bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interaction of benzylidene‐anabaseine analogues with agonist and allosteric sites on muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
Authors: Arias HR , Xing H , MacDougall K , Blanton MP , Soti F , Kem WR 
Published: March 2009

Background and purpose: Benzylidene‐anabaseines (BAs) are partial agonists of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) but their mechanism(s) of action are unknown. Our study explores several possibilities, including direct interactions of BAs with the nAChR channel.Experimental approach: Functional and radioligand‐binding assays were used to examine the interaction of two BA analogues, 3‐(2,4‐dimethoxybenzylidene)‐anabaseine (DMXBA) and its primary metabolite 3‐(4‐hydroxy‐2‐methoxybenzylidene)‐anabaseine (4OH‐DMXBA) with both agonist and non‐competitive antagonist (NCA)‐binding sites on muscle‐type nAChRs.Key results: Both BAs non‐competitively inhibited ACh activation of human fetal muscle nAChRs and sterically inhibited the specific binding of the NCAs [piperidyl‐3,4‐3H(N)]‐(N‐(1‐(2‐thienyl)cyclohexyl)‐3,4‐piperidine ([3H]TCP) and [3H]dizocilpine toTorpedonAChRs in the desensitized state. These compounds modulated [3H]tetracaine, [14C]amobarbital and [3H]TCP binding to resting nAChRs by allosteric mechanisms. Both BAs enhanced [3H]TCP binding when the nAChR was initially in the resting but activatable state, suggesting that both compounds desensitized theTorpedonAChR. Although DMXBA failed to activate human fetal muscle nAChRs, 4OH‐DMXBA was found to be a partial agonist. [3H]Nicotine competition‐binding experiments confirmed that 4OH‐DMXBA has higher affinity than DMXBA for the agonist sites, and that DMXBA is also a competitive antagonist.Conclusions and implications: 3‐(4‐hydroxy‐2‐methoxybenzylidene)‐anabaseine is a partial agonist for human fetal muscle nAChRs, whereas DMXBA only has competitive and NCA activities. The NCA‐binding site for BAs overlaps both the phencyclidine‐ and dizocilpine‐binding sites in the desensitizedTorpedonAChR ion channel. The desensitizing property of BAs suggests another possible mode of non‐competitive inhibition in addition to direct channel‐blocking mechanisms.
Inhibition of human insulin gene transcription by peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ and thiazolidinedione oral antidiabetic drugs
Authors: Schinner S , Krätzner R , Baun D , Dickel C , Blume R , Oetjen E 
Published: March 2009

Background and purpose:  The transcription factor peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is essential for glucose homeostasis. PPARγ ligands reducing insulin levels in vivo are used as drugs to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. Genes regulated by PPARγ have been found in several tissues including insulin‐producing pancreatic islet β‐cells. However, the role of PPARγ at the insulin gene was unknown. Therefore, the effect of PPARγ and PPARγ ligands like rosiglitazone on insulin gene transcription was investigated.Experimental approach:  Reporter gene assays were used in the β‐cell line HIT and in primary mature pancreatic islets of transgenic mice. Mapping studies and internal mutations were carried out to locate PPARγ‐responsive promoter regions.Key results:  Rosiglitazone caused a PPARγ‐dependent inhibition of insulin gene transcription in a β‐cell line. This inhibition was concentration‐dependent and had an EC50 similar to that for the activation of a reporter gene under the control of multimerized PPAR binding sites. Also in normal primary pancreatic islets of transgenic mice, known to express high levels of PPARγ, rosiglitazone inhibited glucose‐stimulated insulin gene transcription. Transactivation and mapping experiments suggest that, in contrast to the rat glucagon gene, the inhibition of the human insulin gene promoter by PPARγ/rosiglitazone does not depend on promoter‐bound Pax6 and is attributable to the proximal insulin gene promoter region around the transcription start site from −56 to +18.Conclusions and implications:  The human insulin gene represents a novel PPARγ target that may contribute to the action of thiazolidinediones in type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Low level of cuticular hydrocarbons in a parasitoid of a solitary digger wasp and its potential for concealment
Authors: KROISS Johannes , SCHMITT Thomas , STROHM Erhard 
Published: March 2009

AbstractInsect cuticular hydrocarbons (CHC) play a role as semiochemicals in many host–parasite systems and chemical mimicry or camouflage is a well‐known mechanism of parasites to evade detection by the host. The cuckoo wasp Hedychrum rutilans (Hymenoptera, Chrysididae) is a parasitoid of larvae of the European beewolf Philanthus triangulum (Hymenoptera, Crabronidae). Females chemically mimic the cuticular hydrocarbons of their hosts to avoid detection and countermeasures when entering the host nest for oviposition. Here we report on a possible second mechanism of the chrysidid wasp H. rutilans to evade detection: the amount of CHC/mm2 of cuticle is only approximately one‐fifth compared to its beewolf host. Furthermore, we show that surprisingly large amounts of CHC of beewolf females can be found on the walls of the underground nest. Potentially, these hydrocarbons might constitute a background odor against which the cuckoo wasps or their chemical traces have to be perceived by the beewolf. The reduction in the amount of CHC of the cuckoo wasps might be equivalent to a dilution of recognition cues, especially against the background odor of the nest walls, and might provide a means to escape detection within the nest due to “chemical insignificance”.
Suspending cocoons to evade ant predation in Meteorus pulchricornis, a braconid parasitoid of exposed‐living lepidopteran larvae
Authors: SHIRAI Shunsuke , MAETO Kaoru 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWe tested the hypothesis that cocoon suspension by a thread in hymenopteran parasitoids is a defense tactic against predators, by comparing predation against suspended and non‐suspended cocoons of the braconid wasp Meteorus pulchricornis on a Quercus phillyraeoides hedge on which workers of the common small ant Crematogaster matsumurai were foraging. The lost proportion of non‐suspended cocoons, which were artificially attached to leaves of Q. phillyraeoides, markedly decreased with cocoon age, indicating a critical phase of predation on young cocoons. No suspended cocoons at age 1–12 h at the beginning of exposure were lost within 12 h, whereas more than 75% of same‐aged non‐suspended cocoons were lost in the same period. Predation against such young cocoons would be a strong force driving the evolution of cocoon suspension in parasitoids of exposed‐living host insects.
Description of a new Dendrocerus species (Hymenoptera: Megaspilidae) hyperparasitic on Stomaphis aphids and additional notes on their primary parasitoid, Protaphidius nawaii (Braconidae), and another hyperparasitoid, Euneura stomaphidis (Pteromalidae)
Authors: TAKADA Hajimu 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA food chain through three trophic levels on certain trees, Stomaphis aphids – a primary parasitoid, Protaphidius nawaii– a hyperparasitoid, Euneura stomaphidis, has been known in Japan. In the course of my survey on the seasonal prevalence of three Stomaphis species and their parasitoids from 1981–2007 in Kyoto, Japan, I found another hyperparasitoid, which I describe here as a new species, Dendrocerus stomaphis. From fragmentary observations, I inferred the life cycles of P. nawaii, E. stomaphidis and D. stomaphis. These three species have different strategies to escape ant aggression: P. nawaii by specific morphological and behavioral adaptation, E. stomaphidis by general anti‐predator behavior like quick movement and D. stomaphis by a unique univoltine life cycle with the active phase from late autumn to early winter when the ants are less active.
Incomplete Posterior Circle of Willis: A Risk Factor for Migraine?
Authors: Bugnicourt Jean‐Marc , Garcia Pierre‐Yves , Peltier Johann , Bonnaire Bruno , Picard Candice , Godefroy Olivier 
Published: March 2009

Background.— Migraine is associated with vascular risk factors and white matter abnormalities (WMA). Cerebral hypoperfusion is known to be one mechanism underlying WMA and a few studies have shown that an incomplete circle of Willis (CW) may predispose to cerebral hypoperfusion. This study assessed the relationship between the morphologic characteristics of the CW and migraine.Methods.— This case–control study was carried out in the Amiens University Hospital. Patients undergoing 3‐dimensional time of flight magnetic resonance angiography of the CW from January 1 to June 30, 2006 were included (n = 124). A definitive diagnosis of migraine was established in 47 patients: 23 (48.9%) experienced migraine without aura and 24 (51.1%) migraine with aura. The remaining 77 patients with other neurologic disorders constituted the control group. The posterior CW was graded as complete when both posterior communicating arteries and the P1 segments of the posterior cerebral artery were present on visual examination and incomplete when one of these vessels was missing (interobserver agreement: Ktotal = 0.746).Results.— Incomplete posterior CW was significantly more common in migraineurs than in the control group (49% vs 18%; P < .001). On multivariate analysis, incomplete posterior CW was the sole independent factor associated with migraine (OR: 6.5; 95% CI: 2.6‐16.2; P < .001). No difference was found between migraineurs with and without aura.Conclusions.— Despite some methodological limitations, our results showed that incomplete posterior CW was associated with migraine.
Alcohol Dehydrogenase 2 Genotype and Risk for Migraine
Authors: García‐Martín Elena , Martínez Carmen , Serrador Mercedes , Alonso‐Navarro Hortensia , Navacerrada Francisco , Agúndez José A. G. , Jiménez‐Jiménez Félix J. 
Published: March 2009

(Headache 2010;50:85‐91)Background/Objectives.— Alcohol has been traditionally considered a possible migraine trigger factor. Alcohol‐dehydrogenase (ADH) enzymes are thought to play important roles in the metabolism of ethanol. Relevant polymorphism has been found only for 2 of the ADH genes (mapped on chromosome ): ADH 1B, betapolypeptide (ADH2) and ADH3. The polymorphism rs1229984, located in the third exon of the human ADH2 gene, causes the amino acid substitution Arg48His. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible association between ADH2 polymorphism and the risk for migraine and for triggering migraine attacks.Methods.— We studied the frequency of the ADH2 genotypes and allelic variants in 197 patients with migraine and 255 healthy controls using allele‐specific PCR amplification and MslI‐RFLP's analyses.Results.— The frequencies of ADH2 Arg/His genotype and of ADH2 His allele were significantly lower in patients with migraine when compared with those of controls, and were unrelated with the age of onset of migraine attacks, family history of migraine or presence of aura. The frequency of the allelic variant ADH2 His (ADH2*2) was significantly higher in the group of patients who reported triggering of migraine by alcohol when compared with the group who reported no effect.Conclusion.— The results of the present study suggest that ADH2 Arg/His genotype should be associated with a decreased risk for migraine, while the ADH2 His allelic variant should be related with the risk for triggering migraine attacks after alcohol consumption in our population of migraine patients.
Self‐Reported vs Measured Body Mass Indices in Migraineurs
Authors: Katsnelson Michael J. , Peterlin B. Lee , Rosso Andrea L. , Alexander Guillermo M. , Erwin Kirsten L. 
Published: March 2009

Objective.— To compare and contrast body mass indices calculated based on self‐reported height and weight as compared with measured height and weight in migraine patients.Background.— Obesity is a risk factor for multiple neurological disorders including stroke, dementia, and migraine chronification. In addition, several cytokines and adipocytokines associated with migraine are modulated by body mass. The body mass index (BMI) is a commonly used anthropometric measure to estimate total body fat and is often calculated based on patient's self‐reported height and weight.Methods.— This was a retrospective study evaluating consecutive migraine patients presenting to a headache clinic. Demographic characteristics and self‐reported height and weight were obtained from a standardized questionnaire that each new patient completes upon presentation to the clinic. In addition, as depression has been shown to be associated with both migraine and obesity, information in regards to major depression utilizing the Patient Healthcare Questionnaire‐9 was extracted as well. Following completion of the questionnaire, body mass indices are routinely measured, with height measured to the nearest 0.5 inch utilizing a mounted stadiometer, and weight measured with a standard scale to the nearest 0.5 lb. After this information was extracted from the charts, BMI was then calculated for both self‐reported and measured body mass indices. Using the measured body mass indices as a standard, this was then compared and contrasted to the patient's self‐reported body mass indices.Results.— A total of 110 patients were included in the study. Patients were predominantly female (91%) with a mean age of 38.6 ± 11.6 years. Of the total patients included, no significant difference in self‐reported height (mean 64.7 ± 3.1 inches) as compared with measured height (mean 64.5 ± 3.4 inches) was seen, P = .463. However, self‐reported weight (169 ± 41.3) was underestimated as compared with the measured weight (173.5 ± 43.2), P = .001. And, the self‐reported BMI (28.4 ± 6.8) was significantly less than the measured BMI (29.4 ± 7.5), P < .001.Conclusions.— In our study, the self‐reported mean weight and BMI for migraineurs was significantly less than the measured mean weight and BMI, and was of greater magnitude in the obese migraineurs. This suggests that conclusions drawn from studies evaluating obesity utilizing self‐reported BMI in migraineurs may undercall the effect of total body obesity.
Chromated metal products may be hazardous to patients with chromate allergy
Authors: Geier Johannes , Lessmann Holger , Hellweg Brigitte , Jappe Uta , Spornraft‐Ragaller Petra , Fuchs Thomas , Aberer Werner , Frosch Peter J. , Weisshaar Elke , Mahler Vera , Löffler Harald , Skudlik Christoph , Szliska Christiane , Koch Patrick , Pföhler Claudia , Lilie Martina , Becker Detlef , Trcka Jiri , Meyer Jochen , Hahn Jens‐Uwe , Adam Monika 
Published: March 2009

Background:  Hidden allergen exposure may contribute to persistence and relapse of chromate dermatitis. According to case reports, chromated metal products, such as screws, fittings, etc., may be relevant allergen sources for patients sensitized to chromate.Objectives:  To examine concomitant patch test reactivity to potassium dichromate 0.5% petrolatum (pet.) and three different types of chromated metal rings.Patients/Methods:  Patients with proven or suspected chromate allergy were patch tested with potassium dichromate 0.5% pet. and three different types of chromated metal rings (yellow, olive, and black). Hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) release from the patch tested rings was chemically analysed.Results:  Ninety‐five patients were tested: 49/95 (52%) reacted to potassium dichromate and 25/95 (26%) reacted to black chromated rings. Reactions to chromated rings exclusively occurred in patients reacting to potassium dichromate. Of 20 patients with a strong reaction to potassium dichromate, 14 reacted to black chromated rings. These were shown to have a high Cr(VI) release. Only two patients reacted to the other chromated rings, which had a very low Cr(VI) release.Conclusions:  Handling chromated metal products must be regarded a hazard to chromate‐sensitive patients, in particular those with a strong sensitization.
Risk Assessment for People Exposed from Different Environments
Authors: Poulsen Emil 
Published: March 2009

Abstract: After the identification of the hazardous intrinsic properties of a carcinogen an attempt is made to estimate, if possible, the potency of the carcinogenic effect. For the evaluation it is, furthermore, of interest to know the genotoxic properties of the chemical. The next step would be to try to estimate the potential exposure for people in different environments. This could be intake from use of it as an additive in food or occurrence as a contaminant in food, drinking water, soil or air. The air exposure might come from contaminants in the working environment, in‐door air or ambient air.The outcome of the hazard and exposure assessments would not be the only factors in a risk assessment or suggested limit values. Other factors might be the political‐administrative background coming from different legal systems, even in the same country, which might apply different safety ambitions. This might result in the application of different risk levels (1:1 million, 1:10 million) or different safety factors, if that approach is used for non‐genotoxic animal carcinogens.
Cancer and Ionizing Radiation
Authors: Ulbak Kaare 
Published: March 2009

Abstract: The carcinogenic effects of ionizing radiation are well documented at high doses and high dose rates. The Danish population has always been exposed to ionizing radiation from natural sources. In this century exposures from man‐made sources especially in the medical field have added to the overall exposure of the population. Excluding medical exposures and exposures in the working environment the exposures of an individual member of the Danish population are essentially coming from natural sources especially from radon in dwellings. On average these sources give an annual effective dose equivalent of 3 mSv.A risk assessment using the latest information on the carcinogenic effects of ionizing radiation indicate that these radiation sources could give rise to 300 lung cancer deaths (radon) and 250 fatal cancers (other sources) each year in Denmark.
Carcinogenic Chemicals in the Occupational Environment
Authors: Anttila Ahti , Sallmén Markku , Hemminki Kari 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA survey of occupational carcinogens by the Institute of Occupational Health, Finland shows that more than 100 000 workers are exposed to carcinogenic substances. The most common exposures are silica, wood dust, tobacco smoke and lead compounds. Based on biological monitoring of workers over the years it appears that overall lead exposure has decreased but exposure to styrene, trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene has decreased only slightly or remained constant. The biological monitoring data are based on samples sent by the workplaces on their initiative presenting no scientifically selected sampling. Thus due caution is needed in the interpretation of the trends.
Availability of Data on Humans Potentially Exposed to Suspected Carcinogens in the Danish Working Environment
Authors: Hansen Johnni , Schneider Thomas , Olsen Jørgen H , Laursen Bjarne 
Published: March 2009

AbstractFor the majority of suspected carcinogens only little or no human evidence exists, and in general ongoing epidemiologic studies fail to address this fast growing group of chemicals. A survey based on a Danish occupational surveillance system concerning data on present and historical import, production and use of the 167 chemicals evaluated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as possible or probable carcinogens, shows that about 110 of these chemicals are on the market in Denmark at present. Only 32 are used in industry in relatively large quantities. For some of these chemicals it is possible to identify clusters of companies, including historical cohorts of potentially exposed workers. Measurements of airborne pollutants are available for some few of the suspected carcinogens, indicating decreasing time trends and various levels in different industries. In spite of some limitations, this information on potential exposure has on ad hoc basis been linked to an existing cancer registry based occupational surveillance system, and various studies based on the total body of data are on‐going, as a preliminary approach to give at least some human evidence to some widespread animal carcinogens.
Legislation by the European Community on Carcinogens
Authors: Skov Torsten , Hermind Benét , Lynge Elsebeth 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA brief overview is given of the legislation in the European Community concerning the classification and labelling, marketing and use, occupational exposure, etc. of carcinogenic agents. This includes data on the regulation of 739 agents which have been evaluated for carcinogenicity by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and/or the European Community. These data have been collected in a computerized data base. Although no comprehensive evaluation of the legislation is attempted, it is suggested that a number of carcinogenic agents still need attention, and that the labelling requirements should be supplemented with more restrictive legislation.
Regulating Carcinogenic Risks from Foodstuffs: Present Danish Approaches
Authors: Knudsen Ib 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe aim of the present Danish regulatory toxicological efforts is to identify and eliminate human carcinogens introduced in the human food supply directly or indirectly through the activity of man. The efforts are directed towards food additives, contaminants and food itself, both individual food items and dietary habits. The overall goal is to bring down the incidence of cancer. The scientific rationale for achieving this goal is discussed based upon recent knowledge. It is suggested that more scientific efforts should be directed towards determining the qualitative and quantitative role of the natural food constituents in human cancer causation.
Sampling soil wood charcoals at a high spatial resolution: a new methodology to investigate the origin of grassland plant communities
Authors: Dutoit Thierry , Thinon Michel , Talon Brigitte , Buisson Elise , Alard Didier 
Published: March 2009

AbstractQuestions: (i) Can sampling of soil wood charcoals at high spatial resolution produce new evidence concerning the presence of chalk grassland before or during the Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Ages? (ii) Are there correlations between vegetation history and archeological data during these periods at this particular site?Location: The chalk hillsides of Saint‐Adrien in the lower Seine Valley, Upper Normandy, northwest France.Methods: The study was carried out at a high spatial resolution in chalk grassland using soil wood charcoal analysis, in which charcoals found in the soil were identified and dated in an area of several hundred square meters.Results: Late‐successional woody species (Fagus sylvatica, Quercus sp.) were still present in the study site in an area inconsistent with the existence of large chalk grassland herbaceous plant communities (several hectares) in the Neolithic (6500–3800 BP) and Bronze Age (3800–2700 BP).Conclusions: The presence of late‐successional woody species on the studied hillside suggests that fires in the Neolithic were linked to forest clearance for pastoral activities, as already demonstrated for similar ecosystems in eastern France and Germany. Nevertheless, our methodology clearly demonstrates that palaecological studies need to take into account the spatial organisation of plant communities as a complementary element to validate their potential existence in former times.