bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biochemical modulation of growth, lipid quality and productivity in mixotrophic cultures of Chlorella sorokiniana
Authors: Ngangkham Momocha , Ratha Sachitra Kumar , Prasanna Radha , Saxena Anil Kumar , Dhar Dolly Wattal , Sarika Chandragiri , Prasad Rachapudi Badari Narayana 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
The genus Chlorella is a widely employed microalga for biodiesel, as it can be grown using photo/mixo/heterotrophic mode of cultivation. The present investigation was undertaken with the hypothesis that addition of different substrates (amino acids, carbon sources, vitamins) along with reducing agents may aid in diverting Acetyl CoA to malonyl CoA or fatty acid biosynthesis, under mixotrophic conditions in Chlorella sorokiniana. Preliminary investigations undertaken with two reducing agents individually (sodium thiosulphate and methyl viologen) along with selected substrates revealed the promise of sodium thiosulphate (1%) in enhancing lipid accumulation significantly. Further, the role of inclusion of twelve substrates and sodium thiosulphate revealed that supplementation with tryptophan (0.1%) recorded 57.28% enhancement in lipid productivity on 4th day. Highest values of lipid productivity of 33% were recorded on 8th day in 0.1% glucose supplemented medium containing sodium thiosulphate. Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) profiles generated revealed significant reduction in the content of Poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and enhanced Mono unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (especially oleic acid) in the treatments involving tryptophan, Vitamin B12, sodium pyruvate and glucose. This study reveals the promise of using sodium thiosulphate along with selected substrate for enriching the quality and quantity of lipids, which can be valuable for exploiting algae as a source of biodiesel.
The Cortisol and Androgen Pathways Cross Talk in High Temperature-Induced Masculinization: The 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase as a Key Enzyme
Authors: Fernandino Juan Ignacio , Hattori Ricardo Shohei , Kishii Ai , Strüssmann Carlos Augusto , Somoza Gustavo Manuel 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
In many ectotherm species the gonadal fate is modulated by temperature early in life [temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD)] but the transducer mechanism between temperature and gonadal differentiation is still elusive. We have recently shown that cortisol, the glucocorticoid stress-related hormone in vertebrates, is involved in the TSD process of pejerrey, Odontesthes bonariensis. Particularly, all larvae exposed to a male-producing temperature (MPT, 29 C) after hatching showed increased whole-body cortisol and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT; the main bioactive androgen in fish) levels and developed as males. Moreover, cortisol administration at an intermediate, mixed sex-producing temperature (MixPT, 24 C) caused increases in 11-KT and in the frequency of males, suggesting a relation between this glucocorticoid and androgens during the masculinization process. In order to clarify the link between stress and masculinization, the expression of hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (hsd)11b2, glucocorticoid receptors gr1 and gr2, and androgen receptors ar1 and ar2 was analyzed by quantitative real time PCR and in situ hybridization in larvae reared at MPT, MixPT, and female-producing temperature (FPT, 17 C) during the sex determination period. We also analyzed the effects of cortisol treatment in larvae reared at MixPT and in adult testicular explants incubated in vitro. MPT and cortisol treatment produced significant increases in hsd11b2 mRNA expression. Also, gonadal explants incubated in the presence of cortisol showed increases of 11-KT levels in the medium. Taken together these results suggest that cortisol promotes 11-KT production during high temperature-induced masculinization by modulation of hsd11b2 expression and thus drives the morphogenesis of the testes.
CRH Activation of Different Signaling Pathways Results in Differential Calcium Signaling in Human Pregnant Myometrium before and during Labor
Authors: You Xingji , Gao Lu , Liu Jie , Xu Chen , Liu Chunmin , Li Yuan , Hui Ning , Gu Hang , Ni Xin 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Context:
Our previous study has demonstrated that CRH has differential effects on human uterine contractility before and after onset of labor. Intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) mobilization plays an important role in the control of uterine contraction.

Objective:
Our objective was to investigate the effects of CRH on [Ca2+]i homeostasis in laboring and nonlaboring myometrial cells and determine subsequent signaling involved in [Ca2+]i regulation by CRH.

Design:
The myometrial tissues were obtained from pregnant women who were undergoing or not undergoing labor at term. [Ca2+]i was determined by Ca2+ imaging system using the fluorescent dye fura-2-acetoxymethyl ester. Western blot analysis, ELISA, and RIA were used to determine the signaling pathways induced by CRH.

Results:
CRH induced Ca2+ transient in laboring cells, which was blocked by CRH receptor type 1 (CRHR1) antagonist antalarmin. CRHR1 knockdown impaired this effect of CRH. CRH activated Gi protein, decreased cAMP production, and induced phosphorylated phospholipase C-β3 and inositol-1,4,5-triphosphate production. Phospholipase C and inositol-1,4,5-triphosphate receptor inhibitors blocked the CRH-induced Ca2+ transient in laboring cells. CRH did not induce whereas antalarmin induced the Ca2+ transient in nonlaboring cells. Knockdown of CRHR1 impaired the effect of antalarmin. CRH acted on CRHR1 to activate Gs in nonlaboring cells. Forskolin blocked antalarmin-induced Ca2+ transient.

Conclusions:
CRH acts on CRHR1 to activate different signaling pathways before and after onset of labor, thereby resulting in differential calcium signaling in response to CRH. The signaling pathways of CRHR1 might serve as a target for the development of new therapeutic strategies for preterm birth.
Agenesis of Internal Carotid Artery and Hypopituitarism: Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Savasta S. , Merli P. , Introzzi F. , Strocchio L. , Lanati G. , Incorpora G. , Della Mina E. , Simoncelli A. , Zuffardi O. , Larizza D. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractContext:Agenesis of the internal carotid artery and hypoplasia of the internal carotid artery are rare congenital abnormalities, involving less than 0.01% of the general population. Congenital hypopituitarism is also a rare condition; thus, the association of the two entities is unlikely to be casual. We describe one pediatric case of agenesis of the internal carotid artery with hypopituitarism and review other known cases.Evidence Acquisition and Synthesis:In this brief clinical case seminar, we summarize the current understanding of this association based on a MEDLINE search of all peer-reviewed publications (original articles and reviews) on this topic between 1980 and 2011. We found nine other cases, mainly diagnosed during childhood. Defects of pituitary function varied among cases; in four, midline anomalies were present.Conclusion:There are two theories that are not mutually exclusive to explain the association of congenital vascular malformation and pituitary hypoplasia with hypopituitarism: the first involves hemodynamic mechanisms, and the second, complex neural-crest differentiation and/or migration disorders. Whatever the real physiopathological mechanism responsible for this condition, it could be considered as a new clinical entity.
The Utility of Menstrual Cycle Length as an Indicator of Cumulative Hormonal Exposure
Authors: Mumford Sunni L. , Steiner Anne Z. , Pollack Anna Z. , Perkins Neil J. , Filiberto Amanda C. , Albert Paul S. , Mattison Donald R. , Wactawski-Wende Jean , Schisterman Enrique F. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Context:
Associations between menstrual cycle length and chronic diseases are hypothesized to be due to differences in underlying hormonal patterns.

Objective:
The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between menstrual cycle length and the hormonal profile and anovulation.

Design and Setting:
We conducted a prospective cohort study at the University at Buffalo from 2005 to 2007.

Participants:
We recruited 259 healthy, regularly menstruating women aged 18–44 yr.

Main Outcome Measures:
Cycle length was observed for up to two cycles. Serum estradiol, progesterone, LH, and FSH were measured up to eight times per cycle for up to two cycles.

Results:
Women with short cycles (&lt;26 d) had higher FSH concentrations during menses and in the late luteal phase, higher follicular estradiol concentrations, and lower LH concentrations across the cycle. Among women with longer cycles (&gt;35 d), estradiol and LH peaks occurred on average about 3 d later, and FSH peaks about 1 d later compared to women with normal-length cycles. Both short and long cycles, compared with normal-length cycles, had an increased probability of anovulation. In general, per-cycle exposure to hormones was less in short cycles based on the area under the curve, although over time the cumulative exposure to estradiol would be greater for women with short cycles.

Conclusions:
Short ovulatory cycles were associated with higher follicular phase estradiol, an earlier rise in FSH, and an increased risk of anovulation. These results suggest that menstrual cycle length may be a relevant indicator of estradiol exposure and risk of anovulation among regularly cycling women.
Role of 11βHSD Type 2 Enzyme Activity in Essential Hypertension and Children with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Authors: Mongia Anil , Vecker Risa , George Minu , Pandey Anita , Tawadrous Hanan , Schoeneman Morris , Muneyyirci-Delale Ozgul , Nacharaju Vijaya , Ten Svetlana , Bhangoo Amrit 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background:
The mineralocorticoid receptor is protected from excess of glucocorticoids by conversion of active cortisol to inactive cortisone by enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 present in the kidney. The metabolites of cortisol and cortisone are excreted in the urine as tetrahydrocortisol (5αTHF+5βTHF) and tetrahydrocortisone (THE), respectively.

Hypothesis:
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and essential hypertension have a functional defect in their ability to convert cortisol to cortisone, thus leading to the activation of mineralocorticoid receptor.

Objective:
The objective of the investigation was to study the ratio of urinary steroids (5αTHF+5βTHF) to THE in patients with CKD, postrenal transplant, and essential hypertension and to compare the ratio with controls.

Design/Methods:
We enrolled 44 patients (17 with CKD, eight postrenal transplant, 19 with essential hypertension) and 12 controls. We measured spot urinary 5α-THF, 5β-THF, THE, free active cortisol and inactive cortisone by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. We collected data on age, sex, cause of kidney disease, height, weight, body mass index, blood pressure, serum electrolytes, aldosterone, and plasma renin activity. Blood pressure percentiles and z-scores were calculated. The glomerular filtration rate was calculated using the modified Schwartz formula.

Results:
The ratios of 5αTHF+5βTHF to THE were significantly higher in patients with CKD [mean ± sd score (SDS) = 1.31 ± 1.07] as compared with essential hypertension (mean ± SDS = 0.59 ± 0.23; P = 0.02) and controls (mean ± SDS = 0.52 ± 0.25; P = 0.01). In the postrenal transplant group, the ratio was not significantly different (mean ± SDS = 0.71 ± 0.55). The urinary free cortisol to free cortisone ratios were significantly higher in the hypertension and CKD groups as compared with the controls. The 5αTHF+5βTHF to THE ratio negatively correlated with the glomerular filtration rate and positively correlated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure z-scores. The correlation of the blood pressure z-scores with ratios was stronger in the CKD group than the essential hypertension and posttransplant groups.

Conclusions:
We have elucidated a functional deficiency of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 in children with CKD and a subset of essential hypertension. Urinary 5α-THF, 5β-THF, and THE analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry should be a part of routine work-up of CKD and hypertensive patients.
Association between Physical Activity and Urinary Estrogens and Estrogen Metabolites in Premenopausal Women
Authors: Matthews Charles E. , Fortner Renee T. , Xu Xia , Hankinson Susan E. , Eliassen A. Heather , Ziegler Regina G. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjective:The objective of the study was to evaluate in premenopausal women the relationships of physically active and sedentary behaviors reported for adulthood and adolescence with a comprehensive profile of estrogen metabolism.Methodology:Fifteen estrogens and estrogen metabolites (jointly termed EM) were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in luteal phase urines from 603 premenopausal women in the Nurses' Health Study II. Geometric means of individual EM, metabolic pathway groups, and pathway ratios were examined by level of exposure after adjustment for age, body mass index, alcohol intake, menstrual cycle length, and sample collection timing.Results:High overall physical activity in adulthood (42+ metabolic equivalent h/wk vs. &lt;3 metabolic equivalent h/wk) was associated with a 15% lower level of urinary estradiol (Ptrend = 0.03) and 15% lower level of 16-hydroxylation pathway EM (Ptrend = 0.03). Levels of 2- and 4-hydroxylation pathway EM did not differ significantly by physical activity. High overall activity was also positively associated with four ratios: 2-pathway EM to parent estrogens (Ptrend = 0.05), 2-pathway catechols to parent estrogens (Ptrend = 0.03), 2-pathway catechols to methylated 2-pathway catechols (Ptrend &lt; 0.01), and 2-hydroxyestrone to 16α-hydroxyestrone (Ptrend = 0.01). Similar patterns of association were noted for walking and vigorous physical activity, but there was little evidence of associations with sedentary behaviors or activity during adolescence.Conclusions:High levels of physical activity were associated with lower levels of parent estrogens and 16-hydroxylation pathway EM and preferential metabolism to 2-pathway catechols. The results of our analysis, the largest, most comprehensive examination of physical activity and estrogen metabolism to date, may be useful in future studies investigating the etiology of diseases linked to both physical activity and endogenous estrogen.
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Analysis of Food-Related Brain Activity in Patients with Lipodystrophy Undergoing Leptin Replacement Therapy
Authors: Aotani Daisuke , Ebihara Ken , Sawamoto Nobukatsu , Kusakabe Toru , Aizawa-Abe Megumi , Kataoka Sachiko , Sakai Takeru , Iogawa Hitomi , Ebihara Chihiro , Fujikura Junji , Hosoda Kiminori , Fukuyama Hidenao , Nakao Kazuwa 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Context:
Lipodystrophy is a disease characterized by a paucity of adipose tissue and low circulating concentrations of adipocyte-derived leptin. Leptin-replacement therapy improves eating and metabolic disorders in patients with lipodystrophy.

Objective:
The aim of the study was to clarify the pathogenic mechanism of eating disorders in lipodystrophic patients and the action mechanism of leptin on appetite regulation.

Subjects and Interventions:
We investigated food-related neural activity using functional magnetic resonance imaging in lipodystrophic patients with or without leptin replacement therapy and in healthy controls. We also measured the subjective feelings of appetite.

Results:
Although there was little difference in the enhancement of neural activity by food stimuli between patients and controls under fasting, postprandial suppression of neural activity was insufficient in many regions of interest including amygdala, insula, nucleus accumbens, caudate, putamen, and globus pallidus in patients when compared with controls. Leptin treatment effectively suppressed postprandial neural activity in many of these regions of interest, whereas it showed little effect under fasting in patients. Consistent with these results, postprandial formation of satiety feeling was insufficient in patients when compared with controls, which was effectively reinforced by leptin treatment.

Conclusions:
This study demonstrated the insufficiency of postprandial suppression of food-related neural activity and formation of satiety feeling in lipodystrophic patients, which was effectively restored by leptin. The findings in this study emphasize the important pathological role of leptin in eating disorders in lipodystrophy and provide a clue to understanding the action mechanism of leptin in human, which may lead to development of novel strategies for prevention and treatment of obesity.
Runx2 Isoform I Controls a Panel of Proinvasive Genes Driving Aggressiveness of Papillary Thyroid Carcinomas
Authors: Sancisi Valentina , Borettini Gloria , Maramotti Sally , Ragazzi Moira , Tamagnini Ione , Nicoli Davide , Piana Simonetta , Ciarrocchi Alessia 
Published: October 2012

AbstractContext:The ability of tumor cells to invade adjacent tissues is governed by a complicated network of molecular signals, most of which have not yet been identified. In a recent work, we reported that the transcriptional regulator Id1 contributes to thyroid cancer progression by powering the invasion capacity of tumor cells.Objective:The intent of this work was to further investigate the biology of invasive thyroid tumors, through the analysis of the molecular interactions existing between Id1 and some of its target genes and through the characterization of the function of these factors in the progression of thyroid tumors.Results:We showed that Id1 controls the expression of the Runx2 isoform I and that this transcription factor plays a central role in mediating the Id1 proinvasive function in thyroid tumor cells. We demonstrated that Runx2 regulates proliferation, migration, and invasiveness by activating a panel of genes involved in matrix degradation and cellular invasion, which we previously identified as Id1 target genes in thyroid tumor cells. Finally, we show that Runx2 is strongly expressed in metastatic human thyroid tumors both at the primary site and in metastases.Conclusion:Overall, our experiments demonstrate the existence of a previously unknown molecular axis that controls thyroid tumor invasiveness by altering the ability of tumor cells to interact with the surrounding microenvironment. These factors could prove to be valuable markers that permit early diagnosis of aggressive thyroid tumors.
Medical and legal professionals’ attitudes towards confidentiality and disclosure of clinical information in forensic settings: a survey using case vignettes
Authors: Bruggen Marie-Charlotte , Eytan Ariel , Gravier Bruno , Elger Bernice S 
Published: October 2012

Objective When potentially dangerous patients reveal criminal fantasies to their therapists, the latter must decide whether this information has to be transmitted to a third person in order to protect potential victims. We were interested in how medical and legal professionals handle such situations in the context of prison medicine and forensic evaluations. We aimed to explore the motives behind their actions and to compare these professional groups. Method A mail survey was conducted among medical and legal professionals using five fictitious case vignettes. For each vignette, participants were asked to answer questions exploring what the professional should do in the situation and to explain their justification for the chosen response. Results A total of 147 questionnaires were analysed. Agreement between participants varied from one scenario to another. Overall, legal professionals tended to disclose information to a third party more easily than medical professionals, the latter tending to privilege confidentiality and patient autonomy over security. Perception of potential danger in a given situation was not consistently associated with actions. Conclusion Professionals’ opinions and attitudes regarding the confidentiality of potentially dangerous patients differ widely and appear to be subjectively determined. Shared discussions about clinical situations could enhance knowledge and competencies and reduce differences between professional groups.
Research Note—A Contingency Approach to Investigating the Effects of User-System Interaction Modes of Online Decision Aids
Authors: Wang Weiquan , Benbasat Izak 
Published: October 2012

Interactive online decision aids often employ user-decision aid dialogues as forms of user-system interaction to help construct and elicit users' attribute preferences about a product type. This study extends prior research on online decision aids by investigating the effects of a decision aid's user-system interaction mode (USIM), which can be either user-guided or system-controlled, on users' effort-related (number of iterations of using the aid and perceived cognitive effort expended in using it) and quality-related (perceived quality of the aid and acceptance of the product advice it provides) assessments. A contingency approach with two moderating factors is employed. One factor is the decision strategy (additive-compensatory or elimination) employed by the aid, and the other is the users' product knowledge (high or low). A laboratory experiment was conducted to compare online decision aids with different USIMs. Although the results largely confirm that users assess the user-guided USIM more positively than the system-controlled USIM, the effects of USIM are stronger in two settings: for the elimination-based aid than for the additive-compensatory-based aid and for users with low product knowledge than for those with high product knowledge, especially in terms of effort assessments. This research advances the theoretical understanding of the effects of interaction between two critical components of online decision aids (USIMs and decision strategies) and the moderating role of user characteristics (product knowledge) in affecting users' evaluations. It also provides practitioners with design advice for developing these aids.
Multiple magnetic transitions and magnetocaloric effect in hydrothermally synthesized single crystalline La0.5Sr0.5MnO3nanowires
Authors: Chandra Sayan , Biswas Anis , Datta Subarna , Ghosh Barnali , Raychaudhuri A.K. , Phan M.H. , Srikanth H. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTWe have successfully prepared La0.5Sr0.5MnO3nanowires using a novel hydrothermal synthesis process and studied their magnetic and magnetocaloric properties. The system exhibits an inverse magnetocaloric effect (IMCE) around 175 K indicating presence of significant AFM correlation. The MCE study reveals a clear paramagnetic (PM) to ferromagnetic (FM) transition near room temperature (T ~ 325K) which is followed by onset of AFM at lower temperatures. The development of the FM-like magnetic state at low temperature is attributed to the enhanced double exchange (DE) driven ferromagnetism in AFM state as predicted by recent theoretical studies.
Buffer Assisted Epitaxial Growth of Bi1.5Zn1Nb1.5O7 Thin Films by Pulsed Laser Deposition for Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Sasi Krishnaprasad , Mailadil Sebastian , Rojas Fredy , Antony Aldrin , Madambi Jayaraj 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTBi1.5Zn1Nb1.5O7 (BZN) epitaxial thin films were prepared on Al2O3with a double ZnO buffer layer by pulsed laser deposition. The pole figure analysis and reciprocal space mapping revealed the single crystalline nature of the thin film. The sharp intense spots in the SAED pattern also indicates the highly crystalline nature of BZN thin film. The electrical properties of the as deposited thin films were investigated by patterning an inter digital capacitor (IDC) structure on BZN. A high tunability was observed in this epitaxially grown thin films.