bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatic Tumor Growth: Target for Angiogenesis Inhibition?
Authors: Sarraf‐Yazdi Shiva , Mi Jing , Clary Bryan M. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractPathologic angiogenesis induced by a tumor is essential for its survival. The promise of tumor inhibition by targeting angiogenesis over the past several years has translated into numerous ongoing clinical trials. Recently, in a phase III trial involving patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, Bevacizumab (Genentech, Inc, San Francisco, CA), a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor used in conjunction with standard chemotherapy was shown to increase survival, progression‐free survival, response rate, and duration of response compared to chemotherapy alone. Thus far, duration of the increased response remains less than 6 months. The majority of deaths in patients with colorectal cancer are related to hepatic metastases. It is hoped that novel approaches directed at the complex interactions between tumor and microenvironment in the angiogenic process will strengthen the therapeutic armamentarium against hepatic malignancies.
Roles of Thymosins in Cancers and Other Organ Systems
Authors: Chen Changyi , Li Min , Yang Hui , Chai Hong , Fisher William , Yao Qizhi 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThymosins are small peptides, originally identified from the thymus, but now known to be more widely distributed in many tissues and cells. Thymosins are divided into three main groups, α‐, β‐, and γ‐thymosins, based on their isoelectric points. α‐thymosins (ProTα, Tαl) have nuclear localization and are involved in transcription and/or DNA replications; whereas β‐thymosins (Tβ4, Tβ10, Tβl5) have cytoplasmic localization and show high affinity to G‐actin for cell mobility. Furthermore, it is well known that both α‐ and β‐thymosins play important roles in modulating immune response, vascular biology, and cancer pathogenesis. More importantly, thymosins may have significant clinical applications. They may serve as molecular markers for the diagnosis and prognosis of certain diseases. In addition, they could be molecular targets of certain diseases or be used as therapeutic agents to treat certain diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms of action of thymosins are largely unknown. This review not only presents recent advances of basic science research of thymosins and their clinical applications but provides thoughtful views for future directions of investigation on thymosins.
Gene Profiling of High Risk Neuroblastoma
Authors: Vasudevan Sanjeev A. , Nuchtern Jed G. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractNeuroblastoma, a cancer of young children, is well known for its diverse pattern of presentation. Approximately one‐half of children have localized tumors that can be cured with surgery alone. The remaining children have widespread metastatic disease or quite large, aggressive, localized tumors. These children have a poor long‐term survival rate of approximately 30%. We review the prognostically significant histologic and molecular features of high risk neuroblastoma and propose an algorithm to dissect further the differentially expressed genes that define the phenotype of this disease. Over the past 25 years, much effort has gone into establishing reliable prognostic indicators of high risk disease. For neuroblastoma, age, stage, and histopathology have time and again correlated well with outcomes. Chromosomal number, or ploidy, and amplification of the MYCN oncogene have proved to be equally as important and are commonly used to stratify patient risk. Other potentially lucrative markers include chromosome 1p deletion, chromosome 17q gain, receptor tyrosine kinases A and B (trk‐A, trk‐B), CD44, CXCR4, and multidrug resistance associated protein (MRP). With the onset of new technology, expression microarrays are now being used to profile advanced‐stage neuroblastoma on a larger scale. Genes particular to cell cycle control, DNA/RNA replication, ribosomal synthesis, neuronal differentiation, and intracellular/extracellular signal transduction have been identified through differential expression analysis. We present our research on the MYCN transcription factor and target gene, MCM7, to show the utility of this approach.
Intravenous Delivery of Liposome‐mediated Nonviral DNA Is Less Toxic than Intraperitoneal Delivery in Mice
Authors: Wang X. P. , Yazawa K. , Templeton N. S. , Yang J. , Liu Shihe , Li Zhijun , Li M. , Yao Q. , Chen C. , Brunicardi F. C. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractSuicide gene therapy has been shown to be an effective means of destroying pancreatic cancer cells. Liposomes have been described as having better efficacy in gene delivery, and an advantage of using liposomes as gene carriers is that they can be used repeatedly in vivo. The objective of this study is to compare the effect of gene delivery routes and to determine whether systemic delivery of the rat insulin promoter (RIP)–directed suicide gene construct would permit cell‐specific gene delivery in vivo. Severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice were injected with liposome‐RIP‐TK (thymidine kinase) complex by either the intraperitoneal or the intravenous route. Twenty‐four hours post gene delivery, mice received ganciclovir (GCV) treatment twice daily for 14 days. Mice were sacrificed at various time points. Complete necropsy and serum chemistry analysis were performed. Islet morphology was determined using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Serum glucose and insulin levels were also determined. To determine the toxic effect on pancreatic islet cells, immunostaining of insulin‐producing and glucagon‐producing cells was carried out at each time point. H&E staining indicated that both intravenous and intraperitoneal liposome‐RIP‐TK gene expression had no effect in normal endocrine islet cells. Both gene‐delivery routes in mice resulted in normal glycemia and serum insulin levels. The endocrine islets were intact, with a normal distribution pattern of insulin‐producing beta cells and glucagon‐secreting alpha cells. However, serum chemistry analysis revealed significantly elevated levels of liver enzymes; suggesting that possible liver damage had occurred with the intraperitoneal gene delivery of liposome‐pRIP‐TK. Intravenous liposome‐mediated gene delivery had no effect on liver enzyme levels. Liposome‐mediated gene delivery via intravenous injection was less toxic than intraperitoneal delivery. This gene‐delivery route requires fewer liposome‐DNA complexes and maintains normal liver function. Thus, intravenous delivery of gene therapy would be superior to intraperitoneal administration of gene therapy in mice.
Tissue MicroArray Analyses of Pancreatic Duodenal Homeobox‐1 in Human Cancers
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Ping , Li Zhi‐Jun , Magnusson Jonas , Brunicardi F. Charles 
Published: February 2005

AbstractIn previous studies, we demonstrated that rat insulin promoter (RIP)‐driven gene therapy successfully targeted human pancreatic tumor PANC‐1 cells and mouse insulinoma NIT‐1 cells, which are both pancreatic duodenal homeobox‐1 (PDX‐1)‐positive. The purpose of this study was to perform a human tissue array analysis to determine potential targets for RIP‐driven gene therapy. A custom‐designed tissue MicroArray analysis of various human cancer specimens was performed using a PDX‐1 polyclonal antibody generated in our laboratory. The custom‐designed Tissue MicroArray of human tumor specimens consists of human cancer specimens from different origins, such as the pancreas, breast, colon, prostate, kidney, liver, lung, and ovary. A panel of normal human specimens from 20 organs or tissues was used as a control. All tissues were fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin. The immunohistochemistry studies of the cytoplasm and the nuclear expression levels were compared using the Loda method and blind reviews. Data are presented as the mean ± SEM (p < 0.05 was considered significant by the unpaired student t‐test). PDX‐1 expression intensity was elevated in both benign and malignant tissues from the same patient with pancreas, breast, colon, prostate, and kidney cancers, whereas normal human tissues from control subjects without cancer did not express PDX‐1. These results suggest that PDX‐1 is an early marker for these cancers and could be potentially used as a diagnostic parameter and perhaps could be targeted by PDX‐1‐activated gene therapies, such as RIP‐TK.
Prevention of intracellular oxidation in yeast: the role of vitamin E analogue, Trolox (6‐hydroxy‐2,5,7,8‐tetramethylkroman‐2‐carboxyl acid)
Authors: Raspor P. , Plesničar S. , Gazdag Z. , Pesti M. , Miklavčič M. , Lah B. , Logar‐Marinsek R. , Poljšak B. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractReactive oxygen species (ROS) are not only generated in conditions of cellular stress but are also constitutively produced in most cell types by specific metabolic processes. This research focused on a potential antioxidant Trolox (model compound for α‐tocopherol), with the aim to establish exact mechanisms of Trolox intracellular oxidation prevention on model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Measuring intracellular oxidation of Trolox‐treated yeast cells revealed that Trolox decreased intracellular oxidation during normal metabolism. Trolox treatment decreased cyto‐ and geno‐toxicity of treated yeast cells in MES buffer, lowered intracellular oxidation, decreased intracellular peroxides formation, and increased H2O2 degradation and superoxide quenching yeast extract ability.This study suggests that Trolox treatment provides prevention against intracellular ROS formation. Trolox application as therapeutic agent against intracellular ROS formation would be worth considering. Additionally, results indicate that yeasts are good model organisms for studying intracellular oxidation and oxidative stress. The obtained results on yeast cells might be useful to direct further human‐related search for the Trolox evaluation as a human supplement used for protecting cells against intracellular free radical formation.
Cod recruitment is strongly affected by climate when stock biomass is low
Authors: Brander Keith M. 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
Stocks of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) have been declining over much of the North Atlantic for the past 30 years, owing to a combination of overfishing and adverse changes in their environment. In a previous study, environmental effects were introduced as an extra parameter in the stock-recruit relationship, where they act as a multiplier, independent of the level of spawning-stock biomass (SSB). Using a non-parametric pooled analysis of all cod stocks on the European Shelf south of 62°N, it is shown here that environmental variability (as represented by the North Atlantic Oscillation) only has a significant effect on recruitment when the spawning stock is low. This has implications for fisheries management strategies, and for rates of stock recovery, which will be very dependent on environmental conditions.
Ecological indicators based on fish biomass distribution along trophic levels: an application to the Terminos coastal lagoon, Mexico
Authors: Sosa-López Atahualpa , Mouillot David , Do Chi Thang , Ramos-Miranda Julia 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
Cumulative relative biomass trophic level spectra (BTLS) are constructed for the fish community of a tropical coastal lagoon in Mexico to analyse spatio-temporal patterns as a potential ecosystem indicator of multifactor impacts. Data were based on monthly trawl surveys over a single year carried out eighteen years apart. The spectra show significant differences between the two periods, indicating major shifts in the trophic structure of the system. Specifically, biomass of the omnivorous, estuarine species in the middle of the foodweb (originally dominating) has been replaced by carnivorous and herbivorous–detritivorous species. As a consequence, the initial sigmoid shape of the BTLS has tended to become more linear. However, interpretation of the causes involved remains unclear. It is suggested that this potential indicator of trophic status of the fish community reflects a combination of interacting driving forces acting simultaneously in the lagoon: (i) increased marine conditions as well as artificial reefs constructed in adjacent zones may enhance biomass of marine predators and detritivorous species; (ii) attenuation of estuarine influences may lead to decreasing biomass of estuarine generalist species; and (iii) the establishment of a marine protected area may increase predator biomass, causing a decline in prey biomass.
Possible ecosystem impacts of applying MSY policies from single-species assessment
Authors: Walters Carl J. , Christensen Villy , Martell Steven J. , Kitchell James F. 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
Ecosim models have been fitted to time-series data for a wide variety of ecosystems for which there are long-term data that confirm the models' ability to reproduce past responses of many species to harvesting. We subject these model ecosystems to a variety of harvest policies, including options based on harvesting each species at its maximum sustainable yield (MSY) fishing rate. We show that widespread application of single-species MSY policies would in general cause severe deterioration in ecosystem structure, in particular the loss of top predator species. This supports the long-established practice in fisheries management of protecting at least some smaller “forage” species specifically for their value in supporting larger piscivores.
The recruitment of gill-infesting copepods as a categorical predictor of size-at-age data in squid populations
Authors: Pascual S. , González A.F. , Guerra A. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThe independent effects of host age and size on the recruitment of the gill-infesting copepod parasite Pennella sp. were examined in the short-finned squid (Illex coindetii) from Galician waters (ICES Areas VIIIc–IXa). Older and larger squid had larger parasite infrapopulations, but in general the age of squid described the parasite recruitment to the host population better than did mantle length or body weight of squid. Parasite infrapopulations were markedly clumped or overdispersed in those squid hatchling groups with greater parasite recruitment, indicating close adjustment of host/parasite life cycles. Moreover, the gill infestation did moderate the relationship between age and body weight of squid, though the strength or importance of the variation associated with the relationships is not known. The results show that infestation by pennellids contributes to the variability in squid growth, being one of the multiple categorical predictors of size-at-age data in several infested cephalopod species commercially exploited in European waters.
Closed‐loop supply chains in process industries: An empirical study of producer re‐use issues
Authors: French Monique L. , LaForge R. Lawrence 
Published: February 2005

AbstractClosed‐loop supply chain research has primarily focused on discrete industries, leaving important issues involving waste disposal and re‐use in process industries unaddressed. This exploratory study investigates re‐use issues and practices related to process industry firms—from the producer's perspective—with the objective of identifying important issues that need further research in the field. Site visits were conducted to identify and clarify re‐use issues unique to process industry firms for the purpose of developing a mail survey instrument. The mail survey provided detailed information about the sources of returned product and materials and the subsequent re‐use decisions made by 141 different manufacturing facilities in a wide variety of process industries including chemicals, food, rubber, and plastics. Results indicate that process industry firms are quite diverse, that some common beliefs about re‐use in process industry firms do not apply to all process types in these industries, and that research efforts are needed in the areas of network design and product acquisition; inventory; production planning and control; and scheduling. The paper concludes by identifying specific research questions important to re‐use in process industry environments.
Solution Structure of an Arabidopsis WRKY DNA Binding Domain
Authors: Yamasaki Kazuhiko , Kigawa Takanori , Inoue Makoto , Tateno Masaru , Yamasaki Tomoko , Yabuki Takashi , Aoki Masaaki , Seki Eiko , Matsuda Takayoshi , Tomo Yasuko , Hayami Nobuhiro , Terada Takaho , Shirouzu Mikako , Tanaka Akiko , Seki Motoaki , Shinozaki Kazuo , Yokoyama Shigeyuki 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
The WRKY proteins comprise a major family of transcription factors that are essential in pathogen and salicylic acid responses of higher plants as well as a variety of plant-specific reactions. They share a DNA binding domain, designated as the WRKY domain, which contains an invariant WRKYGQK sequence and a CX4–5CX22–23HXH zinc binding motif. Herein, we report the NMR solution structure of the C-terminal WRKY domain of the Arabidopsis thaliana WRKY4 protein. The structure consists of a four-stranded β-sheet, with a zinc binding pocket formed by the conserved Cys/His residues located at one end of the β-sheet, revealing a novel zinc and DNA binding structure. The WRKYGQK residues correspond to the most N-terminal β-strand, kinked in the middle of the sequence by the Gly residue, which enables extensive hydrophobic interactions involving the Trp residue and contributes to the structural stability of the β-sheet. Based on a profile of NMR chemical shift perturbations, we propose that the same strand enters the DNA groove and forms contacts with the DNA bases.
The Rice Nuclear Genome Continuously Integrates, Shuffles, and Eliminates the Chloroplast Genome to Cause Chloroplast–Nuclear DNA Flux
Authors: Matsuo Mitsuhiro , Ito Yuki , Yamauchi Ryo , Obokata Junichi 
Published: February 2005

AbstractPlastid DNA fragments are often found in the plant nuclear genome, and DNA transfer from plastids to the nucleus is ongoing. However, successful gene transfer is rare. What happens to compensate for this? To address this question, we analyzed nuclear-localized plastid DNA (nupDNA) fragments throughout the rice (Oryza sativa ssp japonica) genome, with respect to their age, size, structure, and integration sites on chromosomes. The divergence of nupDNA sequences from the sequence of the present plastid genome strongly suggests that plastid DNA has been transferred repeatedly to the nucleus in rice. Age distribution profiles of the nupDNA population, together with the size and structural characteristics of each fragment, revealed that once plastid DNAs are integrated into the nuclear genome, they are rapidly fragmented and vigorously shuffled, and surprisingly, 80% of them are eliminated from the nuclear genome within a million years. Large nupDNA fragments preferentially localize to the pericentromeric region of the chromosomes, where integration and elimination frequencies are markedly higher. These data indicate that the plant nuclear genome is in equilibrium between frequent integration and rapid elimination of the chloroplast genome and that the pericentromeric regions play a significant role in facilitating the chloroplast–nuclear DNA flux.
Long-term effects of pharmacotherapy on relapse prevention in alcohol dependence
Authors: Kiefer F. , Andersohn F. , Otte C. , Wolf K. , Jahn H. , Wiedemann K. 
Published: February 2005

Background:There is growing evidence that pharmacological treatment with two of the best validated anticraving drugs, acamprosate and naltrexone, is efficacious in promoting abstinence in recently detoxified alcohol-dependent subjects.Objective:The stability of effects after termination of treatment remains to be answered, especially when combining both the drugs.Method:After detoxification, 160 alcohol-dependent subjects participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Patients received naltrexone or acamprosate or a combination of naltrexone and acamprosate or placebo for 12 weeks. Patients were assessed weekly by interview, self-report, questionnaires and laboratory screening. Additionally, follow-up evaluation based on telephone interview of participants, general practitioners and relatives was conducted 12 weeks after terminating the medication.Results:At week 12, the proportion of subjects relapsing to heavy drinking was significantly lower in the group with combined medication compared with both placebo and acamprosate (P< 0.05). No difference was detectable between acamprosate and naltrexone, both of which were superior to placebo (P< 0.05). Relapse rates were 28% (combined medication), 35% (naltrexone), 50% (acamprosate) and 75% (placebo). After follow-up (week 24), combined medication led to relapse rates significantly lower than placebo, but not lower than acamprosate. Again, both naltrexone and acamprosate were superior to placebo. Relapse rates were 80% (placebo), 54% (acamprosate), 53% (naltrexone) and 34% (combined medication).Conclusions:The results of this study highlight the stability of effects of pharmacotherapy on relapse prevention in alcohol dependence.
Self‐care in diabetes: model of factors affecting self‐care
Authors: Sigurðardóttir Árún K 
Published: February 2005

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this paper is to explore self‐care in diabetes and to present a model of factors that affect self‐care according to reviewed literature.Background.  Self‐care in diabetes is crucial to keep the disease under control. Self‐care consists at least four aspects: (i) self‐monitoring of blood glucose, (ii) variation of nutrition to daily needs, (iii) insulin dose adjustments to actual needs and (iv) taking exercise regularly. It is known that diverse factors influence self‐care such as knowledge, physical skills and emotional aspects and self‐efficacy which have been listed as being of high importance.Methods.  The searched databases were ProQuest, PsycINFO and Medline from 1995 to 2002. The search terms were ‘self‐care’ or ‘self‐management’ coexisting with diabetes and ‘self‐efficacy’. The search was limited to English and adults with type 1 diabetes.Results.  The main components of the model clarify how knowledge, physical skills and emotional factors as well as self‐efficacy influence self‐care which again affects metabolic control. Flexible self‐care indicates high level of self‐care when patients are able to care for and manage the disease in a responsible and flexible way that does not affect their life extensively, resulting in adequate glycosylated haemoglobin value. Self‐efficacy is a strong predictor of flexible self‐care and affects metabolic control through increased perceived ability to conduct self‐care.Conclusions.  The review illuminated that benefits of self‐care should be emphasized and knowledge of the Diabetes Complication and Control Trial results can contribute to better self‐care. However, factors affecting flexible self‐care still require better identification.Relevance to clinical practice.  The review emphasizes and adds to the topic, that in daily practice health care practitioners must assess diabetes‐related knowledge, physical skills and emotional factors in combination with self‐efficacy and the four self‐care areas. The effects of self‐monitoring of blood glucose needs better clarifications as it is now regarded the cornerstone of flexible self‐care.