bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Receivables Financing in Lithuania: Is the Legal Regulation Suited to Accommodate the Practical Needs of Industry?
Authors: Aleknaitė Lina 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThis article examines the provisions of the 2000 Lithuanian Civil Code regarding the use of receivables for the purpose of raising finance. It starts by discussing the mechanism that the Code provides for the transfer of receivables—i.e., cession. Also, limitations on cession without debtor approval and the extent of rights that can be ceded are noted. The author then turns to the two main techniques of using receivables for financing. First, she examines the legal provisions on factoring and their practical application, as well as the structure of the industry. She presents some observations on the present structure of the industry, which precludes smaller companies from entering the market. Thereafter, she focuses on the possibilities under the Code of creating a security interest in receivables. Here, she reveals that the mechanism, although it does exist, is not a viable alternative to factoring, as it imposes additional burdens upon economic actors. Finally, the author presents her suggestions to the Lithuanian legislator, specifying the amendments that she believes should be made to the Code in order to encourage wider use of receivables financing in different ways (both by selling and by creating a security interest in receivables), as well as the further development of the industry.
Leukotriene D4activates β2-integrin adhesion in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes
Authors: Meliton A. Y. , Muñoz N. M. , Osan C. M. , Meliton L. N. , Leff A. R. 
Published: August 2009

We examined the functional role and mechanisms by which activation of cysteinyl leukotriene-1 receptor (cysLT1R) regulates β2-integrin adhesion to intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs)in vitro.Human peripheral blood PMNs and eosinophils were isolated separately from the same mildly atopic donors. Surface expression of cysLT1R was identified both in PMNs and in eosinophils by immunofluorescence analysis. Total cysLT1R protein was substantially greater in eosinophils than in PMNs as determined by Western blot analysis. However, leukotriene D4(LTD4) upregulated β2-integrin adhesion of PMNs to ICAM-1 with high efficacy in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Upregulated β2-integrin adhesion of PMNs was related temporally and quantitatively to phosphorylation of 85-kDa cytosolic group IVa phospholipase A2 (gIVaPLA2). Augmented LTD4-induced adhesion was blocked significantly by montelukast, a cysLT1R antagonist. Trifluoromethylketone (a gIVaPLA2 inhibitor) blocked β2-integrin adhesion caused by LTD4activation, as did anti-CD18 monoclonal antibody directed against β2-integrin on the PMN surface.Our data demonstrate that LTD4causes phosphorylation of gIVaPLA2 and upregulation of β2-integrin adhesion to ICAM-1 or ICAM-1 surrogate through cysLT1R activation. Activation of gIVaPLA2 is a critical step through which β2-integrin adhesion is upregulated by the cysLT1R expressed on the surface membrane of human PMN.
CARD15/NOD2polymorphisms are associated with severe pulmonary sarcoidosis
Authors: Sato H. , Williams H. R. T. , Spagnolo P. , Abdallah A. , Ahmad T. , Orchard T. R. , Copley S. J. , Desai S. R. , Wells A. U. , du Bois R. M. , Welsh K. I. 
Published: August 2009

Sarcoidosis and Crohn’s disease are heterogeneous systemic diseases characterised by granulomatous inflammation.Caspase recruitment domain(CARD)15is a major susceptibility gene for Crohn’s disease, and specifically for ileal and fibrostenotic subtypes. TheC-C chemokine receptor(CCR)5gene has been associated with both parenchymal pulmonary sarcoidosis and perianal Crohn’s disease.This study explored associations betweenCARD15polymorphisms,CCR5haplotype and distinct pulmonary sarcoidosis subtypes. 185 Caucasian sarcoidosis patients were genotyped forCARD15andCCR5polymorphisms. The genetic data were compared with 347 healthy controls and were examined for associations with serial pulmonary function tests and chest radiographs. CARD15genotypes did not differ between the unselected sarcoidosis cohort and controls. However, patients carrying the functional2104T(702W) polymorphism were more likely to have radiographic stage IV disease at 4-yr follow-up. All patients possessing bothCARD15 2104TandCCR5HHChaplotype had stage IV disease at presentation. Carriage of2104Twas associated with worse forced expiratory volume in 1 s, whereas carriage of theCARD15 1761G (587R)polymorphism was associated with better lung function.For the first time, an association between twoCARD15polymorphisms and specific sarcoidosis phenotypes has been demonstrated, as well as an additive effect of possessingCARD15 2104TandCCR5HHChaplotype.
β2-Agonists block tussive responses in guinea pigsviaan atypical cAMP-dependent pathway
Authors: Freund-Michel V. C. , Birrell M. A. , Giembycz M. A. , Hele D. J. , Haj-Yahia S. , Belvisi M. G. 
Published: August 2009

β2-Adrenoceptor agonists are the most effective bronchodilators currently available, and are used for symptom management in asthmatics. However, whether β2-agonists are also antitussive is controversial. Identifying an antitussive role for β2-agonists and dissecting the possible mechanism of action may help to explain the inconsistencies in the clinical literature and lead to the development of novel therapeutic agents. The aim of the present study was to determine whether or not β2-agonists attenuate the tussive response in guinea pig and human models, and, if so, to identify the mechanism(s) involved.Depolarisation of vagal sensory nerves (human and guinea pig) was assessed as an indicator of sensory nerve activity. Cough was measured in a conscious guinea pig model.A β2-agonist, terbutaline, dose-dependently inhibited the cough response to tussive agents in conscious guinea pigs. Terbutaline and another β2-agonist, fenoterol, blocked sensory nerve activationin vitro. Using these mechanistic models, it was established that β2-agonists suppress the tussive responseviaa nonclassical cyclic adenosine monosphosphate-dependent pathway that involves the activation of protein kinase G and, subsequently, the opening of large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels.In conclusion, β2-adrenoceptor agonists are antitussive, and this property occurs due to a direct inhibition of sensory nerve activation. These findings may help to explain the confusion that exists in the clinical literature, and could be exploited to identify novel therapies for the treatment of cough, which is a significant unmet medical need.
Acute inflammatory response secondary to intrapleural administration of two types of talc
Authors: Rossi V. F. , Vargas F. S. , Marchi E. , Acencio M. M. P. , Genofre E. H. , Capelozzi V. L. , Antonangelo L. 
Published: August 2009

Intrapleural instillation of talc has been used in the treatment of recurrent pleural effusions but can, in rare instances, result in respiratory failure. Side-effects seem to be related to composition, size and inflammatory power of talc particles. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inflammatory response to intrapleural injection of talc containing small particles (ST) or talc containing particles of mixed size (MT).100 rabbits received intrapleural talc, 50 with ST (median 6.41 μm) and 50 with MT (median 21.15 μm); the control group was composed of 35 rabbits. Cells, lactate dehydrogenase, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-8 and vascular endothelial growth factor were evaluated in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage at 6, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h.Lung histology and the presence of talc were also analysed. Statistics were performed using ANOVA and an unpaired t-test. Most of the parameters showed greater levels in the animals injected with talc than in the controls, suggesting a systemic and pulmonary response. Higher serum levels of CRP and IL-8 were observed in the animals injected with ST. Talc particles were observed in both lungs with no differences between groups. Lung cell infiltrate was more evident in the ST group.In conclusion, talc with larger particles should be the preferred choice in clinical practice in order to induce safer pleurodesis.
Carbon monoxide pollution is associated with decreased lung function in asthmatic adults
Authors: Canova C. , Torresan S. , Simonato L. , Scapellato M. L. , Tessari R. , Visentin A. , Lotti M. , Maestrelli P. 
Published: August 2009

The aim of the present study was to test the effects of exposure to air pollutants on lung function.A panel of 19 adult asthmatics living in Padua (Italy) was followed for five 30-day periods during 2 yrs consecutively (1,492 morning and 1,434 evening measures analysed). Peak expiratory flow (PEF) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) were measured using a pocket electronic meter. Daily levels of air pollutants and meteorological variables were collected at outdoor city monitoring sites.Significant inverse associations were observed between morning and evening PEF and carbon monoxide level (p = 0.01–0.03), without clear differences between lags (0–3 days). An increment of 1 mg·m−3CO was associated with a PEF variation ranging -2.6– -2.8%. All effect estimates on PEF for CO remained significant and even increased after controlling for particles with a 50% cut-off aerodynamic diameter of 10 μm (PM10), nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide in single and multi-pollutant models. A similar trend was observed for FEV1, but the associations were nonsignificant. A nonsignificant inverse relationship between evening PEF and SO2was also detected. PEF and FEV1were not related to PM10and NO2concentrations.The present results indicate that, in this panel of adult asthmatics, the worsening of lung function is associated with exposure to gaseous pollutants and occurs at levels of CO and SO2lower than current European standards.
Lung function predicts lung cancer risk in smokers: a tool for targeting screening programmes
Authors: Calabrò E. , Randi G. , La Vecchia C. , Sverzellati N. , Marchianò A. , Villani M. , Zompatori M. , Cassandro R. , Harari S. , Pastorino U. 
Published: August 2009

The relationship between smoking, lung cancer and airflow obstruction is recognised but it is unclear whether the presence of minimal lung function damage constitutes an independent risk factor for the development of lung cancer.In order to identify those individuals at higher risk of lung cancer on the basis of functional impairment, we evaluated baseline pulmonary function tests of 3,806 heavy smokers undergoing annual chest computed tomography screening, and compared the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) % predicted of 57 lung cancer cases and that of 3,749 subjects without cancer.We obtained odds ratios (ORs) of lung cancer and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using unconditional logistic regression, adjusting for age, sex, study and smoking variables. Compared with subjects with FEV1≥90% pred, the OR of lung cancer was 2.45 (95% CI 1.39–4.33) for subjects with FEV1<90% pred and 2.90 (95% CI 1.34–6.27) for subjects with FEV1<70% pred.These data show that even a relatively small reduction in FEV1% pred is a significant predictor of increased lung cancer risk. Test screening for lung cancer using airflow obstruction with FEV1<90% is a strategy worth future consideration.
Quality of life and dyspnoea in patients treated with bosentan for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (BUILD-1)
Authors: Raghu G. , King T. E. , Behr J. , Brown K. K. , du Bois R. M. , Leconte I. , Roux S. , Swigris J. 
Published: August 2009

No therapy is known to improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) or dyspnoea in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The present study investigated longitudinal changes in HRQoL and dyspnoea and explored the effects of bosentan on these end-points during the Bosentan Use in Interstitial Lung Disease (BUILD)-1 trial.In total, 154 subjects received oral bosentan (n = 71) or placebo (n = 83). Changes in HRQoL and dyspnoea from baseline to month (M) 6 and up to M12 were measured using the St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36), Transition Dyspnoea Index and Borg dyspnoea index.Overall, minimal changes occurred in measures of HRQoL and dyspnoea among placebo-treated subjects during the study. The effects of bosentan treatment on HRQoL and dyspnoea in the all-treated population were minimal. However, in the subset of subjects who had undergone surgical lung biopsy for diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, treatment effects were observed up to M12 in the impact domain of the SGRQ and the physical functioning, general health and role emotional domains of the SF-36.HRQoL and dyspnoea changed minimally during the course of the present study. Observations from exploratory analyses suggested benefits of bosentan on HRQoL among patients who had undergone surgical lung biopsy for diagnosis, and they merit further investigation.
SNAD: sequence name annotation-based designer
Authors: Sidorov Igor A , Reshetov Denis A , Gorbalenya Alexander E 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Background
A growing diversity of biological data is tagged with unique identifiers (UIDs) associated with polynucleotides and proteins to ensure efficient computer-mediated data storage, maintenance, and processing. These identifiers, which are not informative for most people, are often substituted by biologically meaningful names in various presentations to facilitate utilization and dissemination of sequence-based knowledge. This substitution is commonly done manually that may be a tedious exercise prone to mistakes and omissions.

Results
Here we introduce SNAD (Sequence Name Annotation-based Designer) that mediates automatic conversion of sequence UIDs (associated with multiple alignment or phylogenetic tree, or supplied as plain text list) into biologically meaningful names and acronyms. This conversion is directed by precompiled or user-defined templates that exploit wealth of annotation available in cognate entries of external databases. Using examples, we demonstrate how this tool can be used to generate names for practical purposes, particularly in virology.

Conclusion
A tool for controllable annotation-based conversion of sequence UIDs into biologically meaningful names and acronyms has been developed and placed into service, fostering links between quality of sequence annotation, and efficiency of communication and knowledge dissemination among researchers.
Evolution and functional divergence of NLRPgenes in mammalian reproductive systems
Authors: Tian Xin , Pascal Géraldine , Monget Philippe 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Background
NLRPs (Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, Leucine rich Repeat and Pyrin domain containing Proteins) are members of NLR (Nod-like receptors) protein family. Recent researches have shown that NLRP genes play important roles in both mammalian innate immune system and reproductive system. Several of NLRP genes were shown to be specifically expressed in the oocyte in mammals. The aim of the present work was to study how these genes evolved and diverged after their duplication, as well as whether natural selection played a role during their evolution.

Results
By using in silico methods, we have evaluated the evolution and functional divergence of NLRP genes, in particular of mouse reproduction-related Nlrp genes. We found that (1) major NLRP genes have been duplicated before the divergence of mammals, with certain lineage-specific duplications in primates (NLRP7 and 11) and in rodents (Nlrp1, 4 and 9 duplicates); (2) tandem duplication events gave rise to a mammalian reproduction-related NLRP cluster including NLRP2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13 and 14 genes; (3) the function of mammalian oocyte-specific NLRP genes (NLRP4, 5, 9 and 14) might have diverged during gene evolution; (4) recent segmental duplications concerning Nlrp4 copies and vomeronasal 1 receptor encoding genes (V1r) have been undertaken in the mouse; and (5) duplicates of Nlrp4 and 9 in the mouse might have been subjected to adaptive evolution.

Conclusion
In conclusion, this study brings us novel information on the evolution of mammalian reproduction-related NLRPs. On the one hand, NLRP genes duplicated and functionally diversified in mammalian reproductive systems (such as NLRP4, 5, 9 and 14). On the other hand, during evolution, different lineages adapted to develop their own NLRP genes, particularly in reproductive function (such as the specific expansion of Nlrp4 and Nlrp9 in the mouse).
Identification and expression of differentially expressed genes in the hard clam, Mercenaria mercenaria, in response to quahog parasite unknown (QPX)
Authors: Perrigault Mickael , Tanguy Arnaud , Allam Bassem 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Background
The hard clam, Mercenaria mercenaria, has been affected by severe mortality episodes associated with the protistan parasite QPX (Quahog Parasite Unknown) for several years. Despite the commercial importance of hard clams in the United States, molecular bases of defense mechanisms in M. mercenaria, especially during QPX infection, remain unknown.

Results
Our study used suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH), as well as the construction of cDNA libraries from hemocytes to identify genes related to the defense of the hard clam against its parasite. Hard clams were experimentally infected with QPX and SSH was performed on mRNA samples extracted from mantle and gill tissues at different times post-challenge. A total of 298 clones from SSH libraries and 1352 clones from cDNA libraries were sequenced. Among these sequences, homologies with genes involved in different physiological processes related to signal transduction, stress response, immunity and protein synthesis were identified. Quantitative PCR revealed significant changes in the expression of several of these genes in response to QPX challenge and demonstrated significant correlations in terms of levels of gene expression between intermediates of signalling pathways and humoral defense factors, such as big defensin and lysozyme.

Conclusion
Results of this study allowed the detection of modifications caused by QPX at the transcriptional level providing insight into clam immune response to the infection. These investigations permitted the identification of candidate genes and pathways for further analyses of biological bases of clam resistance to QPX allowing for a better understanding of bivalve immunity in general.
Rapid detection of ERG11 gene mutations in clinical Candida albicans isolates with reduced susceptibility to fluconazole by rolling circle amplification and DNA sequencing
Authors: Wang Huiping , Kong Fanrong , Sorrell Tania C , Wang Bin , McNicholas Paul , Pantarat Namfon , Ellis David , Xiao Meng , Widmer Fred , Chen Sharon CA 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Background
Amino acid substitutions in the target enzyme Erg11p of azole antifungals contribute to clinically-relevant azole resistance in Candida albicans. A simple molecular method for rapid detection of ERG11 gene mutations would be an advantage as a screening tool to identify potentially-resistant strains and to track their movement. To complement DNA sequencing, we developed a padlock probe and rolling circle amplification (RCA)-based method to detect a series of mutations in the C. albicans ERG11 gene using "reference" azole-resistant isolates with known mutations. The method was then used to estimate the frequency of ERG11 mutations and their type in 25 Australian clinical C. albicans isolates with reduced susceptibility to fluconazole and in 23 fluconazole-susceptible isolates. RCA results were compared DNA sequencing.

Results
The RCA assay correctly identified all ERG11 mutations in eight "reference" C. albicans isolates. When applied to 48 test strains, the RCA method showed 100% agreement with DNA sequencing where an ERG11 mutation-specific probe was used. Of 20 different missense mutations detected by sequencing in 24 of 25 (96%) isolates with reduced fluconazole susceptibility, 16 were detected by RCA. Five missense mutations were detected by both methods in 18 of 23 (78%) fluconazole-susceptible strains. DNA sequencing revealed that mutations in non-susceptible isolates were all due to homozygous nucleotide changes. With the exception of the mutations leading to amino acid substitution E266D, those in fluconazole-susceptible strains were heterozygous. Amino acid substitutions common to both sets of isolates were D116E, E266D, K128T, V437I and V488I. Substitutions unique to isolates with reduced fluconazole susceptibility were G464 S (n = 4 isolates), G448E (n = 3), G307S (n = 3), K143R (n = 3) and Y123H, S405F and R467K (each n = 1). DNA sequencing revealed a novel substitution, G450V, in one isolate.

Conclusion
The sensitive RCA assay described here is a simple, robust and rapid (2 h) method for the detection of ERG11 polymorphisms. It showed excellent concordance with ERG11 sequencing and is a potentially valuable tool to track the emergence and spread of azole-resistant C. albicans and to study the epidemiology of ERG11 mutations. The RCA method is applicable to the study of azole resistance in other fungi.
Common polymorphisms within the NR4A3 locus, encoding the orphan nuclear receptor Nor-1, are associated with enhanced β-cell function in non-diabetic subjects
Authors: Weyrich Peter , Staiger Harald , Stančáková Alena , Schäfer Silke A , Kirchhoff Kerstin , Ullrich Susanne , Ranta Felicia , Gallwitz Baptist , Stefan Norbert , Machicao Fausto , Kuusisto Johanna , Laakso Markku , Fritsche Andreas , Häring Hans-Ulrich 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Background
Neuron-derived orphan receptor (Nor) 1, nuclear receptor (Nur) 77, and nuclear receptor-related protein (Nurr) 1 constitute the NR4A family of orphan nuclear receptors which were recently found to modulate hepatic glucose production, insulin signalling in adipocytes, and oxidative metabolism in skeletal muscle. In this study, we assessed whether common genetic variation within the NR4A3 locus, encoding Nor-1, contributes to the development of prediabetic phenotypes, such as glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, or β-cell dysfunction.

Methods
We genotyped 1495 non-diabetic subjects from Southern Germany for the five tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs7047636, rs1526267, rs2416879, rs12686676, and rs10819699 (minor allele frequencies ≥ 0.05) covering 100% of genetic variation within the NR4A3 locus (with D' = 1.0, r2 ≥ 0.9) and assessed their association with metabolic data derived from the fasting state, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (subgroup, N = 506). SNPs that revealed consistent associations with prediabetic phenotypes were subsequently genotyped in a second cohort (METSIM Study; Finland; N = 5265) for replication.

Results
All five SNPs were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p ≥ 0.7, all). The minor alleles of three SNPs, i.e., rs1526267, rs12686676, and rs10819699, consistently tended to associate with higher insulin release as derived from plasma insulin at 30 min(OGTT), AUCC-peptide-to-AUCGluc ratio and the AUCIns30-to-AUCGluc30 ratio with rs12686676 reaching the level of significance (p ≤ 0.03, all; additive model). The association of the SNP rs12686676 with insulin secretion was replicated in the METSIM cohort (p ≤ 0.03, additive model). There was no consistent association with glucose tolerance or insulin resistance in both study cohorts.

Conclusion
We conclude that common genetic variation within the NR4A3 locus determines insulin secretion. Thus, NR4A3 represents a novel candidate gene for β-cell function which was not covered by the SNP arrays of recent genome-wide association studies for type 2 diabetes mellitus.