bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phosphorylation of caldesmon by myosin light chain kinase increases its binding affinity for phosphorylated myosin filaments
Authors: Sobieszek Apolinary , Sarg Bettina , Lindner Herbert , Seow Chun Y. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractPhosphorylation of myosin by myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) is essential for smooth muscle contraction. In this study we show that caldesmon (CaD) is also phosphorylatedin vitroby MLCK. The phosphorylation is calcium- and calmodulin (CaM)-dependent and requires a MLCK concentration close to that foundin vivo. On average, approximately 2 mol Piper mol of CaD are incorporated at Thr-626 and Thr-693, with additional partial phosphorylation at Ser-658 and Ser-702. The phosphorylation rate for CaD is 20- to 50-fold slower than that for filamentous myosin; faster relative rates were obtained with CaD added to purified actomyosin or myosin preparations containing endogenous MLCK/CaM complex. Addition of CaM also augmented CaD phosphorylation. We further demonstrate that [32P] labeled CaD binds much more readily to phosphorylated filamentous myosin than to unphosphorylated myosin. For actomyosin, CaD binding affinity doubles after myosin phosphorylation, without a significant change in binding stoichiometry (approx. one CaD per myosin molecule). Unphosphorylated CaD is ineffective in competing with the phosphorylated protein for the binding site(s) on myosin filaments. The ATPase activity of reconstituted actomyosin is inhibited by unphosphorylated CaD, and this inhibition was removed by CaD phosphorylation. Our results suggest that CaD phosphorylation plays a role in modifying actomyosin interactionin vivo, particularly during prolonged muscle activation.
Antiproliferative effects induced by guanine-based purines require hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase activity
Authors: Garozzo Roberta , Sortino Maria Angela , Vancheri Carlo , Condorelli Daniele Filippo 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Guanine (GUA), guanosine and GMP exert a marked growth inhibition on the U87 glioma cell line that is not seen with other tested nucleotides, nucleosides and nucleobases. This effect could be replicated in several different human tumoral cell lines. Guanine shows a higher potency than guanosine or GMP, and co-treatments with adenosine or adenine are able to antagonize or revert the antiproliferative effect of guanine. The loss of the guanine effect in a cell line bearing a mutated inactive hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT), and the decreased potency of GUA in U87 cells silenced for HGPRT transcripts, demonstrates the central role of the intracellular metabolism of GUA for growth-inhibitory effects. Considering the potential application of growth-inhibitory substances in anticancer therapy, knowledge of the molecular mechanism underlying GUA-induced effects encourages studies aimed at defining possible tumoral targets for experimental therapies.
Lipoprotein assembly and function in an evolutionary perspective
Authors: Van der Horst Dick J. , Rodenburg Kees W. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractCirculatory fat transport in animals relies on members of the large lipid transfer protein (LLTP) superfamily, including mammalian apolipoprotein B (apoB) and insect apolipophorin II/I (apoLp-II/I). ApoB and apoLp-II/I, constituting the structural (non-exchangeable) basis for the assembly of various lipoproteins, acquire lipids through microsomal triglyceride-transfer protein, another LLTP family member, and bind them by means of amphipathic α-helical and β-sheet structural motifs. Comparative research reveals that LLTPs evolved from the earliest animals and highlights the structural adaptations in these lipid-binding proteins. Thus, in contrast to apoB, apoLp-II/I is cleaved post-translationally by a furin, resulting in the appearance of two non-exchangeable apolipoproteins in the single circulatory lipoprotein in insects, high-density lipophorin (HDLp). The remarkable structural similarities between mammalian and insect lipoproteins notwithstanding important functional differences relate to the mechanism of lipid delivery. Whereas in mammals, partial delipidation of apoB-containing lipoproteins eventually results in endocytic uptake of their remnants, mediated by members of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) family, and degradation in lysosomes, insect HDLp functions as a reusable lipid shuttle capable of alternate unloading and reloading of lipid. Also, during muscular efforts (flight activity), an HDLp-based lipoprotein shuttle provides for the transport of lipid for energy generation. Although a lipophorin receptor – a homolog of LDLR – was identified that mediates endocytic uptake of HDLp during specific developmental periods, the endocytosed lipoprotein appears to be recycled in a transferrin-like manner. These data highlight that the functional adaptations in the lipoprotein lipid carriers in mammals and insects also emerge with regard to the functioning of their cognate receptors.
Estrogen regulation of X-box binding protein-1 and its role in estrogen induced growth of breast and endometrial cancer cells
Authors: Sengupta Surojeet , Sharma Catherine G.N. , Jordan V. Craig 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background: X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1), a transcription factor involved in unfolded protein response, is also an estrogen-regulated gene and strongly correlates with estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) expression in breast cancers. We investigated the functional role of XBP1 in estrogen responsive breast and endometrial cancer cells as its functions are not fully understood.

Materials and methods: ERα positive breast (MCF7) and endometrial (ECC1) cancer cells were used to study XBP1 gene regulation by 17-β-estradiol (E2) and to investigate the role of XBP1 in E2-mediated growth using short interfering RNA. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot were used to assess RNA and protein levels. Recruitment of ERα and other cofactors at the promoter and enhancer region of the XBP1 gene was investigated by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Estrogen responsive element (ERE)-mediated transcriptional activity was evaluated by a luciferase reporter assay.

Results: E2 induced the transcription of XBP1 in both MCF7 and ECC1 cells. E2-dependent recruitment of ERα, steroid receptor coactivator (SRC)-1 and SRC-3, and RNA polymerase II were observed at the promoter and/or enhancer region of the XBP1 gene. Depletion of XBP1 markedly inhibited the E2-induced growth in MCF7 and ECC1 cells. However, ERE-mediated transcription was not altered in XBP1-overexpressing or XBP1-depleted MCF7 cells.

Conclusion: Our results confirm E2-induced transcription of XBP1 and demonstrate the crucial role of XBP1 in E2-induced growth of ERα positive breast and endometrial cancer cells without modulating the classical ERE-mediated transcription by ER. This knowledge creates new opportunities for therapeutic interventions.
Effect of long-term topical application of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and oral estrogens on morphology, cell proliferation, procollagen A1 and androgen receptor levels in rat skin
Authors: Berger Louise , El-Alfy Mohamed , Martel Céline , Labrie Fernand 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground: After cessation of estrogen secretion by the ovaries at menopause, all estrogens and almost all androgens acting in the skin of postmenopausal women are synthesized locally from dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a prohormone of adrenal origin that progressively declines with age.Objective: To better understand the effects of DHEA on the skin, ovariectomized (OVX) rats were treated for 9 months with local topical application of DHEA compared with oral conjugated equine estrogens.Materials and methods: Morphological evaluation, immunohistochemistry for androgen receptor (AR) and Cdc47 proliferation marker, and in situ hybridization for procollagen A1 were performed on dorsal skin.Results: Local topical DHEA application increased the thickness of the granular cell layer and total epidermis in OVX animals, whereas systemic estrogens had no significant effect. Although DHEA did not affect total dermal thickness, a 190% increase in dermal procollagen A1 mRNA was observed. Moreover, DHEA treatment decreased hypodermal thickness by 47% and increased skin muscle thickness by 58%. In the epidermis, DHEA induced a non-significant increase in cell proliferation, whereas AR labeling was increased in both the epidermis and dermis by DHEA.Conclusions: Although estrogens did not significantly modify any of the above-mentioned parameters, the androgenic action of DHEA induced significant changes in all skin layers, without any sign of toxicity or lack of tolerance to DHEA after a 9-month local application of 4% (80 mg/kg) DHEA on the skin.
Effect of trenbolone acetate plus estradiol on transcriptional regulation of metabolism pathways in bovine liver
Authors: Becker Christiane , Riedmaier Irmgard , Reiter Martina , Tichopad Ales , Pfaffl Michael W. , Meyer Heinrich H.D. 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background: The use of anabolic steroids is forbidden for food producing animals in the EU. Owing to the advantages of anabolics for production profitability, illegal application is appealing. Anabolics are known to influence gene expression of several tissues. We focused on the liver because of its important role in nutrient and hormone metabolism. The aim of the present study was to find differentially regulated metabolic pathways, which might be used as treatment biomarkers.

Material and methods: A total of 18 Nguni heifers were allocated equally to a control group and a treatment group and were implanted with Revalor H. Expression of 34 target genes was measured using reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).

Results: Upregulation of androgen receptor and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and downregulation of IGF-2, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2, steroid hormone binding globulin, insulin receptor α, insulin receptor β, tyrosine aminotransferase, 17β-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase 2,3-hydroxy-methylglutaryl-coenzym-A-synthase, cathepsin B, hepatocyte growth factor, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, apolipoprotein 2 and tumor necrosis factor α was demonstrated.

Conclusion: Several biochemical pathways showed different regulations on mRNA level under the influence of trenbolone acetate plus estradiol. The inhibition of nutrient metabolism and protein breakdown seems to support growth processes. IGF-1 plays an important role in growth and development and thus the upregulation of IGF-1 could be responsible for the stimulation of growth in treated animals. The upregulation of IGF-1 could also be revealed as a possible risk factor for the generation of artherosclerotic plaques, which are known as long-term side effects following the use of anabolic steroids. Principal components analysis of RT-qPCR results showed that both groups arrange together and can be clearly separated. Therefore, these might be used as possible biomarkers in bovine liver.
The Palatine dwelling of the mater familias: houses as symbolic space in the Julio-Claudian period
Authors: Foubert Lien 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
The physical domus represented the status of imperial women and their position in society. Just like the male residence, the female residence was a lieu de mémoire. Activities taking place within the house were often evaluated along the lines of the ideal of female conduct. Livia′s actions on the Palatine Hill show that she was well aware of the symbolic power of her residence and of the importance of presenting herself as being in agreement with the traditional standards for female behaviour. The celebration of Diva Augusta on the Palatine and the preservation of (a part of) the Domus Augusti, first as the living space of the matres familias of the Julio-Claudian dynasty and later as an object of veneration, shows that the Palatine structure should not only be seen as the living space of emperors. The female component was just as present and played a role in the creation of lieux de mémoire.
Comparison of Two Scoring Systems for Evaluation of Treatment Outcome in Patients with Complete Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Bartzela Theodosia , Leenarts Charlotte , Bronkhorst Ewald , Borstlap Wilfred , Katsaros Christos , Kuijpers-Jagtman Anne Marie 
Published: June 2010

Objective To compare two scoring systems: the Huddart/Bodenham system (HB system) and the Bauru-BCLP yardstick (BCLP yardstick), which classify treatment outcome in terms of dental arch relationships in patients with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate (CBCLP). The predictive value of these scoring systems for treatment outcome was also evaluated. Design Retrospective longitudinal study. Patients Dental arch relationships of 43 CBCLP patients were evaluated at 6, 9, and 12 years. Setting Treatment outcome in BCLP patients using two scoring systems. Main Outcome Measures For each age group, the HB scores were correlated with the BCLP yardstick scores using Spearman's correlation coefficient. The predictive value of the two scoring systems was evaluated by backward regression analysis. Results Intraobserver Kappa values for the BCLP yardstick scoring for the two observers were .506 and .627, respectively, and the interobserver reliability ranged from .427 and .581. The intraobserver reliability for the HB system ranged from .92 to .97 and the interobserver reliability from .88 to .96. The BCLP yardstick scores of 6 and 9 years together were predictors for the outcome at 12 years (explained variance 41.3%). Adding the incisor and lateral HB scores in the regression model increased the explained variance to 67%. Conclusions The BCLP yardstick and the HB system are reliable scoring systems for evaluation of dental arch relationships of CBCLP patients. The HB system categorizes treatment outcome into similar categories as the BCLP yardstick. In case a more sensitive measure of treatment outcome is needed, selectively both scoring systems should be used.
Long-Term Survival in Patients with Metastatic Melanoma Treated with DTIC or Temozolomide
Authors: Kim Christina , Lee Christopher W. , Kovacic Laurel , Shah Amil , Klasa Richard , Savage Kerry J. 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background.
Patients with metastatic melanoma typically have a poor outcome; however, a small proportion of patients achieve long-term survival (LTS). It is unclear how often LTS is related to sensitivity to chemotherapy.

Methods.
All patients with metastatic melanoma treated with either dacarbazine (DTIC) or temozolomide (TMZ) at the British Columbia Cancer Agency (BCCA) from January 1, 1988 to February 1, 2006 were identified through the BCCA pharmacy electronic database, which was then linked to the surveillance and outcomes unit to identify patients with LTS, defined as survival ≥18 months following chemotherapy.

Results.
In total, 397 patients were treated with either DTIC (n = 349) or TMZ (n = 48) and 43 patients (10.8%) were identified with LTS. Two additional patients with LTS were added prior to 1988 for a total of 45 patients. The 5-year overall and progression-free survival rates for patients with LTS were 33% and 16%, respectively. In total, 16% had a complete response (CR) to chemotherapy, which was the only factor identified that correlated with survival in the multivariate analysis. However, most patients with LTS had an incomplete response to chemotherapy.

Conclusions.
LTS occurs in select patients who achieve a CR to chemotherapy. However, this occurs in only a minority of patients and, in most cases, the longer survival is likely the result of indolent disease biology or host factors.
Effect of Flumazenil on Disturbance of Equilibrium Function Induced by Midazolam
Authors: Maeda S. , Miyawaki T. , Higuchi H. , Shimada M. 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Benzodiazepines in intravenous sedation are useful, owing to their outstanding amnesic effect when used for oral surgery as well as dental treatments on patients with intellectual disability or dental phobia. However, compared with propofol, the effect of benzodiazepine lasts longer and may impede discharge, especially when it is administered orally because of fear of injections. Although flumazenil antagonizes the effects of benzodiazepine quickly, its effect on the equilibrium function (EF) has never been tested. Since EF is more objective than other tests, the purpose of this study is to assess the sedation level and EF using a computerized static posturographic platform. The collection of control values was followed by the injection of 0.075 mg/kg of midazolam. Thirty minutes later, 0.5 mg or 1.0 mg of flumazenil was administered, and the sedation level and EF were measured until 150 minutes after flumazenil administration. Flumazenil antagonized sedation, and there was no apparent resedation; however, it failed to antagonize the disturbance in EF. This finding may be due to differences in the difficulty of assessing the sedation level and performing the EF test, and a greater amount of flumazenil may effectively antagonize the disturbance in EF.
Effect of Peanut Blanching Protocols on Bed and Seed Temperatures, Seed Moisture, and Blanchability1
Authors: Adelsberg G. D. , Sanders T. H. 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Medium commercial size, runner-type peanuts were heated in an air flow direction-controlled lab scale oven to simulate an industrial multizone dryer used in peanut blanching. Nine blanching protocols consisting of three heating times (30,45, and 60 min) factorially paired with three final oven set point temperatures (76.7, 87.8, and 98.9 C achieved from 32.2 C over six heating zones) were tested for effects on blanchability, moisture content, and temperature variation within individual seed and within the bed of peanuts. Temperature through the peanut bed varied as air flow (76.2 m/min) was reversed in alternating zones. Bed temperature variation during the heating process was highest in the 30-min protocols where the maximum difference between the top and bottom of the bed reached 17.6 C. Temperature variations decreased in the 45- and 60-min protocols; however, maximum differences as high as 8.1 C were consistently found. Bed temperature variation was related to air flow direction with higher temperatures in the peanuts nearest the air/heat source. Peanuts opposite the air flow direction did not reach the desired maximum temperature in the last zone of any protocol. Seed temperature variation was as much as 5 C between the seed surface and 3.14 mm into the seed. Seed moisture decreased from ca. 5.5% to a low of 2.94% in the 60 min/ 98.9 C protocol. Blanchability reached an upper limit of 71 to 75% in the 45- and 60-min protocols at 87.7 C and all of the protocols at 98.9 C. Blanchability was unrelated to magnitude of temperature variation in either seed or within the bed. Blanchability correlated positively with final oven set point temperature and negatively with final moisture content when moisture content was above 3.8%.
Impact of Row Spacing and Planting Date on the Canopy Environment, Abundance of Lesser Cornstalk Borer and Other Arthropods, and Incidence of Aflatoxigenic Fungi in Peanuts
Authors: Stewart S. D. , Boweri K. L. , Mack T. P. , Edwards J. H. 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Three row spacings and two planting dates for peanuts, Arachis hypogaea L., were examined in 1993 and 1994 to determine the influence of the canopy environment on lesser cornstalk borer, Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), other arthropods, and alflatoxigenic fungi. Climatically, 1993 and 1994 were disparate years. Decreasing row spacing increased relative leaf area and light interception by the canopy but, compared to difference between planting dates or years, had a relatively small impact on soil temperatures and relative humidity within the canopy. Late planting produced smaller plants, retarded canopy development, and reduced yield in both years, but especially in 1993 when it was hot and dry. The wide row spacing did not yield as well as twin and normal row spacings in either year. Lesser cornstalk borer damage and aflatoxin concentration were higher in the late planting than in the early planting of 1993, but were unaffected by row spacing. Fewer predatory arthropods were caught as row spacing decreased in both beat and pitfall samples, but planting date had variable effects. Prevailing climatic conditions and planting date appeared to be more important in influencing the canopy environment and pest densities than was row spacing.
Eficiency of the Blanching and Electronic Color Sorting Process for Reducing Aflatoxin in Raw Shelled Peanuts1
Authors: Whitaker T. B. 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Raw shelled peanut lots produced in the United States are inspected for aflatoxin using a sampling plan designed by the Peanut Administrative Committee (PAC). The aflatoxin concentration of most peanut lots rejected by the PAC sampling plan is reduced by using a blanching process that removes the testa or seed coat from the seed and then removing damaged or discolored seeds from the lot using electronic color sorters. Comparing aflatoxin sample results on lots before and after the blanching process indicates that the two-step process is effective for reducing aflatoxin in contaminated lots. The average aflatoxin reduction among the 8911 lots blanched and color sorted over 5 crop yr (1990 to 1994) was 89.9%. The blanching process was equally efficient in reducing aflatoxin for all peanut market types and grades represented in the data base. The average total weight loss among all 8911 lots blanched over the 5 crop yr was 16.8%. Both the percentage aflatoxin reduction and the percentage total weight loss that resulted from blanching was related to the amount of aflatoxin in unblanched lots. As the aflatoxin concentration among unblanched lots decreased, the percentage aflatoxin reduction and the percentage total weight loss associated with the blanching process both decreased.
The Role of Maturation in Quality of Stackpole-Cured Peanuts1
Authors: Sanders T. H. , Vercellotti J. R. , Bett K. L. , Greene R. L. 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Peanut curing studies utilizing stackpole curing led to the unique observation that extensive potential for post harvest maturation exists during slow curing. In the hull scrape maturity profile the percentage of black maturity class pods increased from 15 to 45% and 21 to 57% in ca. 30 d after stacks were prepared in 2 consecutive years. Simultaneously, the number of pods in less mature classes generally decreased. The weight percentage of black pods increased from 19 to 42% and 37 to 62% after 10 stack d in the 2 yr. A similar but less extensive maturity progression was observed in detached pods in a temperature-relative humidity-controlled environment where drying rate was faster than in stackpoles but much slower than in conventional practices. Because pod and seed sizes did not change during stackpole curing, maturation resulted in large increases in the percentage of mature peanuts (maturity distribution) in all commercial grade sizes. Moisture contents for orange and brown maturity classes related to cessation of color change in pods in both stackpoles and controlled environment treatments were about 29.0 and 22.5%, respectively. Occurrence of physiological seed maturation concurrently with hull color progressions was verified by the consistent oleic acid/linoleic acid ratio in medium grade-size peanuts within each maturity class over curing time.