bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parenchymal and vascular Aβ‐deposition and its effects on the degeneration of neurons and cognition in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Thal Dietmar Rudolf , Griffin W. Sue T. , Braak Heiko 
Published: July 2008

Introduction
The deposition of Aβ
Neurotoxicity of Aβ
Contribution of CAA to the degeneration of neurons
Clinical impact of Aβ and its therapeutic possibilities
Conclusions
AbstractThe deposition of the amyloid β‐protein (Aβ) is one of the pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aβ‐deposits show the morphology of senile plaques and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). Senile plaques and vascular Aβ‐deposits occur first in neocorti‐cal areas. Then, they expand hierarchically into further brain regions. The distribution of Aβ plaques throughout the entire brain, thereby correlates with the clinical status of the patients. Imaging techniques for Aβ make use of the hierarchical distribution of Aβ to distinguish AD patients from non‐AD patients. However, pathology seen in AD patients represents a late stage of a pathological process starting 10–30 years earlier in cognitively normal individuals. In addition to the fibrillar amyloid of senile plaques, oligomeric and monomeric Aβ is found in the brain. Recent studies revealed that oligomeric Aβ is presumably the most toxic Aβ‐aggregate, which interacts with glutamatergic synapses. In doing so, dendrites are presumed to be the primary target for Aβ‐toxicity. In addition, vascular Aβ‐deposits can lead to capillary occlusion and blood flow disturbances presumably contributing to the alteration of neurons in addition to the direct neurotoxic effects of Aβ. All these findings point to an important role of Aβ and its aggregates in the neurodegenerative process of AD. Since there is already significant neuron loss in AD patients, treatment strategies aimed at reducing the amyloid load will presumably not cure the symptoms of dementia but they may stop disease progression. Therefore, it seems to be necessary to protect the brain from Aβ‐toxicity already in stages of the disease with minor neuron loss before the onset of cognitive symptoms.
Control of leucocyte differentiation from embryonic stem cells upon vasculogenesis and confrontation with tumour tissue
Authors: Hannig Madeleine , Figulla Hans‐Reiner , Sauer Heinrich , Wartenberg Maria 
Published: July 2008

AbstractEmbryonic stem (ES) cells spontaneously differentiate capillary‐like structures as well as leucocytes such as monocytes/macrophages, neutrophils, natural killer (NK) cells and cytototoxic T lymphocytes. The interplay between vasculogenesis and leucocyte differentiation as well as the population of tumour tissues with ES cell‐derived leucocytes and endothelial cells is, however, not sufficiently specified. In the present study, gene expression of the cell surface markers CD68 and CD14 (expressed on monocytes and macrophages), Mac‐1 (CD11b) (expressed on granulocytes, monocytes and NK cells) and CD16 (expressed on neutrophils) was investigated in murine CGR8 ES cells in relation to the endothelial cell markers CD31 and vascular endothelial (VE)‐cadherin. Expression of leucocyte markers increased from day 7–8 of cell culture on. Furthermore, addition of macrophage colony‐stimulating factor to the cell culture medium resulted in a threefold increase in the number of CD68+ monocytes/macrophages. Treatment of embryoid bodies with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) up‐regulated CD14 thus suggesting functionality of the CD14 LPS receptor. Differentiation of vascular structures positive for CD31 and VE‐cadherin preceded leucocyte differentiation by 2 days (i.e. from day 5–6 on) suggesting that vasculogenesis may be a determinant of leucocyte differentiation. Consequently the Flk‐1 antagonist SU5416 which inhibits vasculogenesis of ES cells significantly blunted leucocyte differentiation. Confrontation culture of embryoid bodies with multicellular breast tumour spheroids initiated significant increase of leucocyte cell numbers and invasion of leucocytes into the tumour tissue. In summary our data demonstrate that during ES cell differentiation vasculogenesis precedes leucocyte differentiation, and point towards the direction that leucocyte cell invasion into tumour tissue may initiate the pro‐inflammatory microenvironment necessary for tumour vascularization.
Paxgenes in embryogenesis and oncogenesis
Authors: Wang Qiuyu , Fang Wen‐Hui , Krupinski Jerzy , Kumar Shant , Slevin Mark , Kumar Patricia 
Published: July 2008

IntroductionPAX proteins and embryogenesisPAX genesand cancerPAX3 genein embryogenesis and cancerPAX2 in tumourigenesisPAX5 in tumourigenesisPAX8 in tumourigenesisPAX and the treatment of cancerSummaryAbstractThe paired box genes are a family of nine developmental control genes, which in human beings(PAX)and mice (Pax) encode nuclear transcription factors. The temporal and spatial expressions of these highly conserved genes are tightly regulated during foetal development including organogenesis. PAY/Paxgenes are switched off during the terminal differentiation of most structures. Specific mutations within a number ofPAX/Paxgenes lead to developmental abnormalities in both human beings and mice. Mutation inPAX3causes Waardenburg syndrome, and craniofacial‐deafness‐hand syndrome. The Splotch phenotype in mouse exhibits defects in neural crest derivatives such as, pigment cells, sympathetic ganglia and cardiac neural crest‐derived structures. ThePAXfamily also plays key roles in several human malignancies. In particular,PAX3is involved in rhabdomyosarcoma and tumours of neural crest origin, including melanoma and neuroblastoma. This review critically evaluates the roles ofPAX/Paxin oncogenesis. It especially highlights recent advances in knowledge of how their genetic alterations directly interfere in the transcriptional networks that regulate cell differentiation, proliferation, migration and survival and may contribute to oncogenesis.
Distribution of Malassezia species in patients with psoriasis and healthy individuals in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Zomorodian Kamiar , Mirhendi Hosssien , Tarazooie Bita , Zeraati Hojjat , Hallaji Zahra , Balighi Kamran 
Published: July 2008

Background:  Psoriasis is a non‐contagious disorder that affects the skin as red scaly patches. Although the role of Malassezia species in the pathogenesis of psoriasis is still not fully understood, it is thought that these lipophilic yeasts might be a trigger factor in the exacerbation of psoriatic lesions.Methods:  Using culture in a specific medium followed by the polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism method, the presence of Malassezia species in the skin of 110 patients with psoriasis was compared with that in a control group of 123 healthy patients.Results:  The recovery rate of Malassezia species from the skin of patients with psoriasis was significantly lower than that in the controls. In both psoriatic and healthy skin, Malassezia globosa was isolated as the predominant species. In psoriatic patients, the rate of colonization of Malassezia furfur and Malassezia restricta was almost twice that in the controls, whereas M. globosa was isolated more frequently from healthy individuals than from patients.Conclusions:  Considering the higher lipase activity secretion by M. furfur in comparison with other Malassezia species, the enzymatic release of arachidonic acid and its metabolites by M. furfur may exacerbate the inflammatory and hyperproliferative changes observed in psoriasis.
Large CD30‐positive cells in benign, atypical lymphoid infiltrates of the skin
Authors: Werner Betina , Massone Cesare , Kerl Helmut , Cerroni Lorenzo 
Published: July 2008

Background:  Cutaneous infectious and inflammatory diseases may contain a significant number of CD30‐positive cells, thus mimicking lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) or anaplastic large cell lymphoma.Methods:  We reviewed our cases of non‐neoplastic skin conditions with large, CD30‐positive cells and searched the literature for similar cases.Results:  A total of 28 cases were included in the study: Milker’s nodule (n = 8), Herpes simplex virus infection (n = 7), lymphomatoid drug reaction (n = 3), molluscum contagiosum (n = 3), nodular scabies (n = 2), leishmaniasis (n = 1), syphilis (n = 1), pernio (n = 1), ruptured infundibular cyst (n = 1) and pseudolymphoma in a scar (n = 1). CD30‐positive cells were often arranged in clusters and revealed both Golgi and membrane positivity, similar to what was observed in LyP and CD30+ anaplastic large T‐cell lymphoma.Conclusions:  Analysis of our data and of those published in the literature shows that viruses and drugs are the most common cause for occurrence of large CD30‐positive cells in cutaneous pseudolymphomatous infiltrates. Arrangement of these large, CD30‐positive cells in small clusters is not unique to cutaneous CD30‐positive lymphomas, and in many cases a precise diagnosis can be made only upon accurate clinicopathological correlation or using ancillary methods such as polymerase chain reaction analysis for viral DNA.
Homoharringtonine affects the JAK2‐STAT5 signal pathway through alteration of protein tyrosine kinase phosphorylation in acute myeloid leukemia cells
Authors: Tong Hongyan , Ren Yanling , Zhang Fengjuan , Jin Jie 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjectives:  Homoharringtonine (HHT) was efficient in therapying patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in China, but little is known about the mechanism of its action. As the abnormal activation of JAK2 associated pathway is important to AML, we try to explore the effect of HHT on JAK2‐STAT pathway in AML cells, thus supplying theoretical basis for wider use of HHT.Methods:  The cell viability was tested by MTT. Apoptosis was tested by flow cytometry. RT‐PCR was used to measure the expression of JAK2, STAT5 and the effect gene Bcl‐xL. The signal proteins such as p‐JAK2, p‐STAT5, p‐AKT, p‐ERK activated by abnormal activated JAK2 were tested by Western blotting.Results:  HHT obviously inhibited the viability of primary AML cells and AML cell lines HEL, K562 and HL‐60 cells, AnnexinV‐PI double staining confirmed early apoptosis in a dose‐dependent manner. In immunoblotting analysis, when AML cells were affected by HHT for 6 h (much ahead of the time when apoptosis could be induced). The expressions of p‐JAK2, p‐STAT5, and p‐AKT were down‐regulated, while the total JAK2, STAT5 and AKT protein levels were stable. There were no changes in p‐ERK and BcL‐xL proteins. When it prolonged to 24 h, Bcl‐xL decreased obviously. Similar results were obtained by using JAK2 specific inhibitor AG490.Conclusions:  HHT possibly acts as a broad‐spectrum PTK inhibitor and inhibits the phosphorylation of the signal proteins caused by oncogenic proteins such as JAK2V617F, BCR/ABL, thus blocking the survival and proliferative signal pathway of malignant cells.
A trend of increase in periodontal interleukin‐6 expression across patients with neither diabetes nor periodontal disease, patients with periodontal disease alone, and patients with both diseases
Authors: Cole C. M. , Sundararaj K. P. , Leite R. S. , Nareika A. , Slate E. H. , Sanders J. J. , Lopes‐Virella M. F. , Huang Y. 
Published: July 2008

Background and Objective: Epidemiological studies have established that patients with diabetes have increased prevalence and severity of periodontal disease. However, the periodontal expression of inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in diabetic patients has not been well characterized. The objective of this study was to determine the difference in the periodontal expression of MMP‐1, MMP‐8, interleukin‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐1β between diabetic and nondiabetic patients.Material and Methods: Periodontal tissue specimens were collected from nine nondiabetic patients without periodontal disease (group 1), from 11 nondiabetic patients with periodontal disease (group 2) and from seven diabetic patients with periodontal disease (group 3). The expression of MMP‐1, MMP‐8, interleukin‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐1β was quantified using real‐time polymerase chain reaction.Results: The nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis test showed that the difference in interleukin‐6 expression among the groups was statistically significant (p = 0.04). Furthermore, the generalized Kruskal–Wallis nonparametric linear‐by‐linear association test showed a statistically significant trend of increase in the expression of interleukin‐6 from group 1 to group 2 to group 3 (p = 0.02) and a suggestion of such a trend for MMP‐1 (p = 0.05). No increase in MMP‐8 expression was observed in patients in group 3 compared to patients in groups 1 and 2. Although the average expression levels of MMP‐1, interleukin‐1β and tumor necrosis factor‐α were increased from group 1 to group 3, the differences were not statistically significant.Conclusion: A trend of increased interleukin‐6 expression in periodontal tissues was observed across patients with neither diabetes nor periodontal disease, patients with periodontal disease alone, and patients with both diseases.
Tooth abnormalities and soft tissue alterations in patients with G/BBB syndrome
Authors: Da Silva Dalben G , Richieri‐Costa A , De Assis Taveira LA 
Published: July 2008

Objective:  The G/BBB syndrome is an X‐linked recessive disorder characterized by eye anomalies, laryngotracheoesophageal cleft, congenital heart disease, genitourinary anomalies and gastrointestinal disorders. Patients may also present cleft lip and palate, high‐arched palate and thin upper lip. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of tooth abnormalities and soft tissue changes in patients with G/BBB syndrome.Design:  Cross‐sectional.Subjects and methods:  Twenty‐one patients with G/BBB syndrome were analyzed as to the presence of tooth abnormalities and soft tissue alterations.Main outcome measures:  The prevalence of tooth agenesis and supernumerary teeth was compared to patients without morphofunctional alterations, matched for gender and age.Results:  All patients had complete cleft lip and palate; 95.23% of patients presented tooth abnormalities, mainly hypoplastic alterations, with predominance of alterations of number, followed by alterations of structure, shape and position. The frequency of tooth agenesis and supernumerary teeth was significantly higher compared with the control group; 11 patients presented incisiform supernumerary teeth in the mandibular anterior region. Ankyloglossia was observed in 11 of 21 patients.Conclusion:  The presence of mandibular anterior supernumerary teeth and ankyloglossia should be investigated in the clinical evaluation of patients with suspected diagnosis of the G/BBB syndrome.
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy outcomes: Re‐audit in 2005
Authors: Fu Kenneth Kam‐Fung , Lo Alex Hak‐Keung , Kan Chi‐Fai , Chan Sammy Kwok‐Keung 
Published: July 2008

Aim:  To evaluate the outcomes of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for upper urinary tract stones in 2005 in our hospital and to compare with the results obtained in 2000.Methods:  The present study reviewed the outcomes of standardized PCNL, a one‐stage procedure under sedo‐analgesia, for upper urinary tract stones in 2000 and 2005 in Queen Elizabeth Hospital. In 2000, 74 PCNL were carried out using holmium laser, Swiss lithoclast or electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL) for stone fragmentation. Thirty to 40% of staghorn stones and 80–100% of complicated renal and upper ureteric stones achieved stone‐free clearance after single‐session PCNL. In 2005, 82 PCNL were performed after the introduction of three strategies, namely: multiple tract access, flexible nephroscopic exploration and the new‐generation ultrasonic lithotripter. The outcomes were evaluated and compared to those in 2000 according to the different categories of stones.Results:  The results in 2005 were improved in terms of increased overall stone‐free rates (20% in single session and 5% after the final session), retreatment rate reduction (15%), and raised efficiency quotient (21.5), while the overall complication rate remained low (13.9%) compared to that in 2000. In 2005, in particular, the single‐session stone‐free rates of staghorn stones and renal pelvis stones were significantly improved to 70–80% (30–40% in 2000) and 100%, respectively (50–60% in 2000). Single‐session stone‐free rates for other stones remained at 90–100%.Conclusion:  Our outcomes improvement could be attributed to the maturation of the PCNL technique, use of multiple tract access, use of flexible nephroscopy, and ultrasonic lithotripsy.
Ecological Differences in Weight, Length, and Weight for Length of Mexican American Children in the WIC Program
Authors: Reifsnider Elizabeth , Ritsema Melanie 
Published: July 2008

PURPOSE. Examine factors common in the environments of children who obtain services from a WIC program to determine if differences in ecological/environmental factors can be found in the children who differ in weight,length,and weight for length.DESIGN AND METHODS. Cross‐sectional study of 300 children,100 each who were stunted,normal weight for length,or overweight. Instruments used were NCATS,ARSMA II,24‐hr diet recall,and Baecke Activity Questionnaire.RESULTS. Significant differences were present in children's diet,parents’ BMI,parents’ generation in United States,parents’ activity levels,and maternal–child relationship.PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Encourage parents to adopt family approaches to encourage normal body size in children.
Stable chaos in the 55Cnc exoplanetary system?
Authors: Gayon J. , Marzari F. , Scholl H. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
The five planets discovered around the main-sequence star 55Cnc may represent a case of stable chaos. By using both the Frequency Map Analysis and MEGNO, we find that about 15 per cent of the systems that can be build from the nominal orbital elements of the system are highly chaotic. However, in spite of the fast diffusion rate in the phase space, the planetary system is not destabilized over 400 Myr and close encounters between the planets are avoided.
High-resolution simulations of galaxy mergers: resolving globular cluster formation
Authors: Bournaud F. , Duc P.-A. , Emsellem E. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Massive star clusters observed in galaxy mergers are often suggested to be progenitors of globular clusters. To study this hypothesis, we performed the highest resolution simulation of a gas-rich galaxy merger so far. The formation of massive star clusters of 105 to 107 M⊙, triggered by the galaxy interaction, is directly resolved in this model. We show that these clusters are tightly bound structures with little net rotation, due to evolve into compact long-lived stellar systems. Massive clusters formed in galaxy mergers are thus robust candidates for progenitors of long-lived globular clusters. The simulated cluster mass spectrum is consistent with theory and observations. Tidal dwarf galaxies of 108–9 M⊙ can form at the same time, and appear to be part of a different class of objects, being more extended and rotating.
ANALYSIS OF GROWTH MODELS FOR BATCH KEFIR GRAIN BIOMASS PRODUCTION IN RC1 REACTION SYSTEM
Authors: TRAMŠEK MARKO , GORŠEK ANDREJA 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT This work describes the statistical analysis of three mathematical models, modified for describing the kefir grain biomass growth curve. Experimental data of time‐dependent kefir grain mass increase were used. The propagation was performed in RC1 batch reaction system under optimal bioprocess parameters (temperature, rotational frequency of stirrer, glucose mass concentration) using traditional cultivation in fresh, high‐temperature, pasteurized whole fat cow's milk. We compared values of biological parameters obtained by applying the nonlinear regression of experimental data in logistic, Gompertz and Richards models. The most statistically appropriate model was determined using the seven statistical indicators. We established that the kefir grain biomass growth curve during batch propagation under optimal bioprocess conditions can be most successfully described using the Gompertz growth model. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSKefir grains can be used not only for traditional, large‐scale kefir fermentation but also for bread, ethanol and volatile aroma compound production. When they are produced commercially, it is critically important for optimization, monitoring and controlling of their batch production to develop mathematical models that provide an accurate description of the kefir grain biomass growth curve. Furthermore, these models represent an important tool in any predictive kefir grain biomass growth curve modeling. Their incorporation into the early laboratory development stage can significantly reduce costs associated with the design of industrial kefir grain biomass production plants.Presented results cannot be specified as general for all kinds of batch kefir grain biomass propagations. In spite of all that, the experimental and statistical procedure given in this article can be used to find the statistically best growth model for describing the batch kefir grain biomass growth curve under different experimental and propagation setups.
Promoting Healthy Vision in Students: Progress and Challenges in Policy, Programs, and Research
Authors: Ethan Danna , Basch Charles E. 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTBackground:  An estimated 1 in 5 American children has a vision problem. Children living in poor urban environments have twice the normal rate of vision problems. Uncorrected vision problems can worsen over time and result in permanent vision loss. Early detection and treatment of vision problems is therefore essential in optimizing children’s health and development. Federal‐, state‐, and school‐based prevention efforts continue to evolve to identify and serve children with vision problems.Methods:  Review of current literature on (1) major vision problems among children, (2) unique problems faced by low‐income children with poor vision, and (3) the rise in health policy and program efforts to support the goal of healthy vision for each child. The preliminary relationship established between vision and academic performance is also discussed.Results:  Low‐income children have a disproportionate amount of vision problems and face several barriers to acquiring vision care. Varied actions among states include legislation requiring screening and follow‐up before entry into elementary school.Conclusions:  States and schools can take concrete steps to increase the number of children identified and treated for vision problems. Health policy and programs should also address common barriers to children receiving and wearing their glasses at home and in the classroom. Further research is necessary to assess the relationship between children’s vision and educational outcomes. To the extent that vision is associated with academic success, policies and programs can be shaped to address the achievement gap that exists among our nation’s youth and to support the goal of healthy vision for each child.