bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AM630 behaves as a protean ligand at the human cannabinoid CB2 receptor
Authors: Bolognini Daniele , Cascio Maria Grazia , Parolaro Daniela , Pertwee Roger G 
Published: May 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE We have investigated how pre‐incubating hCB2 CHO cells with the CB2 receptor antagonists/inverse agonists, AM630 and SR144528, affects how these and other ligands target hCB2 receptors in these cells or their membranes.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We tested the ability of AM630, SR144528 and of the CB1/CB2 receptor agonists, CP55940 and R‐(+)‐WIN55212, to modulate forskolin‐stimulated cAMP production in hCB2 CHO cells or [35S]‐GTPγS binding to membranes prepared from these cells, or to displace [3H]‐CP55940 from whole cells and membranes. Assays were also performed with the CB2 receptor partial agonist, Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabivarin. Some cells were pre‐incubated with AM630 or SR144528 and then washed extensively.KEY RESULTS AM630 behaved as a low‐potency neutral competitive antagonist in AM630‐pre‐incubated cells, a low‐potency agonist in SR144528‐pre‐incubated cells, and a much higher‐potency inverse agonist/antagonist in vehicle‐pre‐incubated cells. AM630 pre‐incubation (i) reduced the inverse efficacy of SR144528 without abolishing it; (ii) increased the efficacy of Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabivarin; and (iii) did not affect the potency with which AM630 displaced [3H]‐CP55940 from whole cells or its inverse agonist potency and efficacy in the [35S]‐GTPγS membrane assay.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These results suggest that AM630 is a protean ligand that can target a constitutively active form of the hCB2 receptor (R*) with low affinity to produce agonism or neutral antagonism and a constitutively inactive form of this receptor (R) with much higher affinity to produce inverse agonism, and that the constitutive activity of whole cells is decreased less by pre‐incubation with AM630 than with the higher‐efficacy inverse agonist, SR144528.LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.165.issue‐8. To view Part I of Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.163.issue‐7
Electrocardiogram‐Synchronized Rotational Speed Change Mode in Rotary Pumps Could Improve Pulsatility
Authors: Ando Masahiko , Nishimura Takashi , Takewa Yoshiaki , Yamazaki Kenji , Kyo Shunei , Ono Minoru , Tsukiya Tomonori , Mizuno Toshihide , Taenaka Yoshiyuki , Tatsumi Eisuke 
Published: May 2011

AbstractContinuous‐flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have greatly improved the prognosis of patients with end‐stage heart failure, even if continuous flow is different from physiological flow in that it has less pulsatility. A novel pump controller of continuous‐flow LVADs has been developed, which can change its rotational speed (RS) in synchronization with the native cardiac cycle, and we speculated that pulsatile mode, which increases RS just in the systolic phase, can create more pulsatility than the current system with constant RS does. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effect of this pulsatile mode of continuous‐flow LVADs on pulsatility in in vivo settings. Experiments were performed on eight adult goats (61.7 ± 7.5 kg). A centrifugal pump, EVAHEART (Sun Medical Technology Research Corporation, Nagano, Japan), was installed by the apex drainage and the descending aortic perfusion. A pacing lead for the detection of ventricular electrocardiogram was sutured on the anterior wall of the right ventricle. In the present study, we compared pulse pressure or other parameters in the following three conditions, including Circuit‐Clamp (i.e., no pump support), Continuous mode (constant RS), and Pulsatile mode (increase RS in systole). Assist rate was calculated by dividing pump flow (PF) by the sum of PF and ascending aortic flow (AoF). In continuous and pulsatile modes, these assist rates were adjusted around 80–90%. The following three parameters were used to evaluate pulsatility, including pulse pressure, dp/dt of aortic pressure (AoP), and energy equivalent pulse pressure (EEP = (∫PF*AoP dt)/(∫PF dt), mm Hg). The percent difference between EEP and mean AoP is used as an indicator of pulsatility, and normally it is around 10% of mean AoP in physiological pulse. Both pulse pressure and mean dp/dt max were decreased in continuous mode compared with clamp condition, while those were regained by pulsatile mode nearly to clamp condition (pulse pressure, clamp/continuous/pulsatile, 25.0 ± 7.6/11.7 ± 6.4/22.6 ±  9.8 mm Hg, mean dp/dt max, 481.9 ± 207.6/75.6 ± 36.2/351.1 ± 137.8 mm Hg/s, respectively). In clamp condition, %EEP was 10% higher than mean AoP (P = 0.0078), while in continuous mode, %EEP was nearly equivalent to mean AoP (N.S.). In pulsatile mode, %EEP was 9% higher than mean AoP (P = 0.038). Our newly developed pulsatile mode of continuous‐flow LVADs can produce pulsatility comparable to physiological pulsatile flow. Further investigation on the effect of this novel drive mode on organ perfusion is currently ongoing.
Synovitis in Dogs with Stable Stifle Joints and Incipient Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Bleedorn Jason A. , Greuel Erin N. , Manley Paul A. , Schaefer Susan L. , Markel Mark D. , Holzman Gerianne , Muir Peter 
Published: May 2011

Objective:To evaluate stifle joints of dogs for synovitis, before development of joint instability and cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CrCLR).Study Design:Cross‐sectional study.Animals:Dogs (n=16) with CrCLR and stable contralateral stifles; 10 control dogs with intact CrCL.Methods:Arthritis and tibial translation were graded radiographically. Synovitis severity and cruciate pathology were assessed arthroscopically. Presence of inflammatory cells in synovial membrane biopsies was scored histologically. CrCLR stifle pairs and control stifles were compared.Results:Radiographic evidence of arthritis, cranial tibial translation, and arthroscopic synovitis were increased in unstable stifles, when compared with stable contralateral stifles in CrCLR dogs (P<.05). Arthroscopic synovitis in both joints of CrCLR dogs was increased compared with controls, was correlated with radiographic arthritis (SR=0.71,P<.05), and was present in all stable contralateral stifles. Arthroscopically, 75% of stable stifle joints had CrCL fiber disruption, which correlated with severity of synovitis (SR=0.56,P<.05). Histologic evidence of synovitis was identified in all CrCLR dogs, but was only significantly correlated with arthroscopic observations in stable stifles (r2=0.57,P<.005).Conclusion:Synovitis is an early feature of the CrCLR arthropathy in dogs before development of joint instability clinically. Severity of synovitis is correlated with radiographic arthritis in joints with minimal to no clinically detectable CrCL damage.
Bacterial contamination in platelets: incremental improvements drive down but do not eliminate risk
Authors: Jenkins Craig , Ramírez‐Arcos Sandra , Goldman Mindy , Devine Dana V. 
Published: May 2011

BACKGROUND: Bacterial contamination of platelet components (PCs) remains an important cause of transfusion‐associated infectious risk. In 2004, Canadian Blood Services (CBS) implemented bacterial testing of PCs using the BacT/ALERT 3D system (bioMérieux). This system has been validated and implemented and continuous monitoring of culture rates allows gathering of data regarding true and false positives as well as false negatives.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: National data gathered between March 2004 and October 2010 from 12 CBS sites were analyzed to compare bacterial contamination rates across three platelet (PLT) preparation methods: apheresis, buffy coat, and PLT‐rich plasma. Data were compared before and after implementation of protocol changes that may affect bacterial detection or contamination rates.RESULTS: Initial positive rates among the three production methods were significantly different, with apheresis PCs being the highest. The rates of confirmed positives among production methods did not differ significantly (p = 0.668). Increasing sample testing volumes from 4 to 6 mL to 8 to 10 mL significantly increased the rate of initial positives, while confirmed positives increased from 0.64 to 1.63 per 10,000, approaching significance (p = 0.055). Changing the skin disinfection method from a two‐step to a one‐step protocol did not significantly alter the rate of confirmed positives. During the period of data analysis, eight false‐negative cases were reported, with five implicated in adverse transfusion reactions.CONCLUSION: Bacterial testing of PCs and implementation of improved protocols are incrementally effective in reducing the risk of transfusion of bacterially contaminated PLT concentrates; however, the continued occurrence of false‐negative results means the risk has not been eliminated.
Marking the tempo for myogenesis: Pax7 and the regulation of muscle stem cell fate decisions
Authors: Olguín Hugo C. , Pisconti Addolorata 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Introduction

Pax proteins in muscle formation

Pax7/MRF cross‐regulation and the control of satellite cell fate

Transcriptional and non‐transcriptional Pax7 functions in myogenic progenitors

Protein interactions, post‐translational modifications and the regulation of Pax7

Extracellular signalling and the control of Pax7 in muscle progenitors

Concluding remarks

Post‐natal growth and regeneration of skeletal muscle is highly dependent on a population of resident myogenic precursors known as satellite cells. Transcription factors from the Pax gene family, Pax3 and Pax7, are critical for satellite cell biogenesis, survival and potentially self‐renewal; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unsolved. This is particularly true in the case of Pax7, which appears to regulate myogenesis at multiple levels. Accordingly, recent data have highlighted the importance of a functional relationship between Pax7 and the MyoD family of muscle regulatory transcription factors during normal muscle formation and disease. Here we will critically review key findings suggesting that Pax7 may play a dual role by promoting resident muscle progenitors to commit to the skeletal muscle lineage while preventing terminal differentiation, thus keeping muscle progenitors poised to differentiate upon environmental cues. In addition, potential regulatory mechanisms for the control of Pax7 activity will be proposed.
Birthweight, preterm birth and perinatal mortality: a comparison of black babies in Tanzania and the USA
Authors: HABIB NDEMA ABU , WILCOX ALLEN J. , DALTVEIT ANNE KJERSTI , BASSO OLGA , SHAO JOHN , ONEKO OLOLA , LIE ROLV TERJE 
Published: May 2011

AbstractObjectives. Adverse conditions in Africa produce some of the highest rates of infant mortality in the world. Fetal growth restriction and preterm delivery are commonly regarded as major pathways through which conditions in the developing world affect infant survival. The aim of this article was to compare patterns of birthweight, preterm delivery, and perinatal mortality between black people in Tanzania and the USA. Design. Registry‐based study. Settings. Referral hospital data from North Eastern Tanzania and US Vital Statistics. Sample. 14 444 singleton babies from a hospital‐based registry (1999–2006) and 3 530 335 black singletons from US vital statistics (1995–2000). Main outcome measures. Birthweight, gestational age and perinatal mortality. Methods. Restricting our study to babies born at least 500g, we compared birthweight, gestational age, and perinatal mortality (stillbirths and deaths in the first week) in the two study populations. Results. Perinatal mortality in the Tanzanian sample was 41/1 000, compared with 10/1 000 among USA blacks. Tanzanian babies were slightly smaller on average (43g), but fewer were preterm (<37weeks) (10.0 vs. 16.2%). Applying the USA weight‐specific mortality rates to Tanzanian babies born at term suggested that birthweight does not play a role in their increased mortality relative to USA blacks. Conclusions. Higher mortality independent of birthweight and preterm delivery for Tanzanian babies suggests the need to address the contribution of other pathways to further reduce the excess perinatal mortality.
Association of social anxiety with stigmatisation and low self-esteem in remitted bipolar patients
Authors: Aydemir Omer , Akkaya Cengiz 
Published: May 2011

Aydemir O, Akkaya C. Association of social anxiety with stigmatisation and low self-esteem in remitted bipolar patients.Background: In remitted bipolar disorder, it is aimed to show the association between social anxiety, self-esteem and stigmatisation.Methods: From two university clinics, a sample of 150 remitted bipolar patients was included in this study. Patients were assessed with Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and sense of stigmatisation subscale of Bipolar Disorder Functioning Questionnaire (Stigma) and were rated with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Young Mania Rating Scale for mood symptoms. Confirmatory path analysis was performed.Results: The mean age of the patients was 39.5, and 52.7% (n = 79) were female. Ninety per cent (n = 135) of the patients had bipolar I disorder. The mean duration of the illness was 13.4 years and the mean number of episodes was 7.8. The model was subjected to confirmatory path analysis and the goodness-of-fit index was calculated to be 0.909, the confirmatory fit index was found to be 0.902 and the root mean square error of approximation was 0.097. Self-esteem was negatively associated with stigmatisation (r = −0.746). Social anxiety was positively associated with self-esteem (r = 0.494). Social anxiety was negatively associated with stigmatisation (r = −0.381).Conclusions: In remitted bipolar patients, social anxiety is very high and this social anxiety seems to be caused by self-stigmatisation and low self-esteem.
Suicide cases and venlafaxine
Authors: Piatkov Irina , Jones Trudi , Van Vuuren Rainei J. 
Published: May 2011

Piatkov I, Jones T, Van Vuuren RJ. Suicide cases and venlafaxine.Objective:Our aim was to establish whether the presence or absence of fully functioning cytochrome P450 2D6, 2C19 and 2C9 genetic alleles was associated with suicide in patients receiving venlafaxine treatment.Method:Authorisation from the NSW State Coroner to perform post-mortem genetic testing was obtained for 11 samples from deceased persons who committed suicide during treatment with venlafaxine (VENADR study).Results:All patients, but one, have at least one copy of the loss-of-function, altered or decreased cytochrome P450 enzyme activity allele. Four patients' results reveal loss-of-function genotypes, while all others were found to have diminished enzyme activity polymorphisms. Seven patients had multiple altered function polymorphisms, which included CYP2D6, CYP2C19 or CYP2C9.Conclusion:Our preliminary limited data show that neurotoxicity development, which manifests as suicide while on venlafaxine treatment, probably correlates with a higher prevalence of gene copies of altered functioning cytochrome P450 genetic polymorphisms.
Evolutionary History and Complementary Selective Relaxation of the Duplicated PI Genes in Grasses
Authors: Wei Ruo‐Xun , Ge Song 
Published: May 2011

Abstract Gene duplication plays an important role in the evolution of organisms by allowing functional innovation and the divergence of duplicate genes. Previous studies found two PI‐like genes in grass species, suggesting functional divergence between the paralogous copies. Here, we reconstructed the evolutionary history of two PI genes from major lineages of grasses and other monocot species, and demonstrated that two PI genes (PI1 and PI2) arose from a whole genome duplication that occurred in a common ancestor of extant grasses. Molecular evolutionary analyses at the family and tribal levels found strong purifying selection acting on two genes in grasses, consistent with the conserved class B function of the PI genes. Importantly, we detected different patterns of selective relaxation between the duplicated PI genes although no signature of positive selection was found. Likelihood ratio tests revealed that the ω ratio for M domain is significantly higher in PI1 than in PI2 but that for K domain is significantly higher in PI2 than in PI1. These findings imply that complementary selective relaxation occurs in two PI genes after duplication, and provide additional molecular evidence for the subfunctionalization of the duplicated PI genes in grasses.
From Corporatism to Public Utilities: Workplace Pensions in the 21st Century
Authors: CLARK GORDON L. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractFor many Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development countries, workplace pensions have been an important mechanism for supplementing state‐sponsored social security. Notwithstanding significant differences between developed economies in the significance attached to workplace pensions, provision has been typically encouraged through preferential tax policies on benefits and compensation packages. If relevant for the baby‐boom generation, it is doubtful that these arrangements will be as important for future generations. As state‐sponsored social security has been discounted in terms of promised value and entitlement, traditional workplace pensions have been closing and replaced by retirement saving instruments that are neither as lucrative nor as dependable. Retrenchment in workplace pensions has prompted governments to consider and, in some cases, develop different types of retirement savings institutions. This paper charts the decline of traditional workplace pensions, the apparent inadequacy of alternatives such as money‐purchase (defined contribution) schemes, and the rise of what are referred to as ‘public utilities’: government sponsored savings institutions designed to compensate for the decline (in coverage and promised value) of workplace pensions albeit at a more modest level than that associated with traditional defined benefit schemes. Reference is made to the experience of the USA, the UK, and Australia with passing comments of related developments in Germany and continental Europe. It is argued that the rise of public utilities in this domain is indicative of the transformation of corporate capitalism over the past 25 years and the realisation that the costs of neoliberalism may be so significant that governments have to take responsibility, once again, for underwriting retirement welfare.
Complex Oncogenic Signaling Networks Regulate Brain Tumor‐Initiating Cells and Their Progenies: Pivotal Roles of Wild‐Type EGFR, EGFRvIII Mutant and Hedgehog Cascades and Novel Multitargeted Therapies
Authors: Mimeault Murielle , Batra Surinder K. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractComplex signaling cross‐talks between different growth factor cascades orchestrate the primary brain cancer development. Among the frequent deregulated oncogenic pathways, the ligand‐activated wild‐type epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), constitutively activated EGFRvIII mutant and sonic hedgehog pathways have attracted much attention because of their pivotal roles in pediatric medulloblastomas and adult glioblastoma multiformes (GBM) brain tumors. The enhanced expression levels and activation of EGFR, EGFRvIII mutant and hedgehog signaling elements can provide key roles for the sustained growth, migration and local invasion of brain tumor‐initiating cells (BTICs) and their progenies, resistance to current therapies and disease relapse. These tumorigenic cascades also can cooperate with Wnt/β‐catenin, Notch, platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)/PDGF receptors (PDGFRs), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c‐Met receptor and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/VEGF receptors (VEGFRs) for the acquisition of a more malignant behavior and survival advantages by brain tumor cells during disease progression. Therefore, the simultaneous targeting of these oncogenic signaling components including wild‐type EGFR, EGFRvIII mutant and hedgehog pathways may constitute a potential therapeutic approach of great clinical interest to eradicate BTICs and improve the efficacy of current clinical treatments by radiation and/or chemotherapy against aggressive and recurrent medulloblastomas and GBMs.
Preparation of TiO2 Thin Films Using Water‐soluble Titanium Complexes and Their Photoinduced Properties
Authors: Katsumata Ken‐ichi , Ohno Yukiaki , Tomita Koji , Sakai Munetoshi , Nakajima Akira , Kakihana Masato , Fujishima Akira , Matsushita Nobuhiro , Okada Kiyoshi 
Published: May 2011

AbstractTitanium dioxide thin films were prepared by using four water‐soluble titanium complexes of titanium–lactate, tartalate, malate and salicylate complex solutions. The crystalline phases detected in the films were anatase. The surface microstructures of the four film samples were different in their grain sizes. Photocatalytic decomposition activity of the four films was almost the same, but their photoinduced hydrophilicities were different. The film prepared using titanium–salicylate complex exhibited lower hydrophilic conversion rate than the other films. Grain size and stress yielded to the film are considered to be important factors on the photoinduced hydrophilicity.
Photoprotecting Action and Phytochemical Analysis of a Multiple Radical Scavenger Lipophilic Fraction Obtained from the Leaf of the SeagrassThalassia testudinum
Authors: Regalado Erik L. , Rodríguez María , Menéndez Roberto , Fernandez Xavier , Hernández Ivones , Morales Ruth A. , Fernández Miguel D. , Thomas Olivier P. , Pino Jorge A. , Concepción Ángel R. , Laguna Abilio 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe apolar fraction F1 ofThalassia testudinumwas chemically characterized by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry, which led to the identification of 43 metabolites, all of them reported for the first time in the genusThalassia.More than 80% of the F1 composition was constituted by aromatic metabolites including the major components 1,1‐bis(p‐tolyl)ethane (6.0%), 4,4′‐diisopropylbiphenyl (4.8%) and a 1,1‐bis(p‐tolyl)ethane isomer (4.7%). This lipophilic fraction was assayed for its antioxidant effects and skin protective action.In vitroassays showed that F1 strongly scavenged DPPH* (IC50312.0 ± 8.0 μg mL−1), hydroxyl (IC5023.8 ± 0.5 μg mL−1) and peroxyl radical (IC506.6 ± 0.3 μg mL−1), as well as superoxide anion (IC5050.0 ± 0.7 μg mL−1). Also, F1 markedly inhibited the spontaneous lipid peroxidation (LPO) in brain homogenates (IC5093.0 ± 6.0 μg mL−1) and the LPS‐stimulated nitrite generation on RAW624.7 macrophages (58.6 ± 3.2%, 400 μg mL−1). In agreement with these findings, its topical application at 250 and 500 μg cm−2strikingly reduced skin damage on mice exposed to acute UVB radiation by 45% and 70%, respectively and significantly attenuated the LPO developed following the first 48 h after acute exposure to UVB irradiation, as manifested by the decreased malondialdehide level and by the increased of reduced gluthatione content. Our results suggest that F1 may contribute to skin repair by attenuating oxidative stress due to its antioxidant activity.