bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Different Evolutionary Histories of the Coagulation Factor VII Gene in Human Populations?
Authors: Athanasiadis Georgios , Esteban Esther , Gayà‐Vidal Magdalena , Dugoujon Jean‐Michel , Moschonas Nicholas , Chaabani Hassen , Bissar‐Tadmouri Nisrine , Harich Nourdin , Stoneking Mark , Moral Pedro 
Published: December 2009

SummaryImmoderate blood clotting constitutes a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in modern industrialised societies, but is believed to have conferred a survival advantage, i.e. faster recovery from bleeding, on our ancestors. Here, we investigate the evolutionary history of the Coagulation Factor VII gene (F7) by analysing five cardiovascular‐risk‐associated mutations from the F7 promoter and nine neutral polymorphisms (six SNPs and three microsatellites) from the flanking region in 16 populations from the broader Mediterranean region, South Saharan Africa and Bolivia (687 individuals in total). Population differentiation and selection tests were performed and linkage disequilibrium patterns were investigated. In all samples, no linkage disequilibrium between adjacent F7 promoter mutations −402 and −401 was observed. No selection signals were detected in any of the samples from the broader Mediterranean region and South Saharan Africa, while some of the data suggested a potential signal of positive selection for the F7 promoter in the Native American samples from Bolivia. In conclusion, our data suggest, although do not prove, different evolutionary histories in the F7 promoter region between Mediterraneans and Amerindians.
Ethanol induction of steroidogenesis in rat adrenal and brain is dependent upon pituitary ACTH release andde novoadrenal StAR synthesis
Authors: Boyd Kevin N. , Kumar Sandeep , O’Buckley Todd K. , Porcu Patrizia , Morrow A. Leslie 
Published: December 2009

J. Neurochem.(2010)112, 784–796.AbstractThe mechanisms of ethanol actions that produce its behavioral sequelae involve the synthesis of potent GABAergic neuroactive steroids, specifically the GABAergic metabolites of progesterone, (3α,5α)‐3‐hydroxypregnan‐20‐one (3α,5α‐THP), and deoxycorticosterone, (3α,5α)‐3,21‐dihydroxypregnan‐20‐one. We investigated the mechanisms that underlie the effect of ethanol on adrenal steroidogenesis. We found that ethanol effects on plasma pregnenolone, progesterone, 3α,5α‐THP and cortical 3α,5α‐THP are highly correlated, exhibit a threshold of 1.5 g/kg, but show no dose dependence. Ethanol increases plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), adrenal steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), and adrenal StAR phosphorylation, but does not alter levels of other adrenal cholesterol transporters. The inhibition of ACTH release,de novoadrenal StAR synthesis or cytochrome P450 side chain cleavage activity prevents ethanol‐induced increases in GABAergic steroids in plasma and brain. ACTH release andde novoStAR synthesis are independently regulated following ethanol administration and both are necessary, but not sufficient, for ethanol‐induced elevation of plasma and brain neuroactive steroids. As GABAergic steroids contribute to ethanol actions and ethanol sensitivity, the mechanisms of this effect of ethanol may be important factors that contribute to the behavioral actions of ethanol and risk for alcohol abuse disorders.
Macromolecular drug transport into the brain using targeted therapy
Authors: Lichota Jacek , Skjørringe Tina , Thomsen Louiza B. , Moos Torben 
Published: December 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 10.1111/j.1471‐4159.2009.06544.xAbstractThe brain forms a vascular barrier system comprised of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and the blood–CSF barriers. Together they prevent the passage of a number of drugs from the bloodstream into the brain parenchyma, because their molecules are either hydrophilic, too large or both. In many disorders affecting the CNS, these barriers are physically intact, which limits the entry of large molecules with potentially important therapeutic implications. The BBB is the most relevant barrier against drug delivery to the brain as the area of the BBB is about 1000 times larger than that of the blood–CSF barrier. Moreover, the transport through the choroid plexus is directed to the ventricular system, only allowing the transported molecules to access cells near the ventricular and subarachnoid surfaces. This review outlines possible routes for targeted entry of macromolecules like polypeptides, siRNA and cDNA. In the vascular compartment, targeting molecules should interact specifically with proteins expressed exclusively by these barrier cells, and therefore prevent uptake elsewhere in the body. Preferably, the targeting molecule should be conjugated to a drug carrier that allows uptake of a defined cargo. However, evidence for transport of such targetable drug‐carrier complexes through the barriers, in particular the BBB, is contentious, and is discussed with emphasis on the different attempts that have evinced transport through the BBB not only from blood‐to‐endothelium, but also from endothelium‐to‐brain.
Gender‐based voting in the parliamentary elections of 2007 in Finland
Authors: HOLLI ANNE MARIA , WASS HANNA 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIn contrast to many other countries, the Finnish open‐list proportional representation (PR) system with its mandatory preferential voting provides an opportunity to study gender‐based voting empirically. Using the 2007 Finnish national election study, the article presents an analysis of the grounds for same‐gender voting, including motivations related to descriptive and substantive dimensions of representation. None of the motivations is able to account men's higher propensity to vote for a candidate of their own gender. The motivations linked to securing the descriptive and substantive representation of one's own gender in politics play a more decisive part on women's vote choice of same‐gender candidates. Voting for a same‐gender candidate is connected to younger age among both women and men, while the propensity to vote for female candidates increases with support for the Social Democrats, the Greens and the Swedish People's Party. Finally, gender, party choice, and descriptive and substantive motivations seem to be related to gender‐based voting for both parliamentary and presidential elections.
The methyl ester of okadaic acid is more potent than okadaic acid in disrupting the actin cytoskeleton and metabolism of primary cultured hepatocytes
Authors: Espiña Begoña , Louzao MCarmen , Cagide Eva , Alfonso Amparo , Vieytes Mercedes R , Yasumoto Takeshi , Botana Luis M 
Published: December 2009

Background and purpose: Okadaic acid (OA) and microcystins (MCs) are structurally different toxins with the same mechanism of action, inhibition of serine/threonine protein phosphatases (PPs). Methyl okadaate (MeOk), a methyl ester derivative of OA, was considered almost inactive due to its weak inhibition of PP1 and PP2A. Here, we have investigated the activity and potency of MeOk in hepatic cells in comparison with that of OA and MCs.Experimental approach: We tested the effects of MeOK, OA and microcystin‐leucine and arginine (MC‐LR) on the metabolic rate, the actin cytoskeleton and glucose uptake in a rat hepatocyte cell line (Clone 9) and in primary cultured rat hepatocytes. PP2A was assayed to compare OA and MeOk activity.Key results: MeOk disrupted the actin cytoskeleton and depressed the metabolic rate of both types of rat hepatocytes, being six‐fold less potent than OA in Clone 9 cells but nearly six‐fold more potent in primary cultured hepatocytes. However, unlike OA, MeOk did not change glucose uptake in these cells, suggesting a weak inhibition of PP2A, as confirmed in direct assays of PP2A activity.Conclusions and implications: Although MeOk was originally described as a weakly bioactive molecule, it clearly depressed the metabolic rate and disrupted the cytoskeleton in primary and immortalized rat hepatocytes. Furthermore, MeOk affected primary hepatocytes at much lower concentrations than those affecting immortalized cells. These effects were unrelated to PP2A inhibition. Our results suggest the risk to public health from MeOk in foodstuffs should be re‐evaluated.
The prefrontal cortex: a target for antipsychotic drugs
Authors: Artigas F. 
Published: December 2009

Objective:  At therapeutic doses, classical antipsychotic drugs occupy a large proportion of subcortical dopamine D2 receptors, whereas atypical antipsychotics preferentially occupy cortical 5‐HT2 receptors. However, the exact cellular and network basis of their therapeutic action is not fully understood.Method:  To review the mechanism of action of antipsychotic drugs with a particular emphasis on their action in the prefrontal cortex (PFC).Results:  The PFC controls a large number of higher brain functions altered in schizophrenia. Histological studies indicate the presence of a large proportion of PFC neurons expressing monoaminergic receptors sensitive to the action of atypical‐ and to a lesser extentclassical antipsychotic drugs. Functional studies also indicate that both drug families act at PFC level.Conclusion:  Atypical antipsychotic drugs likely exert their therapeutic activity by a preferential action on PFC neurons, thus modulating the PFC output to basal ganglia circuits. Classical antipsychotics also interact with these PFC targets in addition to blocking massively striatal D2 receptors.
Quantification of Chlamydia pneumoniae in cultured human macrophages and HL cells: comparison of real‐time PCR, immunofluorescence and ELISA methods
Authors: POIKONEN KARI , LAJUNEN TAINA , SILVENNOINEN‐KASSINEN SYLVI , LEINONEN MAIJA , SAIKKU PEKKA 
Published: December 2009

Poikonen K, Lajunen T, Silvennoinen‐Kassinen S, Leinonen M, Saikku P. Quantification of Chlamydia pneumoniae in cultured human macrophages and HL cells: comparison of real‐time PCR, immunofluorescence and ELISA methods. APMIS 2010; 118: 45–8. Chlamydia pneumoniae is an intracellular gram‐negative bacterium, which replicates only in eukaryotic cells. Quantification of C. pneumoniae in cell culture is needed when studying e.g. the effect of drugs or host cell factors on infectivity and replication. Conventionally, this has been performed by immunofluorescence staining and microscopic counting of chlamydial inclusions. However, this method is usable only if the cell numbers do not fluctuate in cell culture vials and the inclusions are uniform. In macrophages, inclusions are often aberrant, their sizes vary, and multiple inclusions are also seen. Therefore, methods are needed to quantify exact amounts of C. pneumoniae in cells. Here, we describe a new method based on the real‐time PCR quantification of chlamydial genomes adjusted to the number of human genomes in cultures. In human epithelial (HL) cell cultures, the C. pneumoniae inclusion numbers and the ratio of C. pneumonia genomes/human genome (Cpn/Hum) correlated significantly (r = 0.978, p < 0.001); thus with HL cells, both methods are usable. However, in macrophage cultures, the correlation was weaker (r = 0.133, p = 0.036) and we recommend PCR quantification for exact measurements.
Comparison of methods of DNA extraction for real‐time PCR in a model of pleural tuberculosis
Authors: SANTOS ANA , CREMADES ROSA , RODRÍGUEZ JUAN CARLOS , GARCÍA‐PACHÓN EDUARDO , RUIZ MONTSERRAT , ROYO GLORIA 
Published: December 2009

Santos A, Cremades R, Rodríguez JC, García‐Pachón E, Ruiz M, Royo G. Comparison of methods of DNA extraction for real‐time PCR in a model of pleural tuberculosis. APMIS 2010; 118: 60–5.Molecular methods have been reported to have different sensitivities in the diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis and this may in part be caused by the use of different methods of DNA extraction. Our study compares nine DNA extraction systems in an experimental model of pleural tuberculosis. An inoculum of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was added to 23 pleural liquid samples with different characteristics. DNA was subsequently extracted using nine different methods (seven manual and two automatic) for analysis with real‐time PCR. Only two methods were able to detect the presence of M. tuberculosis DNA in all the samples: extraction using columns (Qiagen) and automated extraction with the TNAI system (Roche). The automatic method is more expensive, but requires less time. Almost all the false negatives were because of the difficulty involved in extracting M. tuberculosis DNA, as in general, all the methods studied are capable of eliminating inhibitory substances that block the amplification reaction. The method of M. tuberculosis DNA extraction used affects the results of the diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis by molecular methods. DNA extraction systems that have been shown to be effective in pleural liquid should be used.
Vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus spp.: validation of susceptibility testing and in vitro activity of vancomycin, linezolid, tigecycline and daptomycin
Authors: RATHE MATHIAS , KRISTENSEN LISE , ELLERMANN‐ERIKSEN SVEND , THOMSEN MARIANNE KRAGH , SCHUMACHER HELGA 
Published: December 2009

Rathe M, Kristensen L, Ellermann‐Eriksen S, Thomsen MK, Schumacher H. Vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus spp.: validation of susceptibility testing and in vitro activity of vancomycin, linezolid, tigecycline and daptomycin. APMIS 2010; 118: 66–73.Vancomycin‐resistant enterococci (VRE) have emerged to become a significant nosocomial pathogen. However, detection may be challenging and treatment possibilities are limited. Reports of resistance to linezolide, daptomycin and tigecycline underline the need for reliable susceptibility testing with respect to these compounds. We evaluated the in vitro activity of vancomycin, linezolid, daptomycin and tigecycline against a panel of VRE and vancomycin‐susceptible enterococci by broth microdilution (BMD). Etest for determination of minimum inhibitory concentration of these four antibiotics and two disc diffusion assays for detecting VRE and for susceptibility testing against tigecycline and linezolid were evaluated. Before susceptibility testing, all isolates were classified by polymerase chain reaction as vanA or vanB gene positive or vanA/B gene negative. Linezolid, daptomycin and tigecycline had excellent in vitro activity towards all isolates. For daptomycin and tigecycline, the overall agreement between BMD and Etest was suboptimal. For both disc diffusion assays, use of current break points was inadequate to detect vancomycin resistance for isolates carrying the vanB gene. Inspection of the inhibition zone for a diffuse edge, as recommended, accurately predicted presence of the vanB gene.
Phosphatase inhibitors with anti‐angiogenic effect in vitro
Authors: SYLVEST LENE , BENDIKSEN CHRISTINE DAM , HOUEN GUNNAR 
Published: December 2009

Sylvest L, Bendiksen CD, Houen G. Phosphatase inhibitors with anti‐angiogenic effect in vitro. APMIS 2010; 118: 49–59.Levamisole has previously been identified as an inhibitor of angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo, but the mechanism behind the anti‐angiogenic behavior has not yet been established. However, one known effect of levamisole is the inhibition of alkaline phosphatase, and this fact encouraged us to test other phosphatase inhibitors for their anti‐angiogenic effects by using the same method as used to identify levamisole: an ELISA‐based co‐culture angiogenesis assay giving quantitative and qualitative results. Historically, intracellular phosphatases have been associated with the downregulation of signaling pathways, and kinases with their upregulation, but lately, the phospatases have also been coupled to positive signaling, which is why inhibition of phosphatases has become associated with anti‐tumorigenic and anti‐angiogenic effects. The results obtained in this work reveal several agents with anti‐angiogenic potential and give a strong indication that phosphatase inhibition is linked to anti‐angiogenic activity. An apparent disruption of endothelial tube formation was seen for seven of eight phosphatase inhibitors tested in the angiogenesis assay. By looking at the morphological results, it was seen that most of the inhibitors impaired proliferation and elongation of the endothelial cells, which still had a differentiated appearance. One inhibitor, PTP inhibitor IV, seemed to impair endothelial cell differentiation and induced the same morphology as when cells were treated with levamisole, although at a 200 times lower concentration than that of levamisole. Hence, our work points out compounds with a potential that may be of use in the search for new medical products for the treatment of malignant tumors, or other conditions where angiogenesis plays a central role.
Melanocytic nevi in pregnancy: histologic features and Ki‐67 proliferation index
Authors: Chan May P. , Chan Maren M. , Tahan Steven R. 
Published: December 2009

Background: Changes in the clinical appearance of benign dermal nevi during pregnancy may be concerning for malignant transformation. Because the hormonal milieu of pregnancy has not proven to alter their banal behavior, histologic characterization is needed to prevent over‐diagnosis and unnecessary treatment. Methods: Dermal nevi excised from pregnant women (n = 16) were compared with nevi from location‐ and aged‐matched control patients (n = 15). Histologic features and Ki‐67 proliferation index were evaluated. Results: Nevi in pregnancy were more likely to have dermal mitotic figures (62.5% vs. 13.3%, p = 0.028) and higher mitotic rates (1.44 vs. 0.20 mitoses/mm2, p = 0.0027) than control nevi. A distinctive histologic entity, termed superficial micronodules of pregnancy (SMOPs), was observed more frequently in the nevi of pregnancy (81.3% vs. 26.7%, p = 0.040), and showed consistent immunoreactivity for HMB45. There was a trend toward higher Ki‐67 proliferation index in the nevi of pregnancy (3.0% vs. 1.0%, p = 0.073). Prominent multinucleated melanocytes were seen only in controls. There was no significant difference in pigmentation or irritation changes between groups. Conclusions: Dermal nevi removed during pregnancy show characteristic histologic features including increased dermal mitoses, superficial micronodules of pregnancy (SMOPs), and trend toward increased Ki‐67 proliferation index.Chan MP, Chan MM, Tahan SR. Melanocytic nevi in pregnancy: histologic features and Ki‐67 proliferation index.
Head injuries related to sports and recreation activities in school‐age children and adolescents: Data from a referral centre in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Crowe Louise M , Anderson Vicki , Catroppa Cathy , Babl Franz E 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjectives:  Head injuries (HI) in children are common and even mild HI can lead to ongoing cognitive and behavioural changes. We set out to determine the causes of sport‐related HI in school‐age children presenting to a large urban ED as a basis for future interventions.Method:  Identification and medical record review of all sport‐related HI in children aged 6–16 years at a tertiary children's hospital ED in Victoria, Australia, over a 1 year period. Information was collected on demographics, injury variables and radiology findings. HI were classified as mild, moderate and severe based on GCS and radiography reports.Results:  Over 12 months there were 406 HI in school‐age children. Seventy per cent were male. A large number of HI (129; 33%) were related to sports. Of these, most were classified as mild and 13% were classified as moderate or severe. Among a range of sports, Australian Rules football was associated with more than 30% of all HI attributable to a sport and recreation cause. Equestrian activities were the main cause of moderate HI.Conclusion:  The present study identified sports as a major cause of HI in the Victorian paediatric emergency setting with Australian Rules football the most commonly involved sport. Further prevention initiatives should consider targeting Australian Rules football and equestrian activities.
SYNERGISTIC EFFECT OF VITAMIN B1 ON SANITIZER AND DISINFECTANT TREATMENTS FOR REDUCTION OF BACILLUS CEREUS IN RICE
Authors: LEE MIN‐JEONG , HA JI‐HYOUNG , HA SANG‐DO 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT The synergistic bactericidal effects of vitamin B1 (thiamine dilauryl sulfate) and the efficacy of commercial sanitizers for minimization of Bacillus cereus contamination in cooked rice were investigated. Sanitizer‐treated rice exhibited a greater reduction than water‐treated rice, while sanitizer‐treated rice with Vitamin B1 produced an even greater reduction. The treatments for B. cereus in rice included (1) 100 ppm hydrogen peroxide with 500 ppm vitamin B1; (2) 200 ppm hydrogen peroxide with 100 ppm vitamin B1; (3) 400 ppm hydrogen peroxide; (4) 50 ppm chlorine with 500 ppm vitamin B1; (5) 60 ppm chlorine with 300 ppm vitamin B1; (6) 70 ppm chlorine with 100 ppm vitamin B1; (7) 80 ppm chlorine; and (8) 100,000 ppm ethanol with 500 vitamin B1. All treatments completely eliminated B. cereus in rice. The sensory properties of all sanitizer‐treated cooked rice did not differ significantly from the same properties for water‐treated cooked rice.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe prevalence of Bacillus cereus in rice and rice products has been documented and control of the growth of B. cereus in rice is an important consideration. The results obtained from this study can be of use to rice producers in the manufacture of safe products. Although chemical disinfectants can be used to reduce the amount of B. cereus in rice, vitamin B1 can also be used as an effective additive that reduces the amount of disinfectant use via a synergistic antimicrobial effect. The increasing use of chemical disinfectants for safety in the food industry can be reversed using our method.
IMPROVED MEDIUM FOR DETECTION OF KLEBSIELLA IN POWDERED MILK
Authors: GAO HONG , GAO QI‐LI , ZHANG XIA , GUAN CHUN , LUO MAO‐HUANG , ZHANG HAI‐BIN , LIU PEI , ZHANG HAI‐YING , LI JING 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT The selectivities to pathogenic Klebsiella strains of different isolation media were compared by known standard strains. The modified MacConkey‐inositol‐carbenicillin (MCIC) medium (Named MCIAC, MacConkey‐inositol‐adonitol‐carbenicillin) supplemented with adonitol gave no false‐negative colonies, and exhibited higher selectivity. MCIC and Simmons citrate agar with inositol (SCAI) media gave two false‐negative colonies, respectively. These three media all gave two false‐positive colonies, respectively. Salmonella Shigella medium gave four false‐negative colonies and five false‐positive colonies. Violet red bile glucose agar medium gave the most false‐positive colonies, although it gave no false‐negative colonies. One hundred samples of powdered milk were examined by MCIAC, MCIC and SCAI plates. The typical positive colonies were further identified using Vitek GNI Auto Microbic system and API 20E system. The results showed that the specificity of the MCIAC medium was higher than MCIC and SCAI media.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSMacConkey‐inositol‐carbenicillin (MCIC) is the most commonly used selective medium for the detection of Klebsiella. But some inositol‐nonfermenting Klebsiella strains would be missed when selected by this medium. We improved the MCIC medium by supplementing with 1% adonitol. The new modified medium (MacConkey‐inositol‐adonitol‐carbenicillin, MCIAC) had advantages over other selective Klebsiella media in having a higher selectivity and an incubation time of only 16–24 h. MCIAC could be routinely used for pathogenic Klebsiella selection of powdered milk and other food samples.