bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Promotion of Feeder-Independent Self-Renewal of Embryonic Stem Cells by Retinol (Vitamin A)
Authors: Chen Liguo , Khillan Jaspal S. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Retinol, the alcohol form of vitamin A, maintains pluripotency of mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) by the overexpression of Nanog, which is a key transcription factor for their self-renewal. ESCs represent the most promising source of all types of cells for regenerative medicine and drug discovery. These cells maintain pluripotency through a complex interplay of different signaling pathways and transcription factors including leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), homeodomain protein Nanog, and Oct3/4. Nanog, however, plays a key role in maintaining the pluripotency of mouse and human ESCs. Overexpression of nanog by heterologous promoters can maintain pluripotency of ESCs in the absence of LIF. Also, Nanog alone is sufficient for the self-renewal of ESCs while maintaining the Oct4 levels. Normally, mouse and human ESCs are cultured over mouse embryonic fibroblasts as feeders to maintain pluripotency. Although feeder cells provide important growth-promoting factors, their use involves several cumbersome and time-consuming steps. Here we demonstrate that retinol can support feeder-independent self-renewal of ESCs in long-term cultures without affecting their pluripotency. The effect of retinol is independent of the strain background, and the cells maintain complete potential to differentiate into all the primary germ layers in embryoid bodies and in chimeric animals. Self-renewal of ESCs by retinol is not mediated by retinoic acid. The studies demonstrate for the first time that a physiologically relevant small molecule has growth-promoting effect on the self-renewal of ESCs by activating the endogenous machinery to overexpress a critical gene for pluripotency.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
IFATS Collection: Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells Improve the Foreign Body Response
Authors: Prichard Heather L. , Reichert William , Klitzman Bruce 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Many implanted devices fail due to the formation of an avascular capsule surrounding the device. Additionally, fat has long been known to promote healing and vascularization. The goals of this study were to identify potential mechanisms of the provascular actions of adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) and to improve implant biocompatibility. First, adult ASCs and fibroblasts from rats were attached to polyurethane and polystyrene in vitro and their cytokine secretion profile was analyzed. Secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) from ASCs was 10–70 times higher than fibroblasts after 3 and 6 days. Next, polyurethane, bare and with cellular coatings, was implanted subcutaneously in rats. The fibrous capsule surrounding bare polyurethane implants was 17%–32% thicker and the amount of collagen was 27% greater than the capsule surrounding ASC-coated implants. Finally, the microvessel density adjacent to ASC-coated polyurethane was approximately 50%–80% higher than bare polyurethane. In summary, ASCs attached to polyurethane have a dramatically increased VEGF production compared with fibroblasts in vitro, and these cells also produce an increased microvessel density in the surrounding tissue when implanted subcutaneously in rats.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Effectiveness of an Inpatient Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation Program for People With Parkinson Disease
Authors: Ellis Terry , Katz Douglas I , White Daniel K , DePiero T Joy , Hohler Anna D , Saint-Hilaire Marie 
Published: April 2008

Background and PurposeIn the outpatient setting, it can be difficult to effectively manage the complex medical and rehabilitation needs of people with Parkinson disease (PD). A multidisciplinary approach in the inpatient rehabilitation environment may be a viable alternative. The purposes of this study were: (1) to investigate the effectiveness of an inpatient rehabilitation program for people with a primary diagnosis of PD, (2) to determine whether gains made were clinically meaningful, and (3) to identify predictors of rehabilitation outcome.SubjectsSixty-eight subjects with a diagnosis of PD were admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation hospital with a multidisciplinary movement disorders program.MethodsSubjects participated in a rehabilitation program consisting of a combination of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy for a total of 3 hours per day, 5 to 7 days per week, in addition to pharmacological adjustments based on data collected daily. A pretest-posttest design was implemented. The differences between admission and discharge scores on the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) (total, motor, and cognitive scores), Timed “Up & Go” Test, 2-Minute Walk Test, and Finger Tapping Test were analyzed.ResultsAn analysis of data obtained for the 68 subjects admitted with a diagnosis of PD revealed significant improvements across all outcome measures from admission to discharge. Subjects with PD whose medications were not adjusted during their admission (rehabilitation only) (n=10) showed significant improvements in FIM total, motor, and cognitive scores. Improvements exceeded the minimal clinically important difference in 71% of the subjects. Prior level of function at admission accounted for 20% of the variance in the FIM total change score.Discussion and ConclusionThe results suggest that subjects with a diagnosis of PD as a primary condition benefited from an inpatient rehabilitation program designed to improve functional status.
After the hotspots are gone: Land use history and grassland plant species diversity in a strongly transformed agricultural landscape
Authors: Cousins Sara A.O. , Eriksson Ove 
Published: April 2008

Abstract.Question:We asked how landscape configuration and present management influence plant species richness and abundance of habitat specialists in grasslands in a ‘modern’(much exploited and transformed) agricultural Swedish landscape.Location:Selaön, south‐eastern Sweden (59°24’ N, 17°10’ E).Methods:Present and past (150 and 50 years ago) landscape pattern was analysed in a 25 km2area. Species richness was investigated in 63 different grassland patches; grazed and abandoned semi‐natural grasslands, and grazed ex‐arable fields. Influence of landscape variables; area, past and present grassland connectivity, present management on total species richness, density and abundance of 25 grassland specialists was analysed.Results:Semi‐natural grasslands (permanent unfertilised pastures or meadows formed by traditional agricultural methods) had declined from 60% 150 years ago to 5% today. There was a significant decline in species richness and density in abandoned semi‐natural grasslands. Total species richness was influenced by present management, size and connectivity to present and past grassland pattern. Landscape variables did not influence species density in grazed semi‐natural grassland suggesting that maintained grazing management makes grassland patches independent of landscape context. The abundance of 16 grassland specialists was mainly influenced by management and to some extent also by landscape variables.Conclusion:Although species richness pattern reflect management and to some extent landscape variables, the response of individual species may be idiosyncratic. The historical signal from past landscapes is weak on present‐day species richness in highly transformed, agricultural landscapes. Generalizations of historical legacies on species diversity in grasslands should consider also highly transformed landscapes and not only landscapes with a high amount of diversity hotspots left.
The influence of aspect on the early growth dynamics of hydroseeded species in coal reclamation areas
Authors: González‐Alday J. , Marrs R.H. , Martínez‐Ruiz C. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract.Question:Does aspect affect hydroseeding success and the development of vegetation during early vegetation establishment on the steep slopes of coal wastes during the reclamation process?Location:Open‐pit coal mine near Villanueva de la Peña, northern Spain.Methods:In the first year after hydroseeding, we monitored the dynamics of hydroseeded species in three permanent plots of 20 m2on north‐ and south‐facing slopes every two months. Soil properties and weather conditions were also monitored.Results:Aspect was related to total plant cover during early revegetation, and south‐facing slopes had the lowest cover. Aspect also influenced the early dynamics of hydroseeded grasses and legumes establishing on these slopes. Grass cover was greater on the north slope throughout the study, but differences in plant cover between north and south slopes appeared later for the legumes. Aspect also affected the relative contribution of both of grasses and legumes to the total plant cover, with grasses dominant on both northern and southern slopes, except during the summer on the southern slope. The species with the greatest difference in cover between the north‐ and south‐facing slopes wereFestucaspp.,Lolium perenneandTrifolium repens.Conclusion:In coal mine reclamation areas of Mediterranean climates, differences in the development of hydroseeded species depended on the slope of the coal mine reclamation areas, and this information is of importance to managers in selecting species for use in reclamation.
Strategies for Genotype Generation
Authors: Gregory Simon , Gilbert John 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe identification of genomic loci linked to human disease has been greatly facilitated by the evolution of genotyping strategies and techniques. The success of these strategies continues to be based upon clear clinical assessment, accurate sample handling, and careful data management, but also increasingly upon experimental design. Technological advances in the field of genotyping are permitting increasing complex population studies to be performed. An understanding of publicly available genetic variation databases, including an awareness of the limitations of these data, and an appreciation of the strategic approaches that should be used to exploit this information will provide tremendous insight for researchers are aiming to utilize this increasingly accessible technology. As single‐nucleotide polymorphisms become the mainstay of genetic analyses, it is important that their source, distribution and de novo identification before understood before they are incorporated into genetic linkage and association analyses.
Informed Consent for Genetic Research
Authors: Botkin Jeffrey R. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractGenetic research often utilizes or generates information that is potentially sensitive to individuals, families, or communities. For these reasons, genetic research may warrant additional scrutiny from investigators and governmental regulators, compared to other types of biomedical research. The informed consent process should address the range of social and psychological issues that may arise in genetic research. This paper addresses a number of these issues, including recruitment of participants, disclosure of results, psychological impact of results, insurance and employment discrimination, community engagement, consent for tissue banking, and intellectual property issues. Points of consideration are offered to assist in the development of protocols and consent processes in light of contemporary debates on a number of these issues.
Infectious Diseases Testing
Authors: Blakey Gregory L. , Luna Ruth Ann , Versalovic James 
Published: April 2008

AbstractMolecular methods have been applied widely for the diagnosis of infectious diseases. Beginning with solution hybridization in the early 1990s, multiple methods for nucleic acid hybridization and amplification have been introduced into the laboratory for the identification and characterization of microbial pathogens. This unit contains examples of several basic approaches for microbial detection or characterization in the laboratory. Methods in this chapter include automated nucleic acid extraction, direct detection of microbial pathogens, and characterization of pathogens by DNA sequencing or typing. Any of these methods could be customized for the characterization of bacteria, fungi, parasites, or viruses.
An Overview of Biochemical Genetics
Authors: Daniel Sharer J. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBiochemical genetics is focused on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of inborn errors of metabolism, which result in potentially toxic accumulation of substrate or secondary metabolites, and/or inhibition of reaction products. Early‐onset metabolic disorders often present during infancy as acute, life‐threatening illnesses; other forms of inborn errors appear later in childhood and are often characterized by progressive neurodegeneration. This unit provides an overview of modern biochemical genetic diagnostic methods used to evaluate a patient's metabolic status via measurement of reaction products or a specific enzyme activity. One such technique, tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), has revolutionized population‐scale newborn screening for metabolic disorders by providing rapid, accurate, multianalyte quantification on small samples. The combination of expanded newborn screening and novel therapeutic approaches, such as enzyme‐replacement therapy, offers significant improvement in the management of metabolic disorders.
Stereocomplementary Desymmetrizations of Divinylcarbinols by Zirconium(IV)‐ vs. Titanium(IV)‐Mediated Asymmetric Epoxidations
Authors: Kramer Rainer , Berkenbusch Thilo , Brückner Reinhard 
Published: April 2008

AbstractSubstituted Cs‐symmetric penta‐1,4‐dien‐3‐ols (“divinylcarbinols”) containing cis‐ or trans‐di‐substituted CC bonds were desymmetrized by asymmetric monoepoxidations. Sharpless conditions gave anti‐configured monoepoxides. For cis,cis‐divinylcarbinols this was unprecedented. Oxidation with tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (t‐BuOOH) in the presence of zirconium tetraisopropoxide [Zr(O‐i‐Pr)4] and a dialkyl tartrate led to the corresponding syn‐configured monoepoxides. Under the reaction conditions the ee of monoepoxide syn‐12 increased with time from 75 to 99% ee. The reason is the preferential overoxidation of its minor enantiomer. The ease of preparation and multitude of functional groups make epoxides 12–14 worthwhile building blocks for the synthesis of non‐racemic structures.
Congenital disseminated neurofibromatosis type 1: A clinical and molecular case report
Authors: Stewart H. , Bowker C. , Edees S. , Smalley S. , Crocker M. , Mechan D. , Forrester N. , Spurlock G. , Upadhyaya M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractNeurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant condition with a birth incidence of 1/3,500. Around 50% of cases are due to new mutations. The NF1 gene maps to 17q11.2 and encodes neurofibromin. NF1 is a “classical” tumor suppressor gene. Congenital disseminated NF1 is rare with just two cases previously reported. We present a deceased baby with congenital disseminated NF1 in whom we performed molecular studies. A germline mutation (R461X) in exon 10a of the NF1 gene was found. A 2 bp deletion (3508delCA) in codon 1170 of exon 21 was identified in DNA derived from some tumor tissue. Loss of heterozygosity in NF1 and TP53 was observed in other tumor samples. No microsatellite instability was observed in the tumor samples. This is the first report of molecular analysis of the NF1 locus in a patient with disseminated congenital neurofibromatosis. This case had a de novo germline mutation in NF1 and three documented somatic mutations in the NF1 and TP53 genes in tumor specimens. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Solvent resistance and mechanical properties in thermoplastic elastomer blends prepared by dynamic vulcanization
Authors: Van Dyke J. D. (Jack) , Gnatowski Marek , Burczyk Andrew 
Published: April 2008

AbstractDynamic vulcanization was used to prepare thermoplastic elastomer blends of nylon (polyamide), polypropylene (PP) and polybutylene terephthalate thermoplastics with chlorobutyl (CIIR) and nitrile (NBR) rubbers. Mechanical properties of the blends were correlated against composition. Although hardness and tensile strength increase with increasing thermoplastic content for all blends, elongation at break values initially decrease and then increase in the range of 20–40% thermoplastic. For various blend compositions, the swelling behavior was evaluated with solvents that are able to dissolve the uncured rubber portion but not the thermoplastic component of the mixtures. All five systems showed swelling index values that were substantially less than the calculated “theoretical” values of swelling index. This was attributed to a caging effect of the thermoplastic component on the rubber phase, which restricts access of solvent and swelling of the rubber phase. In turn, this affects the solvent resistance of the blend. Some of the blends were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry to assess the compatibility of the components in the blend. scanning electron microscopy was also used to determine the degree of compatibility of the two phases generated in the mixing process. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Analysis of the chondrogenic potential of human synovial stem cells according to harvest site and culture parameters in knees with medial compartment osteoarthritis
Authors: Nagase Tsuyoshi , Muneta Takeshi , Ju Young‐Jin , Hara Kenji , Morito Toshiyuki , Koga Hideyuki , Nimura Akimoto , Mochizuki Tomoyuki , Sekiya Ichiro 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjectiveSynovial mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an attractive cell source for cartilage regeneration because of their high chondrogenic ability. In this study, we examined the synovium of patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis (OA) to determine the proportion of MSCs in relation to cellular compartmentalization, and to identify the culture parameters that could affect the chondrogenic potential of synovial MSCs.MethodsHuman synovium was collected from 4 different harvest sites in the knees of patients with medial compartment OA. Each synovial tissue sample was divided into 2 parts, one for histologic assessment and the other for analysis of the cell size, surface epitopes, and chondrogenic potential of colony‐forming cells in vitro.ResultsThe numbers of α‐smooth muscle actin–positive vessels and CD31+ endothelial cells were higher in the medial outer region than in the other regions of OA synovial tissue. The numbers of these cells correlated with the number of colony‐forming cells. In parallel with increasing duration of the preculture period, the size of the cells increased, while the chondrogenic potential decreased, and this was correlated with expression of CD90.ConclusionMedial compartment knee OA demonstrates variability in the distribution of vessels, which results in a varying distribution of MSCs. The preculture period should be utilized to assess both the potential for expansion and the chondrogenic potential of MSCs.
Autoantibodies to the translational suppressors T cell intracytoplasmic antigen 1 and T cell intracytoplasmic antigen 1–related protein in patients with rheumatic diseases: Increased prevalence in systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis and correlation with clinical features
Authors: Jimenez‐Boj Esther , Kedersha Nancy , Tohidast‐Akrad Makiyeh , Karlhofer Franz M. , Stummvoll Georg , Zimmermann Christof , Ulrich Walter , Guiducci Serena , Hoefler Elisabeth , Aringer Martin , Schett Georg , Matucci‐Cerinic Marco , Smolen Josef S. , Steiner Günter 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjectiveT cell intracytoplasmic antigen 1 (TIA‐1) and TIA‐1–related protein (TIAR) are involved in posttranscriptional regulation of the expression of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and other proteins. Given the pivotal role of TNFα in chronic inflammatory diseases, this study was undertaken to analyze sera from patients with systemic autoimmune diseases for the presence of autoantibodies to TIA proteins and to investigate the expression of these proteins in inflamed tissue.MethodsThe presence of autoantibodies to TIA proteins in sera from 385 patients with rheumatic diseases and healthy controls was determined by immunoblotting using recombinant antigens. Expression of TIA proteins in skin and kidney tissue was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Serum levels of TNFα were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsAutoantibodies to TIA‐1 and/or TIAR were detected in 61% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 42% of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), 15–31% of patients with other rheumatic diseases, and 6% of healthy controls. Compared with patients negative for anti‐TIA antibody, anti‐TIA antibody–positive SLE patients had higher disease activity (P = 0.01), elevated antibodies to double‐stranded DNA (P = 0.0003), and increased serum TNFα levels (P = 0.018). In SLE patients, anti‐TIAR antibodies were associated with lupus nephritis (P = 0.02), while in patients with SSc, anti–TIA‐1 was associated with lung involvement (P = 0.02). Immunohistochemical analysis of skin and kidney tissue revealed aberrant expression of TIA proteins in skin lesions from SLE and SSc patients, as well as in glomerular cells from SLE patients.ConclusionAberrant expression of TIA proteins in inflammatory tissue may lead to systemic autoantibody responses, particularly in SLE and SSc. Increased occurrence of anti‐TIA autoantibodies in patients with severe organ involvement may point to a possible pathogenetic role.
Mechanisms for cytotoxic effects of anti–tumor necrosis factor agents on transmembrane tumor necrosis factor α–expressing cells: Comparison among infliximab, etanercept, and adalimumab
Authors: Mitoma Hiroki , Horiuchi Takahiko , Tsukamoto Hiroshi , Tamimoto Yasuhiro , Kimoto Yasutaka , Uchino Ayumi , To Kentaro , Harashima Shin‐Ichi , Hatta Nobuaki , Harada Mine 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjectiveThree anti–tumor necrosis factor α (anti‐TNFα) agents have been proved to be effective for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other inflammatory disorders. Infliximab and adalimumab have been generated as anti‐TNFα monoclonal antibodies, while etanercept is engineered from human type II TNF receptors. In spite of all 3 agents' equal efficacy for RA, both infliximab and adalimumab are effective for other diseases such as Crohn's disease and Wegener's granulomatosis, while etanercept is not. We undertook this study to understand the different clinical effects of these anti‐TNFα agents by analyzing their biologic activities on transmembrane TNFα.MethodsJurkat T cells stably expressing an uncleavable form of transmembrane TNFα were used for the following studies: 1) flow cytometric analysis of binding activities of anti‐TNF agents to cell surface transmembrane TNFα, 2) complement‐dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), 3) antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) by using peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and 4) outside‐to‐inside (reverse) signal transduction through transmembrane TNFα estimated by apoptosis and cell cycle analysis using flow cytometry.ResultsAll of the anti‐TNFα agents bound to transmembrane TNFα. Infliximab and adalimumab exerted almost equal CDC activities, while etanercept showed considerably lower activity. ADCC activities were almost equal among these 3 agents. Adalimumab and infliximab induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in transmembrane TNFα–expressing Jurkat T cells, reflecting an outside‐to‐inside signal transduction through transmembrane TNFα.ConclusionThree different anti‐TNF agents showed different biologic effects on transmembrane TNFα. This finding suggests that CDC and outside‐to‐inside signals by anti‐TNFα antibodies may explain the successful clinical efficacy of adalimumab and infliximab in Crohn's disease and Wegener's granulomatosis.