bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TGF-β down-regulates IL-1α-induced TLR2 expression in murine hepatocytes
Authors: Matsumura Takayuki , Hayashi Hidetoshi , Takii Takemasa , Thorn Caroline F , Whitehead Alexander S , Inoue Jun-ichiro , Onozaki Kikuo 
Published: March 2004

AbstractWe have previously reported that the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1α can up-regulate functional Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) expression in primary-cultured murine hepatocytes, and bacterial lipopeptide (BLP) is capable of signaling through TLR2 to induce serum amyloid A (SAA) expression in hepatocytes. In the present study, we investigated the effect of the anti-inflammatory cytokine transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) on TLR2 expression in primary-cultured murine hepatocytes. At the mRNA and protein levels, TGF-β up-regulated TLR2 expression but inhibited TLR2 expression induced by IL-1α at 24 h. BLP-induced SAA promoter activity could be augmented by pretreatment with IL-1α but not TGF-β or the combination of TGF-β and IL-1α. TLR2 promoter activity and nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation by IL-1α were inhibited by TGF-β treatment. Pretreatment with TGF-β strongly suppressed IL-1α-induced TLR2 promoter activity and NF-κB activation, which was consistent with the down-regulation of type I IL-1 receptor (IL-1RI) mRNA expression. IL-1α up-regulated IL-1RI mRNA, but it was inhibited by the treatment with TGF-β. These results suggest that TGF-β suppresses the induction of TLR2 expression by IL-1α through down-regulation of IL-1RI expression. These results also demonstrate the disparity between IL-1α and TGF-β in regulating TLR2-mediated SAA production in hepatocytes.
Ascorbate-mediated enhancement of reactive oxygen species generation from polymorphonuclear leukocytes: modulatory effect of nitric oxide
Authors: Sharma Prashant , Raghavan Santhanam A V , Saini Rashmi , Dikshit Madhu 
Published: March 2004

AbstractRecent studies from our laboratory have demonstrated that ascorbate potentiated enzymatic synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) from polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). NO is known to modulate various function of PMNs such as chemotaxis, adherence, aggregation, and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The role of ascorbate in the PMN phagocytosis, ROS generation, and apoptosis was thus evaluated in the present study. Ascorbate and its oxidized and cell-permeable analog, dehydroascorbate (DHA), did not affect the phagocytosis but enhanced ROS generation and apoptosis following treatment with Escherichia coli or arachidonic acid. A detailed investigation on the DHA-mediated response indicated that inhibitors of DHA uptake, reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase, NO synthase, or ROS scavengers attenuated ROS generation. In DHA-treated cells, enhanced generation of peroxynitrite was also observed; thus, ascorbate-mediated ROS and reactive nitrogen species generation might mediate cytotoxicity toward the ingested microbes and subsequently, augmented PMN apoptosis. Results of the present study have helped in delineating the role of ascorbate in the modulation of NO-mediated ROS generation from PMNs.
Immunopathogenesis of atherosclerosis
Authors: Ludewig Burkhard , Krebs Philippe , Scandella Elke 
Published: March 2004

AbstractRecent clinical studies indicate that the number of microbial infections (the “pathogen burden”) critically determines the development and progression of atherosclerotic disease. Viruses or bacteria with a specific tropism for cells of the vascular wall may contribute to the initial vascular injury via direct cytopathic effects or via the induction of genuine autoimmune responses. Immunopathological processes such as molecular mimicry, epitope spreading, or bystander activation of self-reactive lymphocytes most likely fuel the chronic inflammatory process in the vascular wall. Recognition of atherogenesis as a pathogen-driven, immunopathological process makes this disease amenable to new treatment strategies such as vaccination or immunomodulation.
Gene Expression Profiles and Molecular Markers To Predict Recurrence of Dukes' B Colon Cancer
Authors: Wang Yixin , Jatkoe Tim , Zhang Yi , Mutch Matthew G. , Talantov Dmitri , Jiang John , McLeod Howard L. , Atkins David 
Published: March 2004

Purpose The 5-year survival rate of patients with Dukes' B colon cancer is approximately 75%. Identification of the patients at high risk of recurrence in this group would allow better staging and more informed use of adjuvant chemotherapy. In this study, we used DNA chip technology to systematically identify new prognostic markers for tumor relapse in Dukes' B patients. Patients and Methods Using Affymetrix U133a GeneChip containing approximately 22,000 transcripts (Affymetrix, Santa Clara, CA), RNA samples from 74 patients with Dukes' B colon cancer were analyzed. Thirty-one patients developed tumor relapse in less than 3 years, whereas 43 patients remained disease-free for more than 3 years after surgery. Two supervised class prediction approaches were used to identify gene markers that can best discriminate between patients who would experience relapse and patients who would remain disease-free. A multivariate Cox model was built to predict recurrence. Results Gene expression profiling identified a 23-gene signature that predicts recurrence in Dukes'B patients. This signature was validated in 36 independent patients. The overall performance accuracy was 78%. Thirteen of 18 relapse patients and 15 of 18 disease-free patients were predicted correctly, giving an odds ratio of 13 (95% CI, 2.6 to 65; P = .003). The log-rank test indicated a significant difference in disease-free time between the predicted relapse and disease-free patients (P = .0001). Conclusion The clinical value of these markers is that the patients at a high predicted risk of relapse (13-fold risk) could be upstaged to receive adjuvant therapy, similar to Dukes' C patients. Our data highlight the feasibility of a prognostic assay that could focus more intensive treatment for localized colon cancer.
Further Evidence for the Role of Glucose as a Metabolic Regulator of Hypothalamic Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Pulse Generator Activity in Goats
Authors: Ohkura Satoshi , Ichimaru Toru , Itoh Fumiaki , Matsuyama Shuichi , Okamura Hiroaki 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe present study examined the relative importance of blood glucose vs. free fatty acids as a metabolic signal regulating GnRH release as measured electrophysiologically by multiple-unit activity (MUA) in the arcuate nucleus/median eminence region in ovariectomized, estradiol-treated goats. MUA was recorded before, during, and after: 1) cellular glucoprivation by peripheral infusion of 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2DG; 25, 50, and 75 mg/kg·h, iv); 2) peripheral hypoglycemia in response to various doses (15–195 mU/kg·h, iv) of insulin infusion; and 3) cellular lipoprivation induced by peripheral infusion of sodium mercaptoacetate (MA; 2.4 mg/kg·h alone or combined with 25 mg/kg·h of 2DG, iv), and effects on the interval of characteristic increases in MUA (MUA volleys) were examined. Infusion of the highest dose of 2DG increased the mean interval between MUA volleys, whereas the lower doses of 2DG had no effect on volley interval. The MUA volley intervals lengthened as insulin-induced hypoglycemia became profound. There was a negative correlation between MUA volley intervals and blood glucose concentrations during insulin infusion, and coinfusion of glucose with insulin returned the MUA volley interval to a normal frequency. Infusion of MA alone or MA with 2DG did not increase MUA volley intervals. These findings demonstrate that glucose availability, but not fatty acids, regulates the GnRH pulse generator activity in the ruminant. Glucose is considered a key metabolic regulator that fine-tunes pulsatile GnRH release.
Down-Regulation of Adipose 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 by High-Fat Feeding in Mice: A Potential Adaptive Mechanism Counteracting Metabolic Disease
Authors: Morton Nicholas M. , Ramage Lynne , Seckl Jonathan R. 
Published: March 2004

Abstract
The enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD-1) amplifies intracellular glucocorticoid action in vivo. 11β-HSD-1 activity is increased in adipose tissues of obese humans and genetically obese rodents, providing a mechanistic basis for the similarities between metabolic disease arising from high circulating glucocorticoids (Cushing’s syndrome) and idiopathic obesity/metabolic syndrome where plasma glucocorticoids are typically unaltered. Fat-specific overexpression of 11β-HSD-1 produces a metabolic syndrome in mice, whereas 11β-HSD-1 null mice resist high-fat diet (HF)-induced visceral obesity and its metabolic consequences. Here we compared the effects of chronic (18 wk) HF feeding on adipose 11β-HSD-1 activity in strains of mice that are either resistant (A/J) or prone (C57BL/6J) to metabolic disease. 11β-HSD-1 activity was highest in sc fat, followed by epididymal fat, with lowest activity in the mesenteric visceral depot of both strains. 11β-HSD-1 activity was lower in white adipose tissues of A/J compared with C57BL/6J mice. Chronic HF feeding unexpectedly caused a down-regulation of 11β-HSD-1 in adipose tissues of both strains, despite comparable adiposity. However, A/J mice down-regulated adipose 11β-HSD-1 to a significantly lower level than C57BL/6J mice in white and thermogenic brown adipose tissues. We propose that a lower adipose 11β-HSD-1 set point affords a metabolic protection to A/J mice. Adaptive down-regulation of adipose 11β-HSD-1 in response to chronic HF represents a novel mechanism that may counteract metabolic disease.
Carnitine Palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1) Activity Stimulation by Cerulenin via Sympathetic Nervous System Activation Overrides Cerulenin’s Peripheral Effect
Authors: Jin Yong-Jun , Li Song-Zhe , Zhao Zheng-Shan , An Juan Ji , Kim Ryang Yeo , Kim Yoo Mee , Baik Ja-Hyun , Lim Sung-Kil 
Published: March 2004

AbstractTo clarify the paradoxic effects of cerulenin, namely its in vitro inhibitory effects on fat catabolism and its in vivo reduction of fat mass, we studied the in vivo and in vitro effects of cerulenin on carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1) activity, the rate-limiting enzyme of fatty acid oxidation. A single ip injection of cerulenin significantly reduced body weight and increased core temperature without significantly reducing food intake. In situ hybridization study revealed that a single injection of cerulenin did not affect the expression of orexigenic neuropeptide mRNA. Cerulenin’s effect on CPT-1 activity was biphasic in the liver and muscle: early suppression during the first 1 h and late stimulation in the 3–5 h after ip treatment. In vitro cerulenin treatment reduced CPT-1 activity, which was overcome by cotreating with catecholamine. Intracerebroventricular injection of cerulenin increased CPT-1 activity significantly in soleus muscle, and this effect was sustained for up to 3 h. Pretreatment with α-methyl-p-tyrosine inhibited the cerulenin-induced increase in core temperature and the late-phase stimulating effect of cerulenin on CPT-1 activity. In adrenalectomized mice, cerulenin also increased the activity. In vivo cerulenin treatment enhanced muscle CPT-1 activity in monosodium glutamate-treated arcuate nucleus lesioned mice but not in gold thioglucose-treated ventromedial hypothalamus lesioned mice. These findings suggest that cerulenin-induced late-phase stimulating effects on CPT-1 activity and energy expenditure is mediated by the activation of innervated sympathetic nervous system neurons through the firing of undefined neurons of the ventromedial hypothalamus, rather than the arcuate nucleus.
Tumor Suppressor Menin Regulates Expression of Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 2
Authors: La Ping , Schnepp Robert W. , D. Petersen Clark , C. Silva Albert , Hua Xianxin 
Published: March 2004

AbstractMultiple endocrine neoplasia type I (MEN1) is an inherited tumor syndrome characterized by development of tumors in multiple endocrine organs. The gene mutated in MEN1 patients, Men1, encodes a nuclear protein, menin. Menin interacts with several transcription factors and inhibits their activities. However, it is unclear whether menin is essential for the repression of the expression of endogenous genes. Here, using menin-null cells, we show that menin is essential for repression of the endogenous IGFBP-2, a gene that can regulate cell proliferation. Additionally, complementation of menin-null cells with wild-type menin, but not with a MEN1 disease-related point mutant, restores the function of menin in repressing IGFBP-2. Consistent with this, the promoter of IGFBP-2 is repressed by wild-type menin, but not by a MEN1-related point mutant. Menin also alters the structure of the chromatin surrounding the promoter of the IGFBP-2 gene, as demonstrated by the deoxyribonuclease I hypersensitivity assay. Furthermore, nuclear localization signals in menin are crucial for repressing the expression of IGFBP-2. Together, these results suggest that menin regulates the expression of the endogenous IGFBP-2 gene at least in part through the promoter of IGFBP-2.
Preparation of Carbon Spheres Composed of Entangled Fibers at Low Temperature
Authors: Ni Youbao , Shao Mingwang , Zhang Wu , Wu Zhengcui 
Published: March 2004

Abstract
In this paper, we report a new mild reaction route to prepare carbon spheres composed of entangled fibers. The reaction was carried out at 250 °C for 24 h using sodium and polytetrafluorethylene as reactants and benzene as solvent. A possible formation mechanism is proposed.
Immobilized 1,3-Dialkylimidazolium Salts as New Interface in HPLC Separation
Authors: Liu Shu-Juan , Zhou Feng , Zhao Liang , Xiao Xiao-Hua , Liu Xia , Jiang Sheng-Xiang 
Published: March 2004

Abstract
Silica particle chemically modified with ionic liquid is used for the first time as the stationary phase in HPLC for the separation of alkaloids following a dual mechanism.
Electrochemical Studies of Silver Nanoparticles Tethered on Silica Sphere
Authors: Jiang Zhong-jie , Liu Chun-yan , Li Yong-jun 
Published: March 2004

Abstract
A good approach has been developed to study the electrochemical behavior of metal particles in sol. The technique to tether silver particles on silica sphere was established for the measurement of electrochemical behavior, which efficiently avoided the flocculation of colloidal metal particles in an electrolyte solution.
Controlling Wall Thickness of Silica Nanotubes within 4-nm Precision
Authors: Ji Qingmin , Iwaura Rika , Shimizu Toshimi 
Published: March 2004

Abstract
A tubular template self-assembled from secondary ammonium hydrochloride of a peptidic lipid was used for sol-gel transcription of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS). Very mild catalytic function of the terminal group enabled us to control the wall thickness of the resultant silica nanotubes within 4-nm precision, depending on the amount of TEOS added.
Adsorption of Carbon Dioxide on Amine Modified SBA-15 in the Presence of Water Vapor
Authors: Hiyoshi Norihito , Yogo Katsunori , Yashima Tatsuaki 
Published: March 2004

Abstract
Novel CO2 adsorbents were prepared by grafting of various aminosilanes on mesoporous silica SBA-15. CO2 adsorption capacities of aminosilane modified SBA-15 in the presence of water vapor were comparable to those in the absence of water vapor. It was found that efficiency of amine increased with increasing surface density of amine.
A New Nickel Coordination Polymer with Dynamic Channels that Mechanically Capture and Release Including Guest Molecules Responding to a Temperature Variation
Authors: Kondo Mitsuru , Shimizu Yusuke , Miyazawa Makoto , Irie Yasuhiko , Nakamura Akira , Naito Tetsuyoshi , Maeda Kenji , Uchida Fumio , Nakamoto Tadahiro , Inaba Akira 
Published: March 2004

Abstract
A new 1-D nickel(II) coordination polymer with dynamic channels was prepared and characterized. This compound has two structural phases that are switched by a temperature variation. The closed channel created at the low temperature mechanically captures the including guests in the channels.
Dynamic Microscopic Extraction of Europium(III) with 2-Thenoyltrifluoroacetone Observed as Random Fluorescence Flashes at Dodecane–Water Interface
Authors: Takata Ayaka , Tsukahara Satoshi , Watarai Hitoshi 
Published: March 2004

Abstract
Many random circular flashes of Eu(III) fluorescence (8–23 μm in diameter) appeared at the interface in the extraction of Eu(III) with 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone (Htta) into dodecane, when a Eu3+ aqueous solution was added after pre-distribution of Htta in the aqueous phase. The flash was caused by the interfacial reaction between a pre-generated micro-aggregate of Eu(tta)2+ in the aqueous phase and excess Htta in the dodecane phase. The interfacial reaction produced more fluorescent Eu(tta)3, which diffused away into the dodecane phase.
Early Experiences and Clinical Implications of Restenosis and Drug-Eluting Stents: Part 2
Authors: Chong Pang H , Cheng Judy WM 
Published: March 2004

OBJECTIVE To review early clinical experience and future implications of drug-eluting stents (DES) in percutaneous coronary interventions. DATA SOURCES Using the search terms sirolimus, paclitaxel, and drug-eluting stents, a literature review was conducted to identify peer-reviewed articles and abstracts in MEDLINE (1966—June 2003). Recent meeting abstracts were also accessed through the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology Web sites. Citations from available articles were reviewed for additional references. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION Published reviews and studies showing the effects of in-stent restenosis and drug-coated and -eluting stents were evaluated and reviewed. DATA SYNTHESIS Current antiplatelet and antithrombotic therapy have proven successful in preventing acute in-stent thrombosis, but not in-stent restenosis. Recently, stents eluted with certain antimitotic agents have demonstrated positive findings in reducing restenosis (eg, sirolimus, paclitaxel-eluting stents) compared with bare-metal stents. However, data regarding long-term benefits and adverse effects are only beginning to accumulate. CONCLUSIONS While the current clinical efficacy and safety of DES appear promising, further investigations are required to examine long-term efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Subanalysis of the current data may help to determine the specific patient population that may benefit maximally from DES.
Transitory Ataxia Related to Topically Administered Lidocaine
Authors: Perney Pascal , Blanc François , Mourad Georges , Blayac Jean-Pierre , Hillaire-Buys Dominique 
Published: March 2004

OBJECTIVE To report 2 cases of transitory cerebellar ataxia related to lidocaine administered topically for endoscopy. CASE SUMMARIES Two patients developed transitory cerebellar ataxia a few minutes after local anesthesia using lidocaine 10% spray and lidocaine 2% orally for a bronchoscopy and transesophageal echocardiography. This effect completely disappeared in 3–5 hours. In neither case was an alternate etiology of cerebellar ataxia identified. The second patient had previously experienced a similar reaction to lidocaine. DISCUSSION Several central neurologic effects of lidocaine have been reported, but until now, only few cases of cerebellar ataxia. In these 2 cases, the Naranjo probability scale indicated that a probable and a highly probable relationship existed between lidocaine administration and the transitory cerebellar ataxia. CONCLUSIONS Cerebellar ataxia may occur after local anesthesia with lidocaine; therefore, care must be taken to avoid overdose, even when administered topically.
Recycling rice hull ash: A filler material for polymeric composites?
Authors: Chaudhary Deeptangshu S. , Jollands Margaret C. , Cser Ferenc 
Published: March 2004

AbstractBorn more out of necessity, the “awareness‐attitude” of our society has caused the channeling of technological developments toward immediate economic and ecological benefits. The polymer industry has a newfound interest in fillers from industrial by‐products and other waste materials having potential “recyclability.” This new class of fillers includes fillers from natural sources (e.g., natural fibers), industrial by‐products (e.g., saw dust, rice husks), and a recent entry in the form of rice husk ash—an industrial waste material–‐obtained by burning rice husks. Their recyclability and utilization has become a major driving factor in their acceptance and employability, as well as low cost and abundant availability. However, their performance in composites and processing requirements has hindered their applicability within the current economic framework. The present article reviews the performance of rice husk ash, or silica ash, in polymeric composites. Silica ash, composed mainly of silica, is obtained after burning rice husks and is a major industrial waste material in rice growing countries. Optimism surrounds the application of silica ash as a potential filler in a variety of polymeric composites, however, its performance has been limited by its inherent characteristics. This paper emphasizes the need for better characterization of silica ash to obtain an in‐depth understanding of its behaviour with the view to identifying suitable modifications to improve its performance as a filler. It is emphasized that poor understanding of silica ash as a filler is linked to the lack of surface characterization, since its behaviour is significantly linked with its surface properties. Based on this analysis, a new approach to silica ash modification is proposed. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 23: 147–155, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20000
A comprehensive 3‐D analysis of polymer melt flow in slit extrusion dies
Authors: Huang Yihan , Gentle C. Richard , Hull J. Barry 
Published: March 2004

AbstractAn understanding of flow behaviour of polymer melts through a slit die is extremely important for optimizing die design and, consequently, for die performance in processing polymer sheets and films. In view of the complex nature and the physical properties of polymer melts as well as of die geometries, such as coat‐hanger dies, no simple mathematical formulae can be used to compute the flow regimes within dies. This paper illustrates the development of a three‐dimensional (3‐D) computer model of an example of a coat‐hanger die design using the computational fluid dynamics package, FIDAP, based on the finite element method. A difference of only 3.7% was found when comparing the velocity distribution at the die exit obtained from the 3‐D simulation with that calculated using a two‐dimensional analytical design procedure, indicating that full 3‐D analysis seems to be unnecessary. However it has been shown that unwanted flow phenomena and production problems can be ameliorated by means of visualization and the detailed information obtained from computer simulations. Comparative simulation results with polymers of different rheological properties in the same die are also described. The comprehensive analyses provide a means of interpretation for flow behavior, which allows modification of the die geometry for optimal design. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 23: 111–124, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20002