bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An interdisciplinary systems approach to study sperm physiology and evolution
Authors: Shi Linda Z. , Nascimento Jaclyn , Botvinick Elliot , Durrant Barbara , Berns Michael W. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractOptical trapping is a noninvasive biophotonic tool that has been developed to study the physiological and biomechanical properties of cells. The custom‐designed optical system is built to direct near‐infrared laser light into an inverted microscope to create a single‐point three‐dimensional gradient laser trap at the microscope focal point. A real‐time automated tracking and trapping system (RATTS) is described that provides a remote user‐friendly robotic interface. The combination of laser tweezers, fluorescent imaging, and RATTS can measure sperm swimming speed and swimming force simultaneously with mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). The roles of two sources of adenosine triphosphate in sperm motility/energetics are studied: oxidative phosphorylation, which occurs in the mitochondria located in the sperm midpiece, and glycolysis, which occurs along the length of the sperm tail (flagellum). The effects of glucose, oxidative phosphorylation inhibitors, and glycolytic inhibitors on human sperm motility are studied. This combination of photonic physical and engineering tools has been used to examine the evolutionary effect of sperm competition in primates. The results demonstrate a correlation between mating type and sperm motility: sperm from polygamous (multi‐partner) primate species swim faster and with greater force than sperm from polygynous (single partner) primate species. In summary, engineering and biological systems are combined to provide a powerful interdisciplinary approach to study the complex biological systems that drive the sperm toward the egg. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2011 3 36–47 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.106This article is categorized under:

Analytical and Computational Methods > Computational Methods
Physiology > Organismal Responses to Environment
Estrogen receptor‐positive breast cancer: a multidisciplinary challenge
Authors: Zwart Wilbert , Theodorou Vasiliki , Carroll Jason S. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractEstrogen receptor (ER)‐positive breast cancer research is an ideal example of how systems biology can be applied to better understand a specific clinical issue. By integrating vast data sets from tumor‐derived expression arrays, genome‐wide transcription factor/chromatin interactions, proteomics and computational analyses, we may better understand the concept of breast cancer development, heterogeneity, and its treatment. Resistance to endocrine treatment, such as anti‐estrogens, often occurs and systems biology may prove to be a valuable asset in tailoring treatment for each patient. In such a multidisciplinary setup, it is essential to try and connect these massive data streams with the known pathological background and cell biology. In this review, we describe the current status of such studies and the challenges that are to be met in order to fully understand the concept of anti‐estrogen resistance from a holistic perspective. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2011 3 216–230 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.109This article is categorized under:

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Cellular Models
Laboratory Methods and Technologies > Genetic/Genomic Methods
Translational, Genomic, and Systems Medicine > Translational Medicine
Ratification of IATSIC/WHO’s Guidelines for Essential Trauma Care Assessment in the South American Region
Authors: Aboutanos Michel B. , Mora Francisco , Rodas Edgar , Salamea Juan , Parra Marcelo Ochoa , Salgado Estuardo , Mock Charlie , Ivatury Rao 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of the International Association for Trauma Surgery and Intensive Care (IATSIC)/World Health Organization (WHO)’s Guidelines for Essential Trauma Care (EsTC Guidelines) in providing an internationally applicable and standardized template to assess trauma care capabilities in the South American Region.MethodsField assessment was conducted in seven provinces (urban and rural, pop. 2,239,509) and 24 facilities (5 large hospitals (LH); 15 small hospitals (SH); 4 basic hospitals (BH)) in Ecuador using EsTC criteria. A total of 260 individual items in Human Resources (HR– availability, clinical knowledge, skills) and physical resources (PR) were evaluated via inspection, review of local statistics, and administrative and staff interviews. EsTC was evaluated on a scale as follows: 0 (absent); 1(inadequate; < 50%); 2 (partly adequate > 50%); 3 (adequate–100%).Results210,045 Emergency Department (ED) visits and 61,365 (29%) ED trauma visits were recorded (incidence rate 2,740/100,000 population). Deficits were noted in prehospital trauma care (inadequate coordination, communication), education and training (ATLS < 30%, TNCC 0%), facility based trauma care (poor physical resources [PR] and human resources [HR]), and quality assurance (1/27 hospitals).ConclusionsThe IATSIC/WHO EsTC Guidelines provide a simple and useful template to assess trauma care capability in variable facilities and international settings, and they could serve as a valuable tool for trauma system development. Endorsement of EsTC Guidelines by the Panamerican Health Organization and lead trauma societies (the Panamerican Trauma Society) should be considered.
Modelling food safety and economic consequences of surveillance and control strategies forSalmonellain pigs and pork
Authors: BAPTISTA F. M. , HALASA T. , ALBAN L. , NIELSEN L. R. 
Published: July 2010

SUMMARYTargets for maximum acceptable levels ofSalmonellain pigs and pork are to be decided. A stochastic simulation model accounting for herd and abattoir information was used to evaluate food safety and economic consequences of different surveillance and control strategies, based among others on Danish surveillance data. An epidemiological module simulated theSalmonellacarcass prevalence for different scenarios. Cost-effectiveness analysis was used to compare the costs of the different scenarios with their expected effectiveness. Herd interventions were not found sufficient to attainSalmonellacarcass prevalence <1%. The cost-effectiveness of abattoir interventions changed with abattoir size. The most cost-effective strategy included the use of steam vacuum and steam ultrasound. Given uncertainty of the effect of steam vacuum and steam ultrasound, model results should be updated as more information becomes available. This framework contributes to informed decision-making for a more cost-effective surveillance and control ofSalmonellain pigs and pork.
Synovial expression of cell adhesion molecules in polymyalgia rheumatica
Authors: MELICONI R , PULSATELLI L , MELCHIORRI C , FRIZZIERO L , SALVARANI C , MACCHIONI P , UGUCCIONI M , FOCHERINI M C , FACCHINI A 
Published: July 2010

SUMMARY
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a common disorder of the elderly: the pathogenesis of the syndrome is still debated, though active synovitis of the shoulder has recently been confirmed. To investigate the pathogenesis of this synovitis we evaluated cell adhesion molecule (CAM) expression in shoulder synovial tissue from patients with PMR, correlated synovial expression with the serum levels of soluble forms, and assessed the changes associated with corticosteroid treatment. Arthroscopic synovial biopsies were obtained from 12 untreated and seven corticosteroid (CS)-treated cases. CAM expression was evaluated by MoAb staining on frozen sections and computerized image analysis. Soluble CAM were quantified by ELISA. Endothelial cells expressed intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-l), E- and P-selectins. Infiltrating cells were ICAM-1 and β1-integrin-positive, while L-selectin expression was limited to intravascular leucocytes. Synovial lining cells strongly expressed vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and less intensely ICAM-1. Only the soluble form of ICAM-1 (sICAM-1) was elevated in untreated patients. CS treatment was associated with a decrease in ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E- and P-selectin expression. sICAM-1 levels were in the normal range in treated patients. VLA-5 and 6 expression was widely distributed among cell types, and was not CS-sensitive. Active shoulder synovitis is associated with different CAM expression in PMR. ICAM-l expression is widely distributed and correlates with elevated levels of the soluble form; it is significantly lower in CS-treated asymptomatic cases.
Peripheral blood T cell expansions in patients with Behc¸et's disease
Authors: ESIN S , GÜL A , HODARA V , JEDDI-TEHRANI M , DILSEN N , KONIÇE M , ANDERSSON R , WIGZELL H 
Published: July 2010

SUMMARY
Behçet's disease (BD) is a chronic multisystemic inflammatory disorder characterized mainly by recurrent oral and genital aphthous ulcerations and uveitis. Etiology and pathogenesis of BD remain unknown. T cell receptor (TCR) Vα/Vβ gene product expression as well as Jβ gene segment expression in peripheral blood of BD patients were analysed to investigate the possible role of T lymphocytes in the etiopathogenesis of BD. Flow cytometry with 12 TCR V-specific MoAbs was used for TCRV analyses. Jβ gene segment usage by T cell populations expressing certain Vβs was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique with Vβ- and Cβ-specific primers, Southern blotting of PCR products, and subsequent hybridization with radiolabelled Jβ gene segment-specific probes. Although 13 of the 23 BD patients exhibited increases in expression of one or more TCR V-gene products, only expansions among the CD4+ T cell subset were significantly more frequent in BD patients (7/23) compared with healthy controls (0/15) (P = 0.019). Six out of eight cases followed for up to 20 months had at least one expansion correlated with disease activity. A strict preference for particular Jβ gene segments implicating clonality was apparent in all analysed T cell expansions and correlated well with disease activity. These results suggest a possible involvement of antigen-specific T lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of BD.
Involvement of β2-glycoprotein I and anticardiolipin antibodies in oxidatively modified low-density lipoprotein uptake by macrophages
Authors: HASUNUMA Y , MATSUURA E , MAKITA Z , KATAHIRA T , NISHI S , KOIKE T 
Published: July 2010

SUMMARY
Anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) in the sera of patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) recognize an altered structure of β2-glycoprotein I (β2-GPI) interacting with solid-phase negatively charged phospholipids. β2-GPI bound to Cu2+-oxidized plasma lipoproteins, i.e. oxidized very low-density lipoprotein (oxVLDL), oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), or oxidized high-density lipoprotein (oxHDL). β2-GPI inhibited in vitro uptake, i.e. cell surface binding, cellular association, and proteolytic degradation of oxLDL by murine macrophage J774A.1 cells. The binding of oxLDL to the macrophages was inhibited by the addition of polyinosinic acid (poly (I)), a competitor of the scavenger receptor, but not by another polyanionic acid, polycytidylic acid (poly (C)). Conversely, the binding of oxLDL was significantly increased by the simultaneous addition of human β2-GPI and monoclonal aCL derived from NZW × BXSB F1 (WB F1) mice, an animal model of APS, or anti-β-GPI antibodies from BALB/c mice immunized with human β2-GPI. These findings indicate that β2-GPI may be an anti-atherogenic protein and that the autoimmune response against β2-GPI may have a role in the development of atherosclerosis in APS.
Stomatal uptake and stomatal deposition of ozone in isoprene and monoterpene emitting plants
Authors: Fares S. , Loreto F. , Kleist E. , Wildt J. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractVolatile isoprenoids were reported to protect plants against ozone. To understand whether this could be the result of a direct scavenging of ozone by these molecules, the stomatal and non‐stomatal uptake of ozone was estimated in plants emitting isoprene or monoterpenes. Ozone uptake by holm oak (Quercus ilex, a monoterpene emitter) and black poplar (Populus nigra, an isoprene emitter) was studied in whole plant enclosures (continuously stirred tank reactors, CSTR). The ozone uptake by plants was estimated measuring ozone concentration at the inlet and outlet of the reactors, after correcting for the uptake of the enclosure materials. Destruction of ozone at the cuticle or at the plant stems was found to be negligible compared to the ozone uptake through the stomata. For both plant species, a relationship between stomatal conductance and ozone uptake was found. For the poplar, the measured ozone losses were explained by the uptake of ozone through the stomata only, and ozone destruction by gas phase reactions with isoprene was negligible. For the oak, gas phase reactions of ozone with the monoterpenes emitted by the plants contributed significantly to ozone destruction. This was confirmed by two different experiments showing a) that in cases of high stomatal conductance but under low CO2 concentration, a reduction of monoterpene emission was still associated with reduced O3 uptake; and b) that ozone losses due to the gas phase reactions only can be measured when using the exhaust from a plant chamber to determine the gas phase reactivity in an empty reaction chamber. Monoterpenes can therefore relevantly scavenge ozone at leaf level contributing to protection against ozone.
Structural basis of the histidine-mediated vitamin D receptor agonistic and antagonistic mechanisms of (23S)-25-dehydro-1α-hydroxyvitamin D3-26,23-lactone
Authors: Kakuda Shinji , Ishizuka Seiichi , Eguchi Hiroshi , Mizwicki Mathew T. , Norman Anthony W. , Takimoto-Kamimura Midori 
Published: July 2010

TEI-9647 antagonizes vitamin D receptor (VDR) mediated genomic actions of 1α,25(OH)2D3in human cells but is agonistic in rodent cells. The presence of Cys403, Cys410 or of both residues in the C-terminal region of human VDR (hVDR) results in antagonistic action of this compound. In the complexes of TEI-9647 with wild-type hVDR (hVDRwt) and H397F hVDR, TEI-9647 functions as an antagonist and forms a covalent adduct with hVDR according to MALDI–TOF MS. The crystal structures of complexes of TEI-9647 with rat VDR (rVDR), H305F hVDR and H305F/H397F hVDR showed that the agonistic activity of TEI-9647 is caused by a hydrogen-bond interaction with His397 or Phe397 located in helix 11. Both biological activity assays and the crystal structure of H305F hVDR complexed with TEI-9647 showed that the interaction between His305 and TEI-9647 is crucial for antagonist activity. This study indicates the following stepwise mechanism for TEI-9647 antagonism. Firstly, TEI-9647 forms hydrogen bonds to His305, which promote conformational changes in hVDR and draw Cys403 or Cys410 towards the ligand. This is followed by the formation of a 1,4-Michael addition adduct between the thiol (–SH) group of Cys403 or Cys410 and theexo-methylene group of TEI-9647.
β‐Thalassaemia in Campania: DNA polymorphism analysis in βA and βthat chromosomes and its usefulness in prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Carestia C. , Pagano L. , Ioretti G. F , Mastrobuoni A. 
Published: July 2010

SummaryIn order to evaluate the feasibility of first trimester prenatal diagnosis of β‐thalassaemia by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) in Campania, one of the most affected regions in Southern Italy, DNA polymorphism analysis was performed on 40 unrelated patients, affected with homozygous β‐thalassaemia, and on their parents. Frequency of the presence of the Hinc II ε, Hind III Gγ and Aγ, Hinc II SPSβ and SPSβ, Ava II SPSβ, Ava II β and Bam HI 3′β sites have been determined in the βA and βthat chromosome samples. In 31 families (over 75%). RFLPs enabled tracing the β‐thalassaemia mutations in both father and mother (100% diagnosis). In the remaining nine families, RFLPs enabled tracing only one of the two mutations (50% diagnosis) because the other parent was found to be homozygous in all the analysed polymorphic sites. Restriction haplotypes, assembled on the basis of linkage analysis, were most heterogeneous, hence a wide heterogeneity of mutations is expected.
Peripheral blood and bone marrow abnormalities in patients with HIV related disease
Authors: Treacy Marilyn , Lai Leslie , Costello Christine , Clark Andrew 
Published: July 2010

Summary.Between February 1983 and April 1986 we studied peripheral blood and bone marrow samples from 20 patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) related disease. 14 patients had AIDS, three had ARC, two had PGL and one had ITP as a sole manifestation of HIV related disease.Peripheral blood abnormalities included marked anisocytosis and poikilocytosis, rouleaux formation, neutropenia, lymphopenia, monocytopenia, a left shift in the granulocyte series and, in the patients with AIDS, vacuolated monocytes.The most frequent bone marrow abnormalities were reticuloendothelial iron block, dyserythropoiesis, megaloblastic change and erythroid hypoplasia. Excess histiocytes were noted in four marrows, one exhibiting haemophagocytosis. None of the bone marrows showed lymphopenia. Eight of the 20 marrows were difficult or impossible to aspirate. None of the trephine biopsies showed increased reticulin.The causes of these abnormalities are probably multiple and include opportunistic infections, drug therapy, immune mechanisms and possibly direct insult by the HIV virus.
Interactions between prostacyclin analogue ZK 36374 and heparin in their effects upon platelet function
Authors: Yardumian D. A. , O'Flynn K. , Linch D. C. , Machin S. J. 
Published: July 2010

Summary. Prostacyclin and heparin can be administered to patients concurrently, with the aim of maximizing anticoagulant effect. It has been suggested that the two agents may interact in their effects upon platelet function. We have therefore studied this parameter in the presence of ZK 36374, a chemícally stable analogue of prostacyclin and heparin, alone and in combination. Platelet responses to ADP and thrombin have been studied by standard aggregometry, and intra‐platelet calcium mobilization has simultaneously been recorded after loading the cells with the fluorescent calcium indicator, Quin 2. ZK 36374 alone consistently inhibited platelet aggregation and calcium mobilization in response to ADP and thrombin, in a dose‐dependent fashion. Heparin alone did not signiflcantly alter the responses to ADP but consistently reduced those to thrombin. Pre‐mixture of ZK36374, with heparin, was shown to interfere with the ability of the prostacyclin analogue to inhibit platelet aggregation and calcium flux in response to ADP. In contrast, ZK 36374 inhibition of platelet responses was markedly enhanced when thrombin was the agonist.
Dietary fish lipids do not diminish platelet adhesion to subendothelium
Authors: Owens Michael R. , Cave William T. 
Published: July 2010

SummaryClinical trials suggest that dietary fish lipids offer protection against pathologic thrombosis. Measurements of platelet aggregation and bleeding time indicate that these protective effects are mediated in part through alterations of platelet function. We studied the effects of supplementary fish lipids (MaxEPA) on platelet adhesion to arterial subendothelium utilizing a modified Baumgartner flow chamber. Template bleeding times were also performed, and platelet lipid composition was determined by gas chromatographic analysis. The results showed that platelet lipid composition was altered significantly during the study. However, total platelet adhesion to arterial subendothelium was not changed by ingestion of fish lipids during the study period. Bleeding times showed some prolongation in most subjects (range: ‐1.0 to +6.75 min), with a mean change of +0.75 min. We conclude that, in individuals maintained on ad libitum diets, the supplemental amount of fish oil used in this study was enough to induce a significant alteration in platelet lipid composition, but these changes were unaccompanied by any impairment in the ability of platelets to adhere to subendothelium in our model system.
Neutrophil‐specific reduction in the expression of granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor receptor subunits in myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Shikama Yayoi , Shichishima Tsutomu , Ohto Hitoshi , Jubinsky Paul T. ,   Yukio. Maruyama
Published: July 2010

The proliferative and differentiative response of neutrophils to granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) is known to be impaired in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). To investigate the mechanisms of the defective response in MDS, we examined expression levels of GM‐CSF receptor α (GMRα) and common β (βc) subunits on CD16+ neutrophils, CD14+ monocytes and CD3+ T cells from 26 MDS patients and 10 healthy controls using flow cytometry. Expression of GMRα was significantly decreased on the neutrophils of five out of 26 patients and was not specific for any FAB subtype. In contrast, βc expression on neutrophils was significantly reduced in 14 out of 26 patients with a higher proportion occurring in the advanced stages of MDS including refractory anaemia with excess of blasts (RAEB), RAEB in transformation (RAEBt) and overt leukaemia compared with refractory anaemia (RA)/RA with ringed sideroblasts (RARS) or healthy controls. Decreased βc also correlated with the degree of hypogranular neutrophil morphology and increased infection. Expression of both subunits on T cells and monocytes in MDS was similar to normal controls. Polymerase chain reaction amplification of reverse‐transcribed mRNA isolated from the affected neutrophils suggests that the reduction of βc may result from decreased message levels. The observed reduction in GM‐CSF receptor expression could account for the impaired proliferative and maturational responses in MDS.
Are aberrant BCR–ABL transcripts more common than previously thought?
Authors: Wilson G. A. , Vandenberghe E. A. , Pollitt R. C. , Rees D. C. , Goodeve A. C. , Peake I. R. , Reilly J. T. 
Published: July 2010

We report the use of multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), using 4% polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) for the detection of BCR‐ABL transcripts in Philadelphia‐positive disease. Three out of 50 cases [two out of 37 chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), one out of 13 acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)] possessed rare breakpoints; an e19a2 and e13a3 in CML and an e1a3 in the ALL. We suggest that multiplex PCR using 4% PAGE and optimized for smaller transcript detection may lead to a higher detection rate of rare BCR‐ABL breakpoints. Multiplex PCR, however, failed to distinguish e13a2 from e1a3 transcripts. Finally, the presence of e13a3 in CML supports the view that abl exon 2 sequences are unnecessary for the pathogenesis of ‘classic’ CML.
Pralatrexate, a novel class of antifol with high affinity for the reduced folate carrier‐type 1, produces marked complete and durable remissions in a diversity of chemotherapy refractory cases of T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: O'Connor Owen A. , Hamlin Paul A. , Portlock Carol , Moskowitz Craig H. , Noy Ariela , Straus David J. , MacGregor‐Cortelli Barbara , Neylon Ellen , Sarasohn Debra , Dumetrescu Otila , Mould Diane R. , Fleischer Martin , Zelenetz Andrew D. , Sirotnak Frank , Horwitz Steven 
Published: July 2010

SummaryT‐cell lymphomas (TCLs) are characterised by poor responses to therapy with brief durations of remissions. An early phase study of pralatrexate has demonstrated dramatic activity in patients with relapsed/refractory disease. Of the first 20 lymphoma patients treated, 16 had B‐cell lymphoma and four had refractory aggressive TCL. All four patients with TCL achieved a complete remission. Patients with B‐cell lymphoma achieved stable disease at best. For each TCL patient, the response was more durable than their best response with chemotherapy. This early experience is the first to document this unique activity of pralatrexate in TCL.