bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase activity in geriatric cats with variable plasma creatinine concentrations with and without azotemia
Authors: Jepson Rosanne E. , Vallance Charlene , Syme Harriet M. , Elliott Jonathan 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Objective—To validate a nonautomated technique for the measurement of urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) activity in cats and assess the correlation between NAG index, plasma creatinine concentration, and proteinuria.
Animals—197 client-owned cats (≥ 9 years old; 119 neutered males and 78 neutered females) of which 103 had previously been determined to have chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Procedures—Preliminary assay validation was performed for a nonautomated colorimetric technique for quantification of NAG activity. The effect of storage of samples was examined. A cross-sectional study was performed to assess urinary NAG index in cats with variable plasma creatinine concentrations and with proteinuria, as quantified by use of the urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UP:C).
Results—Interassay coefficients of variance (CVs) in cats with low (mean, 0.64 U/L), medium (mean, 4.38.U/L), and high (mean, 8.48 U/L) urine NAG activity were 25.9%, 14.4%, and 25.1%, respectively, but intra-assay CVs were < 20%. Urine NAG activity was stable for 4 freeze-thaw cycles and for storage at −20°C. There was no significant difference in log NAG index when cats (n = 197) were grouped according to plasma creatinine concentration, but a moderate positive correlation was found between log NAG index and log UP:C (r2 = 0.259).
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase activity can be quantified in feline urine by use of a nonautomated colorimetric technique. However, data should be interpreted cautiously because of high interassay CVs. The NAG index in cats with CKD may be indicative of ongoing lysosomal activity rather than active proximal tubular cell damage.
On equivalences of derived and singular categories
Authors: Baranovsky Vladimir , Pecharich Jeremy 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Let X and Y be two smooth Deligne-Mumford stacks and consider a pair of functions f: X → $$
\mathbb{A}^1
$$, g:Y → $$
\mathbb{A}^1
$$. Assuming that there exists a complex of sheaves on X × $$
\mathbb{A}^1
$$
Y which induces an equivalence of D
b(X) and D
b(Y), we show that there is also an equivalence of the singular derived categories of the fibers f
−1(0) and g
−1(0). We apply this statement in the setting of McKay correspondence, and generalize a theorem of Orlov on the derived category of a Calabi-Yau hypersurface in a weighted projective space, to products of Calabi-Yau hypersurfaces in simplicial toric varieties with nef anticanonical class.
A deformation of commutative polynomial algebras in even numbers of variables
Authors: Zhao Wenhua 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
We introduce and study a deformation of commutative polynomial algebras in even numbers of variables. We also discuss some connections and applications of this deformation to the generalized Laguerre orthogonal polynomials and the interchanges of right and left total symbols of differential operators of polynomial algebras. Furthermore, a more conceptual re-formulation for the image conjecture [18] is also given in terms of the deformed algebras. Consequently, the well-known Jacobian conjecture [8] is reduced to an open problem on this deformation of polynomial algebras.
Effect of mitochondrial toxins on evoked somatosensory activity in rats
Authors: Takács Szabolcs , Bankó Sarolta , Papp András 
Published: February 2010

AbstractMitochondrial toxins represent an interesting group of neurotoxicants related both to causation and modelling of central nervous damage. 3-nitropropionic acid (3NP), a neurotoxin of herbal and microfungal origin, inhibits succinate dehydrogenase leading thereby to various biochemical and morphological alterations in the brain. Experimental animals treated by 3NP are used to model Huntington’s disease. Manganese, often present in occupational settings and as environmental pollutant, inhibits complex II and III of the mitochondria and is known to cause Parkinson-like CNS damage. In this work, rats were administered a single acute dose of Mn (50 mg Mn2+/kg body weight) or 3-NP (20 mg/kg b.w.) and the alterations of the somatosensory cortical evoked potential elicited by stimulation of the whisker pad and the tail base were observed, together with the changes of the action potential in the tail nerve. Latency and amplitude of the two cortical responses changed in parallel, while those of the tail nerve response remained more or less unaltered. The two mitochondrial toxins studied seem to exert their action centrally, primarily on synaptic transmission, rather than peripherally. Recording of evoked activity could be used to follow-up the nervous system effects of mitochondrial toxins, but it requires further investigation.
Narrow band imaging technology and argon plasma coagulation in treatment of preneoplastic lesions in a 45-year-old male
Authors: Keser Dragan , Zukić Edin , Jusufović Edin , Santic Zarko , Radovic Svjetlana , Hukić Ajna 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Early detection and treatment of preneoplastic lesions represents an obvious option to reduce morbidity and mortality from lung malignancies. Until now, radiological detection, sputum cytology, and autofluorescence have shown limited effectiveness as screening methods. Novel technologies such as Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) are showing promising results, but new studies are still needed to evaluate their use as screening methods. Together with early detection, adequate methods of lesion treatment, such as argon plasma coagulation, are needed. This case report concerns a 45-year-old man who was referred for bronchoscopy after his annual checkup. Using NBI technology, a preneoplastic lesion was identified, and treated using argon plasma coagulation. Our experience has shown us that both NBI screening and argon plasma coagulation are very promising, easily implemented, methods.
The Architectural Design of the Gluteal Muscle Group: Implications for Movement and Rehabilitation
Authors: Ward Samuel R. , Winters Taylor M. , Blemker Silvia S. 
Published: January 2010

Synopsis The organization of fibers within a muscle (architecture) defines the performance capacity of that muscle. In the current commentary, basic architectural terms are reviewed in the context of the major hip muscles and then specific illustrative examples relevant to lower extremity rehabilitation are presented. These data demonstrate the architectural and functional specialization of the hip muscles, and highlight the importance of muscle physiology and joint mechanics when evaluating and treating musculoskeletal disorders. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010;40(2):95–102. doi:10.2519/jospt.2010.3302
The Influence of Abnormal Hip Mechanics on Knee Injury: A Biomechanical Perspective
Authors: Powers Christopher M. 
Published: January 2010

Synopsis During the last decade, there has been a growing body of literature suggesting that proximal factors may play a contributory role with respect to knee injuries. A review of the biomechanical and clinical studies in this area indicates that impaired muscular control of the hip, pelvis, and trunk can affect tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joint kinematics and kinetics in multiple planes. In particular, there is evidence that motion impairments at the hip may underlie injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament tears, iliotibial band syndrome, and patellofemoral joint pain. In addition, the literature suggests that females may be more disposed to proximal influences than males. Based on the evidence presented as part of this clinical commentary, it can be argued that interventions which address proximal impairments may be beneficial for patients who present with various knee conditions. More specifically, a biomechanical argument can be made for the incorporation of pelvis and trunk stability, as well as dynamic hip joint control, into the design of knee rehabilitation programs. Level of Evidence Aetiology/therapy, level 5. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010;40(2):42–51. doi:10.2519/jospt.2010.3337
Group B Streptococcus colonization during pregnancy and maternal‐fetal transmission in Zimbabwe
Authors: MAVENYENGWA ROOYEN T. , AFSET JAN EGIL , SCHEI BERIT , BERG SYNNØVE , CASPERSEN TONE , BERGSENG HÅKON , MOYO SYLVESTER R. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractObjective. To explore risk factors for group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization during pregnancy and at delivery, estimate the predictive value of early GBS colonization for colonization at delivery and in the newborn, and explore the relationship to adverse perinatal factors. Design and setting. Cohort study of pregnant women from three communities in Zimbabwe. Methods. Information collected by questionnaire at inclusion and from delivery records. Vaginal and rectal swabs collected for GBS culture at 20 and 26 weeks gestation, at delivery and from the newborn infant. Main outcome measures. GBS colonization in pregnancy, colonization of mother and newborn, and perinatal factors. Results. GBS culture results were obtained at one or more occasion for 780 (75.2%) of 1,037 women recruited. Altogether, 470/780 women (60.3%) tested positive for GBS, with colonization rates at 20, 26 weeks and delivery of 47%, 24.2% and 21%, respectively. Positive GBS culture at 20 and 26 weeks gestation had a low positive predictive value on colonization at delivery and in the newborn. Women living in rural areas were significantly more often colonized than those who lived in urban areas (p < 0.001). Other socio‐economic, demographic and obstetric factors were not statistically associated with GBS colonization. GBS transmission was not statistically significantly associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. Conclusions. GBS colonization was common among pregnant women in Zimbabwe. Dwelling in a rural area was significantly associated with GBS colonization while other risk factors were not. Early GBS colonization had a low predictive value for colonization at delivery and colonization was not associated with adverse perinatal outcome.
Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging of the behavior of the mid‐urethra in healthy and stress incontinent women
Authors: RINNE KIRSI MARJA , KAINULAINEN SAKARI , AUKEE SINIKKA , HEINONEN SEPPO , NILSSON CARL GUSTAF 
Published: January 2010

AbstractObjectives. Support of the mid‐urethra is thought to be an essential element of urinary continence in the female. Our aim was to image the behavior of the mid‐urethra in healthy volunteers and in stress urinary incontinence (SUI) patients by dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Design. Prospective study. Setting. Gynecology outpatient clinic association with Department of Radiology in University Hospital of Kuopio, Finland. Sample and methods. Fifteen healthy volunteers and 40 SUI women underwent dynamic MRI at rest, during pelvic floor muscle contraction, coughing and voiding with a bladder volume of 200 ml. Our aim was to determine the precise location and movement of the mid‐urethra during these activities. Main outcome measure. The co‐ordinate location and movement of the mid‐urethra. Results. Continent volunteers can elevate their mid‐urethra significantly higher than incontinent women. Moreover, the mid‐urethra of incontinent women rotated significantly more dorsocaudally during straining and coughing than in continent women. Conclusions. Elevation of the mid‐urethra was more marked in continent compared to urinary incontinent women on pelvic floor muscle contraction suggesting sufficient support of the urethra. Downward movement of the mid‐urethra was more significant in stress incontinent women than in continent volunteers.
Views and Reviews: Celebrity as Fantasy Screen
Authors: Houston Andrew 
Published: January 2010

Introduction to Views and Reviews: Celebrity as Fantasy Screen, by Andrew Houston So They Think I Can Dance: A Reflection on Bluemouth Inc.'s Dance Marathon, by Melanie Bennett From Dream, to Dream, to Dream (Review of Nevermore: The Imaginary Life & Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe), by Heidi Bickis Printemps du Lepage (Review of Marie Michaud and Robert Lepage, The Blue Dragon; Review of Sylvie Guillem, Robert Lepage, and Russell Maliphant, Éonnagata; Review of Frédérike Bédard, Carlos Belda, Rebecca Blankenship, Lise Castonguay, John Cobb, Nuria Garcia, Marie Gignac, Sarah Kemp, Robert Lepage, Rick Miller, and Hans Piesbergen, Lipsynch), by Lisa Wolford Wylam
Microsatellite primers in Rhamnus cathartica (Rhamnaceae) and applicability in related taxa to assess hybridization events
Authors: Culley Theresa M. , Stewart J. Ryan 
Published: January 2010

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were developed in the introduced shrub Rhamnus cathartica L., to investigate potential hybridization events with related taxa as a stimulus of invasive spread.• Methods and Results: Using a non‐radioactive protocol, 15 primer sets were identified in North American and European populations of R. cathartica. The primers amplified di‐, tri‐ and pentanucelotide repeats with 1–14 alleles per locus. Most primers also amplified in R. lanceolata, R. smithii, and/or Frangula alnus (previously R. frangula).• Conclusions: These results indicate the utility of primers in R. cathartica for future genetic studies as well as their potential applicability in other related taxa.
Pollen-Induced Oxidative Stress Influences Both Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses via Altering Dendritic Cell Functions
Authors: Csillag Aniko , Boldogh Istvan , Pazmandi Kitti , Magyarics Zoltan , Gogolak Peter , Sur Sanjiv , Rajnavolgyi Eva , Bacsi Attila 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
It has been demonstrated that pollen grains contain NAD(P)H oxidases that induce oxidative stress in the airways, and this oxidative insult is critical for the development of allergic inflammation in sensitized mice. On the basis of this observation, we have examined whether pollen grain exposure triggers oxidative stress in dendritic cells (DCs), altering their functions. To test this hypothesis, human monocyte-derived DCs were treated with ragweed pollen grains. Our findings show that exposure to pollen grains induces an increase in the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species in DCs. Our data also indicate that besides the NAD(P)H oxidases, other component(s) of pollen grains contributes to this phenomenon. Elevated levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species triggered the production of IL-8 as well as proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-6. Treatment with pollen grains initiated the maturation of DCs, strongly upregulated the membrane expression of CD80, CD86, CD83, and HLA-DR, and caused only a slight increase in the expression of CD40. The pollen-treated DCs induced the development of naive T lymphocytes toward effector T cells with a mixed profile of cytokine production. Antioxidant inhibited both the phenotypic and functional changes of DCs, underlining the importance of oxidative stress in these processes. Collectively, these data show that pollen exposure-induced oxidative stress may contribute to local innate immunity and participate in the initiation of adaptive immune responses to pollen Ags.
Evolution of Recognition of Ligands from Gram-Positive Bacteria: Similarities and Differences in the TLR2-Mediated Response between Mammalian Vertebrates and Teleost Fish
Authors: Ribeiro Carla M. S. , Hermsen Trudi , Taverne-Thiele Anja J. , Savelkoul Huub F. J. , Wiegertjes Geert F. 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
We investigated the role of the TLR2 receptor in the recognition of ligands from Gram-positive bacteria in fish. Comparative sequence analysis showed a highly conserved Toll/IL-1 receptor domain. Although the leucine-rich repeat domain was less conserved, the position of the critical peptidoglycan (PGN)-binding residues in the leucine-rich repeat domain of carp TLR2 were conserved. Transfection of human embryonic kidney 293 cells with TLR2 corroborated the ability of carp TLR2 to bind the prototypical mammalian vertebrate TLR2 ligands lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and PGN from Staphylococcus aureus. The synthethic triacylated lipopeptide N-palmitoyl-S-(2,3-bis(palmitoyloxy)-(2RS)-propyl)-(R)-Cys-(S)-Ser-(S)-Lys4 trihydrochloride (Pam3CSK4) but not the diacylated lipopeptide macrophage-activating lipopeptide-2 (MALP-2) also activated TLR2 transfected human cells. We identified clear differences between the mammalian vertebrates and carp TLR2-mediated response. The use of the same ligands on carp macrophages indicated that fish cells require high concentrations of ligands from Gram-positive bacteria (LTA, PGN) for activation and signal transduction, react less strongly (Pam3CSK4) or do not react at all (MALP-2). Overexpression of TLR2 in carp macrophages confirmed TLR2 reactivity of the response to LTA and PGN, low-responsiveness to Pam3CSK4 and nonresponsiveness to MALP-2. A putative relation with the apparent absence of accessory proteins such as CD14 from the fish TLR2-containing receptor complex is discussed. Moreover, activation of carp macrophages by PGN resulted in increased TLR2 gene expression and enhanced TLR2 mRNA stability, MAPK-p38 phosphorylation and increased radical production. Finally, we could show that NADPH oxidase-derived radicals and MAPK-p38 activation cooperatively determine the level of PGN-induced TLR2 gene expression. We propose that the H2O2-MAPK-p38–dependent axis is crucial for regulation of TLR2 gene expression in fish macrophages.
Receptor Activator of NF-κB (RANK) Ligand Induces Ectodomain Shedding of RANK in Murine RAW264.7 Macrophages
Authors: Hakozaki Akihiro , Yoda Masaki , Tohmonda Takahide , Furukawa Mitsuru , Hikata Tomohiro , Uchikawa Shinichi , Takaishi Hironari , Matsumoto Morio , Chiba Kazuhiro , Horiuchi Keisuke , Toyama Yoshiaki 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Osteoclastogenesis is a highly sophisticated process that involves a variety of membrane-bound proteins expressed in osteoblasts and osteoclast precursors. Over the past several years, proteolytic cleavage and release of the ectodomain of membrane-bound proteins, also referred to as ectodomain shedding, has emerged as an important posttranslational regulatory mechanism for modifying the function of cell surface proteins. In line with this notion, several membrane-bound molecules involved in osteoclastogenesis, including CSF-1R and receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), are proteolytically cleaved and released from the cell surface. In this study, we investigated whether receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK), one of the most essential molecules in osteoclastogenesis, undergoes ectodomain shedding. The results showed that RANK is released in the form of a soluble monomeric protein and that TNF-α–converting enzyme is involved in this activity. We also identified potential cleavage sites in the juxtamembrane domain of RANK and found that rRANKL induces RANK shedding in a macrophage-like cell line RAW264.7 via TNFR-associated factor 6 and MAPK pathways. Furthermore, we found that RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis is accelerated in TNF-α–converting enzyme-deficient osteoclast precursors. These observations suggest the potential involvement of ectodomain shedding in the regulation of RANK functions and may provide novel insights into the mechanisms of osteoclastogenesis.
Regulatory T Cells Attenuate Th17 Cell-Mediated Nigrostriatal Dopaminergic Neurodegeneration in a Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Reynolds Ashley D. , Stone David K. , Hutter Jessica A. L. , Benner Eric J. , Mosley R. Lee , Gendelman Howard E. 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Nitrated α-synuclein (N–α-syn) immunization elicits adaptive immune responses to novel antigenic epitopes that exacerbate neuroinflammation and nigrostriatal degeneration in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) model of Parkinson’s disease. We show that such neuroimmune degenerative activities, in significant measure, are Th17 cell-mediated, with CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cell (Treg) dysfunction seen among populations of N–α-syn–induced T cells. In contrast, purified vasoactive intestinal peptide induced and natural Tregs reversed N–α-syn T cell nigrostriatal degeneration. Combinations of adoptively transferred N–α-syn and vasoactive intestinal peptide immunocytes or natural Tregs administered to MPTP mice attenuated microglial inflammatory responses and led to robust nigrostriatal protection. Taken together, these results demonstrate Treg control of N–α-syn–induced neurodestructive immunity and, as such, provide a sound rationale for future Parkinson’s disease immunization strategies.
Insulin Modulates Protease-Activated Receptor 2 Signaling: Implications for the Innate Immune Response
Authors: Hyun Eric , Ramachandran Rithwik , Cenac Nicolas , Houle Steeve , Rousset Perrine , Saxena Amit , Liblau Roland S. , Hollenberg Morley D. , Vergnolle Nathalie 
Published: January 2010

AbstractGiven the anti-inflammatory effects of insulin in human and animal studies done in vivo and given the signaling pathways in common between insulin and the protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2), a G protein-coupled receptor, we hypothesized that insulin would have an impact on the inflammatory actions of PAR2. We found that low doses or concentrations of insulin in the subnanomolar range reduced PAR2-induced inflammation in a murine paw edema model, attenuated PAR2-induced leukocyte trafficking in mouse intestinal venules, and reduced PAR2 calcium signaling in cultured dorsal root ganglion neurons and endothelial cells. This effect of insulin to attenuate PAR2-mediated inflammation was reversed when cells were preincubated with LY294002 (a PI3K inhibitor) and GF 109203X (a pan-protein kinase C inhibitor). The enhanced inflammatory effect of PAR2 observed in vivo in an insulin-deficient murine type 1 diabetes model was attenuated by the local administration of insulin at the inflammatory site. Our data point to an anti-inflammatory action of insulin that targets the acute innate inflammatory response triggered by PAR2.
Control of α4β7 Integrin Expression and CD4 T Cell Homing by the β1 Integrin Subunit
Authors: DeNucci Christopher C. , Pagán Antonio J. , Mitchell Jason S. , Shimizu Yoji 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
The α4β7 integrin promotes homing of T cells to intestinal sites. The α4 integrin subunit that pairs with β7 integrin can also pair with β1 integrin. In this paper, we show that the preferential pairing of β1 integrin with α4 integrin regulates the expression of α4β7 on T cells. In the absence of β1 integrin, naive mouse CD4 T cells have increased α4β7 expression, resulting in increased adhesion to mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1 and enhanced homing to Peyer’s patches (PP). In a reciprocal manner, overexpression of β1 integrin causes the loss of α4β7 expression and decreased homing to PP. A similar upregulation of β1 integrin and suppression of α4β7 expression occurs rapidly after CD4 T cell activation. β1 integrin thus dominates β7 integrin for α4 integrin pairing, thereby controlling the abundance of unpaired α4 integrin. Increasing the abundance of α4 integrin relative to β1 integrin is critical to retinoic acid-mediated expression of α4β7 integrin during T cell activation. In the absence of β1 integrin, endogenous Ag-specific CD4 T cells uniformly express high levels of α4β7 after Listeria monocytogenes infection. The resulting β1-deficient early memory T cells have decreased localization to the bone marrow and enhanced localization to PP after infection. Thus, the preferential association of β1 integrin with α4 integrin suppresses α4β7 integrin expression and regulates the localization of memory CD4 T cells.