bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age structure, size and growth rate of water frogs from central European natural Pelophylax ridibundus-Pelophylax esculentus mixed populations estimated by skeletochronology
Authors: Socha Małgorzata , Ogielska Maria 
Published: April 2010

AbstractCentral European water frog Pelophylax esculentus (formerly known as Rana esculenta) is a natural hybrid between P. lessonae and P. ridibundus. The hybrids reproduce by hybridogenesis and usually share populations with one of the parental species. Natural ridibundus-esculentus (R-E) mixed populations are rare. The population described herein is composed of 80% P. ridibundus and 20% P. esculentus represented by both sexes. We analyzed 159 adults and 228 juveniles. Age of adults collected from breeding sites ranged from 2 to 6 years in males and from 3 to 7 years in females of both taxa. The percentage of individuals older than 5 years was low. Average age of P. ridibundus was higher than that of P. esculentus. In P. ridibundus the average age of females was higher than that of males. In P. esculentus the difference between ages of females and males was not significant. Measurements of yearly radial growth of long bones revealed that the frogs grew intensively before reaching sexual maturity (3 years for females and 2 years for males). In the group of juveniles before I hibernation, P. esculentus were significantly bigger than P. ridibundus, however, there was no difference in body size between both taxa after I hibernation i.e., before the start of a new growth season. Mean LAG-1 diameters were significantly greater in adults P. ridibundus than in juveniles after I hibernation, but not in P. esculentus.
A comparison of external and internal attachments of radio transmitters on adult crested newts Triturus cristatus
Authors: Berg Ole , Arnemo Jon , Skei Jon , Kraabøl Morten , Dervo Børre , Dolmen Dag 
Published: April 2010

AbstractTelemetry studies of newt species demand small transmitters. Two types of external attachments (sutured to epidermis and backpack) and traditional implanting in the peritoneal cavity were tested between groups of 5 adult individuals of the crested newt Triturus cristatus (mass 6-15 g) held in terrariums under controlled environmental conditions. The newts were anaesthetized with 1.5 g l–1 MS222, delivered in water and buffered to pH 6.9 by Na2CO2. Surgical plane of anaesthesia was achieved after 5-12 minutes and lasted for 30-60 minutes. External tagging proved unsuitable because transmitters became entangled in vegetation, and all animals shed their transmitters shortly after tagging, except for one that died. Transmitters that were surgically implanted in the peritoneal cavity were more successful. By the fourth day following surgery, the animals that had undergone surgery behaved similarly to control animals with respect to the use of cover. Two of the newts died, however, without showing any signs of illness in advance, and the cause of death could not be established. Based on the present experiments and published studies, implantable transmitters appear to be the best method for radiotagging small and medium sized urodele species such as T. cristatus, to gain crucial information on spatio-temporal terrestrial activity patterns, habitat utilization and hibernation sites. Additional research is needed to evaluate both short and long term effects on activity, behaviour and survival.
Temperature differentials between the bodies and tails of ribbon snakes (Thamnophis sauritus): ecological and physiological implications
Authors: Amiel Joshua , Wassersug Richard 
Published: April 2010

AbstractWe present evidence that eastern ribbon snakes (Thamnophis sauritus) at low environmental temperatures can maintain significant temperature differentials between their bodies and tails. We used a high resolution infrared camera to record thermal data from ribbon snakes in the spring and summer. An independent two sample t-test confirmed that ribbon snakes at low spring environmental temperatures maintain significantly warmer bodies than tails relative to ribbon snakes at high summer environmental temperatures (t = 5.495, P < 0.001). Given our results that ribbon snakes at low environmental temperatures are able to maintain body temperatures higher than tail temperatures, we speculate on possible mechanisms that could account for these temperature differentials and their ecological significance.
The Effects of a Web-Based Intervention on Psychosocial Well-Being Among Adults Aged 60 and Older With Diabetes
Authors: Bond Gail E. , Burr Robert L. , Wolf Fredric M. , Feldt Karen 
Published: April 2010

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of a 6-month Web-based intervention on the psychosocial well-being of older adults with diabetes. Methods This study was a randomized controlled trial (N = 62) comparing the effects of a 6-month Web-based intervention plus usual care with usual care alone among adults aged 60 years or older with diabetes. The outcomes included quality of life, depression, social support, and self-efficacy. Results The intervention group showed significant improvement, F(4.48) = 4.03 P = .007, when compared with the control group on measures of depression, quality of life, social support, and self-efficacy when controlling for all baseline outcome variables (age, gender, and number of years with diabetes). Conclusions These findings provide support for the conclusion that a Web-based intervention is effective in improving the psychosocial well-being of participants at a 6-month follow-up. Future research needs to investigate the long-term effectiveness of Web-based interventions for sustaining psychosocial well-being, including factors that may affect quality of life, such as diabetes-specific beliefs, attitudes, social support, and disease-specific coping skills.
Functional and molecular characterization of prostaglandin E2dilatory receptors in the rat craniovascular system in relevance to migraine
Authors: Myren Maja , Baun Michael , Ploug Kenneth Beri , Jansen-Olesen Inger , Olesen Jes , Gupta Saurabh 
Published: April 2010

Introduction: Migraine pain is thought to involve an increase in trigeminal nerve terminal activity around large cerebral and meningeal arteries, leading to vasodilatation. Because prostaglandin E2(PGE2) is elevated in cephalic venous blood during migraine attacks, and is also capable of inducing headache in healthy volunteers, we hypothesize that PGE2dilatory receptors, EP2and EP4, mediate the response.Materials and methods: By the use of specific agonists and antagonists, the dilatory effect of PGE2was characterized in rat cranial arteries by use of in vivo and in vitro methods. Furthermore, EP2and EP4quantitative messenger RNA (mRNA) receptor expression was studied in the rat craniovascular system.Results: Our results suggest that EP4, and to a lesser degree EP2, receptors mediate the dilatory effect of PGE2in the craniovascular system in rats. Thus, antagonism of these receptors might be of therapeutic relevance in migraine.
CGRP receptor antagonist olcegepant (BIBN4096BS) does not prevent glyceryl trinitrate-induced migraine
Authors: Tvedskov JF , Tfelt-Hansen P , Petersen KA , Jensen LT , Olesen J 
Published: April 2010

There is a striking similarity between the migraine-provoking effect of the nitric oxide (NO) donor glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) and that of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). We tested the hypothesis that NO releases CGRP to cause the delayed migraine attack after GTN. Methods: In a double-blind-cross-over study, 13 migraine without aura (MO) patients were administered GTN 0.5 µg/kg/minute for 20 minutes and subsequently BIBN4096BS (olcegepant) 10 mg or placebo. Headache scores and development of MO were followed for 24 hours. Results: MO developed in seven of 13 with olcegepant and in nine of 13 with placebo ( p = 0.68). The headache scores were similar after the two treatments ( p = 0.58). Thus CGRP receptor blockade did not prevent GTN-induced migraine. Conclusions: The present study indicates that NO does not induce migraine by liberating CGRP. The most likely explanation for our findings is that CGRP has its effect higher than NO in the cascade of events leading to MO attacks.
No arguments for increased endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity in migraine based on peripheral biomarkers
Authors: Van der Schueren Bart J , Verbrugge Frederik H , Verbesselt René , Hecken Anne Van , Depré Marleen , de Hoon Jan N 
Published: April 2010

Objectives: To assess whether migraine patients display a chronic nitric oxide synthase (NOS) hyperactivity by comparing the nitric oxide (NO) production before and following a loading dose of L-arginine between migraine patients (interictally) and matched healthy control subjects. In addition, we evaluated whether a loading dose of L-arginine triggers an acute migraine headache in migraineurs.Subjects and methods: Twenty healthy subjects and 20 migraine patients participated in a 2-period, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Each subject received a 30-min infusion, by peripheral vein, of 30 g L-arginine hydrochloride or placebo (i.e. an equal volume of 0.9% saline solution). Meanwhile, biomarkers associated with the L-arginine–NO pathway (i.e. exhaled NO/nasal NO), plasma citrulline and urinary excretion of nitrite/nitrate and cGMP were assessed before and for 6 h following the start of the infusion.Results: At baseline, exhaled NO and nasal NO were higher in migraineurs compared to healthy subjects (mean ± 95% confidence interval): 15.9 (8.8, 23.0) parts per billion (ppb) versus 10.8 (7.0, 14.5) ppb for exhaled NO ( P = 0.04) and 76.3 (61.2, 91.4) versus 61.6 (51.2, 72.0) ppb for nasal NO ( P = 0.03), respectively. The AUC0–6in ppb for exhaled NO and nasal NO following L-arginine or saline infusion did not differ between both groups. The increase in L-citrulline, following L-arginine infusion, was smaller in migraine patients (15 (13, 18) µmol/l) compared to healthy volunteers (19 (16, 23) µmol/l; P = 0.046). In healthy subjects, both nitrate and cGMP excretion were higher following L-arginine compared to placebo infusion: 132.63 (100.24, 165.02) versus 92.07 (66.33, 117.82) µmol/mmol creatinine for nitrate ( P = 0.014) and 50.53 (42.19, 58.87) versus 39.64 (33.94, 45.34) nmol/mmol creatinine for cGMP ( P = 0.0003), respectively. In migraineurs, excretion of these biomarkers was comparable following L-arginine or saline infusion.Conclusions: The results of the present study do not support the idea of a generalised increase in NO synthase activity in migraine patients outside of a migraine attack. The smaller increase in plasma L-citrulline, urinary nitrate and cGMP excretion following L-arginine infusion in migraine patients might indicate dysfunction of endothelial NO synthase.
Episodic and chronic migraineurs are hypersensitive to thermal stimuli between migraine attacks
Authors: Schwedt Todd J , Krauss Melissa J , Frey Karen , Gereau Robert W 
Published: April 2010

Objective: To determine if migraineurs have evidence of interictal cutaneous sensitisation. Subjects and methods: Thermal and mechanical pain thresholds in 20 episodic migraineurs, 20 chronic migraineurs, and 20 non-migraine control subjects were compared. Quantitative sensory testing was conducted when subjects had been migraine-free for at least 48 h. Heat, cold and mechanical pain thresholds, and heat and cold pain tolerance thresholds were measured. Results: Thermal pain thresholds and thermal pain tolerance thresholds differed significantly by headache group ( P = 0.001). During the interictal period, episodic and chronic migraineurs were more sensitive to thermal stimulation than non-migraine controls. Conclusions: Interictal sensitisation may predispose the migraineur to development of headaches, may be a marker of migraine activity, and a target for treatment.
Rapid Isolation of Human Stem Cells (Connective Tissue Progenitor Cells) From the Proximal Humerus During Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Surgery
Authors: Mazzocca Augustus D. , McCarthy Mary Beth R. , Chowaniec David M. , Cote Mark P. , Arciero Robert A. , Drissi Hicham 
Published: April 2010

Background: Bone-to-tendon healing in the shoulder can be unpredictable. Biologic augmentation, through the implementation of adult mesenchymal stem cells, may improve this healing process. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to (1) arthroscopically obtain bone marrow aspirates from the proximal humerus during rotator cuff repair, (2) purify and concentrate the connective tissue progenitor cells (CTPs) in the operating room efficiently, and (3)confirm these are stem cells through their ability to differentiate into bone cells. We hypothesize that CTPs can be quickly and efficiently isolated from bone marrow during arthroscopic surgery and that these cells are capable of osteogenesis. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3; and Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Bone marrow aspirates were harvested through the anchor tunnel of the humeral head during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in 23 patients. Twenty-three matched controls were selected from a clinical registry to evaluate for increased incidence of complication. Connective tissue progenitor cells were isolated using 2 accepted methods and compared with a novel, rapid method designed for use in the operating room. Osteogenic potential was assessed by cytochemical and molecular analysis. Results: Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis and cellular staining confirmed the osteogenic potential of these CTPs. There was no statistical significant difference in the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score (aspirate, 86.3 ± 10.5; control, 83.6 ± 15.1; P = .54), range of motion measures (postoperative external rotation: aspirate, 65.0° ± 20.4°; control, 62.5° ± 17.1°; P = .67; postoperative forward elevation: aspirate, 163.0° ± 30.6°; control, 145.7° ± 41.4°; P = .12), or postoperative strength measures between groups (median, 5; range, 4-5 in the aspirate group compared with median, 5; range, 4-5 in the control group; P > .05). Conclusion: Connective tissue progenitor cells can be safely and efficiently aspirated from the proximal humerus using the anchor tunnel created during arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery. These cells may play an important role in cell-based therapies involving rotator cuff repair. Clinical Relevance: We have established a reliable, reproducible protocol for isolating CTPs in the operating room. These cells may have the potential to enhance the healing process after rotator cuff repair.
Myxedema Coma Precipitated by Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Authors: Kelekar Gauri , Milanesi Anna , Yu Run 
Published: April 2010

Objective: To describe a rare case of myxedema coma with atypical presentation precipitated by diabetic ketoacidosis. Methods: The authors present a case report, including the detailed clinical and laboratory data, and review other significant reports available in the literature. Results: A 62-year-old woman with recent history of radioactive iodine therapy for Graves’ disease was admitted to the hospital for altered mental status and hyperglycemia. After treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis with intravenous fluid and insulin, hyperglycemia and ketonuria corrected, but her mental status remained profoundly compromised. Clinical conditions rapidly improved after initiation of treatment for myxedema coma with intravenous levothyroxine. Conclusion: This is a rare case of myxedema coma precipitated by diabetic ketoacidosis. Moreover, our case suggests that diabetic ketoacidosis can mask the typical clinical and laboratory features of myxedema coma, making the final diagnosis very challenging. Early recognition of an atypical presentation of myxedema coma is important to avoid the potential fatal outcome.
Sensitive and selective detection of free FXIII activation peptide: a potential marker of acute thrombotic events
Authors: Ortner Elisabeth , Schroeder Verena , Walser Reto , Zerbe Oliver , Kohler Hans P. 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
Coagulation factor XIII (FXIII) stabilizes fibrin fibers and is therefore a major player in the maintenance of hemostasis. FXIII is activated by thrombin resulting in cleavage and release of the FXIII activation peptide (AP-FXIII). The objective of this study was to characterize the released AP-FXIII and determine specific features that may be used for its specific detection. We analyzed the structure of bound AP-FXIII within the FXIII A-subunit and interactions of AP-FXIII by hydrogen bonds with both FXIII A-subunit monomers. We optimized our previously developed AP-FXIII ELISA by using 2 monoclonal antibodies. We determined high binding affinities between the antibodies and free AP-FXIII and demonstrated specific binding by epitope mapping analyses with surface plasmon resonance and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Because the structure of free AP-FXIII had been characterized so far by molecular modeling only, we performed structural analysis by nuclear magnetic resonance. Recombinant AP-FXIII was largely flexible both in plasma and water, differing significantly from the rigid structure in the bound state. We suggest that the recognized epitope is either occluded in the noncleaved form or possesses a structure that does not allow binding to the antibodies. On the basis of our findings, we propose AP-FXIII as a possible new marker for acute thrombotic events.
A novel Aurora-A kinase inhibitor MLN8237 induces cytotoxicity and cell-cycle arrest in multiple myeloma
Authors: Görgün Güllü , Calabrese Elisabetta , Hideshima Teru , Ecsedy Jeffrey , Perrone Giulia , Mani Mala , Ikeda Hiroshi , Bianchi Giada , Hu Yiguo , Cirstea Diana , Santo Loredana , Tai Yu-Tzu , Nahar Sabikun , Zheng Mei , Bandi Madhavi , Carrasco Ruben D. , Raje Noopur , Munshi Nikhil , Richardson Paul , Anderson Kenneth C. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractAurora-A is a mitotic kinase that regulates mitotic spindle formation and segregation. In multiple myeloma (MM), high Aurora-A gene expression has been correlated with centrosome amplification and proliferation; thus, inhibition of Aurora-A in MM may prove to be therapeutically beneficial. Here we assess the in vitro and in vivo anti-MM activity of MLN8237, a small-molecule Aurora-A kinase inhibitor. Treatment of cultured MM cells with MLN8237 results in mitotic spindle abnormalities, mitotic accumulation, as well as inhibition of cell proliferation through apoptosis and senescence. In addition, MLN8237 up-regulates p53 and tumor suppressor genes p21 and p27. Combining MLN8237 with dexamethasone, doxorubicin, or bortezomib induces synergistic/additive anti-MM activity in vitro. In vivo anti-MM activity of MLN8237 was confirmed using a xenograft-murine model of human-MM. Tumor burden was significantly reduced (P = .007) and overall survival was significantly increased (P < .005) in animals treated with 30 mg/kg MLN8237 for 21 days. Induction of apoptosis and cell death by MLN8237 were confirmed in tumor cells excised from treated animals by TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay. MLN8237 is currently in phase 1 and phase 2 clinical trials in patients with advanced malignancies, and our preclinical results suggest that MLN8237 may be a promising novel targeted therapy in MM.
Hematopoietic activity of human short-term repopulating cells in mobilized peripheral blood cell transplants is restricted to the first 5 months after transplantation
Authors: Zavidij Oksana , Ball Claudia R. , Herbst Friederike , Fessler Sylvia , Schmidt Manfred , von Kalle Christof , Glimm Hanno 
Published: April 2010

AbstractKinetics of hematopoietic recovery driven by different types of human stem and progenitor cells after transplantation are not fully understood. Short-term repopulating cells (STRCs) dominate early hematopoiesis after transplantation. STRCs are highly enriched in adult mobilized peripheral blood compared with cord blood, but the length of their contribution to hematopoiesis remains unclear. To understand posttransplantation durability and lineage contribution of STRCs, we compared repopulation kinetics of mobilized peripheral blood (high STRC content) with cord blood transplants (low STRC content) in long-lived NOD.Cg-PrkdcscidIl2rgtm1Wjl/SzJ (IL2RG−/−) mice. This comparison demonstrates that quantitative contribution of human STRCs to hematopoiesis is restricted to the first 5 months after transplantation. The ratio of STRCs to long-term repopulating cells dramatically changes during ontogeny. This model enables to precisely determine early and late engraftment kinetics of defined human repopulating cell types and to preclinically assess the engraftment kinetics of engineered stem cell transplants.
Significantly improved precision of cell migration analysis in time-lapse video microscopy through use of a fully automated tracking system
Authors: Huth Johannes , Buchholz Malte , Kraus Johann M , Schmucker Martin , von Wichert Götz , Krndija Denis , Seufferlein Thomas , Gress Thomas M , Kestler Hans A 
Published: April 2010

Abstract

Background
Cell motility is a critical parameter in many physiological as well as pathophysiological processes. In time-lapse video microscopy, manual cell tracking remains the most common method of analyzing migratory behavior of cell populations. In addition to being labor-intensive, this method is susceptible to user-dependent errors regarding the selection of "representative" subsets of cells and manual determination of precise cell positions.

Results
We have quantitatively analyzed these error sources, demonstrating that manual cell tracking of pancreatic cancer cells lead to mis-calculation of migration rates of up to 410%. In order to provide for objective measurements of cell migration rates, we have employed multi-target tracking technologies commonly used in radar applications to develop fully automated cell identification and tracking system suitable for high throughput screening of video sequences of unstained living cells.

Conclusion
We demonstrate that our automatic multi target tracking system identifies cell objects, follows individual cells and computes migration rates with high precision, clearly outperforming manual procedures.
Exocrine-to-endocrine differentiation is detectable only prior to birth in the uninjured mouse pancreas
Authors: Kopinke Daniel , Murtaugh L Charles 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
Background
Histological evidence suggests that insulin-producing beta (β)-cells arise in utero from duct-like structures of the fetal exocrine pancreas, and genetic lineage tracing studies indicate that they are maintained in the adult by self-renewal. These studies have not addressed the origin of the new β-cells that arise in large numbers shortly after birth, and contradictory lineage tracing results have been published regarding the differentiation potential of duct cells in this period. We established an independent approach to address this question directly.

Results
We generated mice in which duct and acinar cells, comprising the exocrine pancreas, can be genetically marked by virtue of their expressing the mucin gene Muc1. Using these mice, we performed time-specific lineage tracing to determine if these cells undergo endocrine transdifferentiation in vivo. We find that Muc1+ cells do give rise to β-cells and other islet cells in utero, providing formal proof that mature islets arise from embryonic duct structures. From birth onwards, Muc1 lineage-labeled cells are confined to the exocrine compartment, with no detectable contribution to islet cells.

Conclusions
These results argue against a significant contribution by exocrine transdifferentiation to the normal postnatal expansion and maintenance of β-cell mass. Exocrine transdifferentiation has been proposed to occur during injury and regeneration, and our experimental model is suited to test this hypothesis in vivo.