bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
FGFRL1 is a neglected putative actor of the FGF signalling pathway present in all major metazoan phyla
Authors: Bertrand Stephanie , Somorjai Ildiko , Garcia-Fernandez Jordi , Lamonerie Thomas , Escriva Hector 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background
Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGF) and their receptors are well known for having major implications in cell signalling controlling embryonic development. Recently, a gene coding for a protein closely related to FGFRs (Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors) called FGFR5 or FGFR-like 1 (FGFRL1), has been described in vertebrates. An orthologous gene was also found in the cephalochordate amphioxus, but no orthologous genes were found by the authors in other non-vertebrate species, even if a FGFRL1 gene was identified in the sea urchin genome, as well as a closely related gene, named nou-darake, in the planarian Dugesia japonica. These intriguing data of a deuterostome-specific gene that might be implicated in FGF signalling prompted us to search for putative FGFRL1 orthologues in the completely sequenced genomes of metazoans.

Results
We found FGFRL1 genes in the cnidarian Nematostella vectensis as well as in many bilaterian species. Our analysis also shows that FGFRL1 orthologous genes are linked in the genome with other members of the FGF signalling pathway from cnidarians to bilaterians (distance < 10 Mb). To better understand the implication of FGFRL1 genes in chordate embryonic development, we have analyzed expression patterns of the amphioxus and the mouse genes by whole mount in situ hybridization. We show that some homologous expression territories can be defined, and we propose that FGFRL1 and FGF8/17/18 were already co-expressed in the pharyngeal endoderm in the ancestor of chordates.

Conclusion
Our work sheds light on the existence of a putative FGF signalling pathway actor present in the ancestor of probably all metazoans, the function of which has received little attention until now.
Improvement of the clinical applicability of the Genomic Grade Index through a qRT-PCR test performed on frozen and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues
Authors: Toussaint Jérôme , Sieuwerts Anieta M , Haibe-Kains Benjamin , Desmedt Christine , Rouas Ghizlane , Harris Adrian L , Larsimont Denis , Piccart Martine , Foekens John A , Durbecq Virginie , Sotiriou Christos 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background
Proliferation and tumor differentiation captured by the genomic grade index (GGI) are important prognostic indicators in breast cancer (BC) especially for the estrogen receptor positive (ER+) disease. The aims of this study were to convert this microarray index to a qRT-PCR assay (PCR-GGI), which could be realized on formalin fixed paraffin embedded samples (FFPE), and to assess its prognostic performance and predictive value of clinical benefit in early and advanced ER+ BC patients treated with tamoxifen.

Methods
The accuracy and concordance of the PCR-GGI with the GGI was assessed using BC patients for which frozen and FFPE tissues as well as microarray data were available (n = 19). The evaluation of the prognostic value of the PCR-GGI was assessed on FFPE material using a consecutive series of 212 systemically treated early BC patients. The predictive performance for tamoxifen benefit was assessed using two ER+ BC populations treated either with adjuvant tamoxifen only (n = 77+139) or first-line tamoxifen for advanced disease (n = 270).

Results
The PCR-GGI is based on the expression of 8 genes (4 representative of the GGI and 4 reference genes). A significant correlation was observed between the microarray-derived GGI and the qRT-PCR assay using frozen (ρ = 0.95, p < 10E-06) and FFPE material (ρ = 0.89, p < 10E-06). The prognostic performance of the PCR-GGI was confirmed on FFPE samples (HRunivar. = 1.89; [95CI:1.01-3.54], p = 0.05). The PCR-GGI further identified two subgroups of patients with statistically different time to distant metastasis free survival (DMFS) across the two cohorts of ER+ BC patients treated with adjuvant tamoxifen. Additionally, the PCR-GGI was associated with response to tamoxifen in the advanced setting (HRunivar. = 1.98; [95CI:1.51-2.59], p = 6.9E-07).

Conclusion
PCR-GGI recapitulates in an accurate and reproducible manner the performances of the GGI using frozen and FFPE samples.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae and/or Chlamydophila pneumoniae inoculation causing different aggravations in cholesterol-induced atherosclerosis in apoE KO male mice
Authors: Damy Sueli B , Higuchi Maria L , Timenetsky Jorge , Reis Márcia M , Palomino Suely P , Ikegami Renata N , Santos Fabiana P , Osaka Junko T , Figueiredo Luiz P 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background

Chamydophila pneumoniae (CP) and/or Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) are two bacteria detected in vulnerable atheromas. In this study we aimed to analyze whether CP and/or MP aggravates atherosclerosis induced by cholesterol-enriched diet in C57BL/6 apoE KO male mice. Thirty male apoE KO mice aged eight weeks fed by a diet containing 1% cholesterol until 32 weeks of age were divided into four groups: the first was inoculated with CP (n = 7), the second with MP (n = 12), the third with both CP + MP (n = 5), and the fourth with saline (sham n = 6). The animals were re-inoculated at 36 weeks of age, and sacrificed at 40 weeks of age. Two ascending aorta and one aortic arch segments were sampled. In the most severely obstructed segment, vessel diameter, plaque height, percentage of luminal obstruction and the degree of adventitial inflammation were analyzed. The plaque area/intimal surface ratio was obtained by measuring all three segments. The adventitial inflammation was semiquantified (0 absent, 1 mild, 2 moderate, and 3 diffuse).

Results
The mean and standard deviation of plaque height, % luminal obstruction, external diameter, the plaque area/intimal surface ratio and the adventitial inflammation values are the following for each group: MP (0.20 +/- 0.12 mm, 69 +/- 26%, 0.38 +/- 0.11 mm, 0.04 +/- 0.04 and 0.22 +/- 0.67), CP (0.23 +/- 0.08 mm, 90 +/- 26%, 0.37 +/- 0.08 mm, 0.04 +/- 0.03, and 0.44 +/- 0.53), MP + CP (18 +/- 0.08 mm, 84 +/- 4.0%, 0.35 +/- 0.25 mm, 0.03 +/- 0.03 and 1.33 +/- 0.82) and sham (0.08 +/- 0.09 mm, 42 +/- 46%, 0.30 +/- 0.10 mm, 0.02 +/- 0.03 and 0.71 ± 0.76). A wider area of plaque/intimal surface was observed in MP + CP inoculated groups (p = 0.07 and 0.06) as well as an increased plaque height in CP (p = 0.01) in comparison with sham group. There was also an increased luminal obstruction (p = 0.047) in CP inoculated group in comparison to sham group. Adventitial inflammation in MP + CP inoculated group was higher than MP, CP and the sham groups (p = 0.02).

Conclusion
Inoculation of CP, MP or both agents in C57BL/6 apoE KO male mice caused aggravation of experimental atherosclerosis induced by cholesterol-enriched diet, with distinct characteristics. CP inoculation increased the plaque height with positive vessel remodeling and co-inoculation of MP + CP caused the highest adventitial inflammation measures.
Identification of Achaete-scute complex-like 1 (ASCL1) target genes and evaluation of DKK1 and TPH1 expression in pancreatic endocrine tumours
Authors: Johansson Térèse A , Westin Gunnar , Skogseid Britt 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackgroundASCL1role in pancreatic endocrine tumourigenesis has not been established. Recently it was suggested that ASCL1 negatively controls expression of the Wnt signalling antagonistDKK1. Notch signalling regulates expression of TPH1, the rate limiting enzyme in the biosyntesis of serotonin. Understanding the development and proliferation of pancreatic endocrine tumours (PETs) is essential for the development of new therapies.MethodsASCL1target genes in the pancreatic endocrine tumour cell line BON1 were identified by RNA interference and microarray expression analysis. Protein expressions of selected target genes in PETs were evaluated by immunohistochemistry.Results158 annotatedASCL1target genes were identified in BON1 cells, among them DKK1 and TPH1 that were negatively regulated by ASCL1. An inverse relation of ASCL1 to DKK1 protein expression was observed for 15 out of 22 tumours (68%). Nine tumours displayed low ASCL1/high DKK1 and six tumours high ASCL1/low DKK1 expression. Remaining PETs showed high ASCL1/high DKK1 (n = 4) or low ASCL1/low DKK1 (n = 3) expression. Nine of twelve analysed PETs (75%) showed TPH1 expression with no relation to ASCL1.ConclusionA number of genes with potential importance for PET tumourigenesis have been identified.ASCL1negatively regulated the Wnt signalling antagonistDKK1, andTPH1expression in BON1 cells. In concordance with these findings DKK1 showed an inverse relation to ASCL1 expression in a subset of PETs, which may affect growth control by the Wnt signalling pathway.
A comparative study of recombinant and native frutalin binding to human prostate tissues
Authors: Oliveira Carla , Teixeira José A , Schmitt Fernando , Domingues Lucília 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background
Numerous studies indicate that cancer cells present an aberrant glycosylation pattern that can be detected by lectin histochemistry. Lectins have shown the ability to recognise these modifications in several carcinomas, namely in the prostate carcinoma, one of the most lethal diseases in man. Thus, the aim of this work was to investigate if the α-D-galactose-binding plant lectin frutalin is able to detect such changes in the referred carcinoma. Frutalin was obtained from different sources namely, its natural source (plant origin) and a recombinant source (Pichia expression system). Finally, the results obtained with the two lectins were compared and their potential use as prostate tumour biomarkers was discussed.

Results
The binding of recombinant and native frutalin to specific glycoconjugates expressed in human prostate tissues was assessed by using an immuhistochemical technique. A total of 20 cases of prostate carcinoma and 25 cases of benign prostate hyperplasia were studied. Lectins bound directly to the tissues and anti-frutalin polyclonal antibody was used as the bridge to react with the complex biotinilated anti-rabbit IgG plus streptavidin-conjugated peroxidase. DAB was used as visual indicator to specifically localise the binding of the lectins to the tissues. Both lectins bound to the cells cytoplasm of the prostate carcinoma glands. The binding intensity of native frutalin was stronger in the neoplasic cells than in hyperplasic cells; however no significant statistical correlation could be found (P = 0.051). On the other hand, recombinant frutalin bound exclusively to the neoplasic cells and a significant positive statistical correlation was obtained (P < 0.00001). However, recombinant frutalin did not recognise all malignant prostate cases and, when positive, the binding to those tissues was heterogeneous.

Conclusion
Native and recombinant frutalin yielded different binding responses in the prostate tissues due to their differences in carbohydrate-binding affinities. Also, this study shows that both lectins may be used as histochemical biomarkers for the prostate cancer. Moreover, the successful use of a recombinant lectin in immunohistochemical studies of prostate cancer was for the first time demonstrated, highlighting the advantages of using recombinant systems in the preparation of pure lectin samples for diagnostic purpose.
Glucosamine suppresses proliferation of human prostate carcinoma DU145 cells through inhibition of STAT3 signaling
Authors: Chesnokov Viktor , Sun Chao , Itakura Keiichi 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background
Glucosamine is known as a toxic agent for several malignant cell lines and transplanted tumors with little toxicity to normal host tissues. However, the mechanisms underlying anticancer activity of glucosamine are poorly understood. To study the mechanisms, the human prostate cancer DU145 cells were used for the model.

Results
Glucosamine at concentration 2 mM suppressed proliferation and induced death of DU145 cells. Detailed analysis showed that glucosamine decreased DNA synthesis, arrested cell cycle at G1 phase and induced apoptosis. The effects of glucosamine were associated with up-regulation of p21waf1/cip, a CDK inhibitor. Our further studies identified glucosamine as an inhibitor of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 which is constitutively activated in many cancer cells including DU145 cells. Glucosamine inhibited phosphorylation of STAT3 at the Tyr705 residue and as a result, reduced STAT3 DNA binding and transcriptional activities. Indeed, the expression of apoptosis inhibitor survivin, which is well known target of STAT3, was suppressed. Contrary to DU145 cells, glucosamine did not affect proliferation of other human prostate cancer PC-3 and C4-2B cells, in which STAT 3 signal pathway is not constitutively active.

Conclusion
Our data identifies glucosamine as a suppressor of STAT3 signaling and suggests that anticancer activity of glucosamine may be attributed to the suppression of STAT3 activity. Potential application of glucosamine for the treatment of tumors with constitutively active STAT3 is proposed.
Adolescent-parent interactions and attitudes around screen time and sugary drink consumption: a qualitative study
Authors: Hattersley Libby A , Shrewsbury Vanessa A , King Lesley A , Howlett Sarah A , Hardy Louise L , Baur Louise A 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background
Little is known about how adolescents and their parents interact and talk about some of the key lifestyle behaviors that are associated with overweight and obesity, such as screen time (ST) and sugary drink (SD) consumption. This qualitative study aimed to explore adolescents' and parents' perceptions, attitudes, and interactions in regards to these topics.

Methods
Using an exploratory approach, semi-structured focus groups were conducted separately with adolescents and (unrelated) parents. Participants were recruited from low and middle socio-economic areas in the Sydney metropolitan area and a regional area of New South Wales, Australia. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis for each of the four content areas (adolescent-ST, adolescent-SD consumption, parents' views on adolescents' ST and parents' views on adolescents' SD consumption).

Results
Nine focus groups, with a total of 63 participants, were conducted. Broad themes spanned all groups: patterns of behavior; attitudes and concerns; adolescent-parent interactions; strategies for behavior change; and awareness of ST guidelines. While parents and adolescents described similar patterns of behaviour in relation to adolescents' SD consumption and ST, there were marked differences in their attitudes to these two behaviours which were also evident in the adolescent-parent interactions in the home that they described. Parents felt able to limit adolescents' access to SDs, but felt unable to control their adolescents' screen time.

Conclusion
This study offers unique insights regarding topics rarely explored with parents or adolescents, yet which are part of everyday family life, are known to be linked to risk of weight gain, and are potentially amenable to change.
Genetic diversity and evolution of human metapneumovirus fusion protein over twenty years
Authors: Yang Chin-Fen , Wang Chiaoyin K , Tollefson Sharon J , Piyaratna Rohith , Lintao Linda D , Chu Marla , Liem Alexis , Mark Mary , Spaete Richard R , Crowe James E , Williams John V 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is an important cause of acute respiratory illness in children. We examined the diversity and molecular evolution of HMPV using 85 full-length F (fusion) gene sequences collected over a 20-year period.

Results
The F gene sequences fell into two major groups, each with two subgroups, which exhibited a mean of 96% identity by predicted amino acid sequences. Amino acid identity within and between subgroups was higher than nucleotide identity, suggesting structural or functional constraints on F protein diversity. There was minimal progressive drift over time, and the genetic lineages were stable over the 20-year period. Several canonical amino acid differences discriminated between major subgroups, and polymorphic variations tended to cluster in discrete regions. The estimated rate of mutation was 7.12 × 10-4 substitutions/site/year and the estimated time to most recent common HMPV ancestor was 97 years (95% likelihood range 66-194 years). Analysis suggested that HMPV diverged from avian metapneumovirus type C (AMPV-C) 269 years ago (95% likelihood range 106-382 years).

Conclusion
HMPV F protein remains conserved over decades. HMPV appears to have diverged from AMPV-C fairly recently.
Effects of PARP-1 deficiency on airway inflammatory cell recruitment in response to LPS or TNF: differential effects on CXCR2 ligands and Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines
Authors: Zerfaoui Mourad , Naura Amarjit S , Errami Youssef , Hans Chetan P , Rezk Bashir M , Park Jiwon , Elsegeiny Waleed , Kim Hogyoung , Lord Kevin , Kim Jong G , Boulares A Hamid 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Differential influences mediated by PARP-1 on the balance of pro-neutrophilic or pro-macrophagic stimulatory factors may govern the nature of airway inflammation in response to different stimuli.
We reported that PARP-1 exhibits differential roles in expression of inflammatory factors. Here, we show that PARP-1 deletion was associated with a significant reduction in inflammatory cell recruitment to mouse airways upon intratracheal administration of LPS. However, PARP-1 deletion exerted little effect in response to TNF exposure. LPS induced massive neutrophilia and moderate recruitment of macrophages, and TNF induced recruitment of primarily macrophages with smaller numbers of neutrophils in the lungs. Following either exposure, macrophage recruitment was blocked severely in PARP-1−/− mice, and this was associated with a marked reduction in MCP-1 and MIP-1α. This association was corroborated partly by macrophage recruitment in response to intratracheal administration of MCP-1 in PARP-1−/− mice. Surprisingly, although neutrophil recruitment was reduced significantly in LPS-treated PARP-1−/− mice, neutrophil numbers increased in TNF-treated mice, suggesting that PARP-1 deletion may promote a macrophagic-to-neutrophilic shift in the inflammatory response upon TNF exposure. Neutrophil-specific chemokines mKC and MIP-2 were reduced significantly in lungs of LPS-treated but only partially reduced in TNF-treated PARP-1−/− mice. Furthermore, the MIP-2 antagonist abrogated the shift to a neutrophilic response in TNF-exposed PARP-1−/− mice. Although CXCR2 expression increased in response to either stimulus in PARP-1+/+ mice, the DARC increased only in lungs of TNF-treated PARP-1+/+ mice; both receptors were reduced to basal levels in treated PARP-1−/− mice. Our results show that the balance of pro-neutrophilic or pro-macrophagic stimulatory factors and the differential influence of PARP-1 on these factors are critical determinants for the nature of the airway inflammatory response.
Appalling and appealing: A qualitative study of the character of men's self‐harm
Authors: Russell Graeme. , Moss Duncan. , Miller Joe. 
Published: September 2009

Objectives. To engage with the experiential phenomena of men's self‐harm, to get a sense of its ‘feel’, its character, and to relate these things in a useful and authentic way.Design. Qualitative in‐depth interview study with design input from service users' groups.Method. Hermeneutic phenomenology. Two interviews with each of four participants in their homes, with the intention of developing understanding through dialogic interview and reflection.Results. Some of the character of men's self‐harm was recognizable from the psychodynamic and functional literature: soothing practices, dissociation, and an ambivalent stuckness around separation versus incorporation. There were other, unexpected structures present: existential vulnerability and openness, sacrifice, lack of boundary, and insatiability.Conclusions. Professionals who work with men who self‐harm may like to be aware of these relational dynamics.
Non‐clinical obsessions in a young adolescent population: Frequency and association with metacognitive variables
Authors: Crye Jenny. , Laskey Ben. , Cartwright‐Hatton Sam. 
Published: September 2009

Objectives. Little is known about normal obsessions in adolescence. This study examined the frequency and content of intrusions in adolescence, and a number of process variables that have been associated with obsessions in adults.Design and methods. Sixty‐two adolescents (aged 12–14 years) participated. They completed measures of obsessions and metacognitive beliefs. They were interviewed about recent episodes of obsessional thought, including content, frequency, acceptability, distress, dismissibilty, interference, and avoidance.Results. Seventy‐seven per cent of participants reported obsessions. Frequency, distress, dismissibility, acceptability, interference, and avoidance, were associated with metacognitive appraisals.Conclusions. Obsessions are a normal experience in adolescence and are associated with metacognitive appraisals in the same way as for adults, indicating that adult models may be relevant for this younger population.
Laboratory Tests of Water Penetration through Wall-Window Interfaces Based on U.S. Residential Window Installation Practice
Authors: Lacasse M. A. , Rousseau M. , Cornick S. M. , Armstrong M. , Ganapathy G. , Nicholls M. , Williams M. F. 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Inadequate detailing practice and defective installation of windows has accounted for a significant number of premature failures of the building envelope. This has spurred the development of alternative construction details to manage water intrusion at the wall-window interface. Laboratory investigations focused on assessing the effectiveness of wall-window interface details to manage rainwater intrusion in the wall assembly have provided an effective way to obtain useful information on the varying performance of different interface details. Previous studies undertaken to investigate the effectiveness of details typically used in wood frame low-rise wall assemblies have shown the degree to which different details manage rainwater intrusion and the extent of fault tolerance of such systems. This paper reports on results obtained from laboratory testing of two sets of wall-window interface details and variations on their implementation, that are representative of residential and light commercial window installation practice in the United States. Results from these tests indicate that the window installations details of the type assessed in this study are adequate to manage even the most significant rainfall events as might occur in North America. It was also demonstrated that window installation designs that do not permit drainage from the sill are vulnerable to excessive water retention during significant wind-driven rain events. Additionally, critical elements for achieving functional window installation details included: Sill-pan flashing with watertight corners; openings along the interface between the sill and window flange to permit water drainage; and continuity of the air barrier system at the interface with the window frame and window. Such designs could be adopted for climate zones having heightened wind-driven rain loads such as the coastal areas of the United States subjected to severe storm events. The work is limited to evaluating the response of wall-window interface details to simulated wind-driven rain and water penetration; it does not address hygrothermal effects.