bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Possible Cis-acting signal that could be involved in the localization of different mRNAs in neuronal axons
Authors: Aranda-Abreu Gonzalo E , Hernández Ma Elena , Soto Abraham , Manzo Jorge 
Published: August 2005

Abstract

Background
Messenger RNA (mRNA) comprises three major parts: a 5'-UTR (UnTranslated Region), a coding region, and a 3'-UTR. The 3'-UTR contains signal sequences involved in polyadenylation, degradation and localization/stabilization processes. Some sequences in the 3'-UTR are involved in the localization of mRNAs in (e.g.) neurons, epithelial cells, oocytes and early embryos, but such localization has been most thoroughly studied in neurons. Neuronal polarity is maintained by the microtubules (MTs) found along both dendrites and axon and is partially influenced by sub-cellular mRNA localization. A widely studied mRNA is that for Tau protein, which is located in the axon hillock and growth cone; its localization depends on the well-characterized cis-acting signal (U-rich region) in the 3'-UTR.

Methods
We compared the cis-acting signal of Tau with mRNAs in the axonal regions of neurons using the ClustalW program for alignment of sequences and the Mfold program for analysis of secondary structures.

Results
We found that at least 3 out of 12 mRNA analyzed (GRP75, cofilin and synuclein) have a sequence similar to the cis-acting signal of Tau in the 3'-UTR. This could indicate that these messengers are localized specifically in the axon. The Mfold program showed that these mRNAs have a similar "bubble" structure in the putative sequence signal.

Conclusion
Hence, we suggest that a U-rich sequence in the 3'-UTR region of the mRNA could act as a signal for its localization in the axon in neuronal cells. Sequences homologous to the DTE sequence of BC1 mRNA could direct the messenger to the dendrites. Messengers with homologues of both types of sequence, e.g. β-actin, might be located in both dendrites and axon.
Strategically examining the full-genome of dengue virus type 3 in clinical isolates reveals its mutation spectra
Authors: Chao Day-Yu , King Chwan-Chuen , Wang Wei-Kung , Chen Wei-June , Wu Hui-Lin , Chang Gwong-Jen J 
Published: August 2005

Abstract

Background
Previous studies presented the quasispecies spectrum of the envelope region of dengue virus type 3 (DENV-3) from either clinical specimens or field-caught mosquitoes. However, the extent of sequence variation among full genomic sequences of DENV within infected individuals remains largely unknown.

Results
Instead of arbitrarily choosing one genomic region in this study, the full genomic consensus sequences of six DENV-3 isolates were used to locate four genomic regions that had a higher potential of sequence heterogeneity at capsid-premembrane (C-prM), envelope (E), nonstructural protein 3 (NS3), and NS5. The extentof sequence heterogeneity revealed by clonal sequencing was genomic region-dependent, whereas the NS3 and NS5 had lower sequence heterogeneity than C-prM and E. Interestingly, the Phylogenetic Analysis by Maximum Likelihood program (PAML) analysis supported that the domain III of E region, the most heterogeneous region analyzed, was under the influence of positive selection.

Conclusion
This study confirmed previous reports that the most heterogeneous region of the dengue viral genome resided at the envelope region, of which the domain III was under positive selection pressure. Further studies will need to address the influence of these mutations on the overall fitness in different hosts (i.e., mosquito and human) during dengue viral transmission.
Change in bronchial responsiveness and cough reflex sensitivity in patients with cough variant asthma: effect of inhaled corticosteroids
Authors: Fujimura Masaki , Hara Johsuke , Myou Shigeharu 
Published: August 2005

AbstractBackgroundCough variant asthma (CVA) is a cause of chronic cough and a precursor of typical asthma. We retrospectively examined the longitudinal change in bronchial responsiveness and cough reflex sensitivity in CVA patients with respect to the effect of long-term inhaled corticosteroids (ICS).MethodsProvocative concentration of methacholine causing a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in one second (PC20-FEV1) and provocative concentration of capsaicin eliciting 5 or more coughs (C5) were measured before treatment and during a follow up period following relief of cough (median; 2.0 (range; 0.5 to 8.0) years after the initial visit) in a total of 20 patients with CVA (7 males and 13 females, mean ± SD age of 49.9 ± 12.9 years).ResultsThree of 8 patients not taking long-term ICS developed typical asthma compared to none of 12 patients taking ICS (p = 0.0171). PC20-FEV1 significantly (p < 0.0001) increased from 1.80 (GSEM, 1.35) to 10.7 (GSEM, 1.63) mg/ml in patients taking ICS but did not change in patients not taking ICS [2.10 (GSEM, 1.47) compared to 2.13 (GSEM, 1.52) mg/ml]. Cough threshold did not change in patients whether taking or not taking ICS.ConclusionLong-term ICS reduces bronchial hyperresponsiveness in CVA as recognized in typical asthma. Cough reflex sensitivity is not involved in the mechanism of cough in CVA.
Tissue engineering: a challenge of today's medicine
Authors: Meyer Ulrich , Wiesmann Hans-Peter 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
During the last years, tissue engineering-based therapies have been introduced in clinical practice in the head and face area. The regeneration of complex tissue structures for all sites of the body is envisioned for the future. In the present situation, specialists of the different fields publish excellent research papers in specialised journals. As a result, the scientific community, seperated towards distinct sub-specialities, has difficulties in communication. To overcome this problem, the demanding, complex and interdisciplinary aspects of tissue engineering has to be approached from new ways. We have conceptualised Head & Face Medicine therefore as a thematically broad ranged journal, including all disciplines involved in the head and neck area. We hope this journal will attract basic researchers and clinicians who are involved in investigating and applying complex themes (examplified by tissue engineering) in the head and face region and will contribute to a gain in scientific information, communication, and collaboration in order to improve the outcome of patient treatments.
Cephalometric norms for the Saudi children living in the western region of Saudi Arabia: a research report
Authors: Hassan Ali H. 
Published: August 2005

Abstract

Background
Previous studies have established specific cephalometric norms for children with different ethnic backgrounds, showing different facial features for each group. Up till now, there is a paucity of information about the cephalometric features of Saudi children living in the western region of Saudi Arabia, who have distinct social and climatic characteristics. The aim of the present study was to establish cephalometric norms for children living in the western region of Saudi Arabia.

Methods
A total of 62 lateral cephalometric radiographs of Saudis (33 females and 29 males; aged 9–12 years) having good facial proportions and Class I dental occlusion, were traced and analyzed. Using the t-test, the mean value, standard deviation and the range of 20 angular and linear variables were calculated and compared to norms of adult Saudis living in the Western region of Saudi Arabia using the t-test. Male and female groups were also compared using the t- test.

Results
Saudi children tend to have a significantly shorter and lower face height, a larger angle of convexity, and more proclined and protruded incisors when compared with adult Saudis (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between male and female groups.

Conclusion
Saudi children have distinct cephalometric features, which should be used as a reference in the orthodontic treatment of young Saudi patients.
A new option for early breast cancer patients previously irradiated for Hodgkin's disease: intraoperative radiotherapy with electrons (ELIOT)
Authors: Intra Mattia , Gentilini Oreste , Veronesi Paolo , Ciocca Mario , Luini Alberto , Lazzari Roberta , Soteldo Javier , Farante Gabriel , Orecchia Roberto , Veronesi Umberto 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
Introduction
Patients who have undergone mantle radiotherapy for Hodgkin's disease (HD) are at increased risk of developing breast cancer. In such patients, breast conserving surgery (BCS) followed by breast irradiation is generally considered contraindicated owing to the high cumulative radiation dose. Mastectomy is therefore recommended as the first option treatment in these women.

Methods
Six patients affected by early breast cancer previously treated with mantle radiation for HD underwent BCS associated with full-dose intraoperative radiotherapy with electrons (ELIOT).

Results
A total dose of 21 Gy (prescribed at 90% isodose) in five cases and 17 Gy (at 100% isodose) in one case were delivered directly to the mammary gland without acute complications and with good cosmetic results. After an average of 30.8 months of follow up, no late sequelae were observed and the patients are free of disease.

Conclusion
In patients previously irradiated for HD, ELIOT can avoid repeat irradiation of the whole breast, permit BCS and decrease the number of avoidable mastectomies.
Strain difference of murine bone marrow-derived mast cell functions
Authors: Noguchi Junko , Kuroda Etsushi , Yamashita Uki 
Published: August 2005

AbstractMast cells play an important role for the induction and the expression of allergic responses. In this report, we studied the strain difference of bone marrow-derived murine mast cell (BMMC) functions in vitro. BMMC were induced by in vitro culture of bone marrow cells from BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice with interleukin (IL)-3 for 4 weeks, stimulated with immunoglobulin E antibody and antigen, and mediators and cytokines released in the culture supernatant were assayed. BMMC from C57BL/6 mice released a higher amount of granule-associated mediators, β-hexosaminidase, and histamine than that from BALB/c mice. The expression of mRNA of histidine decarboxylase was higher in C57BL/6 mice. Conversely, the productions of newly synthesized mediators, prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), IL-6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and the mRNA expression of IL-5 were higher in ALB/c BMMC than C57BL/6 BMMC. Although mRNA and protein expression levels of cyclooxygenase-2 were equal in two strains, both expression levels of hematopoietic PGD synthase (hPGDS) were higher in BALB/c BMMC. Mast cells, freshly obtained from mice, also showed the same strain difference concerning the mediator release. These results indicate that the strain difference exists in mast cell functions in mice, and this difference can be considered to induce the susceptibility difference to allergic reactions in mouse strains.
The Human Na+-Taurocholate Cotransporting Polypeptide Gene Is Activated by Glucocorticoid Receptor and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ Coactivator-1α, and Suppressed by Bile Acids via a Small Heterodimer Partner-Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Eloranta Jyrki J. , Jung Diana , Kullak-Ublick Gerd A. 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
Na+-taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) is the major bile acid uptake system in human hepatocytes. NTCP and the ileal transporter ASBT (apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter) are two sodium-dependent transporters critical for the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids. The hASBT gene is known to be activated by the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Here we show that GR also induces the endogenous hNTCP gene and transactivates the reporter-linked hNTCP promoter, in the presence of its ligand dexamethasone. Mutational analysis of the hNTCP promoter identified a functional GR response element, with which GR directly interacts within living cells. The GR/dexamethasone activation of endogenous hNTCP expression was suppressed by bile acids, in a manner dependent on the bile acid receptor farnesoid X receptor. Overexpression of the farnesoid X receptor-inducible transcriptional repressor small heterodimer partner also suppressed the GR/dexamethasone-activation of the hNTCP promoter. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α enhanced the GR/dexamethasone activation of the hNTCP promoter. In conclusion, the hNTCP promoter is activated by GR in a ligand-dependent manner, similarly to the hASBT promoter. Thus, glucocorticoids may coordinately regulate the major bile acid uptake systems in human liver and intestine. The GR/dexamethasone activation of the hNTCP promoter is counteracted by bile acids and small heterodimer partner, providing a negative feedback mechanism for bile acid uptake in human hepatocytes.
A General Autofrettage Model of a Thick-Walled Cylinder Based on Tensile-Compressive Stress-Strain Curve of a Material
Authors: Huang X. P 
Published: August 2005

The basic autofrettage theory assumes elastic-perfectly plastic behaviour. Because of the Bauschinger effect and strain-hardening, most materials do not display elastic-perfectly plastic properties and consequently various autofrettage models are based on different simplified material strain-hardening models, which assume linear strain-hardening or power strain-hardening or a combination of these strain-hardening models. This approach gives a more accurate prediction than the elastic-perfectly plastic model and is suitable for different strain-hardening materials. In this paper, a general autofrettage model that incorporates the material strain-hardening relationship and the Bauschinger effect, based upon the actual tensile-compressive stress-strain curve of a material is proposed. The model incorporates the von Mises yield criterion, an incompressible material, and the plane strain condition. Analytic expressions for the residual stress distribution have been derived. Experimental results show that the present model has a stronger curve-fitting ability and gives a more accurate prediction. Several other models are shown to be special cases of the general model presented in this paper. The parameters needed in the model are determined by fitting the actual tensile-compressive curve of the material, and the maximum strain of this curve should closely represent the maximum equivalent strain at the inner surface of the cylinder under maximum autofrettage pressure.
The Pull-Out Method For On-Site Estimation of the Elastic Modulus of Concrete
Authors: Antonaci P , Bocca P 
Published: August 2005

The paper describes a new experimental mechanical method for the on-site evaluation of the elastic modulus of concrete. It is based on a modification of the well-known pull-out test, which is currently used for the estimation of concrete strength. The method consists in pulling out a metal insert embedded in the concrete mass and measuring the force-displacement curve consequent to the extraction. Three displacement transducers were used in order to correctly detect the displacement of the insert. Moreover, an adequate number of loading-unloading cycles was performed in order to stabilize the system and eliminate possible phenomena of mutual sliding between the mechanical parts of the apparatus and between the insert and the concrete mass. By performing a certain number of pull-out tests the stiffness value of the system is obtained. The material deformability is then estimated through an appropriate correlation curve between pull-out stiffness and elastic modulus, which has been worked out on the basis of finite element simulations and experimental results. The proposed method offers interesting possibilities of application for the characterization of existing structures at affordable costs.
Oxidative Susceptibility of Unfractionated Serum or Plasma: Response to Antioxidants in Vitro and to Antioxidant Supplementation
Authors: Atkin Mark A , Gasper Amy , Ullegaddi Raj , Powers Hilary J 
Published: August 2005

AbstractBackground: The susceptibility of plasma lipids to oxidation is thought to be a factor contributing to atherogenic risk. Various groups have studied the in vitro oxidizability of isolated LDL and examined the effects of conventional antioxidants. The drawbacks associated with the isolation of LDL for evaluation of in vitro oxidizability, however, have limited the application of this measurement in large-scale studies.Methods: We developed and evaluated an assay that can be used to directly assess the oxidative susceptibility of unfractionated serum or plasma lipids, obviating the need for isolation of lipoprotein fractions. Oxidative conditions were initiated in vitro with cuprous chloride and 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) hydrochloride. The effects of antioxidants added in vitro, and as an oral supplement, were monitored by conjugated diene formation.Results: The addition of ascorbic acid (0–50 μmol/L) in vitro elicited a dose-dependent protective effect, increasing the lag time to oxidation (P &lt;0.001). In contrast, α-tocopherol demonstrated prooxidant behavior at increasing concentrations (0–50 μmol/L), although we observed a decrease in the maximum rate of oxidation. Our findings are supported by the results from plasma samples of participants in a randomized antioxidant (vitamins C and E) intervention study after acute ischemic stroke. The group receiving vitamins C and E for 14 days showed an increased lag time to plasma lipid oxidation in vitro compared with the nonsupplemented group (P &lt;0.05).Conclusion: The susceptibility of unfractionated plasma or serum lipids to oxidation in vitro offers an alternative to LDL for evaluating the efficacy of antioxidant regimens.
Automated Assay for the Determination of Methylmalonic Acid, Total Homocysteine, and Related Amino Acids in Human Serum or Plasma by Means of Methylchloroformate Derivatization and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Windelberg Amrei , Årseth Ove , Kvalheim Gry , Ueland Per Magne 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
Background: The combined measurement of methylmalonic acid (MMA) and total homocysteine (tHcy) in serum or plasma is useful in diagnosing and distinguishing between cobalamin and folate deficiencies. We developed and validated an isotope-dilution gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method with automated sample workup for the determination of MMA, tHcy, and the related amino acids Met, total cysteine (tCys), Ser, and Gly in serum or plasma.
Methods: Serum or plasma samples (100 μL) were treated with a reductant (dithioerythritol), deproteinized with ethanol, and derivatized and extracted in a single step by the addition of methylchloroformate and toluene. All liquid handling was performed in 96-well (1 mL) microtiter plates by a robotic workstation. The N(S)-methoxycarbonyl ethyl ester derivatives were analyzed by GC-MS in the selected-ion monitoring mode.
Results: Detection limits (signal-to-noise ratio, 5:1) were between 0.03 μmol/L (MMA) and 10 μmol/L (Ser, tCys). The assay was linear to 100 μmol/L for MMA and tHcy and to 1000 μmol/L for Met, tCys, Ser, and Gly. The within-day CVs ranged from 0.7% to 3.6% (n = 20), and the between-day CVs from 2.1% to 8.1% (n = 20). The recovery was between 79% and 99% for the different analytes.
Conclusion: This assay combines a simple and automated sample preparation with selective and sensitive GC-MS analysis and is well suited for the combined measurement of MMA, tHcy, and the related amino acids.
A quantitative RT-PCR method to determine topoisomerase I mRNA levels in human tissue samples
Authors: Durand-Faucher Karine , Rabinovitch-Chable Hélène , Dzugan Hélène , Charret Stéphane , Aubry Karine , Genet Dominique , Léobon Sophie , Tubiana-Mathieu Nicole , Cook-Moreau Jeanne , Rigaud Michel , Sturtz Franck G. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractDNA topoisomerase I (Topo I) is involved in DNA replication, transcription, recombination and repair. Clinical interest has focused on Topo I as it is the molecular target of camptothecin (CPT), used in first and second lines of treatment for different cancer types. Furthermore, it is well demonstrated that the patients who best responded to CPT-based chemotherapy were generally those with the greatest tumoral Topo I expression and/or activity. We developed a sensitive, simple and reproducible method to measure Topo I mRNA expression in human cancer samples. Experiments were performed in two steps. First, we checked the accuracy of the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method by testing intra- and interassay reproducibility of
Advanced oxidation protein products in serum of patients with myotonic disease type I: association with serum γ-glutamyltransferase and disease severity
Authors: Siciliano Gabriele , Pasquali Livia , Rocchi Anna , Falorni Michela , Galluzzi Fabio , Rocco Angela , Malvaldi Gino , Pompella Alfonso , Paolicchi Aldo 
Published: August 2005

AbstractSteinert's disease (myotonic dystrophy type 1; MD) is caused by a CTG trinucleotide expansion on 19q13.3. Although the pathogenic mechanism underlying multisystem involvement in MD is still unclear, a role of oxidative stress in this disease has been suggested. We investigated 39 MD patients to assess the plasma concentration of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) and γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and related them to clinical severity scores. Plasma AOPP levels (p=0.021), total serum GGT activity (p=0.0005) and GGT activity associated with low-density lipoprotein (p=0.0021) were significantly higher in patients than in controls. There was significant correlation between serum GGT levels and AOPPs (r=0.5831; p=0.0022). A statistically significant increase in serum GGT with age was found in MD patients (p=0.0193). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that higher AOPP levels were significantly associated with extra-muscular signs of the disease, i.e., cataracts and heart involvement (area under the curve±SE=0.908±0.083), but not with muscular involvement. The concomitant increment in GGT and AOPPs indicates a possible role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of MD type 1, while the association of increased AOPP levels with extra-muscular signs of the disease suggests that individual susceptibility to oxidative stress can modulate the extra-muscular phenotype of the disease.