bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impaired antiviral activity of interferon alpha against hepatitis C virus 2a in Huh-7 cells with a defective Jak-Stat pathway
Authors: Hazari Sidhartha , Chandra Partha K , Poat Bret , Datta Sibnarayan , Garry Robert F , Foster Timothy P , Kousoulas Gus , Wakita Takaji , Dash Srikanta 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background
The sustained virological response to interferon-alpha (IFN-α) in individuals infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 is only 50%, but is about 80% in patients infected with genotype 2-6 viruses. The molecular mechanisms explaining the differences in IFN-α responsiveness between HCV 1 and other genotypes have not been elucidated.

Results
Virus and host cellular factors contributing to IFN responsiveness were analyzed using a green fluorescence protein (GFP) based replication system of HCV 2a and Huh-7 cell clones that either possesses or lack a functional Jak-Stat pathway. The GFP gene was inserted into the C-terminal non-structural protein 5A of HCV 2a full-length and sub-genomic clones. Both HCV clones replicated to a high level in Huh-7 cells and could be visualized by either fluorescence microscopy or flow cytometric analysis. Huh-7 cells transfected with the GFP tagged HCV 2a genome produced infectious virus particles and the replication of fluorescence virus particles was demonstrated in naïve Huh-7.5 cells after infection. IFN-α effectively inhibited the replication of full-length as well as sub-genomic HCV 2a clones in Huh-7 cells with a functional Jak-Stat pathway. However, the antiviral effect of IFN-α against HCV 2a virus was not observed in Huh-7 cell clones with a defect in Jak-Stat signaling. HCV infection or replication did not alter IFN-α induced Stat phosphorylation or ISRE promoter-luciferase activity in both the sensitive and resistant Huh-7 cell clones.

Conclusions
The cellular Jak-Stat pathway is critical for a successful IFN-α antiviral response against HCV 2a. HCV infection or replication did not alter signaling by the Jak-Stat pathway. GFP labeled JFH1 2a replicon based stable cell lines with IFN sensitive and IFN resistant phenotypes can be used to develop new strategies to overcome IFN-resistance against hepatitis C.
Efficacy of IP6 + inositol in the treatment of breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: prospective, randomized, pilot clinical study
Authors: Bačić Ivan , Družijanić Nikica , Karlo Robert , Škifić Ivan , Jagić Stjepan 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background
Prospective, randomized, pilot clinical study was conducted to evaluate the beneficial effects of inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) + Inositol in breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant therapy.

Patients and methods
Patients with invasive ductal breast cancer where polychemotherapy was indicated were monitored in the period from 2005-2007. Fourteen patients in the same stage of ductal invasive breast cancer were involved in the study, divided in two randomized groups. One group was subjected to take IP6 + Inositol while the other group was taking placebo. In both groups of patients the same laboratory parameters were monitored. When the treatment was finished, all patients have filled questionnaires QLQ C30 and QLQ-BR23 to determine the quality of life.

Results
Patients receiving chemotherapy, along with IP6 + Inositol did not have cytopenia, drop in leukocyte and platelet counts. Red blood cell counts and tumor markers were unaltered in both groups. However, patients who took IP6 + Inositol had significantly better quality of life (p = 0.05) and functional status (p = 0.0003) and were able to perform their daily activities.

Conclusion
IP6 + Inositol as an adjunctive therapy is valuable help in ameliorating the side effects and preserving quality of life among the patients treated with chemotherapy.
Muscle activity and hydrodynamic function of pelvic fins in trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Standen E. M. 
Published: February 2010

SUMMARYContrary to the previous premise that pelvic fins lacked obvious function, recent work on three-dimensional fin motions suggests that pelvic fins actively control stability and speed in slowly swimming trout. This study used electromyography to measure pelvic fin muscle activity and particle imaging velocimetry to quantify flow along the ventral body region to test this hypothesis. Fish swam at slow speeds (0.13-1.36 BL s−1) while being filmed with three high speed cameras. Three-dimensional kinematics were captured for all trials. During EMG trials pelvic fin muscle activity was synchronized to kinematic motion, during particle imaging velocimetry trials, a laser light-sheet was used to visualize the flow surrounding the ventral aspect of the fish. Four main conclusions are reached: first, pelvic fins are actively oscillated during slow-speed swimming; antagonistic abductor and adductor muscles contracted simultaneously, their collective action producing a unique contralateral oscillating behaviour in the fins. Second, pelvic fins slow the flow along the ventral side affecting pitch and yaw instabilities; flow upstream of the pelvic fins is slowed by 0.02 m s−1 and flow downstream of the pelvic fins is slowed by 0.034 m s−1 compared with free stream flow. Third, pelvic fin wake influences anal fin angle of attack; flow angle in the wake of the pelvic fin was 33.84±2.4 deg. (max) and −11.83±11.2 deg. (min) compared with the free stream flow angle of 1.27±0.1 deg. Fourth, pelvic fins appear to actively damp body oscillation during slow-speed swimming, providing drag to help control speed and stabilize the body position during slow-speed swimming.
Biomechanics of locomotion in Asian elephants
Authors: Genin J. J. , Willems P. A. , Cavagna G. A. , Lair R. , Heglund N. C. 
Published: February 2010

SUMMARYElephants are the biggest living terrestrial animal, weighing up to five tons and measuring up to three metres at the withers. These exceptional dimensions provide certain advantages (e.g. the mass-specific energetic cost of locomotion is decreased) but also disadvantages (e.g. forces are proportional to body volume while supportive tissue strength depends on their cross-sectional area, which makes elephants relatively more fragile than smaller animals). In order to understand better how body size affects gait mechanics the movement of the centre of mass (COM) of 34 Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) was studied over their entire speed range of 0.4-5.0 m s−1 with force platforms. The mass-specific mechanical work required to maintain the movements of the COM per unit distance is ~0.2 J kg−1 m−1 (about 1/3 of the average of other animals ranging in size from a 35 g kangaroo rat to a 70 kg human). At low speeds this work is reduced by a pendulum-like exchange between the kinetic and potential energies of the COM, with a maximum energy exchange of ~60% at 1.4 m s−1. At high speeds, elephants use a bouncing mechanism with little exchange between kinetic and potential energies of the COM, although without an aerial phase. Elephants increase speed while reducing the vertical oscillation of the COM from about 3 cm to 1 cm.
Allometry of hummingbird lifting performance
Authors: Altshuler D. L. , Dudley R. , Heredia S. M. , McGuire J. A. 
Published: February 2010

SUMMARYVertical lifting performance in 67 hummingbird species was studied across a 4000 m elevational gradient. We used the technique of asymptotic load-lifting to elicit maximum sustained muscle power output during loaded hovering flight. Our analysis incorporated direct measurements of maximum sustained load and simultaneous wingbeat kinematics, together with aerodynamic estimates of mass-specific mechanical power output, all within a robust phylogenetic framework for the Trochilidae. We evaluated key statistical factors relevant to estimating slopes for allometric relationships by performing analyses with and without phylogenetic information, and incorporating species-specific measurement error. We further examined allometric relationships at different elevations because this gradient represents a natural experiment for studying physical challenges to animal flight mechanics. Maximum lifting capacity (i.e. vertical force production) declined with elevation, but was either isometric or negatively allometric with respect to both body and muscle mass, depending on elevational occurrence of the corresponding taxa. Maximum relative muscle power output exhibited a negative allometry with respect to muscle mass, supporting theoretical predictions from muscle mechanics.
Gene expression profiling of genetically determined growth variation in bivalve larvae (Crassostrea gigas)
Authors: Meyer E. , Manahan D. T. 
Published: February 2010

SUMMARY
Growth rates in animals are governed by a wide range of biological factors, many of which remain poorly understood. To identify the genes that establish growth differences in bivalve larvae, we compared expression patterns in contrasting phenotypes (slow- and fast-growth) that were experimentally produced by genetic crosses of the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas. Based on transcriptomic profiling of 4.5 million cDNA sequence tags, we sequenced and annotated 181 cDNA clones identified by statistical analysis as candidates for differential growth. Significant matches were found in GenBank for 43% of clones (N=78), including 34 known genes. These sequences included genes involved in protein metabolism, energy metabolism and regulation of feeding activity. Ribosomal protein genes were predominant, comprising half of the 34 genes identified. Expression of ribosomal protein genes showed non-additive inheritance — i.e. expression in fast-growing hybrid larvae was different from average levels in inbred larvae from these parental families. The expression profiles of four ribosomal protein genes (RPL18, RPL31, RPL352 and RPS3) were validated by RNA blots using additional, independent crosses from the same families. Expression of RPL35 was monitored throughout early larval development, revealing that these expression patterns were established early in development (in 2-day-old larvae). Our findings (i) provide new insights into the mechanistic bases of growth and highlight genes not previously considered in growth regulation, (ii) support the general conclusion that genes involved in protein metabolism and feeding regulation are key regulators of growth, and (iii) provide a set of candidate biomarkers for predicting differential growth rates during animal development.
Low plasticity in digestive physiology constrains feeding ecology in diet specialist, zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata)
Authors: Brzęk Paweł , Lessner Krista M. , Caviedes-Vidal Enrique , Karasov William H. 
Published: February 2010

SUMMARYIt can be hypothesized that species with a wide or variable food niche are able to adjust their digestive physiology to current food type. In diet specialists, however, the capacity for such presumably costly plasticity is not necessary and flexibility of digestive physiology should be lower. Recently, we found that ontogenetic changes in the activity of digestive enzymes in house sparrow, a species that gradually consumes more carbohydrates during ontogeny, are strongly modified by diet composition. In the present study we examined digestive flexibility of nestling and adult zebra finches, typical diet specialists that consume only seeds after hatching. Both adult and nestling zebra finches could not thrive on a protein-rich and carbohydrate-free diet that supported normal development of young house sparrows. Mass-specific activity of intestinal carbohydrases (maltase and sucrase) was not elevated by higher diet carbohydrate content in both nestling and adult birds. Mass-specific activity of maltase changed less during ontogenetic development in zebra finch than in house sparrow. We conclude that the digestive physiology of zebra finch is adapted to process carbohydrate-rich food after hatching and is much less flexible than in house sparrow. We hypothesize that this difference might reflect the lack of a diet switch during ontogeny or result from high specialization to a narrow diet niche.
Development of aerobic and anaerobic metabolism in cardiac and skeletal muscles from harp and hooded seals
Authors: Burns J. M. , Skomp N. , Bishop N. , Lestyk K. , Hammill M. 
Published: February 2010

SUMMARYIn diving animals, skeletal muscle adaptations to extend underwater time despite selective vasoconstriction include elevated myoglobin (Mb) concentrations, high acid buffering ability (β) and high aerobic and anaerobic enzyme activities. However, because cardiac muscle is perfused during dives, it may rely less heavily on Mb, β and anaerobic pathways to support contractile activity. In addition, because cardiac tissue must sustain contractile activity even before birth, it may be more physiologically mature at birth and/or develop faster than skeletal muscles. To test these hypotheses, we measured Mb levels, β and the activities of citrate synthase (CS), β-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (HOAD) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in cardiac and skeletal muscle samples from 72 harp and hooded seals, ranging in age from fetuses to adults. Results indicate that in adults cardiac muscle had lower Mb levels (14.7%), β (55.5%) and LDH activity (36.2%) but higher CS (459.6%) and HOAD (371.3%) activities (all P&lt;0.05) than skeletal muscle. In addition, while the cardiac muscle of young seals had significantly lower [Mb] (44.7%) β (80.7%) and LDH activity (89.5%) than adults (all P&lt;0.05), it was relatively more mature at birth and weaning than skeletal muscle. These patterns are similar to those in terrestrial species, suggesting that seal hearts do not exhibit unique adaptations to the challenges of an aquatic existence.
The influence of foot posture on the cost of transport in humans
Authors: Cunningham C. B. , Schilling N. , Anders C. , Carrier D. R. 
Published: February 2010

SUMMARY
Although humans appear to be specialized for endurance running, the plantigrade posture of our feet, in which the heel contacts the substrate at the beginning of a step, seems incompatible with economical running. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that plantigrade foot posture reduces the energetic cost of transport (COT) during walking in humans. When human subjects walked with their heels slightly elevated in a ‘low-digitigrade’ posture, COT increased by 53% above that of normal plantigrade walking. By contrast, there was no difference in COT when subjects ran with digitigrade versus plantigrade foot posture. Stride frequency increased and stride length decreased when subjects switched to digitigrade walking; however, this change did not influence the COT. Additionally, we found that possible reductions in postural stability appear not to have caused the elevated cost of digitigrade walking. Digitigrade walking, however, did (1) increase the external mechanical work performed by the limbs; (2) reduce the pendular exchange of kinetic and potential energy of the center of mass; (3) increase the average ground reaction force moment at the ankle joint; and (4) increase the recruitment of major extensor muscles of the ankle, knee, hip and back. These observations suggest that plantigrade foot posture improves the economy of walking. Relative to other mammals, humans are economical walkers, but not economical runners. Given the great distances hunter-gatherers travel, it is not surprising that humans retained a foot posture, inherited from our more arboreal great ape ancestors, that facilitates economical walking.
Chloride channel ClC-3 in gills of the euryhaline teleost,Tetraodon nigroviridis: expression, localization and the possible role of chloride absorption
Authors: Tang Cheng-Hao , Hwang Lie-Yueh , Lee Tsung-Han 
Published: February 2010

SUMMARYPrevious studies have reported the mechanisms of ion absorption and secretion by diverse membrane transport proteins in gills of various teleostean species. To date, however, the chloride channel expressed in the basolateral membrane of mitochondrion-rich (MR) cells for Cl− uptake in freshwater (FW) fish is still unknown. In this study, the combination of bioinformatics tools [i.e. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database, Tetraodon nigroviridis (spotted green pufferfish) genome database (Genoscope), BLAT and BLASTn] were used to identify the gene of ClC-3 (TnClC-3), a member of the CLC chloride channel family in the T. nigroviridis genome. RT-PCR analysis revealed that the gene encoding for the ClC-3 protein was widely expressed in diverse tissues (i.e. gill, kidney, intestine, liver and brain) of FW- and seawater (SW)-acclimated pufferfish. In whole-mount double immunofluorescent staining, branchial ClC-3-like immunoreactive protein was localized to the basolateral membrane of Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) immunoreactive cells in both the FW- and SW-acclimated pufferfish. In response to salinity, the levels of transcript of branchial TnClC-3 were similar between FW and SW fish. Moreover, the membrane fraction of ClC-3-like protein in gills was 2.7-fold higher in FW compared with SW pufferfish. To identify whether the expression of branchial ClC-3-like protein specifically responded to lower environmental [Cl−], the pufferfish were acclimated to artificial waters either with a normal (control) or lower Cl− concentration (low-Cl). Immunoblotting of membrane fractions of gill ClC-3-like protein showed the expression was about 4.3-fold higher in pufferfish acclimated to the low-Cl environment than in the control group. Furthermore, branchial ClC-3-like protein was rapidly elevated in response to acute changes of environmental salinity or [Cl−]. Taken together, pufferfish ClC-3-like protein was expressed in the basolateral membrane of gill MR cells, and the protein amounts were stimulated by hyposmotic and low-Cl environments. The enhancement of ClC-3-like protein may trigger the step of basolateral Cl− absorption of the epithelium to carry out iono- and osmoregulatory functions of euryhaline pufferfish gills.
Investigation of a problem with external quality assurance samples for faecal occult blood
Authors: Barlow Ian M , Del-Duca Clare , Jones Elizabeth 
Published: February 2010

Background It is vital that laboratories participate in External Quality Assurance (EQA) programmes, but results from such schemes do not necessarily help ensure assays are ‘in control’. We describe a series of experiments undertaken to explore apparent poor performance in an occult blood EQA scheme that manifested as a series of false-negatives. As a consequence of our laboratory misclassifying some EQA samples, we decided to design a simple sensitivity study that would reaffirm confidence in our testing procedures. Methods In order to verify analyst reliability and analytical sensitivity, a series of 10 faecal samples were supplemented with increasing amounts of whole blood (0–1.0 mg/Hb/g faeces) and these were then tested independently by four different operatives. EQA samples which our laboratory misclassified were shared with and tested by a second laboratory and results compared. Results The results demonstrated consistency in interpretation among the four ‘testers’ and also suggested that the sensitivity of the method is 0.7 rather than 0.6 mg/Hb/g faeces as claimed by the manufacturer. The second laboratory obtained identical results as our laboratory for the EQA samples which our laboratory had misclassified. Conclusions Occult blood EQA scheme results might not give a true reflection of a laboratory's ability to provide reliable results. We would encourage any laboratory observing relative poor performance to undertake local sensitivity studies and repeat testing of EQA samples if in any doubt.
National UK audit of the Short Synacthen® Test
Authors: Chatha Kamaljit K , Middle Jonathan G , Kilpatrick Eric S 
Published: February 2010

We present the first national audit of the Short Synacthen Test (SST), identifying the clinical, analytical and interpretative procedures adopted by 89 laboratories. Background The SST has replaced the insulin stress test as the first-line test to assess adrenal insufficiency and has received considerable attention regarding its sensitivity and specificity. Concerns regarding this test include the bias of cortisol methods, cut-off values used, contraindications and the limitations of the test in diagnosing recent, mild secondary adrenal insufficiency. The audit took into consideration the protocols used by laboratories, the advice provided prior and after the SST and the analytical bias of the methods used. Methods A web-based questionnaire using Microsoft FrontPageTM was prepared to collect data from laboratories and provided drop-down lists and other form-field elements to capture additional comments. The resultant data were exported to Microsoft ExcelTM for data clean-up and analysis. Results The workloads were highly variable; however, most laboratories were in general agreement to the indications, contraindications, timing and reference ranges. In contrast, there was variability in the bias of the cortisol methods, which had not been translated to the cut-off values used by the majority of laboratories. Conclusions The audit has shown that though the preanalytical procedures were similar in most laboratories, there is a requirement to recognize the effect that method bias may have on the reference ranges and consequently on the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency. There is a need to develop consensus guidelines, which can aid both clinicians and laboratories.
Postmortem Redistribution of Fentanyl in Blood
Authors: Olson Kalen N. , Luckenbill Kristin , Thompson Jonathan , Middleton Owen , Geiselhart Roberta , Mills Kelly M. , Kloss Julie , Apple Fred S. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractFentanyl concentrations were measured in postmortem specimens collected in 20 medical examiner cases from femoral blood (FB), heart blood (HB), heart tissue, liver tissue, and skeletal muscle. Unique was a subset of 7 cases in which FB was obtained at 2 postmortem intervals, shortly after death (FB1) and at autopsy (FB2). The mean collection times of FB1 and FB2 after death were 4.0 and 21.6 hours, respectively. Fentanyl concentrations for FB1 and FB2 ranged from undetectable to 14.6 μg/L (mean, 4.6 μg/L) and 2.0 to 52.5 μg/L (mean, 17.3 μg/L), respectively. Corresponding mean HB, liver tissue, and heart tissue fentanyl concentrations were 29.8 μg/L, 109.7 mg/kg, and 103.4 mg/kg, respectively. The fentanyl HB/FB1 ratio (mean, 8.39) was higher compared with the corresponding HB/FB2 ratio (mean, 3.48). These results suggest that postmortem redistribution of fentanyl can occur in FB.
Shape Is Not Associated With the Origin of Pericolonic Tumor Deposits
Authors: Wünsch Katharina , Müller Jenny , Jähnig Hendrik , Herrmann Robert A. , Arnholdt Hans M. , Märkl Bruno 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Pericolonic tumor deposits (PTDs) are associated with an adverse outcome in colorectal cancer. According to the International Union Against Cancer they are classified as N1 or V1/V2 depending on their shape. This recommendation, however, is not well supported by the literature. To elucidate the origin of PTDs, we performed a histomorphologic study of 69 PTDs, which were found in 7 of 21 colorectal specimens using the whole-mount step-section technique. Depending on the origin, the nodules were classified as venous invasions, lymphatic invasions, nerve sheath infiltrations, free PTDs, and continuous growth in 18 (26%), 3 (4%), 6 (9%), 34 (49%), and 8 (12%) of 69 PTDs, respectively. Polycyclic and oval-round shapes were identified in all categories. Continuous growth was found only within the inner third of the adhering fat, whereas the other morphologic features were found in all regions. The data of this study do not support PTD classification on the basis of their shape.