bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hyperfunctional C3 convertase leads to complement deposition on endothelial cells and contributes to atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome
Authors: Roumenina Lubka T. , Jablonski Mathieu , Hue Christophe , Blouin Jacques , Dimitrov Jordan D. , Dragon-Durey Marie-Agnes , Cayla Mathieu , Fridman Wolf H. , Macher Marie-Alice , Ribes David , Moulonguet Luc , Rostaing Lionel , Satchell Simon C. , Mathieson Peter W. , Sautes-Fridman Catherine , Loirat Chantal , Regnier Catherine H. , Halbwachs-Mecarelli Lise , Fremeaux-Bacchi Veronique 
Published: July 2009

AbstractComplement is a major innate immune defense against pathogens, tightly regulated to prevent host tissue damage. Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is characterized by endothelial damage leading to renal failure and is highly associated with abnormal alternative pathway regulation. We characterized the functional consequences of 2 aHUS-associated mutations (D254G and K325N) in factor B, a key participant in the alternative C3 convertase. Mutant proteins formed high-affinity C3-binding site, leading to a hyperfunctional C3 convertase, resistant to decay by factor H. This led to enhanced complement deposition on the surface of alternative pathway activator cells. In contrast to native factor B, the 2 mutants bound to inactivated C3 and induced formation of functional C3-convertase on iC3b-coated surface. We demonstrated for the first time that factor B mutations lead to enhanced C3-fragment deposition on quiescent and adherent human glomerular cells (GEnCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), together with the formation of sC5b-9 complexes. These results could explain the occurrence of the disease, since excessive complement deposition on endothelial cells is a central event in the pathogenesis of aHUS. Therefore, risk factors for aHUS are not only mutations leading to loss of regulation, but also mutations, resulting in hyperactive C3 convertase.
Coagulation and innate immune responses: can we view them separately?
Authors: Delvaeye Mieke , Conway Edward M. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
The horseshoe crab is often referred to as a “living fossil,” representative of the oldest classes of arthropods, almost identical to species in existence more than 500 million years ago. Comparative analyses of the defense mechanisms used by the horseshoe crab that allowed it to survive mostly unchanged throughout the millennia reveal a common ancestry of the coagulation and innate immune systems that are totally integrated—indeed, almost inseparable. In human biology, we traditionally view the hemostatic pathways and those regulating innate immune responses to infections and tissue damage as entirely separate entities. But are they? The last couple of decades have revealed a remarkable degree of interplay between these systems, and the linking cellular and molecular mechanisms are rapidly being delineated. In this review, we present some of the major points of intersection between coagulation and innate immunity. We attempt to highlight the potential impact of these findings by identifying recently established paradigms that will hopefully result in the emergence of new strategies to treat a range of inflammatory and hemostatic disorders.
Non-SMC condensin I complex proteins control chromosome segregation and survival of proliferating cells in the zebrafish neural retina
Authors: Seipold Sabine , Priller Florian C , Goldsmith Paul , Harris William A , Baier Herwig , Abdelilah-Seyfried Salim 
Published: July 2009

Abstract

Background
The condensation of chromosomes and correct sister chromatid segregation during cell division is an essential feature of all proliferative cells. Structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) and non-SMC proteins form the condensin I complex and regulate chromosome condensation and segregation during mitosis. However, due to the lack of appropriate mutants, the function of the condensin I complex during vertebrate development has not been described.

Results
Here, we report the positional cloning and detailed characterization of retinal phenotypes of a zebrafish mutation at the cap-g locus. High resolution live imaging reveals that the progression of mitosis between prometa- to telophase is delayed and that sister chromatid segregation is impaired upon loss of CAP-G. CAP-G associates with chromosomes between prometa- and telophase of the cell cycle. Loss of the interaction partners CAP-H and CAP-D2 causes cytoplasmic mislocalization of CAP-G throughout mitosis. DNA content analysis reveals increased genomic imbalances upon loss of non-SMC condensin I subunits. Within the retina, loss of condensin I function causes increased rates of apoptosis among cells within the proliferative ciliary marginal zone (CMZ) whereas postmitotic retinal cells are viable. Inhibition of p53-mediated apoptosis partially rescues cell numbers in cap-g mutant retinae and allows normal layering of retinal cell types without alleviating their aberrant nuclear sizes.

Conclusion
Our findings indicate that the condensin I complex is particularly important within rapidly amplifying progenitor cell populations to ensure faithful chromosome segregation. In contrast, differentiation of postmitotic retinal cells is not impaired upon polyploidization.
Evidence for the association of the DAOA (G72) gene with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder but not for the association of the DAO gene with schizophrenia
Authors: Bass Nicholas J , Datta Susmita R , McQuillin Andrew , Puri Vinay , Choudhury Khalid , Thirumalai Srinivasa , Lawrence Jacob , Quested Digby , Pimm Jonathan , Curtis David , Gurling Hugh MD 
Published: July 2009

Abstract

Background
Previous linkage and association studies have implicated the D-amino acid oxidase activator gene (DAOA)/G30 locus or neighbouring region of chromosome 13q33.2 in the genetic susceptibility to both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the D-amino acid oxidase (DAO) gene located at 12q24.11 have also been found to show allelic association with schizophrenia.

Methods
We used the case control method to test for genetic association with variants at these loci in a sample of 431 patients with schizophrenia, 303 patients with bipolar disorder and 442 ancestrally matched supernormal controls all selected from the UK population.

Results
Ten SNPs spanning the DAOA locus were genotyped in these samples. In addition three SNPs were genotyped at the DAO locus in the schizophrenia sample. Allelic association was detected between the marker rs3918342 (M23), 3' to the DAOA gene and both schizophrenia (χ2 = 5.824 p = 0.016) and bipolar disorder (χ2 = 4.293 p = 0.038). A trend towards association with schizophrenia was observed for two other DAOA markers rs3916967 (M14, χ2 = 3.675 p = 0.055) and rs1421292 (M24; χ2 = 3.499 p = 0.062). A test of association between a three marker haplotype comprising of the SNPs rs778293 (M22), rs3918342 (M23) and rs1421292 (M24) and schizophrenia gave a global empirical significance of p = 0.015. No evidence was found to confirm the association of genetic markers at the DAO gene with schizophrenia.

Conclusion
Our results provide some support for a role for DAOA in susceptibility to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Experimental evaluation of insecticidal paints against Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), under natural climatic conditions
Authors: Amelotti Ivana , Catalá Silvia S , Gorla David E 
Published: July 2009

Abstract

Background

Triatoma infestans is the main vector of Chagas disease in the Gran Chaco region of South America. The traditional spraying technique used for the application of pyrethroid insecticides has shown low efficiency in the elimination of the vector species populations occupying peridomestic structures of rural houses in the endemic area of Argentina. As part of studies looking for better alternatives, we evaluated the residual effect of insecticidal paints on the mortality of fourth instar nymphs of T. infestans.

Results
The study was based on an experimental design that included two groups treated with an organophosphate (Inesfly 5A IGR™) and a pyrethroid (Inesfly 5A IGR NG™) formulations of the paint, that were applied on wood, cement blocks and adobe bricks under natural climatic conditions. A third group was an untreated control. Both paint formulations showed very long residual activity, producing mortality of 84% and 98% (pyrethroid and organophosphate formulations, respectively) after 12 months of the paint application. After eight months, nymphs exposed during 6 hours to the painted surfaces with the pyrethroid and organophosphate formulations showed 81.33% and 100% mortality, respectively.

Conclusion
The organophosphate- and pyrethroid-based insecticidal paints showed a very long residual activity on the mortality of fourth instar nymphs of T infestans, compared with the traditional spraying technique used for the application of pyrethroid insecticides in peridomestic structures of rural houses in the endemic region for Chagas disease in the Gran Chaco of Argentina. The application of the paints by trained personnel of the vector control programmes could be considered as an alternative control tool in areas where the traditional methods have failed or showed low efficacy.
Ethyl pyruvate administration inhibits hepatic tumor growth
Authors: Liang Xiaoyan , Romo de Vivar Chavez Antonio , Schapiro Nicole E , Loughran Patricia , Thorne Stephen H , Amoscato Andrew A , Zeh Herbert J , Beer–Stolz Donna , Lotze Michael T , de Vera Michael E 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
The first demonstration of ethyl pyruvate inhibition of liver tumor growth associated with induction of tumor apoptosis, diminished HMGB1 release, and decreased inflammation is reported.
EP is a potent inhibitor of HMGB1 release that has significant anti–inflammatory activities and exerts a protective effect in animal models of inflammation. As inflammation is linked to cancer growth, we hypothesized that EP would have anti–tumor activity and explored its effects in a liver tumor model. Mice injected intraportally with MC38 colorectal cancer cells led to the growth of visible hepatic tumors within 2 weeks. Pretreatment with EP 30 min prior to infusion of tumor cells and continuing daily for 9 days inhibited tumor growth significantly in a dose–dependent manner, with 80 mg/kg EP achieving &gt;70% reduction in the number of tumor nodules when compared with untreated animals. Delayed treatment with EP also suppressed tumor growth significantly, although to a lesser extent. Tumors had early, marked leukocytic infiltrates, and EP administration decreased innate (NK cells, monocytes) and adaptive (T and B cell lymphocytic) immune cell infiltrates acutely and significantly in the liver. Serum IL–6 and HMGB1 levels, which were elevated following tumor injection, were decreased significantly in EP–treated animals. Tumors showed an increase in apoptosis in EP–treated mice, and tumor cells treated in vitro with EP had marked increases in LC3–II and cleaved PARP, consistent with enhanced autophagic flux and apoptosis. Thus, EP inhibition of tumor growth in the liver was mediated by tumor (induction of apoptosis) and host (decreased inflammation) effects. EP administration may have a therapeutic role in the treatment of cancer in conjunction with other therapeutic agents.
Effects of Teriparatide in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis on Prior Alendronate or Raloxifene: Differences between Stopping and Continuing the Antiresorptive Agent
Authors: Cosman Felicia , Wermers Robert A. , Recknor Christopher , Mauck Karen F. , Xie Li , Glass Emmett V. , Krege John H. 
Published: July 2009

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess adding vs. switching to teriparatide 20μg/d in patients on alendronate or raloxifene.
Design: We conducted a randomized, open-label trial.
Patients and Interventions: Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis on alendronate or raloxifene for at least 18 months added teriparatide (Add groups) or switched to teriparatide (Switch groups) for 18 months.
Main Outcome Measures: We measured bone turnover markers (BTM) and bone mineral density (BMD).
Results: In the alendronate stratum, increases in BTM were smaller in the Add vs. Switch group [6-month PINP (64 vs. 401%); bone ALP (15 vs. 71%); βCTX (27 vs. 250%); all P &lt; 0.001]. However, at 6 months, total hip BMD increased more in the Add vs. Switch group (1.4 vs. −0.8%; P = 0.002). In the Add vs. Switch group, 18-month BMD increments were higher in lumbar spine (8.4 vs. 4.8%; P = 0.003) and total hip (3.2 vs. 0.9%; P = 0.02), but not in femoral neck (2.7 vs. 2.3%; P = 0.75). In the raloxifene stratum, increases in BTM were also smaller in the Add vs. Switch group [6-month PINP (131 vs. 259%; P &lt; 0.001), bone ALP (31 vs. 44%; P = 0.035), and βCTX (67 vs. 144%; P = 0.001)]. At 6 months, total hip BMD increase was greater in the Add vs. Switch group (1.8 vs. 0.5%; P = 0.028). At 18 months, increases in lumbar spine (9.2 vs. 8.1%), total hip (2.8 vs. 1.8%), and femoral neck (3.8 vs. 2.2%) were not significantly different between groups.
Conclusions: In women with osteoporosis treated with antiresorptives, greater bone turnover increases were achieved by switching to teriparatide, whereas greater BMD increases were achieved by adding teriparatide.
In patients treated with alendronate or raloxifene, adding teriparatide results in a greater bone mineral density response, and appears to be at least as safe as switching to teriparatide.
4,5-Bis(diarylmethylene)-1,3-dithiole: A Novel Helical Electron Donor Exhibiting Electrochromic Behavior
Authors: Suzuki Takanori , Mikuni Shintaro , Ishigaki Yusuke , Higuchi Hiroki , Kawai Hidetoshi , Fujiwara Kenshu 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Vivid color change from intense yellow to deep purple was observed upon electrochemcal oxidation of the title donor 1 to bis(Michler’s hydrol blue)-type dication 12+. Since the interconversion was also accompanied by drastic geometric changes, configurational stability of the helical π-arrangement is modified upon redox reactions.
Super-rapid Hydrothermal Synthesis of Highly Crystalline and Water-soluble Magnetite Nanoparticles Using a Microreactor
Authors: Sue Kiwamu , Hattori Hayato , Sato Toshiyuki , Komoriya Tomoe , Kawai-Nakamura Akiko , Tanaka Satoshi , Hiaki Toshihiko , Kawasaki Shin-ichiro , Takebayashi Yoshihiro , Yoda Satoshi , Furuya Takeshi 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Highly crystalline and water-soluble magnetite nanoparticles having an average diameter of 6.5 nm were synthesized from aqueous FeCl3 + KOH solution by a flow-through hydrothermal method with a microreactor at 673 K and 30 MPa during residence time of 2×10−3 s. l-Ascorbic acid was used as a modifier and a reductant.
Magnetically Separable Core–Shell-structured γ-Fe2O3–SiO2 Catalyst with High Activity and Selectivity for Oxidizing Benzyl Alcohol to Benzaldehyde
Authors: Lang Leiming , Li Baojun , Liu Wei , Li Xun , Xu Zheng 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Uniform core–shell-structured γ-Fe2O3–mesoporous silica spheres (F-MSS) catalyst was prepared by hydrolyzing TEOS in the presence of CTAB. The structure, shape, formation mechanism, and catalytic performance of F-MSS catalyst were investigated. The results showed that F-MSS catalyst had high BET surface area, excellent catalytic activity and selectivity for oxidizing benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde. The F-MSS catalyst can be reused three times at least and has potential application in industry in the place of noble metal.
Unilobar enlargement of normal thymus gland causing mass effect
Authors: Thomas N. B. , Gupta S. C. 
Published: July 2009

The normal thymus varies greatly in size and shape in the infant. It is generally believed that the normal thymus, even when large, does not cause respiratory distress or produce pressure effects on adjacent structures (Swischuk, 1980; Silverman, 1985). We report on a male infant under 2 years of age who presented with a left-sided mediastinal mass on the chest radiographs. The mass displayed evidence of producing pressure effects on normal surrounding structures. Subsequent histology of the tissue removed at thoracotomy revealed unilobar enlargement of the normal thymus gland.
Following a normal delivery, a male child was initially admitted to hospital at the age of 7 weeks with an episode of viral gastroenteritis. He was noted to be anaemic and to have decreased air entry into the left chest. No cause was found for the anaemia and the patient was discharged. He was readmitted to hospital on three further occasions, twice with minor upper respiratory tract infections and on the thirdoccasion with bronchiolitis.
Sonomammography in benign breast disease
Authors: Guyer P. B. , Dewbury K. C. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
An assessment is made of direct-contact B-scan sonomammography in 480 patients with clinically benign breast disease, of whom 121 underwent biopsy. In eight patients, ultrasound was normal when histology showed diffuse benign disease, and in four patients, ultrasound gave a benign result when histology showed malignancy. In 25 patients, attenuating shadow led to biopsy for a false positive diagnosis of carcinoma. Ultrasound can be used to avert unnecessary biopsy either by excluding a focal mass or by revealing clinically unsuspected malignancy when X-ray mammography shows moderate or marked density in patients complaining of a breast lump or nodularity.
The effect of radiation on the growth of normal and malignant human oesophageal explant cultures pre-treated with bleomycin
Authors: Seymour C. B. , Mothersill C. , Cusack A. , Hennessy T. P. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Since all known chemotherapy and radiation treatments affect normal cells to a certain extent, the establishment of favourable differential sensitivities is fundamental to the success of treatment with a particular agent. This type of information can be gained by animal testing and using cultured cells, but ultimately use of the agent in the patient is the only way to determine the response. We have developed a model for testing the response of oesophageal explants from tumour and surrounding normal tissue in the same patient to chemotherapy and radiation, both singly and in combination. The test allows treatment combinations, time and order of administration of agents to the tissue to be accurately controlled. Cytotoxicity, determined by measuring the area of outgrowth from an explant 2 weeks after plating, is the most useful short-term end-point, although many others are possible. Results showing the differential cytotoxicity of bleomycin with and without radiation in squamous and adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus and surrounding normal tissue from the same patient indicate that tumour cells are relatively resistant to radiation alone, that low levels of bleomycin with or without radiation preferentially spare tumour cells and that high levels, in combination with any dose of radiation tested, but not without radiation, spare the normal cells and give a significantly high amount of relative tumour cell kill. Bleomycin must be added to the cells just before or just after irradiation to obtain the normal-tissue sparing effect. The technique may be a useful method for indicating the best approaches to the optimization of combined therapy regimes.
Visualization of the plantar arch by aortography: technique and value
Authors: Thomas M. Lea , Tanqueray A. B. , Burnand K. G. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Arteriograms of the feet in 100 consecutive, routine aortograms in patients with leg ischaemia were analysed to assess the frequency with which the plantar arch was visualized. The technique used involved a long injection time, a large volume of contrast medium and slow filming. The plantar arch was demonstrated in 75% of feet, shown to be occluded in 12% and not demonstrated for technical reasons in 13%. The importance of the integrity or otherwise of the plantar arch is emphasized in assessing patients for distal bypass grafts. It is recommended that an attempt be made to demonstrate the plantar arch in all patients undergoing aortography for ischaemia of the legs.
Book reviews
Authors: Savage John R. K. 
Published: July 2009

This is the proceedings of a symposium organized by the Institution of Nuclear Engineers in September 1986 to bring some of the new ideas and practice of quantitative methods in radiation protection before representatives of the nuclear industry.
In 1977 the ICRP formally introduced the system of dose limitation, based on the concept of optimization, to achieve the desired balance between the doses of radiation received and the economic and other factors involved in decision making— ALARA— “As Low As Reasonably Achievable”.
Erectile dysfunction secondary to penile trauma: the value of cavernosography
Authors: Reed D. H. , Britton P. D. 
Published: July 2009

Injuries to the penis are rare (Gross et al, 1977). Most injuries involve acute rupture to the corpora cavernosa and one-third of these occur during sexual activity (Hudson, 1975). This injury is usually easy to diagnose from the classical history of forcible bending of the erect penis, causing the sudden onset of severe pain, swelling and detumescence. Physical examination reveals obvious bruising, oedema and sometimes deformity. Cavernosography has been used to visualize the site of laceration in the fibrous tunica albuginea around the erectile tissue (Grossman et al, 1982).
However, trauma to the penis may not present with the classical features of tunical disruption. We describe two cases in which injury led to chronic erectile dysfunction. Cavernosography was of value in the management of both patients.
A 26-year-old man presented with an 18-month history of a painful left testis and a sensation of numbness of the glans penis. He also described a failure to maintain erection of the distal part of the penis. These symptoms were related to a coital injury, the details of which were not forthcoming. However, there had been no acute episode of pain or swelling after the trauma. Physical examination was normal. A cavernosogram revealed normal corpora cavernosa but demonstrated a number of small veins communicating anteriorly with the glans (Fig. 1).
The changing mediastinum
Authors: Reed D. H. , Morgan S. 
Published: July 2009

A 73-year-old man presented with cough and shortness of breath. He was a non-smoker and had no history of previous respiratory problems. Twelve months previously a right occipital lobectomy was performed for a Grade IV astrocytoma. At that time his chest radiograph was normal (Fig. 1). He had received a post-operative course of cranial irradiation and dexamethasone 2 mg twice daily was commenced. On examination his chest was clear. In view of his symptoms a chest radiograph was requested (Figs 2, 3). What do the radiographs show and what is the differential diagnosis? How can the problem be resolved?
In retrospect, the original radiograph of the chest still appears to be normal. The recent chest radiograph shows mediastinal widening with a large right paratracheal soft-tissue mass. There are prominent epicardial fat pads. The lateral radiograph shows a subcutaneous soft-tissue mass posterior to the upper thoracic spine and a crush fracture of a lower dorsal vertebra.
The differential diagnosis of the smoth mediastinal widening should include: widespread lymphadenopathy, mediastinal haemorrhage, mediastinitis, and excess fat deposition. The history of high-dose glucocorticoid administration, the presence of epicardial fat, the “buffalo hump”, collapsed vertebrae and the absence of a discreet mediastinal mass on the lateral radiograph would lead one to suspect mediastinal lipomatosis secondary to steroid therapy.