bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex difference in the liver of hepatocyte‐specific Pten‐deficient mice: A model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Anezaki Yumiko , Ohshima Shigetoshi , Ishii Hajime , Kinoshita Nobukatsu , Dohmen Takahiro , Kataoka Ei , Sato Wataru , Iizuka Masahiro , Goto Takashi , Sasaki Junko , Sasaki Takehiko , Suzuki Akira , Ohnishi Hirohide , Horie Yasuo 
Published: March 2009

Aim:  Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered to be a public health problem worldwide. NAFLD is more prevalent in men than in women. Tamoxifen, a potent estrogen receptor antagonist, causes nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a severe form of NAFLD. Thus, there may be a sex difference that is dependent on estrogens in NAFLD and NASH. Hepatocyte‐specific Pten‐deficient mice exhibit hepatic lesions analogous to NASH and are considered to be a clinical model of NASH. We aimed to shed light on any sex differences in the hepatic lesions of Pten‐deficient mice and the underlying mechanisms.Methods:  At 40 weeks, livers from male and female Pten‐deficient mice were processed for measuring lipid content, genes expression analysis, and histological examination. Level of serum reactive oxygen species (ROS) was also determined. Seventy‐six‐week‐old mice were used in tumor burden experiments.Results:  Hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and even carcinogenesis in Pten‐deficient mice were attenuated in females compared to males. Attenuated fatty liver in females was ascribed to inactivation of sterol regulatory element binding protein‐1c. Hepatic inflammation in females was suppressed via decreased ROS with increased antioxidant gene expression and decreased proinflammatory cytokine production. Anti‐cancer effect in female mice was, at least in part, due to the significantly lower ratio of oleic to stearic acid in the liver.Conclusions:  Hepatic lesions in Pten‐deficient mice were attenuated in females compared to males, as were human NAFLD and NASH. Some of the underlying mechanisms in sex difference appeared to be due to the change of gene expression, dependent on estrogens.
Bronchoalveolar lavage cytology from captive badgers
Authors: McCarthy Grainne , Shiel Robert , O'Rourke Laurie , Murphy Denise , Corner Leigh , Costello Eamon , Gormley Eamonn 
Published: March 2009

Background:Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid is evaluated for the diagnosis and study of lung disease and airway inflammation. Cytologic profiles for BAL fluid have not been reported for badgers and may be useful in understanding the pathogenesis of pulmonary diseases such asMycobacterium bovis.Objective:The aim of this study was to evaluate cytologic and microbial findings in BAL fluid from captive European badgers (Meles meles) and identify correlates with the results of concurrently collected blood and fecal samples.Methods:BAL fluid (by a nonbronchoscopic method) and jugular venous blood samples (for routine CBC) were obtained from 23 captive tuberculosis‐free anesthetized badgers on 2 occasions 4 weeks apart. Fecal samples were collected for routine parasitology. Morphologic evaluation and 100‐cell differentials were done on cytocentrifuged BAL specimens. Pellets from centrifuged BAL were aerobically cultured for bacteria.Results:With the 2 BAL samples from each of the 23 badgers combined, the median (range) cell percentages were 73.0% (5–95%) neutrophils, 7.5% (2–16%) macrophages, 8.0% (0–27%) lymphocytes, and 9.5% (0–92%) eosinophils. Macrophages frequently contained silica‐like crystals. Other findings included ciliated epithelial cells, goblet cells, mucus, andAelurostrongylussp. larvae. A light growth ofStreptococcus, Pasteurella, orEscherichia coliwas cultured in 6 badgers.Trypanosoma pestanaiwere identified in blood from 10 badgers and fecal parasites (mainly coccidia) were found in 20 badgers. No correlation was found between BAL and CBC results and the presence of parasites.Conclusions:The predominance of neutrophils in BAL fluid from badgers differs from the predominance of macrophages found in BAL from other species. This difference may reflect the burrowing lifestyle or the unique immune response of badgers.
Breed‐associated variability in serum biochemical analytes in four large‐breed dogs
Authors: Sharkey Leslie , Gjevre Karen , Hegstad‐Davies Rebecca , Torres Sheila , Muñoz‐Zanzi Claudia 
Published: March 2009

Background:Genetic background can influence the expected values of hematologic and serum biochemical analytes in domestic animal species.Objective:The purpose of this study was to determine if there are breed‐related differences in serum biochemical variables in healthy purebred dogs of 4 breeds and to develop appropriate reference intervals.Methods:Alaskan Malamutes (n=59), Siberian Huskies (n=78), Golden Retrievers (n=90), and English Setters (n=77) were included in the study. The dogs had a median age of 42 months (range 10–112 months) and each breed included a mix of intact and neutered dogs of both sexes. Serum biochemical profiles (Olympus AU400e) were performed along with physical examinations, CBCs, and urinalyses to ensure dogs were clinically healthy. Differences in the values of biochemical analytes were assessed nonparametrically and reference intervals for all breeds combined were calculated as the central 95% percentile.Results:Significant differences were observed between breeds for all serum biochemical analytes except alkaline phosphatase, glucose, and chloride. The analyte ranges had a large degree of overlap between the different breeds.Conclusions:Although many statistically significant breed‐related differences in serum biochemical values were observed, the differences were small and unlikely to have clinical relevance or impact medical decision making.
Thrombocyte morphology and morphometric observations in two vulture species
Authors: Du Plessis Lizette , Van Wilpe Erna 
Published: March 2009

Background: The important role of thrombocytes in hemostasis is well documented, but little information is available on the thrombocyte morphology of avian species, including vultures.Objective: The objective of this study was to describe and compare the morphology and morphometric parameters of thrombocytes in 2 vulture species.Methods: Blood samples were collected into tubes containing acid‐citrate‐dextrose from 5 Cape vultures (Gyps coprotheres) and 6 white‐backed vultures (Gyps africanus) at the De Wildt Breeding Center, Northwest Province, South Africa. Wright's‐stained blood smears were examined by light microscopy. Samples were processed and examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) using standard techniques. Morphometric parameters (perimeter, area, minimum and maximum diameter, and aspect ratio) were measured on 140 thrombocytes using imaging software.Results: Thrombocytes were predominantly oval to elliptical, with few pseudopodia. The nucleus was the most prominent feature of the cells. Large vacuoles were visible in the cytoplasm by both light and TEM. Ultrastructurally, microtubules and dense bodies were seen in most cells. Other cytoplasmic organelles seen by electron microscopy included mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, a surface connecting canalicular system, Golgi complex, lipid droplets, and glycogen. Thrombocytes of Cape vultures had a significantly (P=.005) higher aspect ratio compared with white‐backed vultures. Thrombocyte estimates in blood smears were similar in both species, with a combined mean of 31.6 × 109/L.Conclusion: The morphologic features of thrombocytes in southern African vultures are similar in most ways to those of other avian species. Although thrombocytes in white‐backed vultures were slightly more spherical than those of Cape vultures, no other significant differences were found between the 2 species.
David and the Messenger—Different Ends, Similar Means in 2 Samuel 1
Authors: Galpaz-Feller Pnina 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThere are three stories in the Bible where a messenger appears and reports the disasterous results of a battle: 1 Samuel 4:12-17; 2 Samuel 1:1-16; 18:19-32. This article discusses the story of David and the Amalekite in 2 Samuel 1:1-16, and compares it to the story in 1 Samuel 4:12-17. The article tries to show that the Amalekite's report to David creates a complex situation that highlights their different motives through their clothing and their words. The result is a reversal in the balance of power between the Amalekite messenger and David.
Transcription factor Zfx controls BCR-induced proliferation and survival of B lymphocytes
Authors: Arenzana Teresita L. , Smith-Raska Matthew R. , Reizis Boris 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe development, homeostasis, and function of B lymphocytes involve multiple rounds of B-cell receptor (BCR)–controlled proliferation and prolonged maintenance. We analyzed the role of transcription factor Zfx, a recently identified regulator of hematopoietic stem cell maintenance, in B-cell development and homeostasis. Panhematopoietic or B cell–specific deletion of Zfx in the bone marrow blocked B-cell development at the pre-BCR selection checkpoint. Zfx deficiency in peripheral B cells caused accelerated B-cell turnover, depletion of mature recirculating B cells, and delayed T-dependent antibody responses. In addition, the numbers and function of B-1 cell lineage were reduced. Zfx-deficient B cells showed normal proximal BCR signaling, but impaired BCR-induced proliferation and survival in vitro. This was accompanied by aberrantly enhanced and prolonged integrated stress response and by delayed induction of cyclin D2 and Bcl-xL proteins. Thus, Zfx restrains the stress response and couples antigen receptor signaling to cell expansion and maintenance during B-cell development and peripheral homeostasis. These results identify a novel transcriptional regulator of the B-cell lineage and highlight the common genetic control of stem cell maintenance and lymphocyte homeostasis.
AC133+ progenitor cells as gene delivery vehicle and cellular probe in subcutaneous tumor models: a preliminary study
Authors: Rad Ali M , Iskander ASM , Janic Branislava , Knight Robert A , Arbab Ali S , Soltanian-Zadeh Hamid 
Published: March 2009

Abstract

Background
Despite enormous progress in gene therapy for breast cancer, an optimal systemic vehicle for delivering gene products to the target tissue is still lacking. The purpose of this study was to determine whether AC133+ progenitor cells (APC) can be used as both gene delivery vehicles and cellular probes for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In this study, we used superparamagentic iron oxide (SPIO)-labeled APCs to carry the human sodium iodide symporter (hNIS) gene to the sites of implanted breast cancer in mouse model. In vivo real time tracking of these cells was performed by MRI and expression of hNIS was determined by Tc-99m pertechnetate (Tc-99m) scan.

Results
Three million human breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cells were subcutaneously implanted in the right flank of nude mice. APCs, isolated from fresh human cord blood, were genetically transformed to carry the hNIS gene using adenoviral vectors and magnetically labeled with ferumoxides-protamine sulfate (FePro) complexes. Magnetically labeled genetically transformed cells were administered intravenously in tumor bearing mice when tumors reached 0.5 cm in the largest dimension. MRI and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images were acquired 3 and 7 days after cell injection, with a 7 Tesla animal MRI system and a custom built micro-SPECT using Tc-99m, respectively. Expression of hNIS in accumulated cells was determined by staining with anti-hNIS antibody. APCs were efficiently labeled with ferumoxide-protamine sulfate (FePro) complexes and transduced with hNIS gene. Our study showed not only the accumulation of intravenously administered genetically transformed, magnetically labeled APCs in the implanted breast cancer, but also the expression of hNIS gene at the tumor site. Tc-99m activity ratio (tumor/non-tumor) was significantly different between animals that received non-transduced and transduced cells (P < 0.001).

Conclusion
This study indicates that genetically transformed, magnetically labeled APCs can be used both as delivery vehicles and cellular probes for detecting in vivo migration and homing of cells. Furthermore, they can potentially be used as a gene carrier system for the treatment of tumor or other diseases.
Increased gene expression of a facilitated diffusion urea transporter in the skin of the African lungfish (Protopterus annectens) during massively elevated post-terrestrialization urea excretion
Authors: Hung Carrie Y. C. , Galvez Fernando , Ip Yuen K. , Wood Chris M. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYThe full-length cDNA sequence of a putative urea transporter(lfUT) of the facilitated diffusion UT-A type has been cloned from the African lungfish Protopterus annectens. The lfUT cDNA is 1990 bp in length and its open reading frame encodes a 409 amino acid long protein, with a calculated molecular mass of 44,723 Da. The sequence is closest to those of amphibians (∼65% amino acid homology), followed by mammals and elasmobranchs (∼60%), and then teleosts (∼50%). lfUT was clearly expressed in gill, kidney, liver, skeletal muscle and skin. Upon re-immersion in water after 33 days of air exposure(`terrestrialization'), lungfish exhibited a massive rise in urea-N excretion which peaked at 12–30 h with rates of 2000–5000 μmol-N kg–1 h–1 (versus normal aquatic rates of&lt;130 μmol-N kg–1 h–1) and persisted until 70 h. This appears to occur mainly through the skin. Total `excess'urea-N excretion amounted to ∼81,000–91,000 μmol-N kg–1 over 3 days. By real-time PCR, there was no difference in lfUT expression in the ventral abdominal skin between aquatic ammoniotelic controls and terrestrialized lungfish immediately after return to water (0 h), and no elevation of urea-N excretion at this time. However, skin biopsies revealed a significant 2.55-fold elevation of lfUTexpression at 14 h, coincident with peak urea-N excretion. At 48 h, there was no longer any significant difference in lfUT mRNA levels from those at 0 and 14 h, or from aquatic fed controls. In accordance with earlier studies, which identified elevated urea-N excretion via the skin of P. dolloi with pharmacology typical of UT-A carriers, these results argue that transcriptional activation of a facilitated diffusion type urea transporter (lfUT) occurs in the skin during re-immersion. This serves to clear the body burden of urea-N accumulated during terrestrialization.
Fabrication of Poly[zinc acrylate-co-acrylic poly(ethylene glycol) ester] Nanofibers
Authors: Zhao Qingchun , Xu Ling 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
In this paper, we report a facile chemical route to fabricate polymer nanofibers under ambient conditions using aqueous/organic polymerization. The chemical structures of obtained polymers were investigated by infrared spectra and 1H NMR. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation shows poly[zinc acrylate-co-acrylic poly(ethylene glycol) ester] nanofibers with average diameter 100–140 nm and several micrometers length. A possible mechanism for the formation of polymer nanofibers was investigated.
Aligned Coaxial Nanowires of Carbon Nanotubes Partially Sheathed with Polyaniline for Chemical Sensors
Authors: Peng Qiang , Wen Zhenhai , Zeng Guisheng , Zou Jianping , Lu Shiqiang 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
The aligned carbon nanotube–polyaniline composites with partially coaxial structures were prepared by electrochemical polymerization of aniline, which show efficient electrical conduction attributed to the polyaniline layer and large surface or interface area for potential application in chemical sensors.
Effect of Alkylthio Tail on Phase Behaviors of Bent-shaped Molecules Based on Naphthalene Core
Authors: Li Xiaodong , Lee Seng Kue , Kang Sungmin , Tokita Masatoshi , Kawauchi Susumu , Watanabe Junji 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
New bent-shaped molecules with naphthalene central core and alkylthio tail are prepared, and their banana phase structures and properties are discussed in comparison with those of conventional alkoxy molecules.
Efficient Site-selective RNA Activation and Scission Achieved by Geometry Control of Acridine Intercalation in RNA/DNA Heteroduplex
Authors: Kuzuya Akinori , Shi Yun , Tanaka Keita , Machida Kenzo , Komiyama Makoto 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Two kinds of new acridine–DNA conjugates were synthesized by attaching acridines with bulky substituents to the end of DNA. These conjugates were hybridized to complementary RNA in combination with another unmodified DNA that hybridize to the adjacent fraction of the RNA, and were used as site-selective RNA activators for site-selective RNA cleavage catalyzed by LuIII. The site-selective hydrolyses by these combinations are several times as fast as that achieved with the use of commercially available acridine moiety.
Associations of Executive Function With Sleepiness and Sleep Duration in Adolescents
Authors: Anderson Basil , Storfer-Isser Amy , Taylor H. Gerry , Rosen Carol L. , Redline Susan 
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND. Sleep deprivation and sleepiness are associated with poorer school performance, impaired neurobehavioral functioning, and behavioral problems.
OBJECTIVE. To determine if adolescents with high levels of sleepiness or short sleep duration have impaired executive functioning.
METHODS. Ours was a cross-sectional analysis of data from 236 healthy adolescents in a community-based cohort study. Sleepiness was measured by using a modified version of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Participants underwent 5- to 7-day wrist actigraphy at home before overnight polysomnography. Exposure variables were excessive sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale ≥ 11) and weekday mean sleep duration. The main outcome measures were the global executive composite scale from the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function and the tower test-total achievement score from the Delis-Kaplan Executive Functioning System.
RESULTS. Participants (N = 236) were 13.7 ± 0.8 years of age, and 52.1% were boys. Mean weekday sleep duration was 7.70 ± 1.03 hours; 11% slept &lt;6.5 hours on average on weekdays, and 26% reported excessive sleepiness. In unadjusted analyses, sleepy adolescents had poorer executive functioning on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function global executive composite scale and the Delis-Kaplan Executive Functioning System tower test-total achievement. Analyses adjusted for potential confounders resulted in a modest attenuation of the association with the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function and a larger attenuation for the Delis-Kaplan Executive Functioning System. Caregiver education modified the association between sleepiness and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function outcomes. Among sleepy adolescents, those with less-educated caregivers had greater impairment on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function global executive composite scale. Sleep duration was not significantly associated with executive functioning outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS. Decrements in selected executive function scales are associated with subjective sleepiness, but not sleep duration, in adolescents. The association between sleepiness and executive functioning is strongest among adolescents with primary caregivers who have lower levels of education, suggesting an increased susceptibility. Pediatricians and public health officials should consider sleepiness as a potentially important contributor to adolescent functioning.
The Relationship Between Infant-Feeding Outcomes and Postpartum Depression: A Qualitative Systematic Review
Authors: Dennis Cindy-Lee , McQueen Karen 
Published: March 2009

CONTEXT. The negative health consequences of postpartum depression are well documented, as are the benefits of breastfeeding. Despite the detailed research related to these maternal and infant health outcomes, the relationship between maternal mood and breastfeeding remains equivocal.
OBJECTIVE. A qualitative systematic review was conducted to examine the relationship between postpartum depressive symptomatology and infant-feeding outcomes.
METHODS. We performed electronic searchers in Medline (1966–2007), the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) (1982–2007), and Embase (1980–2007) by using specific key words. A hand search of selected specialist journals and reference lists of articles obtained was then conducted. Seventy-five articles were reviewed, of which 49 specifically provided data to be extracted related to postpartum depressive symptomatology and infant-feeding outcomes. Both authors independently extracted data including study design, participants (number and characteristics), and results.
RESULTS. The results from this review suggest that women with depressive symptomatology in the early postpartum period may be at increased risk for negative infant-feeding outcomes including decreased breastfeeding duration, increased breastfeeding difficulties, and decreased levels of breastfeeding self-efficacy. There is also beginning evidence to suggest that depressed women may be less likely to initiate breastfeeding and do so exclusively.
CONCLUSIONS. Depressive symptomatology in the postpartum period negatively influences infant-feeding outcomes. These findings have important clinical implications and support the need for early identification and treatment of women with depressive symptomatology. However, strategies to address help-seeking barriers are needed if women are to receive appropriate and timely treatment. Research to determine effective interventions to support depressed breastfeeding women is warranted.
Family Composition and Children's Exposure to Adult Smokers in Their Homes
Authors: King Katherine , Martynenko Melissa , Bergman Melissa H. , Liu Ying-Hua , Winickoff Jonathan P. , Weitzman Michael 
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE. Smoking behavior is strongly influenced by the social environment. More information is needed about how the composition of households with children is associated with adult smoking behavior so that more effective interventions to reduce children's secondhand smoke exposure can be devised and implemented.METHODS. Using data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey 2000–2004, we conducted cross-sectional analyses to assess how adult smoking behavior is associated with household characteristics, including the number of adults and smokers present, the relationship of the child to the head of household, and relationships between adult members of the household.RESULTS. More than one third (34.4%) of children lived with ≥1 adult smoker. Almost half (49.4%) of poor children lived with a smoker, and they were more likely to live with multiple smokers compared with those who lived at &gt;400% of the federal poverty level (21.2% vs 7.8%). Approximately 5 million children lived in households headed by an adult other than their parent, and they were significantly more likely to live with smokers: 53.4% of children who lived in their grandparents' homes and 46.2% of children in homes of other adults lived with at least 1 adult smoker, compared with 33.3% who lived in their parents' home. A total of 59.4% of all children who lived with a smoker had a smoking mother, and 56.7% of those children lived with ≥2 smokers, whereas only 17.0% of children whose mother did not smoke had smoking adults in the home.CONCLUSIONS. These findings demonstrate the significant influence of household composition on children's likelihood to live in homes with adult smokers.