bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic Considerations in the Measurement of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in Aging Women
Authors: Snyder Jennifer A , Haymond Shannon , Parvin Curtis A , Gronowski Ann M , Grenache David G 
Published: August 2005

AbstractBackground: Human chorionic gondadotropin (hCG) screening tests are performed on nearly all female patients of childbearing age before any medical intervention. Although older women usually have negative hCG test results, positive results do occur and may cause clinical confusion. We examined changes with age in serum hCG concentrations in nonpregnant women and investigated the use of serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) measurements as an aid to interpreting higher than expected (“positive”) hCG results.Methods: We used 240 serum specimens for each of 4 female cohorts: pregnant, ≥18 years; nonpregnant, 18–40 years (premenopausal); nonpregnant, 41–55 years (perimenopausal); and nonpregnant, &gt;55 years (postmenopausal). Patients were excluded if they had an ectopic pregnancy, a history of trophoblastic disease or a germ-cell tumor, or if no chart was available for review. Quantitative hCG and FSH tests were performed on each specimen.Results: Serum hCG concentrations in nonpregnant women increased with the age of the women. hCG results were higher and significantly different (P &lt;0.0001) for nonpregnant women &gt;55 years (&lt;2.0 to 13.1 IU/L) compared with nonpregnant women 18–40 years (&lt;2.0 to 4.6 IU/L) and 41–55 years (&lt;2.0 to 7.7 IU/L). Nineteen nonpregnant women &gt;40 years of age had hCG concentrations ≥5.0 IU/L, all with an FSH concentration &gt;32.4 IU/L. The highest FSH concentration in pregnancy was 7.3 IU/L.Conclusions: Serum hCG increases with age in nonpregnant women. A cutoff of 14.0 IU/L should be used when interpreting hCG results in women &gt;55 years of age. Pregnancy is unlikely in perimenopausal women 41–55 years of age with an hCG between 5.0 and 14.0 IU/L if serum FSH is &gt;20.0 IU/L.
Serum Biomarkers for Identifying Acute Chest Syndrome Among Patients Who Have Sickle Cell Disease and Present to the Emergency Department
Authors: Naprawa James T. , Bonsu Bema K. , Goodman Deborah G. , Ranalli Mark A. 
Published: August 2005

Objective. To compare the accuracy of biomarkers for identifying acute chest syndrome (ACS) in patients with sickle cell disease presenting to a pediatric emergency department (ED).
Methods. We conducted a 13-month-long (2002–2003) cohort study with nested case-control in patients with sickle cell disease presenting to the pediatric ED with vaso-occlusive crises or fever in which we compared levels of secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2), endothelin-1, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and peripheral white blood cell count (WBC) in cases that were complicated by ACS and in control subjects with uncomplicated illnesses. For diagnosis, a test was considered to be accurate when the area under its receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) was &gt;0.70. Laboratory tests with AUC values ≥0.70 were entered into a binary recursive partitioning model for diagnosis.
Results. For the period of study, samples from 72 visits were obtained from 51 patients who presented with vaso-occlusive crises (range: 1–4 visits per patient; 15 were enrolled more than once). ACS complicated 19 of 72 visits (26%, 95% confidence interval: 17%–38%). At an AUC value of 0.79, only the sPLA2 test was accurate for diagnosing ACS. AUC values for peripheral WBC, endothelin-1, and IL-6 were 0.68, 0.51, and 0.52, respectively. Binary recursive partitioning retained only sPLA2 at a cutoff of 13.7 ng/mL to be accurate for diagnosis. This cutoff had a sensitivity of 74% (14 of 19), a specificity of 87% (46 of 53), a positive likelihood ratio of 5.6, and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.18.
Conclusions. Secretory phospholipase A2 but not endothelin-1, IL-6, or WBC is an accurate test for identifying present or incipient ACS in young patients who present to the ED with sickle cell pain crises.
Hepatocyte Growth Factor Effects on Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Proliferation, Migration, and Differentiation
Authors: Forte Giancarlo , Minieri Marilena , Cossa Paolo , Antenucci Daniele , Sala Marilena , Gnocchi Viola , Fiaccavento Roberta , Carotenuto Felicia , De Vito Paolo , Baldini Patrizia Morena , Prat Maria , Di Nardo Paolo 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a pleiotropic cytokine of mesenchymal origin promoting migration, proliferation, and survival in a wide spectrum of cells, can also modulate different biological responses in stem cells, but the mechanisms involved are not completely understood so far. In this context, we show that short-term exposure of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to HGF can induce the activation of its cognate Met receptor and the downstream effectors ERK1/2, p38MAPK, and PI3K/Akt, while long-term exposure to HGF resulted in cytoskeletal rearrangement, cell migration, and marked inhibition of proliferation through the arrest in the G1-S checkpoint. When added to MSCs, the K252A tyrosine kinase inhibitor prevented HGF-induced responses. HGF's effect on MSC proliferation was reversed by p38 inhibitor SB203580, while the effects on cell migration were abrogated by PI3K inhibitor Wortmannin, suggesting that HGF acts through different pathways to determine its complex effects on MSCs. Prolonged treatment with HGF induced the expression of cardiac-specific markers (GATA-4, MEF2C, TEF1, desmin, α-MHC, β-MHC, and nestin) with the concomitant loss of the stem cell markers nucleostemin, c-kit, and CD105.
Unique Gene Expression Signature by Human Embryonic Stem Cells Cultured Under Serum-Free Conditions Correlates with Their Enhanced and Prolonged Growth in an Undifferentiated Stage
Authors: Skottman Heli , Strömberg Anne-Marie , Matilainen Eija , Inzunza Jose , Hovatta Outi , Lahesmaa Riitta 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
Understanding the interaction between human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and their microenvironment is crucial for the propagation and the differentiation of hESCs for therapeutic applications. hESCs maintain their characteristics both in serum-containing and serum-replacement (SR) media. In this study, the effects of the serum-containing and SR culture media on the gene expression profiles of hESCs were examined. Although the expression of many known embryonic stem cell markers was similar in cells cultured in either media, surprisingly, 1,417 genes were found to be differentially expressed when hESCs cultured in serum-containing medium were compared with those cultured in SR medium. Several genes upregulated in cells cultured in SR medium suggested increased metabolism and proliferation rates in this medium, providing a possible explanation for the increased growth rate of nondifferentiated cells observed in SR culture conditions compared with that in serum medium. Several genes characteristic for cells with differentiated phenotype were expressed in cells cultured in serum-containing medium. Our data clearly indicate that the manipulation of hESC culture conditions causes phenotypic changes of the cells that were reflected also at the level of gene expression. Such changes may have fundamental importance for hESCs, and gene expression changes should be monitored as a part of cell culture optimization aiming at a clinical use of hESCs for cell transplantation.
Biological Activities Encoded by the Murine Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transcriptome Provide a Basis for Their Developmental Potential and Broad Therapeutic Efficacy
Authors: Phinney Donald G. , Hill Katy , Michelson Charles , DuTreil Maria , Hughes Catherine , Humphries Sally , Wilkinson Robin , Baddoo Melody , Bayly Erica 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
We used serial analysis of gene expression to catalog the transcriptome of murine mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) enriched from bone marrow by immunodepletion. Interrogation of this database, results of which are delineated in the appended databases, revealed that immunodepleted murine MSCs (IDmMSCs) highly express transcripts encoding connective tissue proteins and factors modulating T-cell proliferation, inflammation, and bone turnover. Categorizing the transcriptome based on gene ontologies revealed the cells also expressed mRNAs encoding proteins that regulate mesoderm development or that are characteristic of determined mesenchymal cell lineages, thereby reflecting both their stem cell nature and differentiation potential. Additionally, IDmMSCs also expressed transcripts encoding proteins regulating angiogenesis, cell motility and communication, hematopoiesis, immunity and defense as well as neural activities. Immunostaining and fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis revealed that expression of various regulatory proteins was restricted to distinct subpopulations of IDmMSCs. Moreover, in some cases, these proteins were absent or expressed at reduced levels in other murine MSC preparations or cell lines. Lastly, by comparing their transcriptome to that of 17 other murine cell types, we also identified 43 IDmMSC-specific transcripts, the nature of which reflects their varied functions in bone and marrow. Collectively, these results demonstrate that IDmMSC express a diverse repertoire of regulatory proteins, which likely accounts for their demonstrated efficacy in treating a wide variety of diseases. The restricted expression pattern of these proteins within populations suggests that the cellular composition of marrow stroma and its associated functions are more complex than previously envisioned.
Bone Marrow Lacks a Transplantable Progenitor for Smooth Muscle Type α-Actin–Expressing Cells
Authors: Yokota Takafumi , Kawakami Yutaka , Nagai Yoshinori , Ma Jian-xing , Tsai Jen-Yue , Kincade Paul W. , Sato Sanai 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
While some studies have suggested that hematopoietic stem cells might give rise to other tissue types, others indicate that transdifferentiation would have to be an extremely rare event. We have now exploited smooth muscle type α-actin (αSMA) promoter– driven green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic mice (αSMA-GFP mice) for bone marrow transplantation to evaluate their potential to generate donor-type tissues in irradiation chimeras. There was a highly restricted pattern of GFP expression in the transgenic mice, marking bone marrow stromal cells and mesangial cells in the kidney. However, these characteristics were not transferable to wild-type animals given transgenic marrow cells even though hematopoietic cells were largely replaced. Our findings support earlier studies suggesting that the bone marrow microenvironment is difficult to transplant and indicate that hematopoietic stem cells are unlikely to give rise to αSMA-expressing progeny.
Motor Neuron Degeneration Promotes Neural Progenitor Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Neurogenesis in the Spinal Cords of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Mice
Authors: Chi Liying , Ke Yan , Luo Chun , Li Baolin , Gozal David , Kalyanaraman Balaraman , Liu Rugao 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
The organization, distribution, and function of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) in the adult spinal cord during motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remain largely unknown. Using nestin promoter–controlled LacZ reporter transgenic mice and mutant G93A-SOD1 transgenic mice mimicking ALS, we showed that there was an increase of NPC proliferation, migration, and neurogenesis in the lumbar region of adult spinal cord in response to motor neuron degeneration. The proliferation of NPCs detected by bromodeoxyurindine incorporation and LacZ staining was restricted to the ependymal zone surrounding the central canal (EZ). Once the NPCs moved out from the EZ, they lost the proliferative capability but maintained migratory function vigorously. During ALS-like disease onset and progression, NPCs in the EZ migrated initially toward the dorsal horn direction and then to the ventral horn regions, where motor neurons have degenerated. More significantly, there was an increased de novo neurogenesis from NPCs during ALS-like disease onset and progression. The enhanced proliferation, migration, and neurogenesis of (from) NPCs in the adult spinal cord of ALS-like mice may play an important role in attempting to repair the degenerated motor neurons and restore the dysfunctional circuitry which resulted from the pathogenesis of mutant SOD1 in ALS.
NPC1 Gene Deficiency Leads to Lack of Neural Stem Cell Self-Renewal and Abnormal Differentiation Through Activation of p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling
Authors: Yang Se-Ran , Kim Sun-Jung , Byun Kyoung-Hee , Hutchinson Brian , Lee Bong-Hee , Michikawa Makoto , Lee Yong-Soon , Kang Kyung-Sun 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) are capable of giving rise to neurons, glia, and astrocytes. Although self-renewal and differentiation in NSCs are regulated by many genes, such as Notch and Numb, little is known about the role of defective genes on the self-renewal and differentiation of NSCs from developing brain. The Niemann-Pick type C1 (NPC1) disease is a neurodegenerative disease caused by a mutation of the NPC1 gene that affects the function of the NPC1 protein. The ability of NSC self-renewal and differentiation was investigated using a model of NPC1 disease. The NPC1 disorder significantly affected the self-renewal ability of NSCs, as well as the differentiation. NSCs from NPC1−/− mice showed impaired self-renewal ability compared with the NPC1+/+ mice. These alterations were accompanied by the enhanced activity of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Further, the specific p38 MAPK inhibitor SB202190 improved the self-renewal ability of NSCs from NPC−/− mice. This indicated that the NPC1 deficiency can lead to lack of self-renewal and altered differentiation of NSCs mediated by the activation of p38 MAPK, impairing the generation of neurospheres from NPC1−/− Thus, the NPC1 gene may play a crucial role in NSC self-renewal associated with p38 MAPK.
Porous poly(vinylidene fluoride) membrane with highly hydrophobic surface
Authors: Peng Mao , Li Hongbing , Wu Lijuan , Zheng Qiang , Chen Ying , Gu Wenfang 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThe preparation of very hydrophobic poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membranes was explored by using two methods. The first one was the modified phase inversion method using a water/N,N‐dimethylacetamide (DMAc) mixture instead of pure water as a soft precipitation bath. The second method was a precipitation‐bath free method, that is, the PVDF/DMAc casting solution underwent gelation in the open air instead of being immersed into a precipitation bath. The morphology of the surface and cross section of the membranes was investigated by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that the membranes exhibited certain micro‐ and nanoscale hierarchical roughness on the surface, which brought about an enhanced hydrophobicity of the membrane. The contact angle (CA) of the samples obtained by the second method was as high as 150° with water. The conventional phase inversion method preparing PVDF porous membrane using pure water as precipitation bath usually results in an asymmetric membrane with a dense skin layer having a CA close to that of a smooth PVDF surface. The modified approach avoided the formation of a skin‐layer and resulted in a porous and highly hydrophobic surface of PVDF. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 98: 1358–1363, 2005
Impure carbon nanotubes as reinforcements for acrylated epoxidized soy oil composites
Authors: Thielemans Wim , McAninch Ian M. , Barron Valerie , Blau Werner J. , Wool Richard P. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractStable dispersions of impure multiwall carbon nanotubes (multiwall carbon nanotubes and carbon soot) in an acrylated epoxidized soy oil (AESO) based thermosetting resin were obtained by mechanical stirring. The required stirring time increased with an increasing amount of carbon nanotubes. Thermogravimetric analysis of the polymerized samples showed some loss of multiwall carbon nanotubes due to sedimentation. The mechanical properties of the polymerized samples improved significantly (the modulus increased by 30%) for 0.28 wt % dispersed multiwall carbon nanotubes. Higher multiwall carbon nanotube loads resulted in significant aggregation during polymerization. The mechanical properties were compared with existing models for nanocomposites. Wide‐angle X‐ray scattering, optical microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated the formation of aggregates at higher multiwall carbon nanotube loads, which reversed the potential for mechanical improvement. Because of the stability of the original dispersion, the aggregates were believed to form during polymerization. This aggregation was magnified by the carbon soot, so only small amounts of impure multiwall carbon nanotubes could be used as reinforcements. Transmission electron micrographs showed good adhesion of the polymer matrix to the nanotubes upon the rupture of the polymer matrix. AESO was believed to act as a solubilizing surfactant, in line with previously published results. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 98: 1325–1338, 2005
Morphological evidence of sensory neurons in the root of the rat tongue
Authors: Fehér Erzsébet , Batbayar Bayarchimeg , Zelles Tivadar 
Published: August 2005

AbstractIn our previous studies, a large number of substance P (SP)‐immunoreactive (IR) nerve fibers were detected in the rat tongue and their number increased after inflammation, suggesting that these fibers might be involved in the axon reflex. Therefore, in this study, we have examined the different neuropeptide‐containing nerve elements by light, electron, and confocal laser microscopy. SP, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), and neuropeptide Y (NPY) IR varicose fibers were numerous compared with other ones. Small groups of ganglia with perikarya IR for SP, VIP, NPY, galanin, and somatostatin were observed. The SP‐IR nerve cell bodies were mainly located in the tunica propria just below the epithelial lining. Double‐labeling immunohistochemistry showed that the intrinsic SP‐IR neurons did not colocalize VIP. The SP containing nerve terminals were observed in and below the epithelium as well as in very close contact to or making real synapses with other neurons in the intralingual ganglion. Our data confirmed the possibility of intrinsic sensory neurons, which might be the afferent branch of the intralingual reflex arch, while the VIP‐ and NPY‐IR neurons located in the salivary glands, around the blood vessels, and in the muscle layer might constitute the efferent site of this reflex. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Compressibility changes accompanying conformational transitions of apomyoglobin
Authors: Taulier Nicolas , Beletskaya Irina V. , Chalikian Tigran V. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractWe used high‐precision density and ultrasonic velocity measurements to characterize the native (N), molten globule (MG), and unfolded (U) conformations of apomyoglobin. The molten globule states that were studied in this work include the MGpH4(NaCl) state observed at pH 4 and 20 mM NaCl, the MGpH4(NaTCA) state observed at pH 4 and 20 mM sodium trichloracetate (NaTCA), the MGpH2(NaCl) state observed at pH 2 and 200 mM NaCl, and the MGpH2(NaTCA) state observed at pH 2 and 20 mM NaTCA. We used our densimetric and acoustic data to evaluate changes in adiabatic compressibility associated with the acid‐ or salt‐induced N‐to‐MG, MG‐to‐U, MG‐to‐MG, and U‐to‐MG transitions of the protein. The N‐to‐MGpH4(NaCl) and N‐to‐MGpH4(NaTCA) transitions are accompanied by decreases in compressibility of −(3.0 ± 0.6) × 10−6 and −(2.0 ± 0.6) × 10−6 cm3 g−1bar−1, respectively. The N‐to‐MGpH2(NaCl) and N‐to‐MGpH2(NaTCA) transitions are associated with compressibility changes of −(4.9 ± 1.1) × 10−6 and (0.7 ± 0.9) × 10−6 cm3 g−1 bar−1, respectively. We interpret these data in terms of the degree of unfolding of the various molten globule forms of apomyoglobin. In general, our compressibility data reveal significant disparities between the various equilibrium molten globule states of apomyoglobin while also quantitatively characterizing each of these states. Volumetric insights provided by our data facilitate gaining a better understanding of the folding pathways, intermediates, and kinetics of apomyoglobin folding. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 79: 218–229, 2005This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Oxidative Electrochemical Switching in Dithienylcyclopentenes, Part 2: Effect of Substitution and Asymmetry on the Efficiency and Direction of Molecular Switching and Redox Stability
Authors: Browne Wesley R. , de Jong Jaap J. D. , Kudernac Tibor , Walko Martin , Lucas Linda N. , Uchida Kingo , van Esch Jan H. , Feringa Ben L. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThe electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical properties of a series of C5‐substituted dithienylhexahydro‐ and dithienylhexafluorocyclopentenes are reported. The effect of substitution at C5 of the thienyl moiety on the redox properties is quite dramatic, in contrast to the effect on their photochemical properties. The efficiency of electrochemical switching is dependent both on the central cyclopentene unit and on the nature of the substituents, whereby electron‐donating moieties favour oxidative electrochemical ring‐closure and vice versa. Asymmetrically substituted dithienylcyclopentenes were investigated to explore the ring‐closure process in more detail. The results indicate that electrochemically induced ring‐closure occurs via the monocation of the open form. In the presence of electroactive groups at C5 of the thienyl ring (e.g., methoxyphenyl) initial oxidation of these groups is followed by intermolecular electron transfer, which drives ring‐closure of the open forms.
A review of empirical research supporting four conceptual uses of dreams in psychotherapy
Authors: Eudell‐Simmons Erin M. , Hilsenroth Mark J. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThe present review consists of a re‐conceptualization of the existing empirical literature regarding the use of dreams in psychotherapy into four potential contributions. These four contributions of dreams to psychotherapy are discussed as being particularly relevant for clinicians in applied practice to (I) facilitate the therapeutic process, (II) facilitate patient insight and self‐awareness, (III) provide clinically relevant and valuable information to therapists and (IV) provide a measure of therapeutic change. The present review is distinctive in that it emphasizes the pertinence of research regarding dream use to applied clinical practice and it includes previously unreviewed research regarding dreams in psychotherapy on these four specific ways dreams can be useful within the therapeutic process. In addition, this review includes a section discussing the under‐researched and largely neglected potential for dreams to provide accurate and efficient information to therapists. Limitations of the research as well as future directions are presented. The generally positive findings of this research suggest that dreams can be considered an alternative type of clinical material that can be useful in psychotherapy. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.