bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phosphoproteome analysis during larval development and metamorphosis in the spionid polychaete Pseudopolydora vexillosa
Authors: Chandramouli Kondethimmanahalli H , Mok Flora SY , Wang Hao , Qian Pei-Yuan 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
The metamorphosis of the spionid polychaete Pseudopolydora vexillosa includes spontaneous settlement onto soft-bottom habitats and morphogenesis that can be completed in a very short time. A previous study on the total changes to the proteome during the various developmental stages of P. vexillosa suggested that little or no de novo protein synthesis occurs during metamorphosis. In this study, we used multicolor fluorescence detection of proteins in 2-D gels for differential analysis of proteins and phosphoproteins to reveal the dynamics of post-translational modification proteins in this species. A combination of affinity chromatography, 2D-PAGE, and mass spectrometry was used to identify the phosphoproteins in pre-competent larvae, competent larvae, and newly metamorphosed juveniles.

Results
We reproducibly detected 210, 492, and 172 phosphoproteins in pre-competent larvae, competent larvae, and newly metamorphosed juveniles, respectively. The highest percentage of phosphorylation was observed during the competent larval stage. About 64 stage-specific phosphoprotein spots were detected in the competent stage, and 32 phosphoproteins were found to be significantly differentially expressed in the three stages. We identified 38 phosphoproteins, 10 of which were differentially expressed during metamorphosis. These phosphoproteins belonged to six categories of biological processes: (1) development, (2) cell differentiation and integrity, (3) transcription and translation, (4) metabolism, (5) protein-protein interaction and proteolysis, and (6) receptors and enzymes.

Conclusion
This is the first study to report changes in phosphoprotein expression patterns during the metamorphosis of the marine polychaete P. vexillosa. The higher degree of phosphorylation during the process of attaining competence to settle and metamorphose may be due to fast morphological transitions regulated by various mechanisms. Our data are consistent with previous studies showing a high percentage of phosphorylation during competency in the barnacle Balanus amphitrite and the bryozoan Bugula neritina. The identified phosphoproteins may play an important role during metamorphosis, and further studies on the location and functions of important proteins during metamorphosis are warranted.
A prospective controlled study: minimally invasive stereotactic puncture therapy versus conventional craniotomy in the treatment of acute intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Zhou Houguang , Zhang Yu , Liu Ling , Han Xu , Tao Yinghong , Tang Yuping , Hua Wei , Xue Jianzhong , Dong Qiang 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating form of stroke with the high mortality twofold to sixfold higher than that for ischemic stroke. But the treatment of haematomas within the basal ganglia continues to be a matter of debate among neurologists and neurosurgeons. The purpose of this study is to judge the short-term and long-term clinical value of minimally invasive stereotactic puncture therapy (MISPT) on acute ICH.

Methods
A prospective controlled study was undertaken. The clinical trial was in compliance with the WMA Declaration of Helsinki - Ethical Principles for Medical Research Involving Human Subjects. According to the enrollment criterion, there were 168 acute ICH cases analyzed, of which 90 cases were performed by MISPT (MISPT group, MG) and 78 cases by Conventional craniotomy (CC group, CG), by means of compare of short-term outcome such as Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, postoperative complications (PC) and rebleeding incidence (RI), moreover, long-term outcome of 1 year postoperation judged by Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), Barthel Index (BI), modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and case fatality (CF).

Results
GCS score of MG patients showed obvious amelioration when compared with that of CG (P = 0.039). The PC incidence of in MG decreased obviously compared with that of CG (P = 0.000). The incidences of rebleeding in MG and CG were 10.0% and 15.4% respectively (P = 0.293). There was no obvious difference between CFs of MG and CG. For three parameters representing long-term outcome,the GOS, BI and mRS in MG were ameliorated significantly than that of CG (P = 0.043, P = 0.011 and P = 0.042 respectively).

Conclusion
These data indicated that compared with CC, the advantage of MISPT was not only displayed in short-term outcome such as minute trauma and safety, but also seemed to be feasible and had a trend towards improved long-term outcome such as the GOS,BI and mRS.

Trial Registration
The Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR), the registration number:ACTRN12610000945022.
Adjuvant Radio-chemotherapy for extrahepatic biliary tract cancers
Authors: Bonet Beltrán Marta , Roth Arnaud D , Mentha Gilles , Allal Abdelkarim S 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Extrahepatic biliary duct cancers (EBDC) are uncommon malignancies characterized by a poor prognosis with high rate of loco-regional recurrence. The purpose of the present study is to assess the feasibility and the potential impact of adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) in a series of patients treated in one institution.

Methods
Twenty three patients with non-metastatic bile duct cancer treated surgically with curative intent (4 gallbladder, 7 ampullary and 12 cholangiocarcinoma) received 3D conformal external beam RT to a median total dose of 50.4Gy. Concurrent chemotherapy based on 5-FU was delivered to 21 patients (91%). Surgical margins were negative in 11 patients (48%), narrow in 2 (9%), and microscopically involved in 8 (35%). Eleven patients (55%) had metastatic nodal involvement. The average follow-up time for all patients was 30 months (ranging from 3-98).

Results
Acute gastrointestinal grade 2 toxicity (RTOG scale) was recorded in 2 patients (9%). Nausea or vomiting grade 1 and 2 was observed in 8 (35%) and 2 patients (9%) respectively. Only one patient developed a major late radiation-induced toxicity. The main pattern of recurrence was both loco-regional and distant (liver, peritoneum and/or lung). No difference was observed in loco-regional control according to the tumor location. The 5-year actuarial loco-regional control rate was 48.3% (67% and 30% for patients operated on with negative and positive/narrow/unknown margins respectively, p = 0.04). The 5-year actuarial overall survival was of 35.9% for the entire group (61.4% in case of negative margins and 16.7% in case of positive/narrow/unknown margins, p = 0.07).

Conclusions
Postoperative RT with 50-60 Gy is feasible with acceptable acute and late toxicities. The potential benefit observed in our series may support the use of adjuvant RT in patients with locally advanced disease. Prospective randomized trials are warranted to confirm definitively the role of RT in this tumor location.
Hydroxylation of recombinant human collagen type I alpha 1 in transgenic maize co-expressed with a recombinant human prolyl 4-hydroxylase
Authors: Xu Xing , Gan Qinglei , Clough Richard C , Pappu Kameshwari M , Howard John A , Baez Julio A , Wang Kan 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackgroundCollagens require the hydroxylation of proline (Pro) residues in their triple-helical domain repeating sequence Xaa-Pro-Gly to function properly as a main structural component of the extracellular matrix in animals at physiologically relevant conditions. The regioselective proline hydroxylation is catalyzed by a specific prolyl 4-hydroxylase (P4H) as a posttranslational processing step.ResultsA recombinant human collagen type I α-1 (rCIα1) with high percentage of hydroxylated prolines (Hyp) was produced in transgenic maize seeds when co-expressed with both the α- and β- subunits of a recombinant human P4H (rP4H). Germ-specific expression of rCIα1 using maize globulin-1 gene promoter resulted in an average yield of 12 mg/kg seed for the full-length rCIα1 in seeds without co-expression of rP4H and 4 mg/kg seed for the rCIα1 (rCIα1-OH) in seeds with co-expression of rP4H. High-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) analysis revealed that nearly half of the collagenous repeating triplets in rCIα1 isolated from rP4H co-expressing maize line had the Pro residues changed to Hyp residues. The HRMS analysis determined the Hyp content of maize-derived rCIα1-OH as 18.11%, which is comparable to the Hyp level of yeast-derived rCIα1-OH (17.47%) and the native human CIa1 (14.59%), respectively. The increased Hyp percentage was correlated with a markedly enhanced thermal stability of maize-derived rCIα1-OH when compared to the non-hydroxylated rCIα1.ConclusionsThis work shows that maize has potential to produce adequately modified exogenous proteins with mammalian-like post-translational modifications that may be require for their use as pharmaceutical and industrial products.
Hepatoprotective effects of methanol extract of Carissa opaca leaves on CCl4-induced damage in rat
Authors: Sahreen Sumaira , Khan Muhammad R , Khan Rahmat A 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background

Carissa opaca (Apocynaceae) leaves possess antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective effects, and so may provide a possible therapeutic alternative in hepatic disorders. The effect produced by methanolic extract of Carissa opaca leaves (MCL) was investigated on CCl4-induced liver damages in rat.

Methods
30 rats were divided into five groups of six animals of each, having free access to food and water ad libitum. Group I (control) was given olive oil and DMSO, while group II, III and IV were injected intraperitoneally with CCl4 (0.5 ml/kg) as a 20% (v/v) solution in olive oil twice a week for 8 weeks. Animals of group II received only CCl4. Rats of group III were given MCL intragastrically at a dose of 200 mg/kg bw while that of group IV received silymarin at a dose of 50 mg/kg bw twice a week for 8 weeks. However, animals of group V received MCL only at a dose of 200 mg/kg bw twice a week for 8 weeks. The activities of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and γ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT) were determined in serum. Catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GSR) and quinone reductase (QR) activity was measured in liver homogenates. Lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances; TBARS), glutathione (GSH) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration was also assessed in liver homogenates. Phytochemicals in MCL were determined through qualitative and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis.

Results
Hepatotoxicity induced with CCl4 was evidenced by significant increase in lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and H2O2 level, serum activities of AST, ALT, ALP, LDH and γ-GT. Level of GSH determined in liver was significantly reduced, as were the activities of antioxidant enzymes; CAT, POD, SOD, GSH-Px, GSR, GST and QR. On cirrhotic animals treated with CCl4, histological studies showed centrilobular necrosis and infiltration of lymphocytes. MCL (200 mg/kg bw) and silymarin (50 mg/kg bw) co-treatment prevented all the changes observed with CCl4-treated rats. The phytochemical analysis of MCL indicated the presence of flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, phlobatannins, terpenoids, coumarins, anthraquinones, and cardiac glycosides. Isoquercetin, hyperoside, vitexin, myricetin and kaempherol was determined in MCL.

Conclusion
These results indicate that MCL has a significant protective effect against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in rat, which may be due to its antioxidant and membrane stabilizing properties.
Circulating angiopoietin-2 and soluble Tie-2 in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Rasul Sazan , Reiter Marie Helene , Ilhan Aysegul , Lampichler Katharina , Wagner Ludwig , Kautzky-Willer Alexandra 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Type 2 diabetes is associated with increased levels of Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and soluble Tie-2 (sTie-2), but its impact on vascular disease is still unknown. This study aimed to further explore the associations of Ang-2 and sTie-2 with metabolic control and diabetic complications.

Methods
In a cross-sectional designed study, levels of Ang-2 and sTie-2 as well as their relationships to cardiometabolic parameters were determined in 80 type 2 diabetic subjects (age 65 ± 7 years, female 47.4%).

Results
After controlling for age and BMI, Ang-2 levels were associated with levels of sTie-2, diastolic blood pressure, plasma insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), creatinine, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (all p < 0.02). Presence of diabetic macrovascular complications, polyneuropathy and insulin therapy were associated with higher Ang-2 levels (p < 0.05). Conversely, sTie-2 levels were associated with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose and insulin, HOMA-IR, triglyceride, and liver function parameters (all p < 0.03). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that Ang-2 remained significantly associated only with levels of GGT (p < 0.04), whereas sTie-2 remained significantly associated with HbA
1c
, insulin levels, and HOMA-IR (p < 0.03). No differences in Ang-2 and sTie-2 levels were observed with regard to gender of participants.

Conclusions
Ang-2 is independently associated with levels of GGT while sTie-2 is independently associated with levels of HbA
1c
, plasma insulin and HOMA-IR in type 2 diabetic subjects. Therefore we suggest that the associations of Ang-2 and sTie-2 with type 2 diabetes are based on different patho-physiological mechanisms.
A progressive increase in cardiovascular risk assessed by coronary angiography in non-diabetic patients at sub-diabetic glucose levels
Authors: Schinner Sven , Füth Reiner , Kempf Kerstin , Martin Stephan , Willenberg Holger S , Schott Matthias , Dinh Wilfried , Scherbaum Werner A , Lankisch Mark 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Objective
Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) is a risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD). While there is a clear correlation of fasting blood glucose (FBG) and 2 h post-challenge blood glucose values (2h-BG) with microvascular complications, the risk for CHD conferred by glucose dysregulation antecedent to DM2 is less clear. Therefore, we investigated associations of FBG and 2h-BG values with the prevalence of CHD assessed by coronary angiography as the most sensitive diagnostic tool.

Research Design and Methods
Coronary angiography was performed in 1394 patients without known DM. Capillary blood glucose was analyzed before and 2 h after an oral glucose tolerance test. Associations between FBG as well as 2h-BG levels and the risk for CHD were assessed by logistic regression analysis.

Results
1064 (75%) of patients were diagnosed with CHD. 204 (15%) were diagnosed with so far unknown DM2, 274 (20%) with isolated impaired fasting glucose (IFG), 188 (13%) with isolated impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and 282 (20%) with both, IGT and IFG. We found a continuous increase in the risk for CHD with fasting and post-challenge blood glucose values even in the subdiabetic range. This correlation did however not suggest clear cut-off values. The increase in risk for CHD reached statistical significance at FBG levels of > 120 mg/dl (Odds Ratio of 2.7 [1.3-5.6] and 2h-BG levels > 140 mg/dl (141-160 mg/dl OR 1.8 [1.1-2.9], which was however lost after adjusting for age, sex and BMI.

Conclusions
In our study population we found a continuous increased risk for CHD at fasting and 2h-BG levels in the sub-diabetic glucose range, but no clear cut-off values for cardiovascular risk.
Molecular role of GATA binding protein 4 (GATA-4) in hyperglycemia-induced reduction of cardiac contractility
Authors: Ku Po-Ming , Chen Li-Jen , Liang Jia-ru , Cheng Kai-Chun , Li Yin-Xiao , Cheng Juei-Tang 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Diabetic cardiomyopathy, a diabetes-specific complication, refers to a disorder that eventually leads to left ventricular hypertrophy in addition to diastolic and systolic dysfunction. In recent studies, hyperglycemia-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cardiomyocytes have been linked to diabetic cardiomyopathy. GATA binding protein 4 (GATA-4) regulates the expression of many cardio-structural genes including cardiac troponin-I (cTnI).

Methods
Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and H9c2 embryonic rat cardiomyocytes treated with a high concentration of glucose (a D-glucose concentration of 30 mM was used and cells were cultured for 24 hr) were used to examine the effect of hyperglycemia on GATA-4 accumulation in the nucleus. cTnI expression was found to be linked to cardiac tonic dysfunction, and we evaluated the expression levels of cTnI and GATA-4 by Western blot analysis.

Results
Cardiac output was lowered in STZ-induced diabetic rats. In addition, higher expressions of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and phosphorylated GATA-4 were identified in these rats by Western blotting. The changes were reversed by treatment with insulin or phlorizin after correction of the blood sugar level. In H9c2 cells, ROS production owing to the high glucose concentration increased the expression of cTnI and GATA-4 phosphorylation. However, hyperglycemia failed to increase the expression of cTnI when GATA-4 was silenced by small interfering RNA (siRNA) in H9c2 cells. Otherwise, activation of ERK is known to be a signal for phosphorylation of serine105 in GATA-4 to increase the DNA binding ability of this transcription factor. Moreover, GSK3β could directly interact with GATA-4 to cause GATA-4 to be exported from the nucleus. GATA-4 nuclear translocation and GSK3β ser9 phosphorylation were both elevated by a high glucose concentration in H9c2 cells. These changes were reversed by tiron (ROS scavenger), PD98059 (MEK/ERK inhibitor), or siRNA of GATA-4. Cell contractility measurement also indicated that the high glucose concentration decreased the contractility of H9c2 cells, and this was reduced by siRNA of GATA-4.

Conclusions
Hyperglycemia can cause systolic dysfunction and a higher expression of cTnI in cardiomyocytes through ROS, enhancing MEK/ERK-induced GATA-4 phosphorylation and accumulation in the cell nucleus.
A proof of the DBRF-MEGN method, an algorithm for deducing minimum equivalent gene networks
Authors: Kyoda Koji , Baba Kotaro , Kitano Hiroaki , Onami Shuichi 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
We previously developed the DBRF-MEGN (d ifference-b ased r egulation f inding-m inimum e quivalent g ene n etwork) method, which deduces the most parsimonious signed directed graphs (SDGs) consistent with expression profiles of single-gene deletion mutants. However, until the present study, we have not presented the details of the method's algorithm or a proof of the algorithm.

Results
We describe in detail the algorithm of the DBRF-MEGN method and prove that the algorithm deduces all of the exact solutions of the most parsimonious SDGs consistent with expression profiles of gene deletion mutants.

Conclusions
The DBRF-MEGN method provides all of the exact solutions of the most parsimonious SDGs consistent with expression profiles of gene deletion mutants.
High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin I Measurement for Risk Stratification in a Stable High-Risk Population
Authors: Kavsak Peter A , Xu Liqin , Yusuf Salim , McQueen Matthew J 
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND
Past investigations regarding the utility of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (cTnI) assays have been focused primarily on the acute coronary syndrome setting. We assessed whether such assays can predict future ischemic cardiovascular events in a stable high-risk population.

METHODS
We quantified serum cTnI using an investigational high-sensitivity assay (hs-cTnI IUO, Beckman Coulter) in 2572 participants from the Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation (HOPE) study. The derived ROC curve cutoff and the 99th percentile for the hs-cTnI assay were assessed by Kaplan–Meier and Cox analyses for the primary outcome [composite of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and cardiovascular death] at 4.5 years of follow-up. We also assessed individual outcomes (MI, stroke, cardiovascular death) and the combined outcome (MI/cardiovascular death) by regression analyses to determine hazard ratios (HRs) and c statistics in models that included established risk factors, C-reactive protein, and N-terminal pro-B–type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP).

RESULTS
Participants with hs-cTnI &gt;6 ng/L (ROC cutoff) were at higher risk for the primary outcome (HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.09–1.76; P = 0.008, adjusted models). For the individual outcomes, participants with hs-cTnI above the 99th percentile (≥10 ng/L) had higher risk for cardiovascular death (HR 2.15, 95% CI 1.32–3.52; P = 0.002) and MI (HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.05–2.10; P = 0.025) but not stroke (HR 1.38, 95% CI 0.76–2.47; P = 0.288, adjusted models). Addition of hs-cTnI to an established risk model with NT-proBNP also yielded a higher c statistic for the combined outcome of MI/cardiovascular death.

CONCLUSIONS
The investigational Beckman Coulter hs-cTnI assay provides prognostic information for future MI and cardiovascular death in a stable high-risk population.
A Paradox in Overcriminalization
Authors: Yankah Ekow N. 
Published: June 2011

Given that one of the central roles of political philosophy and criminal theory is illuminating the borders of justified state punishment, the modern crisis of overcriminalization is a painful defeat. Generations of legal theory, grounded in liberalism, has done little to stem the tide of criminal law and the explosion of criminal punishment.
One notable island of decriminalization has been the retreat of criminal punishment surrounding marijuana consumption. With the combination of medical marijuana regimes, reduction of punishment, and halting steps toward full decriminalization, marijuana stands in stark contrast to the highly visible war on drugs that has driven much contemporary overcriminalization.
This piece argues that opponents of overcriminalization have much to learn from the functional decriminalization of marijuana. Marijuana decriminalization has not been successful because of a swing in public attitudes about marijuana use. Rather, decriminalization is possible because advocates can marshal agreement across philosophical starting points, bringing both liberals and nonliberals into consensus. This groundswell demonstrates that legal theorists concerned about containing state power must look beyond liberal theories. Most importantly, this example reveals that legal theorists interested in turning back the tide of overcriminalization must do more than wait for areas of Rawlsian overlapping consensus; they must reach out to generate consensus with Rawlsian conjecture by viewing law not only from the liberal vantage point but from the nonliberal's perspective as well.