bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transglutaminase down‐regulates the dimerization of epidermal growth factor receptor in rat perivenous and periportal hepatocytes
Authors: Maruko A. , Ohtake Y. , Katoh S. , Ohkubo Y. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractObjective:  Recently, we found that transglutaminase 2 (TG2) might be involved in the difference in proliferative capacities between periportal hepatocytes (PPH) and perivenous hepatocytes (PVH) through down‐regulation of high‐affinity epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). However, it is uncertain whether this high‐affinity EGFR contributes to the hepatocyte growth signalling pathway. Here, we have investigated the influence of TG2 on EGF‐induced EGFR dimerization and its phosphorylation, which are important steps in the hepatocyte proliferative/growth signalling pathway, in PPH and PVH.Materials and methods:  PPH and PVH were isolated using the digitonin/collagenase perfusion technique. Amounts of TG2, EGFR dimerization and its phosphorylation were determined by Western blot analysis.Results:  Pretreatment with monodansylcadaverine, an inhibitor of TG2, greatly increased EGF‐induced EGFR dimerization and its phosphorylation in PVH compared with PPH. Conversely, treatment with retinoic acid, an inducer of TG2, significantly decreased EGF‐induced EGFR dimerization and its phosphorylation with a significant increase in TG2 expression and its catalysed products, isopeptide bonds, in both subpopulations. It was found that EGFR served as a substrate for TG2.Conclusion:  The present data showed good correlation with our previous data on EGF‐induced DNA synthesis and EGFR‐binding affinity to EGF. These results suggest that zonal difference in cell growth between PPH and PVH may be caused by down‐regulation of EGFR dimerization and subsequent autophosphorylation through TG2‐mediated cross‐linking of EGFR.
Co‐treatment with deoxycholic acid and azoxymethane accelerates secretion of HMGB1 in IEC6 intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Fujii K. , Luo Y. , Sasahira T. , Denda A. , Ohmori H. , Kuniyasu H. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractObjectives:  High‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a nuclear protein that acts as a ligand of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and its expression enhances progression of cancer. However, the mechanism underlying HMGB1 secretion is still unclear. In this study, we examined the effect of deoxycholic acid (DCA), a promoter of colon carcinogenesis, on HMGB1 secretion.Materials and Methods:  We used an in vitro transformation model comprised of IEC6 intestinal epithelial cells treated with azoxymethane (AOM) and/or DCA. HMGB1 expression and secretion were examined by Western and Northern blot analyses, and ELISA. Intracellular translocation of HMGB1 was examined by protein fractionation.Results:  AOM + DCA‐treated IEC6 cells showed upregulation of HMGB1 mRNA expression and increased level of HMGB1 protein in culture medium, but decreased level of HMGB1 protein in the nucleus. AOM + DCA treatment increased level of histone H4 acetylation, which induced translocation of HMGB1 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and increased HMGB1 secretion. Leptomycin B inhibited extranuclear translocation and secretion of the HMGB1 protein.Conclusion:  These findings suggest that DCA affects intracellular localization and secretion of HMGB1.
How do placements in kinship care compare with those in non‐kin foster care: placement patterns, progress and outcomes?
Authors: Farmer Elaine 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTAs the use of kinship care is set to rise in England, it is important that policy and practice developments are based on firm evidence about kin placement outcomes and how these compare with those in stranger foster care. The research reported in this paper was based on case file reviews of 270 children, half in kin placements and half in stranger foster care, and on interviews with a sub‐sample of 32 kin carers, social workers, children and parents. Kin carers were found to be significantly more disadvantaged than stranger foster carers: more kin carers were lone carers, with health problems, living in overcrowded conditions and had financial difficulties. The children, in contrast, were remarkably similar in the two kinds of placement. The main differences between the children in the two settings are examined in the paper. The children's progress and outcomes in terms of placement quality and disruption were very similar in the two settings, but kin placements lasted longer, mainly because fewer were planned as interim placements. However, because kin carers persisted with very challenging children and yet received fewer services than stranger foster carers, they were more often under strain. The implications for policy and practice are examined.
Child well‐being through different lenses: why concept matters
Authors: Axford Nick 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT‘Well‐being’ has entered policy rhetoric in children's services in the UK and other Western developed countries as a companion to other buzzwords of recent years. In order to improve children's well‐being, we need not only a better understanding of what it is and how services can improve it, but also the ability to measure child well‐being in order to evaluate success. This paper explores conceptually and empirically the ‘lenses’ through which child well‐being is often viewed. It considers the relationships between these perspectives, the added value that each one brings and the implications for services.
Effects of peripheral administration of synthetic human glucose‐dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) on energy expenditure and subjective appetite sensations in healthy normal weight subjects and obese patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Daousi C. , Wilding J. P. H. , Aditya S. , Durham B. H. , Cleator J. , Pinkney J. H. , Ranganath L. R. 
Published: July 2009

SummaryBackground  Apart from their role in insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis, the incretin hormones glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) and glucose‐dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) exert a number of extra‐pancreatic effects which in the case of GIP remain largely unknown.Design/patients  Six obese male patients with diet‐controlled type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and six healthy lean male subjects were studied. The protocol included four experiments for each participant that were carried out in randomized order and included: GLP‐1 infusion at a rate of 1 pmol/kg/min for 4 h, GIP at a rate of 2 pmol/kg/min, GLP‐1 (at 1 pmol/kg/min) with GIP (at 2 pmol/kg/min), and placebo infusion for 4 h. Energy expenditure (EE) was measured throughout with indirect calorimetry and subjects were given a series of visual analogue scales to rate hourly their hunger, fullness, urge to eat and prospective consumption of food. Immediately following termination of the infusions all subjects were offered a free choice buffet lunch and total calorie and macronutrient intake was calculated.Results  During GIP infusion there was a trend for healthy subjects to report higher hunger scores and a reduction in EE only when compared with placebo. These parameters remained unchanged in patients with T2DM. Ad libitum energy intake after all four infusions was the same in both groups.Conclusion  We report here for the first time that GIP infusion may impact on resting EE and subjective appetite sensations in normal weight healthy subjects and further studies with larger numbers of subjects are required to help define more conclusively the precise role of GIP in energy balance in humans.
Comparison of the molecular consequences of different mutations at residue 754 and 690 of the androgen receptor (AR) and androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) phenotype
Authors: Tadokoro Rieko , Bunch Trevor , Schwabe John W. R. , Hughes Ieuan A. , Murphy Jane C. 
Published: July 2009

SummaryObjective  Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is associated with mutations throughout the androgen receptor (AR) gene. Different mutations at the same codon have been identified in individuals with various phenotypes suggesting the nature of the codon substituted may influence the degree of AIS. We investigated if phenotype could be predicted by comparing the functionality of AR mutations with those at the same codon of known phenotype.Patients  We identified patients from the Cambridge Disorders of Sex Development Database with the AR substitutions: Phe754Ser with microphallus without hypospadias and Asp690Val with complete AIS. Mutations Phe754Leu, Phe754Val and Asp690deletion (Asp690del) have previously been reported to be associated with different degrees of AIS.Design  We characterized the functional properties of Phe754Ser, Phe754Leu, Phe754Val, Asp690Val and Asp690del receptor mutants in vitro and used the crystal structure of the AR ligand binding domain to model the mutations.Results  The receptor mutants Phe754Ser, Phe754Leu and Phe754Val bound androgen with decreasing affinity, while Asp690Val showed reduced affinity compared to Asp690del. A similar pattern of reduced activation was seen on androgen responsive elements. We suggest how the mutations could affect AR structure, resulting in the observed phenotypes.Conclusions  The relative functional properties of Phe754 and Asp690 mutant AR receptors correlate broadly with their specific phenotypes. Therefore, comparing the molecular consequences of novel mutations with others at the same codon may be a useful aid to AIS patient management, particularly for sex of rearing decisions when prediction of functionality is important.
Demographic, physical and lifestyle factors associated with androgen status: the Florey Adelaide Male Ageing Study (FAMAS)
Authors: Atlantis Evan , Martin Sean A. , Haren Matthew T. , O'Loughlin Peter D. , Taylor Anne W. , Anand‐Ivell Ravinder , Ivell Richard , Wittert Gary A. ,   Members of the Florey Adelaide Male Ageing Study
Published: July 2009

SummaryObjective  Plasma androgen levels are inversely associated with health in men, the age‐related decline of which may result from factors other than ageing per se. This study aimed to determine the effects of demographic, physical and lifestyle factors on age‐related androgen status in men.Design  An observational survey of a regionally representative male population residing in the North West regions of Adelaide, Australia.Participants  Study sample includes 1195 men aged 35–81 years with a response rate of 45·1%.Measurements  Plasma levels of total testosterone (TT), bioavailable testosterone (BT), SHBG, insulin‐like peptide 3 (INSL3), and gonadotrophins were measured along with an extensive list of demographic, physical and lifestyle factors including body composition, muscle strength and biomarkers of chronic diseases, physical activity, nutrition and smoking behaviour.Results  Low TT was mostly associated with high abdominal fat and triglycerides and low muscle strength rather than ageing per se. Low BT was associated with increased age followed by high whole body fat percentage. BT and TT levels were higher in unmarried men and smokers. SHBG levels increased with age, but were also inversely associated with insulin and triglycerides. The Leydig cell specific factor INSL3 was the strongest biomarker associated with both TT and BT.Conclusions  Factors associated with low androgen status variably include high body fat percentage, low muscle strength and biomarkers of the metabolic syndrome. Reducing exposure to factors that adversely affect androgen status may improve the general health of ageing men by mechanisms yet to be defined.
Alkalinity generation and sediment CO2 uptake influence establishment of Sparganium angustifolium in softwater lakes
Authors: LUCASSEN ESTHER C. H. E. T. , SPIERENBURG P. , FRAAIJE R. G. A. , SMOLDERS A. J. P. , ROELOFS J. G. M. 
Published: July 2009

Summary1.  Softwater lakes are generally dominated by slow growing, small, isoetid plant species that are adapted to the carbon‐ and nutrient‐limited conditions in these lakes. We investigated the strategy of a fast growing species, Sparganium angustifolium, for occupying softwater lakes. A field survey was carried out in Norwegian carbon‐limited Isoëteto‐Lobelietum softwater lakes to compare abiotic conditions at locations with and without S. angustifolium. In addition, long term abiotic changes (1995–2008) related to the sudden establishment of the species on experimentally limed plots were studied. Based on the results, the carbon acquisition mechanism of S. angustifolium was tested in eco‐physiological laboratory experiments.2. The redox potential was significantly lower at locations with S. angustifolium (220 ± 2.3) compared to locations without S. angustifolium (338.1 ± 13.9). The lower redox potential was accompanied by significantly higher concentrations of HCO3−, CO2 and Fe2+ in the sediment pore water, indicating in‐lake alkalinity generation due to higher iron reduction rates in the generally iron‐rich sediments. In addition, the lower redox potential was accompanied by a higher nutrient availability (NH4+ and PO43−) in the sediment pore water. Since there were no differences in water quality between the lakes, the ability of S. angustifolium to grow in softwater lakes very likely depends upon the higher dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and nutrient concentrations present in the sediment pore water.3. Results from the liming experiment revealed that appearance of S. angustifolium on limed plots was related to the dissolution of Ca and Mg carbonates and development of a lower redox potential in the sediment. These processes were accompanied by a sustained increase in the availability of DIC in the sediment pore water.4. The eco‐physiological experiments indicated that S. angustifolium can increase in biomass and produce floating leaves at a relatively high DIC availability in the root medium. In addition, it appeared that S. angustifolium can take up CO2 by the roots. As far as we know, the ability to use sediment CO2 has only been described as an adaptation typical for isoetid plant species. Use of the relatively large sediment CO2 pools present in these sediment types (>1000 μmol L−1) to enable development of long floating leaves for additional uptake of atmospheric CO2 is a very different strategy to colonise softwater lakes as compared to isoetid plant species.
Nitrogen deposition causes widespread loss of species richness in British habitats
Authors: MASKELL LINDSAY C. , SMART SIMON M. , BULLOCK JAMES M. , THOMPSON KEN , STEVENS CARLY J. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractWe use national scale data to test the hypothesis that nitrogen (N) deposition is strongly negatively correlated with plant species richness in a wide range of ecosystem types. Vegetation plots from a national ecological surveillance programme were drawn from heathland, acid, calcareous and mesotrophic grassland habitats. Mean species number and mean plant traits were calculated for each plot and related to atmospheric N deposition. There was a significant reduction in species richness with N deposition in acid grassland and heathland even after fitting covarying factors. In acid grassland and heathland, evidence from trait changes suggested that acidification rather than increased fertility was responsible for species loss. In contrast, calcareous grassland showed evidence of eutrophication in response to increasing N deposition. Loss of species richness from chronic N deposition is apparent in infertile grasslands and heathland. Mechanisms associated with loss of species richness differ between habitats so mitigation of N deposition should be targeted to habitat type.
Low frequency of MAP kinase pathway alterations in KIT and PDGFRA wild‐type GISTs
Authors: Martinho Olga , Gouveia António , Viana‐Pereira Marta , Silva Paula , Pimenta Amadeu , Reis Rui Manuel , Lopes José Manuel 
Published: July 2009

Aims:  Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are commonly driven by oncogenic mutations in KIT and PDGFRA. However, 10–40% of these patients are wild‐type for these genes. The prognostic significance of wild‐type GISTs is controversial, and they rarely respond to imatinib. The aim of this study was to elucidate the molecular lesions underlying wild‐type GISTs tumorigenesis.Methods and results:  Twenty‐nine KIT and PDGFRA wild‐type GISTs were re‐assessed for the presence of ‘cryptic’KIT exon 11 duplications. Using a specific polymerase chain reaction assay, three previously undetected mutations were identified. In the remaining 26 wild‐type GISTs, KIT, stem cell factor (SCF), phospho‐KIT and phospho‐ERK expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Samples were screened for gain‐of‐function mutations in the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade. KIT and SCF co‐expression associated with KIT activation was observed in approximately 30% of cases. Furthermore, phospho‐ERK expression showed that MAPK is activated in approximately 30% of cases. None of RAS family (H‐, K‐ and N‐RAS) oncogenes exhibited activating mutations, whereas BRAF mutations were found in approximately 4% of cases.Conclusions:  In the absence of RAS mutations, MAPK could be activated through SCF/KIT autocrine/paracrine mechanisms and/or mutated BRAF in a subset of KIT/PDGFRA wild‐type GISTs.
Caveolin‐1 expression in lung carcinoma varies according to tumour histotype and is acquired de novo in brain metastases
Authors: Cassoni Paola , Daniele Lorenzo , Maldi Elena , Righi Luisella , Tavaglione Veronica , Novello Silvia , Volante Marco , Scagliotti Giorgio Vittorio , Papotti Mauro 
Published: July 2009

Aims:  To study caveolin‐1 (Cav‐1) expression in metastatic lung carcinomas.Methods and results:  Cav‐1 expression was investigated in a series of 121 lung carcinomas and it was shown that 18/121 tumours (14.9%) were Cav‐1+. None of the pure bronchioloalveolar carcinomas proved to be positive, vs. 42.8% of the large cell carcinomas (neuroendocrine subtype excluded). Adenocarcinomas (8.5%), large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (20%) and squamous cell carcinomas (29.6%) displayed an intermediate percentage of positive cases, suggesting a gradient of Cav‐1 expression according to tumour histotype‐related aggressiveness. Moreover, the percentage of Cav‐1+ tumours with distant metastases was almost double that of non‐metastatic tumours (17.8% vs. 8.1%), irrespective of the histotype. In 34 tumours metastatic to the brain, primary and secondary lesions were compared and 53% of brain metastases were Cav‐1+ vs. 20.6% of primaries, indicating a de novo acquisition of Cav‐1 expression. This pattern was exclusive to the brain, as it was not acquired in adrenal metastases. In our series, the presence of epidermal growth factor receptor amplification, determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization, was not related to Cav‐1 reactivity.Conclusions:  Cav‐1 immunoreactivity in lung carcinoma is histotype‐dependent and acquired de novo in brain metastases, suggesting a site‐specific phenotypic shift in secondary lesions.
Australian endodontists’ perceptions of single and multiple visit root canal treatment
Authors: Sathorn C. , Parashos P. , Messer H. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAim  To ascertain endodontist’s point of view (treatment philosophy, rationale and preference) regarding single‐ and multiple‐visit root canal treatment. To identify the basis on which the choice is made and how the information necessary for the choice is acquired.Methodology  Endodontists registered with the dental practice board of every state in Australia were contacted, and if they agreed to participate, they were interviewed either face to face or by telephone. The following topics were addressed in an interview lasting 15 to 20 min: demographics, current clinical procedures, treatment rationales and preference. A hypothetical scenario was posed to investigate which treatment regimen they would prefer to deliver if biological concerns were eliminated from consideration.Results  Fifty‐two endodontists (71% of all Australian endodontists) agreed to participate in the study. Almost all (51/52) participants had performed single‐visit root canal treatment, but very few routinely performed it. A majority of participants were willing to provide single‐visit treatment where patients had time constraints, and in vital cases (including elective endodontics). The most powerful factor of influencing practice change was interpersonal contact with colleagues. Publications in academic journals have a weak influence in practice change.Conclusions  Australian endodontists strongly prefer multiple‐visit over single‐visit root canal treatment even in cases where biological concerns are not an issue. Operator preference rather than biological or patient considerations appear to be the primary determinant of treatment choice.
Relationship between ambient temperature and heat flux in the scrotal skin
Authors: Song G.‐S. , Seo J. T. 
Published: July 2009

SummaryExcessive scrotal heating or cooling may lead to the cessation of spermatogenesis. Data regarding heat exchange rates in scrotal skin can be used to control testicular temperature within the appropriate range. Heat flux (HF) in the scrotal skin surface is generated based on the surrounding environment. This study aims to elucidate the HF of scrotal skin by varying ambient temperature. Twenty college students including seven varicoceles volunteered as the subjects (mean age: 22.95 ± SD 1.96 years; height: 175.00 ± 5.17 cm; weight: 68.40 ± 8.65 kg; body mass index: 22.28 ± 2.15), and participated in the experiments from September 11 to October 4, 2006. The environmental temperature was controlled at 20 °C and 25 °C in the first and second experiment respectively. The HF and skin temperature on both sides of the scrotal surface were measured for 60 min in the environmental chamber. The results revealed that the HF was 87.64 ± 12.69 W/m2 and 78.91 ± 12.09 W/m2 in the left and right side of the scrotum respectively. The scrotal skin temperature (SST) was 30.28 ± 0.75 °C and 30.24 ± 0.62 °C on the left and right side of the scrotum in the 20 °C environment respectively. In the 25 °C environment the HF was 53.54 ± 8.86 W/m2 and 45.25 ± 8.32 W/m2, and the SST was 32.29 ± 0.61 °C and 32.07 ± 0.36 °C on the left and right side of the scrotum respectively. The cooling source power to decrease testicular temperature is suggested at 290 W/m2. This suggested value could be adopted a cooling device as clinical therapy for a heat stress patient to decrease testicular temperature affecting spermatogenesis.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) a natural source of edible yellow colour
Authors: Joshi Priyanka , Jain Shashi , Sharma Vimal 
Published: July 2009

Summary Curcuma longa, L. an important natural sources of yellow colour was successfully extracted with acetone, ethanol and propanol. The liquid colour was developed from concentrated oleoresin (50 mL) by addition of 10 mL of polysorbate. The resultant liquid colour was water‐soluble. The powder colour was prepared by crystallisation of concentrated oleoresin. The best quality of crystals (dry) was formed with petroleum ether. The result of physico‐chemical properties revealed that liquid colour was soluble in all water‐based medium while crystallised colour was fat‐soluble on heating. Both liquid and crystal colour retained >80% of their colour for 6 months. It was concluded that yellow colour in liquid and crystal form could be developed from turmeric with acceptable physico‐chemical properties. Both colour can be used in food products and had good market potential.