line. The extra exogenous chromosome 3 in the microcell hybrids (MCHs) significantly extended the lag period of tumor formation, which may be associated with loss or inactivation of wild type alleles from the normal donor chromosome 3. Representative tumors, which grew in nude mice were reconstituted into culture and expanded as tumor segregants (TSs). In our study, a disintegrin‐like and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 motif 9 (ADAMTS9), a gene mapping to 3p14.2, was identified to be critically associated with tumor suppression in NPC. Gene expression analysis showed that ADAMTS9 was either not expressed or was downregulated in HONE1 cells, TSs and NPC cell lines. The mechanism of ADAMTS9 gene inactivation in the NPC cell lines and tissues was attributed to promoter hypermethylation. Using a tissue microarray and immunohistochemical staining, 31 of 66 (47%) of the NPC cases showed downregulated or absence of ADAMTS9 expression. ADAMTS9 expression was downregulated or lost in 17 of 23 (73.9%) lymph node metastatic NPC specimens, which was significantly higher than in 14 of 43 (32.6%) primary tumors. After transfection of the ADAMTS9 gene into 7 NPC cell lines, a dramatic reduction of colony forming ability was observed. These findings support ADAMTS9 as a putative tumor suppressor gene in vivo in NPC that is significantly associated with lymph node metastases. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Habitat Use by YOY in the Littoral Zone of an Artificially Heated Reservoir
Authors: Dembski Samuel , Masson Gerard , Wagner Philippe , Pihan Jean‐Claude 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBoth temporal and spatial distributions of a young of the year (YOY) fish community were studied in the littoral zone of a French reservoir. The time survey indicated that littoral occupation highly depends on YOY time of appearance. During late spring and summer, the smallest white bream YOY (LT < 20 mm) were restricted to complex habitats whereas those of pumpkinseed occupied all available habitats. Growing white bream progressively migrated to open water areas. At that time, pumpkinseed was the only species sampled in abundance in the littoral zone and was still collected in all habitats. The success of the introduction of pumpkinseed might be explained by both its late hatching and its opportunistic strategy in habitat selection enabling it to exploit physical spaces left vacant. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Macroinvertebrate Community Structure in Three‐Gorges Reservoir, China
Authors: Shao Mei‐Ling , Xie Zhi‐Cai , Han Xin‐Qin , Cao Ming , Cai Qing‐Hua 
Published: April 2008

AbstractWe investigated the macroinvertebrate community structure in Three‐Gorges Reservoir during a three‐year period after the reservoir became operational. Comparison with data of previous authors obtained before the damming showed that the benthic community changed drastically in the reservoir. Oligochaetes and chironomids dominate the present community. An apparent annual cycle in the benthic community (expressed as richness, density and community type) was found in the second year, lagging one year behind the annual cycle of transparency. After the second year, a Nais–Polypedilum community type, occurring in winter and spring with low inflow discharge and high transparency, was followed by a Limnodrilus community type that occurred in autumn and summer under contrasting conditions. Despite river regulation and damming, it appeared that macroinvertebrates in subtropical canyon‐shaped reservoirs remained influenced by floods. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Trophic Behavior of Two Perlidae Species (Insecta, Plecoptera) in a River in Southern Spain
Authors: Bo Tiziano , Fenoglio Stefano , López‐Rodríguez Manuel Jesús , Tierno de Figueroa José Manuel 
Published: April 2008

AbstractTwo Perlidae species, Dinocras cephalotes and Perla bipunctata, were studied in a river in Spain with the objectives of: a) describing their diets; b) detecting differences between size classes; c) analyzing niche breadth; and d) assessing the degree of niche overlap between both species and size classes. Dinocras cephalotes and Perla bipunctata nymphs fed mainly on Baetidae and immature Chironomidae. We did not detect significant differences in the quantity of ingested detritus, algae, and leaf pieces. Niche breadth was very low, although both species presented a high niche overlap. P. bipunctata seems to select some prey items throughout its nymphal development, whereas D. cephalotes augments its diet with other prey items as it grows. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Human beta defensin 2 promotes intestinal wound healing in vitro
Authors: Otte Jan‐Michel , Werner Ilka , Brand Stephan , Chromik Ansgar M. , Schmitz Frank , Kleine Michael , Schmidt Wolfgang E. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractLimiting microbial threats, maintenance and re‐establishment of the mucosal barrier are vital for intestinal homeostasis. Antimicrobial peptides have been recognized as essential defence molecules and decreased expression of these peptides has been attributed to chronic inflammation of the human intestinal mucosa. Recently, pluripotent properties, including stimulation of proliferation and migration have been suggested for a number of antimicrobial peptides. However, it is currently unknown, whether the human β‐defensin 2 (hBD‐2) in addition to its known antimicrobial properties has further effects on healing and protection of the intestinal epithelial barrier. Caco‐2 and HT‐29 cells were stimulated with 0.1–10 µg/ml hBD‐2 for 6–72 h. Effects on cell viability and apoptosis were monitored and proliferation was quantified by bromo‐deoxyuridine incorporation. Migration was quantified in wounding assays and characterized by immunohistochemistry. Expression of mucins was determined by quantitative PCR and slot‐blot analysis. Furthermore, anti‐apoptotic capacities of hBD‐2 were studied. Over a broad range of concentrations and stimulation periods, hBD‐2 was well tolerated by IECs and did not induce apoptosis. hBD‐2 significantly increased migration but not proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells. Furthermore, hBD‐2 induced cell line specific the expression of mucins 2 and 3 and ameliorated TNF‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) induced apoptosis. In addition to its known antimicrobial properties, hBD‐2 might have further protective effects on the intestinal epithelium. Results of this in vitro study suggest, that hBD‐2 expression may play a dual role in vivo, i.e. in impaired intestinal barrier function observed in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 2286–2297, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of influent C/N ratio, C/P ratio and volumetric exchange ratio on biological phosphorus removal in UniFed SBR process
Authors: Zhao Chen‐hong , Peng Yong‐zhen , Wang Shu‐ying , Takigawa Akio 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: UniFed SBR is a novel process that can achieve high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus removal simultaneously in a simple single SBR tank. In this study, effects of influent C/N ratio, influent C/P ratio and volumetric exchange ratio on biological phosphorus removal in UniFed SBR process were investigated in a lab‐scale UniFed apparatus treating real domestic wastewater.RESULTS: The results showed that phosphorus removal efficiency increased as C/N ratio increased from 27% at 2.8 to 88% at 5.7. For C/N ratios 6.5 and above, complete phosphorus removal could be achieved. When C/N ratios and volumetric exchange ratio were fixed at 6 and 33%, respectively, phosphorus removal efficiency remained at 100% for C/P ratios higher than 33; effluent phosphate concentration was below the detection limit. For C/P ratios lower than 33, phosphorus removal efficiency decreased linearly with C/P ratio. Under the same influent C/N ratio and C/P ratio, the following factors all contributed to better phosphorus removal performance: greater volumetric exchange ratio; more organic substrate for PAOs to utilize, less inhibition by NOx− of phosphorus release during the feed/decant period; more PHB synthesized; and more aerobic phosphate uptake.CONCLUSION: High influent C/N ratio, high C/P ratio and high volumetric exchange ratio were beneficial to phosphorus removal in this process. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Prognostic values of pathologic findings and hypoxia markers in 21 patients with salivary duct carcinoma
Authors: Roh Jong‐Lyel , Cho Kyung‐Ja , Kwon Gui Young , Choi Seung‐Ho , Nam Soon Yuhl , Kim Sang Yoon 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackgroundSalivary duct carcinoma (SDC) is associated with aggressive clinical behavior.MethodsWe examined the prognostic values of clinicopathologic variables and hypoxia biomarker expression in 21 patients with SDC treated by resection with/without neck dissection and radiotherapy. Tissue microarrays constructed from tumor blocks were stained with monoclonal antibodies to hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α, HIF‐2α, carbonic anhydrase‐9, glucose transporter‐1, and erythropoietin receptor. Locoregional control and survival rates were calculated by the Kaplan–Meier method and prognostic factors were calculated from uni‐ and multivariate analyses.ResultsThe cervical nodal metastasis rate was 67% at initial diagnosis and the distant metastasis rate was 71% during follow‐up. The only significant predictor of distant metastasis was nodal metastasis (P = 0.006). Actuarial 5‐year locoregional control, distant metastasis‐free survival, and overall survival rates were 57%, 40%, and 44%. Multivariate analysis showed that lymphovascular and perineural invasion and radiotherapy were independent predictors of overall survival (P < 0.025). None of the hypoxia biomarkers, however, was a significant predictor of locoregional control, distant metastasis, or survival.ConclusionsLymphovascular and perineural invasion, but not hypoxia biomarkers, were significant prognostic factors for patients with SDC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;97:596–600. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Self‐Assembly of a Hydrophobic Polypeptide Containing a Short Hydrophilic Middle Segment: Vesicles to Large Compound Micelles
Authors: Sun Jing , Shi Quan , Chen Xuesi , Guo Jinshan , Jing Xiabin 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThis report describes a facile route to prepare the vesicles and large compound micelles (LCMs) from a series of poly(ε‐benzyloxycarbonyl L‐lysine)‐block‐poly[diethylene glycol bis(3‐amino propyl) ether]‐block‐poly(ε‐benzyloxycarbonyl L‐lysine) (PZLL‐DGBE‐PZLL) in their water solution, depending on molecular weight of the polypeptides. A pyrene probe is used to demonstrate the aggregate formation of PZLL‐DGBE‐PZLL in solution, and also to measure their critical micelle concentration as a function of molecular weight of the polymer. Transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, dynamic light scattering and confocal laser scanning microscopy are used to observe their aggregate morphologies. Rhodamine B is used as a fluorescent probe to confirm the structure of large compound micelles composed of many reverse micelles with aqueous cores. These polypeptides are prepared by ring‐opening polymerization of α‐amino acid N‐carboxyanhydrides with a small molecule as the initiator. Their structures are confirmed by NMR and SEC‐MALLS. These vesicles and large compound micelles are extremely expected to be used in drug delivery.magnified image
Gene expression signatures that classify the mode of invasion of primary oral squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Kondoh Nobuo , Ishikawa Toshio , Ohkura Shuri , Arai Masaaki , Hada Akiyuki , Yamazaki Yutaka , Kitagawa Yoshimasa , Shindoh Masanobu , Takahashi Masayuki , Ando Toshifumi , Sato Yasunori , Izumo Toshiyuki , Hitomi Kiyotaka , Yamamoto Mikio 
Published: April 2008

AbstractTo identify molecular signatures and establish a new diagnostic model for progressive oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Total RNAs were isolated from primary OSCCs from both node‐positive and ‐negative patients and used in cDNA microarray analysis. To identify marker genes representing a malignant phenotype, their expression was further examined by quantitative reverse transcription‐PCR (QRT‐PCR) in 64 OSCC tissues. Using Fisher's linear discriminant analysis (LDA) fitted with a stepwise increment method, we created discriminatory predictor models. The stability of these models was examined using leave‐one‐out cross validation. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed. Among the 16 600 possible target cDNAs in the array analysis, 83 genes demonstrated significantly differential signals (>2‐fold). We further identified 53 marker genes that can be implicated in the Yamamoto–Kohama's (YKs) mode of invasion for OSCCs (P < 0.06). Using LDA fitted with a stepwise increment method, we created four discriminatory predictor models based on 16‐ to 25‐gene signatures which could best distinguish the five established grades of YKs mode of invasion. Leave‐one out validation demonstrated that the stability of these models was 92–95%. For validation, we also examined an independent set of 13 primary OSCCs; the predictor models determined the invasion status from 77% to 100% (on average, 85%) fidelity with the pathological observations. TGM3 protein expression was markedly suppressed in highly invasive OSCCs. We reveal novel gene expression alterations during the progression of OSCC, and have constructed prediction models for the evaluation of the invasion status of these cancers. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
UVB irradiation regulates Cox‐2 mRNA stability through AMPK and HuR in human keratinocytes
Authors: Zhang Jack , Bowden G. Tim 
Published: April 2008

AbstractConsiderable evidence has demonstrated that UVB irradiation is a strong carcinogen for nonmelanoma skin cancer. Up‐regulation of cyclooxygenase ‐2 (Cox‐2) has been shown to be a crucial event in human keratinocytes in their responses to UVB irradiation. To further understand the molecular mechanisms governing Cox‐2 regulation, we found that UVB irradiation significantly increased Cox‐2 mRNA stability by inducing cytoplasmic localization and protein abundance of human antigen R (HuR). We also found that AMP‐activated kinase (AMPK) mediates these events and that UVB reduces AMPK activity by down‐regulating LKB1 kinase. Finally, we propose a novel model in which UVB regulates Cox‐2 mRNA stability through the LKB1/AMPK pathway. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Different intervals of ovum pick‐up affect the competence of oocytes to support the preimplantation development of cloned bovine embryos
Authors: Ding Li‐Jun , Tian Hai‐Bin , Wang Jing‐Jun , Chen Juan , Sha Hong‐Ying , Chen Jian‐Quan , Cheng Guo‐Xiang 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe objective of this study was to determine the effect of different frequencies of transvaginal ovum pick‐up (OPU) on the quantity of recovered cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) and subsequently the competence of matured oocytes to support the preimplantation development of cloned bovine embryos. The COCs were aspirated from the ovaries of 6 Chinese Holstein cows by transvaginal follicle aspiration twice a week (every 3 or 4 days) (Group I), every 5 days (Group II), once a week (every 7 days) (Group III), every 10 days (Group IV), and once every 2 weeks (every 14 days) (Group V). The developmental stages of the follicles were confirmed by the diameter of the dominant follicle (DF) and harvested COCs, and the dynamics of the follicular wave were clarified. In addition, extrusions of the first polar body (PB I) from the oocytes were observed at different time intervals after the initiation of in vitro maturation (IVM) to identify the appropriate culture time window for somatic cell nuclear transfer. Matured oocytes were used to produce cloned bovine embryos that were subsequently cultured in the goat oviduct. After 7 days, the embryos were flushed out, and the developmental rates of the blastocysts were compared among the five groups. The results showed that the aspirations of all follicles ≥3 mm in diameter (D1) induced and synchronized the dynamics of the follicular wave, and the subordinate follicles became atretic after 4 days (D5). Another follicular wave started between D7 and D10, and atresia in the subordinate follicles in the second follicular wave began on D14. The timing of meiotic progression (from the initiation of IVM to the extrusion of PB I) in the oocytes obtained by OPU was later than that of the oocytes obtained from the abattoir. Between 20 and 24 hr after the initiation of IVM, 20% of the oocytes extruded their PB I. Further, 80% (520/650) of the harvested COCs were arrested at metaphase II (MII) by 22 hr of the initiation of IVM and were used as cytoplast donors. The rates of development of the reconstituted embryos to the blastocyst stage were 23.1% (Group I), 15.0% (Group II), 10.9% (Group III), 4.9% (Group IV), and 29.0% (Group V). The results indicate that the developmental potential of follicles from the same living donors were different when different intervals of OPU were adopted and early atretic follicles from the second follicular wave had higher competence to support the early development of cloned bovine embryos. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1710–1715, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Alterations in the protein kinase C signaling activated by a parthenogenetic agent in oocytes from reproductively old mice
Authors: Carbone M.C. , Tatone C. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractTo investigate the effect of female age on oocyte developmental competence, we focused on protein kinase C (PKC), a major component of the signalling pathway involved in oocyte activation, and put forward the hypothesis that, as it occurs in many organs and tissues, aging affects PKC function in mouse oocytes. Biochemical activity of PKC along with the expression and subcellular distribution of some PKC isoforms were monitored in young and old mouse oocytes parthenogenetically activated by SrCl2. We found that PKC activity increased reaching a level that was lower in old compared to young oocytes in association with an incomplete translocation of PKCβI to the plasma membrane. Moreover, old oocytes exhibited a reduced expression of PKCβ1 and PKCα at the protein level, without significant effects on the expression of the Ca2+‐independent PKCδ. Detectable amounts of PKCβ1 mRNA were observed in young and old oocytes at GV stage with no difference between the two groups of age. When meiotic progression to anaphase II up to first cleavage were analyzed, a delay in meiosis resumption and significantly lower rates of pronuclei formation and first cleavage were observed in old compared to young oocytes. Moreover, we found that, in contrast to SrCl2, PMA (12‐O‐tetradecanoyl phorbol‐13‐acetate), a PKC agonist, was ineffective in activating old oocytes. Present findings provide evidence that aging affects the correct storage and activation of some PKCs, functional components of the machinery involved in oocyte activation, and suggest that these changes may negatively influence the activation competence of old oocytes. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 122–131, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Eagle owl (Bubo bubo) pellets from Roman Sagalassos (SW Turkey): distinguishing the prey remains from nest and roost sites
Authors: De Cupere B. , Thys S. , Van Neer W. , Ervynck A. , Corremans M. , Waelkens M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractTwo concentrations of animal bones, almost exclusively from small mammals and wild birds, were found within the destruction debris of a Roman bath complex in Sagalassos (SW Turkey). The overall species spectrum, skeletal element representation, fragmentation and preservation condition of the bones indicate that they represent the prey remains of a large nocturnal avian predator, more precisely the eagle owl (Bubo bubo). Differences in skeletal element representation and in prey species' spectrum show that the two bone clusters derive from pellets deposited near a nest site and a roost site, respectively. Radiocarbon dates obtained from the bones indicate that eagle owls lived in the collapsing bath complex during the second half of the 6th to the beginning of the 7th century AD, before the final abandonment of the town. The MNI of the prey animals found at the nest site, confronted with the daily dietary needs of a female eagle owl and its young, indicates repetitive use of the same place during several years. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intervertebral chondrocalcinosis: an exercise in differential diagnosis in palaeopathology
Authors: Mays S. A. , Dungworth D. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractIntervertebral chondrocalcinosis (calcification of intervertebral discs and associated structures) may arise from a variety of causes. This work presents a discussion of intervertebral chondrocalcinosis and the identification of its most probable cause in skeletal remains, using as a case study a skeleton of an elderly male from medieval Ipswich, UK. The skeleton is examined using gross observation and radiography, and the intervertebral calcifications are subject to chemical analysis. In addition to intervertebral chondrocalcinosis (which has resulted in ankylosis of lumbo‐sacral segments), lesions identified include chondrocalcinosis at some synovial joints, various soft tissue calcified bodies, and severe osteoarthritis particularly at the gleno‐humeral joints. Interpretation of the results of the chemical analysis of the calcified deposits is complicated by diagenesis, but they are most consistent with apatite and/or whitlockite. Arriving at a most probable cause of the lesions in this case is difficult, but it is tentatively suggested that ochronosis may be the best diagnostic option. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.