bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thyroid Transcription Factor-1 Regulates Feeding Behavior via Melanocortin Pathway in the Hypothalamus
Authors: Kim Jae Geun , Park Byong Seo , Yun Chang Ho , Kim Hyun Jun , Kang Sang Soo , D’Elia Angela Valentina , Damante Giuseppe , Lee Ki-Up , Park Jeong Woo , Kim Eun Sook , Namgoong Il Seong , Kim Young Il , Lee Byung Ju 
Published: February 2011

OBJECTIVE
α-Melanocyte–stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and agouti-related peptide (AgRP) control energy homeostasis by their opposing actions on melanocortin receptors (MC3/4R) in the hypothalamus. We previously reported that thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) controls feeding behavior in the hypothalamus. This study aims to identify the function of TTF-1 in the transcriptional regulation of AgRP and α-MSH synthesis for the control of feeding behavior.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
TTF-1 activity in AgRP and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) transcription was examined using gel-shift and promoter assays and an in vivo model of TTF-1 synthesis inhibition by intracerebroventricular injection of an antisense (AS) oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN). Double immunohistochemistry was performed to colocalize TTF-1 and AgRP or α-MSH in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC). To determine whether TTF-1 action on food intake is mediated through MC3/4R, we measured changes in food intake upon intracerebroventricular injection of MC3/4R antagonists (SHU9119 and AgRP) into rat brain preinjected with the AS ODN.

RESULTS
TTF-1 stimulated AgRP but inhibited POMC transcription by binding to the promoters of these genes. TTF-1 was widely distributed in the hypothalamus, but we identified some cells coexpressing TTF-1 and AgRP or α-MSH in the ARC. In addition, intracerebroventricular administration of leptin decreased TTF-1 expression in the hypothalamus, and AS ODN-induced inhibition of TTF-1 expression decreased food intake and AgRP expression but increased α-MSH expression. Anorexia induced by the AS ODN was attenuated by the administration of MC3/4R antagonists.

CONCLUSIONS
TTF-1 transcriptionally regulates synthesis of AgRP and α-MSH in the ARC and affects feeding behavior via the melanocortin pathway.
Tubular Injury in a Rat Model of Type 2 Diabetes Is Prevented by Metformin
Authors: Takiyama Yumi , Harumi Tatsuo , Watanabe Jun , Fujita Yukihiro , Honjo Jun , Shimizu Norihiko , Makino Yuichi , Haneda Masakazu 
Published: February 2011

OBJECTIVE
Chronic hypoxia has been recognized as a key regulator in renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis, as seen in diabetic nephropathy, which is associated with the activation of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α. We assess here the effects of the biguanide, metformin, on the expression of HIF-1α in diabetic nephropathy using renal proximal tubular cells and type 2 diabetic rats.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We explored the effects of metformin on the expression of HIF-1α using human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (HRPTECs). Male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF; Gmi-fa/fa) rats were treated from 9 to 39 weeks with metformin (250 mg ⋅ kg−1 ⋅ day−1) or insulin.

RESULTS
Metformin inhibited hypoxia-induced HIF-1α accumulation and the expression of HIF-1–targeted genes in HRPTECs. Although metformin activated the downstream pathways of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), neither the AMPK activator, AICAR, nor the mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin, suppressed hypoxia-induced HIF-1α expression. In addition, knockdown of AMPK-α did not abolish the inhibitory effects of metformin on HIF-1α expression. The proteasome inhibitor, MG-132, completely eradicated the suppression of hypoxia-induced HIF-1α accumulation by metformin. The inhibitors of mitochondrial respiration similarly suppressed hypoxia-induced HIF-1α expression. Metformin significantly decreased ATP production and oxygen consumption rates, which subsequently led to increased cellular oxygen tension. Finally, metformin, but not insulin, attenuated tubular HIF-1α expression and pimonidazole staining and ameliorated tubular injury in ZDF rats.

CONCLUSIONS
Our data suggest that hypoxia-induced HIF-1α accumulation in diabetic nephropathy could be suppressed by the antidiabetes drug, metformin, through the repression of oxygen consumption.
Rising Rates of All Types of Diabetes in South Asian and Non-South Asian Children and Young People Aged 0–29 Years in West Yorkshire, U.K., 1991–2006
Authors: Harron Katie L. , Feltbower Richard G. , McKinney Patricia A. , Bodansky H. Jonathan , Campbell Fiona M. , Parslow Roger C. 
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVE
To investigate incidence trends of all diabetes types in all children and young people and in the south Asian subpopulation.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Annual incidence per 100,000 and time trends (1991–2006) were analyzed for 2,889 individuals aged 0–29 years diagnosed with diabetes while resident in West Yorkshire, U.K.

RESULTS
Diagnoses comprised type 1 (83%), type 2 (12%), maturity-onset diabetes of the young (0.7%), “J”-type/other (0.1%), and uncertain/unclassified (4%). There was a lower incidence of type 1 and a threefold excess of type 2 in south Asians compared with non-south Asians. Type 1 incidence leveled out and type 2 increased after the first south Asian case of type 2 was diagnosed in 1999. Type 2 and unclassified diabetes incidence rose in all population subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS
The burden of diabetes increased over time for both ethnic groups, with a significant excess of type 2 diabetes in south Asians. The rising incidence of type 1 diabetes in south Asians attenuated as type 2 diabetes increased after 1999.
Combined Effect of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Impaired Fasting Glucose on the Development of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Bae Ji Cheol , Rhee Eun Jung , Lee Won Young , Park Se Eun , Park Cheol Young , Oh Ki Won , Park Sung Woo , Kim Sun Woo 
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate whether there is a difference in the association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and incident diabetes based on the presence of impaired fasting glucose.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A total of 7,849 individuals (5,409 men and 2,440 women) without diabetes, who underwent comprehensive health check-ups annually for 5 years, were categorized into four groups by the presence of impaired fasting glucose and NAFLD at baseline. The association between NAFLD and incident diabetes was evaluated separately in groups with normal and impaired fasting glucose.

RESULTS
For 4 years, the incidence of diabetes in the NAFLD group was 9.9% compared with 3.7% in the non-NAFLD group, with multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio of 1.33 (95% CI 1.07–1.66). However, this higher risk for diabetes only existed in the impaired fasting glucose group.

CONCLUSIONS
Our study suggests that NAFLD has an independent and additive effect on the development of diabetes under conditions of impaired insulin secretion.
Effects of transforming growth factor-β3 and matrix metalloproteinase-3 on the pathogenesis of chronic mitral valvular disease in dogs
Authors: Obayashi Koji , Miyagawa-Tomita Sachiko , Matsumoto Hirotaka , Koyama Hidekazu , Nakanishi Toshio , Hirose Hisashi 
Published: February 2011

AbstractObjective—To investigate the roles of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) isoforms and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in development of chronic mitral valvular disease (CMVD) in dogs.
Sample Population—12 mitral valve leaflets collected from cadavers of 5 clinically normal dogs and from 7 dogs with CMVD.
Procedures—Expression of TGF-β isoforms 1, 2, and 3; MMPs 1, 2, 3, and 9; TGF-β receptor II (TβR-II); and α smooth muscle actin (αSMA) in mitral valves of dogs with CMVD was compared with that in mitral valves from clinically normal dogs. Additionally, responses of valvular interstitial cells (VICs) to TGF-β3, MMP-3, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) as a suppressor of TGF-β3 were examined in vitro.
Results—Expression of TGF-β3, TβR-II, αSMA, and MMP-3 was only detected in mitral valves of dogs with CMVD. Concentrations of αSMA and proteoglycans in cultured VICs were significantly increased following incubation with TGF-β3; treatment with MMP-3 resulted in increased amounts of active and total TGF-β3, and total TGF-β3 in VICs was significantly decreased by incubation with ACEI.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Findings suggested that increased TGF-β3 and MMP-3 contribute to the pathogenesis of valvular degeneration associated with CMVD. In addition, it is possible that the use of ACEI could effectively block pathological alterations in VICs associated with CMVD in vitro.
Impact on Human Medicine—CMVD is associated with primary mitral valve prolapse and Marfan syndrome in humans. Results of the study reported here will help to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of CMVD in dogs and humans.
Effect of feeding a high-protein diet following an 18-hour period of feed withholding on mammalian target of rapamycin-dependent signaling in skeletal muscle of mature horses
Authors: Urschel Kristine L. , Escobar Jeffery , McCutcheon L. Jill , Geor Raymond J. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractObjective—To determine the effect of refeeding following an 18-hour period of feed withholding on the phosphorylation of translation initiation factors in the skeletal muscle of mature horses.
Animals—8 adult horses.
Procedures—Following an 18-hour period of feed withholding, horses either continued to have feed withheld (postabsorptive state) or were fed 2 g/kg of a high-protein feed (33% crude protein) at time 0 and 30 minutes (postprandial state). Blood samples were taken throughout the experimental period. At 90 minutes, a biopsy specimen was taken from the middle gluteal muscle to measure the phosphorylation of translation initiation factors and tissue amino acid concentrations. Plasma glucose, insulin, and amino acid concentrations were also measured.
Results—Horses in the postprandial state had significantly higher plasma insulin, glucose, and amino acid concentrations than did those in the postabsorptive state at the time of biopsy. Refeeding significantly increased the phosphorylation state of riboprotein S6 and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein 1.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In mature horses, feeding resulted in increased mammalian target of rapamycin signaling and the mechanism appeared to be independent of an increase in Akt phosphorylation at Ser473. Results indicate that adult horses may be able to increase rates of muscle protein synthesis in response to feeding and that dietary amino acids appear to be the main mediators of this effect.
Prevalence of infectious diseases in cats and dogs rescued following Hurricane Katrina
Authors: Levy Julie K. , Lappin Michael R. , Glaser Amy L. , Birkenheuer Adam J. , Anderson Tara C. , Edinboro Charlotte H. 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Objective—To determine the prevalence of infectious diseases of animal and zoonotic importance in cats and dogs rescued and transferred from the Gulf Coast region following Hurricane Katrina.
Design—Cross-sectional study.
Animals—414 dogs and 56 cats rescued and transferred from the Gulf Coast region within 4 months after the hurricane.
Procedures—EDTA-anticoagulated blood and serum samples were tested via PCR and serologic assays for infectious diseases.
Results—In dogs, prevalence was highest for anti-West Nile virus (WNV) antibodies (218/390 [55.9%]), Dirofilaria immitis antigen (195/400 [48.8%]), anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies (92/366 [25.1%]), and hemotropic mycoplasma DNA (40/345 [11.9%]). The DNA of Bartonella spp, Ehrlichia spp, or Babesia spp or anti-canine influenza virus antibodies were identified in < 2% of dogs. In cats, prevalence was highest for antibodies against Bartonella spp and DNA of Bartonella spp combined (49/55 [89.1 %]), anti–T gondii antibodies (13/55 [23.6%]), hemotropic mycoplasma DNA (5/47 [10.6%]), anti-WNV antibodies (5/48 [10.4%]), D immitis antigen (4/50 [8.0%]), and anti–FIV antibodies (4/56 [7.1%]). A total of 308 (74.4%) dogs and 52 (92.9%) cats had evidence of previous or current vector-borne infections.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Cats and dogs rescued from the disaster region had evidence of multiple infectious diseases. The dispersal of potentially infectious animals to other regions of North America where some infections were not typically found could have contributed to new geographic ranges for these organisms or to underdiagnosis in affected animals because of a low index of suspicion in regions with low disease prevalence.
The Activity of Proximal Tubule Enzymes in the Urine of Cephalexin-Treated Patients
Authors: Vujić Tatjana , Uletilović Snežana , Predojević-Samardžić Jelica , Davidović-Plavšić Biljana , Stoisavljević-Šatara Svjetlana , Saničanin Živko 
Published: January 2011

The Activity of Proximal Tubule Enzymes in the Urine of Cephalexin-Treated PatientsThe activities of alanine aminopeptidase (AAP), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), enzymes dominantly localised in the epithelial proximal tubule cells, were measured with an aim of determining the nephrotoxicity of a cephalosporin antibiotic cephalexin. Enzymatic activities were measured in the 12-h urine samples of patients receiving cephalexin orally for 15 days in daily doses of 50 mg/kg body mass against Gram-positive infections of the respiratory or urinary tract. The same enzymes were determined in the 12-h urine samples of the corresponding control. Both the control and the experimental group consisted of 30 examinees of both sexes, age range 3-10 years. Statistically significant differences in AAP and GGT activities expressed as U/mmol creatinine were recorded after 12 days of cephalexin therapy in comparison with the control (p < 0.01). At the same time, no significant differences in NAG activity of the patients in relation to the control were observed during the entire course of the therapy. Based on the obtained results it can be concluded that treatment of 3-10 years old patients with the applied cephalexin doses for 15 days results in mild nephrotoxic changes close to the end of therapy accompanied by increased activities of AAP and GGT, the enzymes known as very sensitive indicators of nephrotoxicity. The results showing that during the entire period of cephalexin application no changes in NAG, as a lysosomal enzyme, were observed, could be taken as a proof that this antibiotic did not lead to severe injuries of epithelial proximal tubule cells at the level of cell organelles.
Oxidative Stress in Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome in Asian Indians
Authors: Veigas Nina , Dharmalingam Mala , Marcus Sara 
Published: January 2011

Oxidative Stress in Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome in Asian IndiansOxidative stress is associated with the individual components of metabolic syndrome and has been implicated in the development of complications of these metabolic disorders. In this study oxidative stress levels have been compared in obese Indians (a high-risk population for diabetes and cardiovascular disorders) with and without metabolic syndrome. 30 adult normotensive, normoglycemic obese subjects and 35 adults with metabolic syndrome of either sex with BMI >23 kg/m2were compared with 30 adult, healthy volunteers with BMI <23 kg/m2. Anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, biochemical parameters, hydroperoxides levels and total antioxidant capacity were estimated. The obese groups with and without metabolic syndrome had significantly increased anthropometric parameters like waist circumference and index of central obesity and aqueous phase hydroperoxides when compared with normal controls. The metabolic syndrome group also had significantly increased blood sugar levels, lipid profile and hydroperoxide levels when compared to obese or control groups. There was no alteration in the total antioxidant capacity in any of the groups. The Triglyceride/HDL-Cholesterol ratio (>3), a surrogate marker of insulin resistance, indicates insulin resistance in the metabolic syndrome group. The anthropometric profile, insulin resistance and oxidative stress seen in obesity are further elaborated in metabolic syndrome. Thus, the early identification of high-risk individuals based on anthropometric parameters, lipid profile, insulin resistance and indices of oxidative stress may help to prevent the development of complications of metabolic syndrome.
Inhibition of Central Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Exerts Anxiolytic Effects by Decreasing Brain Oxidative Stress
Authors: Ciobica Alin , Hritcu Lucian , Nastasa Veronica , Padurariu Manuela , Bild Walther 
Published: January 2011

Inhibition of Central Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Exerts Anxiolytic Effects by Decreasing Brain Oxidative StressThis study investigated the effects of angiotensin II and captopril intracerebroventricular administration on anxiety status and brain oxidative stress. Elevated plus maze was used in order to asses the anxiety-like behavior, while the biochemical analysis included the determination of some antioxidant defense enzymes like superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and also a lipid peroxidation product (malondialdehyde). Our results provide additional evidence of angiotensin II induced anxiety-like effects and increased prooxidant status. Moreover, the blockade of angiotensin II, by the administration of an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (captopril) resulted in anxiolytic effects and decreased oxidative stress status. In addition, we found a significant correlation between the time spent by rats in the open arms of the elevated plus maze and oxidative stress markers. This could raise important therapeutic issues regarding the anxiolytic effects of some angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors used primarily for hypertension, such as captopril. Also, it seems that oxidative stress could play an important part in these actions.
Variation in the Quantitative Characters of Androgenic Pepper Lines Derived from Hybrid Capsicum frutescens L. x C. chinense Jacq
Authors: Olszewska Dorota , Niklas-Nowak Aleksandra , Nowaczyk Paweł 
Published: January 2011

Variation in the Quantitative Characters of Androgenic Pepper Lines Derived from Hybrid Capsicum frutescens L. x C. chinense Jacq
In the presented work doubled haploid lines (DH lines) obtained in anther cultures of pepper hybrid (Capsicum spp.) were investigated, regarding their biometrical characteristics. The experiment was carried out over 2007-2008. The research material consisted of R2 and R3 generations of three androgenic lines: FCHX, FCHXI and FCHXII, derived from interspecific pepper hybrid C. frutescens L x C. chinense Jacq.
The biometrical analyses of R2 generation revealed that in case of FCHXI line five of the six analysed fruit parameters showed phenotypic homogeneity. Four characters of FCHX line were homogenous, while in case of FCHXII line only the number of seeds per fruit was uniform. In the successive year when R3 generations, obtained as a result of R2 plants self-pollination, were evaluated, statistical analysis confirmed phenotypic uniformity of each of the tested fruit characters. Simultaneously, Scheffe significance test demonstrated a high variation between the three analysed anther-derived lines of C. frutescens L.x C. chinense Jacq.
Influence of Copper Ions on the Plant Material Obtained from the Anther Culture of Carrot (Daucus carota L.)
Authors: Szafrańska Katarzyna , Kowalska Urszula , Górecka Krystyna , Amarowicz Ryszard , Urbalewicz Anna , Górecki Ryszard , Janas Krystyna 
Published: January 2011

Influence of Copper Ions on the Plant Material Obtained from the Anther Culture of Carrot (Daucus carota L.)
The influence of copper ions on the regeneration of carrot (Daucus carota L.) androgenic embryos, accumulation of copper in rosettes, soluble esterbound phenolic acids and some parameters of oxidative stress were investigated. Two carrots: cv. Feria and 1014 breeding line were subjected to 1 μM, 10 μM and 100 μM Cu stress for 16 and 24 weeks. Under this stress, better growth, lower lipid peroxidation (TBARS level) and higher phenolic acid contents were observed in the cv. Feria. The rosettes of 1014 line accumulated less copper and produced smaller amount of TBARS after 24 weeks of incubation than after 16 weeks. Chlorogenic and caffeic acids were the main phenolic acids in both cultures. In the Feria rosettes the application of 10 μM Cu caused relatively high level of chlorogenic acid combined with low accumulation of copper in the tissues and unchanged levels of TBARS after both 16 and 24 weeks of incubation. On the other hand, despite the dose-dependent decline of chlorogenic acid in the rosettes of 1014 line, decrease in TBARS content was also observed after 24 weeks. The obtained results might suggest that the Feria carrot culture was able to develop more effective protection system/strategy against Cu excess in comparison to the 1014 line.
Characterization and Identification of Selection Indices of Pole Type Dolichos Bean
Authors: Chattopadhyay Arup , Dutta Subrata 
Published: January 2011

Characterization and Identification of Selection Indices of Pole Type Dolichos Bean
Twelve genotypes of pole type dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus var. typicus) were evaluated for their genetic variability and character association among nine quantitative traits under the Gangetic plains of eastern India. The study revealed significant variation in days to 50% flowering (57-115), length of pod (7.15-15.05 cm), breadth of pod (1.44-3.11 cm), weight of pod (2.92-8.92 g), 100 seed weight (22.2-45.50 g), number of pods/plant (768.3-1897), protein content of pod (0.70-5.45%) and pod yield/plant (5.07-12.21 kg). Genotypes showed differential reaction against Cercospora leaf spot and dolichos yellow mosaic virus. High yielding genotypes generally showed fewer incidences of diseases than the poor yielding genotypes. Characters like number of protein content of pod, number of pods/plant, breadth of pod, weight of pod and pod yield/plant exhibited high GCV, PCV, heritability and genetic advance as percent of mean indicating that such situation may arise due to the action of additive genes controlling the characters. From the correlation and path coefficient analysis, it revealed that the top priority should be given to selection based on the weight of pod, 100 dry seed weight and number of pods per plant for green pod yield improvement and could be considered while formulating selection indices in the improvement of pole type dolichos bean.
Carotenes Content in Carrot Roots (Daucus carota L.) as affected by Cultivation and Storage
Authors: Fikselová Martina , Mareček Ján , Mellen Martin 
Published: January 2011

Carotenes Content in Carrot Roots (Daucus carota L.) as affected by Cultivation and Storage
The influence of area, variety, year and storage on β-carotene content and dry matter content of selected carrot varieties were tested. Carrot roots of four varieties were examined during two years period (2002-2003), cultivated under different climatic and soil conditions in three areas of Slovakia - Nitra, Komárno and Prusy. Carrot varieties (Nevis F1, Idaho F1, Florida F1, Kathmandu F1) showed the greatest mean content of β-carotene (23.25 mg·100 g-1) in Nitra area, year 2003. Irrigation showed negative influence on β-carotene content. The highest content of β-carotene showed variety Florida F1 (26.3 mg·100 g-1). Mean higher contents of dry matter were determined in the year 2003 compared to the year 2002.
Loss of β-carotene during carrot storage was observed higher in the cellar than in the cold storage. Mean loss of β-carotene in dry matter for cold storage was 13.57-14.28%, compared to cellar 20-27.3%.