bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term hyperglycaemia decreases gastrocnemius susceptibility to permeability transition
Authors: Lumini‐Oliveira José , Ascensão António , Pereira Cláudia V. , Magalhães Sérgio , Marques Franklin , Oliveira Paulo J. , Magalhães José 
Published: March 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (4): 319–329AbstractBackground  Hyperglycaemia‐resulting in mitochondrial bioenergetics’ complications is associated with skeletal muscle dysfunction. The aim of this work was to analyse the effect of long‐term severe hyperglycaemia on gastrocnemius mitochondrial bioenergetics, with special relevance on the susceptibility to mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening.Methods  Sixteen adult (6‐ to 8‐week‐old) male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups (n = 8/group): control and diabetic. A single dose (50 mg kg−1) of streptozotocin (STZ) was administrated i.p. to induce hyperglycaemia. In vitro mitochondrial oxygen consumption rates, membrane potential (Δψ) fluctuations, MPTP induction as followed by osmotic swelling and extramitochondrial calcium movements and caspase 9‐like activity were evaluated 18 weeks after STZ treatment.Results  STZ treatment induced an increase in state 4 and a decrease in the respiratory control ratio with complex I substrates (P < 0·05), whereas no differences were observed using complex II substrates. In both conditions, no significant differences were observed when measuring maximal Δψ, although STZ treatment increased Δψ during ADP‐induced depolarization when succinate was used. The most critical result was that muscle mitochondria isolated from STZ‐treated rats showed a decrease susceptibility to MPTP induction by calcium, as followed by two different experimental protocols. Interestingly, the protection was accompanied by a decrease in muscle caspase 9‐like activity.Conclusions  These data demonstrate that 18 weeks of STZ treatment lead to a decrease in gastrocnemius mitochondrial respiratory control ratio and to decreased calcium‐dependent mitochondrial MPTP. Results from this and other works suggest that mitochondrial effects of hyperglycaemia are time and organ specific.
Limitations of beam damage in electron spectroscopic tomography of embedded cells
Authors: ARONOVA M.A. , SOUSA A.A. , ZHANG G. , LEAPMAN R.D. 
Published: March 2010

SummaryElemental mapping in the energy filtering transmission electron microscope (EFTEM) can be extended into three dimensions (3D) by acquiring a series of two‐dimensional (2D) core‐edge images from a specimen oriented over a range of tilt angles, and then reconstructing the volume using tomographic methods. EFTEM has been applied to imaging the distribution of biological molecules in 2D, e.g. nucleic acid and protein, in sections of plastic‐embedded cells, but no systematic study has been undertaken to assess the extent to which beam damage limits the available information in 3D. To address this question, 2D elemental maps of phosphorus and nitrogen were acquired from unstained sections of plastic‐embedded isolated mouse thymocytes. The variation in elemental composition, residual specimen mass and changes in the specimen morphology were measured as a function of electron dose. Whereas 40% of the total specimen mass was lost at doses above 106 e−/nm2, no significant loss of phosphorus or nitrogen was observed for doses as high as 108 e−/nm2. The oxygen content decreased from 25 ± 2 to 9 ± 2 atomic percent at an electron dose of 104 e−/nm2, which accounted for a major component of the total mass loss. The specimen thickness decreased by 50% after a dose of 108 e−/nm2, and a lateral shrinkage of 9.5 ± 2.0% occurred from 2 × 104 to 108 e−/nm2. At doses above 107 e−/nm2, damage could be observed in the bright field as well in the core edge images, which is attributed to further loss of oxygen and carbon atoms. Despite these artefacts, electron tomograms obtained from high‐pressure frozen and freeze‐substituted sections of C. elegans showed that it is feasible to obtain useful 3D phosphorus and nitrogen maps, and thus to reveal quantitative information about the subcellular distributions of nucleic acids and proteins.
Improved structural characterization of chromosomal breakpoints using high resolution custom array‐CGH
Authors: Lindstrand A , Schoumans J , Gustavsson P , Hanemaaijer N , Malmgren H , Blennow E 
Published: March 2010

Lindstrand A, Schoumans J, Gustavsson P, Hanemaaijer N, Malmgren H, Blennow E. Improved structural characterization of chromosomal breakpoints using high resolution custom array‐CGH.Array‐CGH is a powerful tool for the rapid detection of genomic imbalances. By customizing the array it is possible to increase the resolution in a targeted genomic region of interest and determine the structure of the breakpoints with high accuracy, as well as to detect very small imbalances. We have used targeted custom arrays to zoom in on 38 chromosomal breakpoints from 12 different patients carrying both balanced and unbalanced rearrangements. We show that it is possible to characterize unbalanced breakpoints within 17–20,000 bp, depending on the structure of the genome. All of the deletion and duplication breakpoints were further refined and potential underlying molecular mechanisms of formation are discussed. In one of seven carriers of apparently balanced reciprocal translocations we detected a small deletion of 200 bp within the previously FISH‐defined breakpoint, and in another patient, a large deletion of 11 Mb was identified on a chromosome not involved in the translocation. Targeted custom oligonucleotide arrays make it possible to perform fine mapping of breakpoints with a resolution within the breakpoint region much higher compared to commercially available array platforms. In addition, identification of small deletions or duplications in apparently balanced rearrangements may contribute to the identification of new disease causing genes.
Construction of a barley bacterial artificial chromosome library suitable for cloning genes for boron tolerance, sodium exclusion and high grain zinc content
Authors: Shi B. J. , Sutton T. , Collins N. C. , Pallotta M. , Langridge P. 
Published: March 2010

With 3 figures and 2 tables AbstractTolerance to soil boron toxicity, salinity and zinc deficiency is required for maintaining adequate yields on many soils, while a high content of zinc in the grain is desirable for human nutrition. To facilitate the identification of genes for these traits in barley, we constructed a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library of the barley‐doubled haploid line CS134 derived from a cross between the Australian malting variety ‘Clipper’ and the Algerian landrace Sahara 3771. CS134 contains tolerance alleles from Sahara 3771 at four boron tolerance loci, genes at two loci conferring high zinc content in seeds, and a gene from ‘Clipper’ that limits shoot sodium accumulation. The library contains 221184 clones and has an average insert size of around 120 kb, giving a 4.9‐fold coverage of the barley genome. Clones were recovered from the library using probes closely linked to the boron tolerance locus on chromosome 4H. One of the positive BAC clones facilitated isolation and sequencing of the boron tolerance gene (Bot1) at this locus. Therefore, the BAC library represents a useful tool that could be used to isolate several genes of agronomic interest. In the process of constructing this library, we identified several technical modifications that improve the efficiency of BAC library construction.
Confirmation that the Er3 gene, conferring resistance to Erysiphe pisi in pea, is a different gene from er1 and er2 genes
Authors: Fondevilla S. , Cubero J. I. , Rubiales D. 
Published: March 2010

With 1 table AbstractOnly two genes conferring resistance to powdery mildew, er1 and er2, were known in Pisum sativum, till the recent postulation of a new dominant gene in Pisum fulvum, Er3. However, additional studies were needed to discern whether Er3 was a novel gene or just a new allele at either er1 or er2. In this study, we demonstrate that Er3 segregates independently from er1 and er2 genes, being therefore a different gene. We also prove that Er3 is present in several P. fulvum accessions.
Inverse association between Helicobacter pylori infection and allergic rhinitis in young Japanese
Authors: Imamura Shigeyoshi , Sugimoto Mitsushige , Kanemasa Kazuyuki , Sumida Yoshio , Okanoue Takeshi , Yoshikawa Toshikazu , Yamaoka Yoshio 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The prevalence of allergic disorders, including asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis has been increasing, and the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has been decreasing. Chronic bacterial infection during childhood is reported to protect the development of allergic diseases. The aim of the present study was to identify whether H. pylori infection influences the prevalence of allergic rhinitis, which has become a serious social problem, especially in the developed countries.Methods:  We initially investigated the association between the prevalence of H. pylori and pollinosis symptoms in 97 healthy volunteers. We had investigated the association between the serum H. pylori–immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibodies and specific IgE antibodies for pollen, mites, and house dust in 211 consecutive patients.Results:  There were 52.2% (36/69) of H. pylori‐negative volunteers with allergic symptoms, which was significantly higher than H. pylori‐positive volunteers (14.3%, 4/28, P < 0.05). The risk of pollinosis symptoms by H. pylori infection was 0.148 (95% confidence interval): 0.046–0.475, P < 0.05). The prevalence of H. pylori infection increased according to age, whereas that of specific IgE‐positive patients gradually decreased. Among the IgE‐positive patients, the prevalence of H. pylori‐negative patients was significantly higher than H. pylori‐positive patients who were younger in age (P < 0.05).Conclusion:  H. pylori infection decreased the pollinosis effects, especially among the younger volunteers. However, the prevalence of pollinosis in patients who were 50 years or older were almost same between H. pylori‐positive and H. pylori‐negative patients; therefore, the recent increase of pollinosis might relate to not only H. pylori infection, but also change in social environment.
Reversal of the tolerance phenomenon by the intermittent administration of a histamine H2‐receptor antagonist
Authors: Takahashi Morio , Katayama Yasumi 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackground and Aim: The attenuated antisecretory activity of H2‐receptor antagonists (H2RA) during continuous administration is referred to as the tolerance phenomenon. A previous study indicated thatHelicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection prevents the occurrence of tolerance to H2RA. In the present study, we investigated whether intermittent (every other day) administration prevents the tolerance phenomenon inH. pylori‐negative patients.Methods: TenH. pylori‐negative, healthy volunteers were included in the study. All of the patients underwent two courses of H2RA (lafutidine) administration: 21‐day continuous administration (every day), followed by 21‐day intermittent administration (every other day), with at least a 21‐day lafutidine‐free period between the first and second courses. All of the patients were examined by ambulatory intragastric pH monitoring five times: before medication, and on days 1 and 21 of the first (continuous) and second (intermittent) courses of lafutidine (10 mg b.d.) in a crossover fashion.Results: The continuous administration of lafutidine had a significantly attenuated, acid‐suppressing effect inH. pylori‐negative patients, and showed evidence of the tolerance phenomenon. However, the tolerance phenomenon was not observed through intermittent administration.Conclusions: These results demonstrated that inH. pylori‐negative patients, tolerance to H2RA, induced by continuous lafutidine administration, was reversed by subsequent intermittent administration.
Hepatic cholesterol transporter ABCG8 polymorphisms in gallstone disease in an Indian population
Authors: Siddapuram Siva Prasad , Mahurkar Swapna , Duvvuru Nageshwar Reddy , Mitnala Sasikala , Guduru Venkat Rao , Rebala Pradeep , Mansard Magnus Jayaraj 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Gallstone formation is characterized by the abnormal regulation of cholesterol trafficking and solubilization. The prevalence of gallstone disease (GSD) differs between ethnic groups sharing the common environment. These differences can be explained by a genetic predisposition to gallstone formation. Studies have identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) D19H and T400K in the cholesterol transporter gene ATP‐binding cassette, subfamily G, member 8 (ABCG8) in patients with cholesterol gallstones. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between D19H and T400K polymorphisms in the ABCG8 gene and GSD in an Indian population, and the effects of these polymorphisms on cholesterol levels in sera and bile.Methods:  A total of 226 patients with GSD were analyzed for their lipid profile in plasma and bile. A total of 289 controls were recruited, and their plasma lipid profile was analyzed by standard protocols. The genotype of SNP D19H and T400K of ABCG8 was analyzed in 226 patients and 222 control samples. SNP D19H was analyzed by direct sequencing, and SNP T400K genotyping was assayed by the amplification refractory mutation system–polymerase chain reaction.Results:  There was no significant difference in the allelic distribution of SNP T400K between the GSD and gallstone‐free groups (P > 0.05), but the distribution of the SNP variant, D19H, was significantly higher (P = 0.017, odds ratio = 2.274) in patients compared to controls. The analysis of serum and bile cholesterol followed a strong association with genotypes.Conclusion:  SNP D19H, but not SNP T400K, in the ABCG8 gene is significantly associated with GSD in an Indian population.
Ophthalmic presentation of Wegener's granulomatosis on a background of polymyalgia rheumatica
Authors: Clark Georgina C , Moloney Gregory , Sutton Gerard 
Published: March 2010

AbstractWe present a case of Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) in a 79‐year‐old man with limbitis and granulomatous conjunctivitis, on a background of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). The undifferentiated nature of ocular presentations of WG can be diagnostically challenging, especially in cases, such as this, where findings are initially inconclusive and evolve with time. This case highlights the significance of a history of PMR in patients with ocular inflammation. The systemic inflammatory systems of WG, including arthralgias, may mimic other conditions such as PMR. Patients with undifferentiated ocular inflammatory syndromes should be questioned regarding arthralgias, myalgias and stiffness. Such symptoms, or a background of PMR, should raise suspicion of WG.
Transient alginate gene expression by Pseudomonas putida biofilm residents under water‐limiting conditions reflects adaptation to the local environment
Authors: Li Xiaohong , Nielsen Lindsey , Nolan Connor , Halverson Larry J. 
Published: March 2010

SummaryUnder water‐limiting conditions Pseudomonas putida produces the exopolysaccharide alginate, which influences biofilm development and facilitates maintaining a hydrated microenvironment. Since alginate is a minor biofilm matrix component it is important to determine whether alginate production occurs by all or a subset of residents, and when and to what extent cells contribute to alginate production. To address these questions we employed stable and unstable fluorescent reporters to measure alginate biosynthesis (algD) operon expression and metabolic activity in vivo quantitatively by flow cytometry and visually by microscopy. Here we report that during growth under water‐limiting conditions and when biofilms become dehydrated most residents transiently express the alginate biosynthesis genes leading to distinct spatial patterns as the biofilm ages. Transient alginate gene expression was not a consequence of decreased metabolic activity, since metabolic reporters were still expressed, nor was it likely due to transient cytosolic availability of the alternative sigma factor AlgT, based on qRT‐PCR. Our findings also indicate that one or more biofilm attribute, other than alginate, provides protection from desiccation stress. Collectively, our findings suggest that differentiated cells dedicated to alginate production are not part of the P. putida biofilm lifestyle under water‐limiting conditions. Alternatively, P. putida biofilm cells may be responding to their own local environment, producing alginate because of the fitness advantage it confers under those particular conditions.
A comparison of the binding of urinary calcium oxalate monohydrate and dihydrate crystals to human kidney cells in urine
Authors: Wang Tingting , Thurgood Lauren A. , Grover Phulwinder K. , Ryall Rosemary L. 
Published: March 2010

OBJECTIVETo compare the binding kinetics of urinary calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) and dihydrate (COD) crystals to human kidney (HK‐2) cells in ultra‐filtered (UF), and centrifuged and filtered (CF) human urine; and to quantify the binding of COM and COD crystals to cultured HK‐2 cells in UF and CF urine samples collected from different individuals.MATERIALS AND METHODSUrine was collected from healthy subjects, pooled, centrifuged and filtered. 14C‐oxalate‐labelled COM and COD crystals were precipitated from the urine by adding oxalate after adjustment of two aliquots of the urine to 2 and 8 mm Ca2+, respectively. For the kinetic study, the crystals were incubated with HK‐2 cells for up to 120 min in pooled CF urine adjusted to 2 and 8 mm Ca2+. Identical experiments were also carried out in UF urine samples collected from the same individuals. For the quantitative study, the same radioactively labelled COM and COD crystals were incubated with HK‐2 cells for 50 min in separate CF and UF urines collected from eight healthy individuals at the native Ca2+ concentrations of the urines. Field emission electron microscopy and Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy were used to confirm crystal morphology.RESULTSCOM and COD crystals generally bound more strongly at 8 mm than at 2 mm Ca2+. The kinetic binding curves of COM were smooth, while those of COD were consistently biphasic, suggesting that the two crystal types induce different cellular metabolic responses: HK‐2 cells crystals appear to possess a transitory mechanism for detaching COD, but not COM crystals. In UF urine, COM binding was significantly greater than that of COD at 2 mm Ca2+, but at 8 mm Ca2+ the binding of COD was greater at early and late time points. COD also bound significantly more strongly at early time points in CF urine at both 2 and 8 mm Ca2+. In both CF and UF urine, there was no difference between the binding affinity of urinary COM and COD crystals.CONCLUSIONBinding of both COM and COD crystals to cultured human renal epithelial cells is influenced by urinary macromolecules and ambient Ca2+ concentration. HK‐2 cells appear to possess a mechanism for the rapid detachment of bound COD crystals, making it difficult to show any unambiguous overall difference between the binding affinity of COM and COD crystals.
Extracorporeal high intensity focused ultrasound for renal tumours: a 3‐year follow‐up
Authors: Ritchie Robert W. , Leslie Tom , Phillips Rachel , Wu Feng , Illing Rowland , Ter Haar Gail , Protheroe Andrew , Cranston David 
Published: March 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4OBJECTIVETo determine whether primary extracorporeal high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is safe, feasible and effective for managing small renal tumours.PATIENTS AND METHODSAlthough surgery currently remains the standard treatment for localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the increasing incidence of small renal cancers has led to a shift towards nephron‐sparing surgery, with associated morbidity in 20–25% of cases, and minimally invasive ablative therapies present an alternative management. HIFU results in ‘trackless’ homogenous tissue ablation and when administered via an extracorporeal device, is entirely noninvasive. The study comprised 17 patients (mean tumour size 2.5 cm) with radiologically suspicious renal tumours who underwent extracorporeal HIFU using the Model‐JC System (Chongqing HAIFUTM, China), under general anaesthesia with one overnight hospital stay. Real‐time diagnostic ultrasonography was used for targeting and monitoring. Patients were followed with a clinical review and gadolinium‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging at 12 days and every 6 months for a mean of 36 months. The outcomes measures were patient morbidity and oncological efficacy of HIFU treatment.RESULTSOf the 17 patients, 15 were treated according to protocol; two procedures were abandoned due to intervening bowel. There were no major complications related to HIFU. Radiological evidence of ablation was apparent at 12 days in seven of the 15 patients. Before the 6‐month follow‐up one patient had surgery due to persisting central enhancement. Fourteen patients were evaluated at the 6‐month follow‐up; eight tumours had involuted (mean 12% decrease in tumour area). Four patients had irregular enhancement on imaging and had alternative therapies. Ten patients remain on follow‐up at a mean (range) of 36 (14–55) months after HIFU (mean 30% decrease in tumour area). There was central loss of enhancement in all.CONCLUSIONSRenal HIFU achieves stable lesions in two‐thirds of patients, with minimal morbidity, and might be appropriate in selected cases. Further trials with accurate histological follow‐up are essential to fully evaluate this novel technique.
Introduction: employment relations in India—old narratives and new perspectives
Authors: Bhattacherjee Debashish , Ackers Peter 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACTThis article establishes an overarching conceptual, historical and academic context for approaching Indian industrial relations (IR). The Introduction explores changing comparative approaches to the ‘IR System’ of a developing country in light of India's complex and unique employment realities. Then we trace, in two parts, the evolution of Indian IR since independence and argue that theories developed in the West are of only limited value in understanding this. In conclusion, we consider the way in which Indian academic IR and other social science disciplines have addressed this problem. This leads on to the four research articles that complete this special edition.
Clinical efficacy comparison of anti‐wrinkle cosmetics containing herbal flavonoids
Authors: Chuarienthong P. , Lourith N. , Leelapornpisid P. 
Published: March 2010

SynopsisHerbal anti‐wrinkle cosmetics were formulated from ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), a mixture of tea and rooibos (Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis) and soybean (Glycine soja). These extracts were incorporated into the preliminary developed stable gel base with good preference. The gingko formulation was found to be more stable than the formula containing a mixture of tea and rooibos and the soybean formula. Clinical efficacies of the ginkgo formula and the formula containing a mixture of tea and rooibos were compared following 28 days of application. The ginkgo preparation increased skin moisturization (27.88%) and smoothness (4.32%) and reduced roughness (0.4%) and wrinkles (4.63%), whereas the formula containing tea and rooibos showed the best efficacy on wrinkle reduction (9.9%). In comparison to the tea and rooibos formula, gingko significantly improved skin moisturization (P = 0.05).