bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification and Characterization of Nuclear Pore Complex Components inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Tamura Kentaro , Fukao Yoichiro , Iwamoto Masaaki , Haraguchi Tokuko , Hara-Nishimura Ikuko 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThe nuclear pore complex (NPC) facilitates nucleocytoplasmic transport, a crucial process for various cellular activities. The NPC comprises ~30 nucleoporins and is well characterized in vertebrates and yeast. However, only eight plant nucleoporins have been identified, and little information is available about the complete molecular structure of plant NPCs. In this study, an interactive proteomic approach was used to identify Arabidopsis thaliana nucleoporins. A series of five cycles of interactive proteomic analysis was performed using green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged nucleoporins. The identified nucleoporins were then cloned and subcellular localization analyses were performed. We found that the plant NPC contains at least 30 nucleoporins, 22 of which had not been previously annotated. Surprisingly, plant nucleoporins shared a similar domain organization to their vertebrate (human) and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) counterparts. Moreover, the plant nucleoporins exhibited higher sequence homology to vertebrate nucleoporins than to yeast nucleoporins. Plant NPCs lacked seven components (NUCLEOPORIN358 [Nup358], Nup188, Nup153, Nup45, Nup37, NUCLEAR DIVISION CYCLE1, and PORE MEMBRANE PROTEIN OF 121 kD) that were present in vertebrate NPCs. However, plants possessed a nucleoporin, Nup136/Nup1, that contained Phe-Gly repeats, and sequence analysis failed to identify a vertebrate homolog for this protein. Interestingly, Nup136-GFP showed greater mobility on the nuclear envelope than did other nucleoporins, and a Nup136/Nup1 deficiency caused various defects in plant development. These findings provide valuable new information about plant NPC structure and function.
Weakly acidic refluxes have a major role in the pathogenesis of proton pump inhibitor‐resistant reflux oesophagitis
Authors: Frazzoni M. , Conigliaro R. , Melotti G. 
Published: December 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011; 33: 601–606SummaryBackground  In patients with heartburn that persists despite proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy, reflux oesophagitis is found rarely, and its pathogenesis has been scarcely studied.Aim  To assess reflux parameters by impedance–pH monitoring in PPI‐resistant reflux oesophagitis.Methods  Impedance–pH monitoring was performed on PPI therapy in patients with symptomatic reflux oesophagitis detected despite standard or high‐dose PPI therapy of at least 8‐week duration.Results  Twenty patients, ten on once daily and ten on twice daily PPI regimens, were studied. The gastric acid exposure time (per cent time pH <4) ranged from 10% to 81% and was >30% in 70% of cases, but the oesophageal acid exposure time (per cent time pH <4) was abnormal in 20% of patients only. The number of acid, weakly acidic and weakly alkaline refluxes was abnormal in 25%, 100% and 15% of patients, respectively.Conclusions  Weakly acidic refluxes were above the normal range in all cases, whereas acid reflux parameters and weakly alkaline refluxes were normal in the vast majority of cases. Gastric acid secretion, with consequent intra‐gastric pepsins activation, persists despite ongoing PPI therapy and activated pepsins may well be present in weakly acidic refluxes. As activated pepsins maintain their proteolytic activity in a weakly acidic environment, they may be responsible for mucosal damage. We conclude that weakly acidic refluxes have a major role in the pathogenesis of PPI‐resistant reflux oesophagitis. Therapeutic interventions in patients with PPI‐resistant reflux oesophagitis should be tailored on the basis of impedance–pH‐monitoring results.
Regulation of allergic inflammatory responses by inhibitory receptors
Authors: Shik D. , Munitz A. 
Published: December 2010

SummaryAn intricate network of activation and inhibitory signals tightly regulates immune responses. To date, multiple activation receptors have been described. These include receptors that mediate cellular functions such as adhesion, chemotaxis, cytokine signalling, mediator release, survival and phagocytosis. In contrast to these activation pathways, an opposing and suppressive receptor system has evolved. These receptors can override the signals elicited by the activation pathways and are broadly termed inhibitory receptors. Inhibitory receptors share unique intracellular signalling motifs and have key roles in various cellular and pathological conditions. Therefore, such receptors are potential targets for future therapeutics. In this review, we will discuss the structure and function of inhibitory receptors. In particular, we will focus on the expression and function of inhibitory receptors on mast cells and eosinophils and illustrate strategies for their inhibition in the settings of allergic inflammation. Cite this as: D. Shik and A. Munitz, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 700–709.
Circulating endothelial‐coagulative activation markers after smoking cessation: a 12‐month observational study
Authors: Caponnetto Pasquale , Russo Cristina , Di Maria Annalisa , Morjaria Jaymin B. , Barton Sheila , Guarino Francesca , Basile Elisa , Proiti Maria , Bertino Gaetano , Cacciola Rossella R. , Polosa Riccardo 
Published: December 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2011; 41 (6): 616–626AbstractBackground  Cigarette smoking is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Exposure to cigarette smoke can cause endothelial dysfunction with impaired endothelium‐dependent vasodilation and ‘endothelial activation’, which predispose to atherothrombosis. The effects of continued smoking and smoking cessation on the level of endothelial, platelet and clotting activation have not been described previously. Here, we prospectively monitored changes in circulating endothelial‐coagulative activation markers in smokers undertaking smoking cessation.Method  This 12‐month prospective study of 174 smokers with no commonly acquired atherothrombotic risk factors underwent an intensive smoking‐cessation programme investigating the effect of quitting on circulating levels of von Willebrand’s Factor Antigen (vWF:Ag), soluble Thrombomodulin (sTM), d‐Dimer (d‐D), prothrombin fragment F1 + 2 (F1 + 2), platelet factor‐4 (PF4) and β‐Thromboglobulin (β‐TG). Blood samples and study measures were collected and compared at baseline and at 2, 6 and 12 months after smoking cessation from quitters and relapsers’.Results  No significant differences in demographic or laboratory parameters at baseline were observed between the study groups. Significant changes in von Willebrand’s Factor activity were observed at 2 months after smoking cessation, with levels decreasing from 141·8% to 113·6%. Substantial modifications in d‐Dimer, prothrombin fragment F1 + 2, platelet factor‐4 and β‐thromboglobulin concentrations were observed only at 6 and 12 months after smoking cessation. Positive associations between baseline levels of these biomarkers and number of pack per years have been demonstrated.Conclusions  Chronic exposure to cigarette smoke sustains the activation of the endothelial‐coagulative system and abstinence may result in the improvement of several endothelial‐coagulative abnormalities in regular smokers. This may translate into an overall decline in cardiovascular risk.
Randomized placebo controlled trial of furosemide on subjective perception of dyspnoea in patients with pulmonary oedema because of hypertensive crisis
Authors: Holzer‐Richling Nina , Holzer Michael , Herkner Harald , Riedmüller Eva , Havel Christof , Kaff Alfred , Malzer Reinhard , Schreiber Wolfgang 
Published: December 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2011; 41 (6): 627–634AbstractBackground  To compare the administration of furosemide with placebo on the subjective perception of dyspnoea in patients with acute pulmonary oedema because of hypertensive crisis.Design  Randomized, controlled and double‐blinded clinical trial. Setting: Municipal emergency medical service system and university‐based emergency department. Participants: Fifty‐nine patients with pulmonary oedema because of hypertensive crisis. Interventions: Additional to administration of oxygen, morphine‐hydrochloride and urapidil until the systolic blood pressure was below 160 mmHg, the patients were randomized to receive furosemide 80 mg IV bolus (furosemide group) or saline placebo (placebo group). Main outcome measures: The primary outcome was the subjective perception of dyspnoea as measured with a modified BORG scale at one hour after randomization. Secondary outcome parameters were the subjective perception of dyspnoea of patients as measured with a modified BORG scale and a visual analogue scale at 2, 3 and 6 h after randomization of the patient; course of the systolic arterial pressure and peripheral oxygen saturation and lactate at admission and at 6 h after admission.Results  In 25 patients in the furosemide group and in 28 patients in the placebo group, a BORG score could be obtained. There was no statistically significant difference in the severity of dyspnoea at one hour after randomization (P = 0·40). The median BORG score at 1 h after randomization in the furosemide group was 3 (IQR 2 to 4) compared to 3 (IQR 2 to 7) in the placebo group (P = 0·40). Those patients who were randomized to the placebo group needed higher doses of urapidil at 20 min after randomization. There were no significant differences in the rate of adverse events, nonfatal cardiac arrests or death between the two groups.Conclusions  The subjective perception of dyspnoea in patients with hypertensive pulmonary oedema was not influenced by the application of a loop‐diuretic. Therefore, additional furosemide therapy needs to be scrutinized in the therapy of these patients.
Snails, waterfowl and cercarial dermatitis
Authors: HORÁK PETR , KOLÁŘOVÁ LIBUŠE 
Published: December 2010

Summary1. Birds and snails are suitable hosts for many parasites, including helminths in general and trematodes in particular. Among trematodes, members of the family Schistosomatidae with two‐host life cycles (snails as intermediate hosts and birds as definitive hosts) are successful and abundant pathogens. Their transmission between birds and snails in nature can be influenced by many abiotic and biotic factors.2. In snails, the prevalence of schistosome infections and production of cercariae can be influenced by host immunological susceptibility/physiological suitability, snail age/size, interspecific competition of trematode larvae, etc. Schistosomes are able to survive in overwintering snails, serving as a source of infection in spring.3. Birds may also differ in susceptibility to and prevalence rates of schistosome infections. They are long‐range vectors of schistosomes.4. Climate changes influence behaviour of migratory birds, lead to shifts in season‐ or temperature‐dependent processes in snails and schistosomes, and influence the frequency of schistosome transmission and intensity of infection. Also, eutrophication can increase the growth of snail populations and transmission of bird schistosomes.5. Dispersal of bird schistosomes to new regions and an increased availability (local abundance) of the snail hosts, together with the use of new water reservoirs (e.g., in higher latitudes) for recreational purposes, may contribute to a higher number of outbreaks of cercarial dermatitis.
Effect of fluoxetine on blood concentrations of serotonin, cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone in canine aggression
Authors: ROSADO B. , GARCÍA‐BELENGUER S. , LEÓN M. , CHACÓN G. , VILLEGAS A. , PALACIO J. 
Published: December 2010

Rosado, B., García‐Belenguer, S., León, M., Chacón, G., Villegas, A., Palacio, J. Effect of fluoxetine on blood concentrations of serotonin, cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone in canine aggression.J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap.34, 430–436.Canine aggression directed towards people is the most frequent reason for referral to behaviour practices. The serotonergic system and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis are believed to play an important role in controlling aggression. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine is the most commonly used drug in canine aggression. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of a 30‐day‐long fluoxetine treatment on the peripheral serotonergic system and the HPA axis in canine aggression. To this end, the concentrations of serum serotonin (5‐HT) and plasma cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) were analysed in a group of aggressive (n = 22) and nonaggressive dogs (n = 9) during pre‐ (day 0) and posttreatment (day 30) conditions. Treatment caused a significant decrease in 5‐HT concentrations (46% in the aggressive group and 32% in the control group). There was a trend towards a rise of DHEA/cortisol ratio values after treatment both in the aggressive and the control group. The determination of blood 5‐HT and the DHEA/cortisol ratio could have important clinical applications in the future for deciding which animals might benefit from a given treatment as well as for monitoring the response. Further large‐scale studies with this aim should be carried out to obtain sound conclusions.
Novel gastroretentive controlled‐release drug delivery system for amoxicillin therapy in veterinary medicine
Authors: HORWITZ E. , KAGAN L. , CHAMISHA Y. , GATI I. , HOFFMAN A. , FRIEDMAN M. , LAVY E. 
Published: December 2010

Horwitz, E., Kagan, L., Chamisha, Y., Gati, I., Hoffman, A., Friedman, M., Lavy, E. Novel gastroretentive controlled‐release drug delivery system for amoxicillin therapy in veterinary medicine. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap.34, 487–493.Beta‐lactam antimicrobials, commonly used in both veterinary and human medicine, generally present short biologic half‐lives, whereas their activity is enhanced as pathogen exposure is prolonged. These properties necessitate multiple‐dose regimens of standard dosage forms, thereby hampering pet owner adherence, frequently resulting in therapeutic failure. This study presents a novel controlled‐release gastroretentive oral drug delivery system for beta‐lactams with which single‐dose administration provides an effective antimicrobial course, optimizing pharmacokinetic (PK)–pharmacodynamic (PD) profiles, minimizing adverse effects and emergence of antimicrobial resistance and facilitating adherence. Our prototype sustained‐delivery swelling‐tablet (SDST), based on a degradable hydrophilic polymeric matrix, was designed to enable continuous input of these drugs to their absorption sites over several days. Several SDST formulations of the beta‐lactam amoxicillin were evaluated in in vitro dissolution studies. Two formulations were selected for further in vivo canine studies, for determination of gastric retention and PK–PD profiling. Prolonged gastric retention times maintaining allowed for maintained effective drug concentrations against many clinically relevant pathogens for more than 48 h for one formulation and more than 5 days for the other. Both SDST formulations offer significant advantages over standard immediate‐release therapy in achieving PK–PD goals and enhancing adherence. The prototypical formulations represent a novel platform which may be modified to meet various clinical requirements.
Fermentation of starch stimulates propagated contractions in the human colon
Authors: Jouët P. , Sabaté J.‐M. , Coffin B. , Lémann M. , Jian R. , Flourié B. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBackground  In healthy humans, up to 30 g of daily ingested starch escape small intestinal digestion, and are fermented in the colon. This physiological starch malabsorption could modify colonic motility through metabolites such as short‐chain fatty acids produced by fermentation.Methods  Ten healthy volunteers swallowed a probe, consisting of an infusion catheter, six perfused catheters and a balloon connected to a barostat. On two consecutive days colonic motility was recorded in fasting subjects in the basal state (1 h), and then during (3 h), and after (2 h) the intracolonic infusion of 750 mL of isoosmotic and isovolumetric solutions containing sodium chloride with or without 15 g wheat starch. We determined (i) the volume of hydrogen and methane exhaled in breath, (ii) a global motility index and the number of high amplitude propagated contractions (HAPCs), and (iii) the mean balloon volume, reflecting the tonic motor activity.Key Results  [median (IQR)] Compared to the basal period, colonic infusion of starch or saline did not modify the colonic motility index and tone. However, the number of HAPCs was significantly higher during and after infusion of starch than of saline [4.5 (2.75–6.5) vs 0.96 (0–2.66)/5 h, starch vs saline respectively; P = 0.011].Conclusions & Inferences  In healthy humans, colonic fermentation of a physiological malabsorbed amount of starch has no effect on the tonic and phasic colonic motor activities, but produces a significant increase in the number of HAPCs. This may participate in the physiological propulsion of colonic contents.
Catchment‐wide denudation rates at the margin of NE Tibet from in situ‐produced cosmogenic 10Be
Authors: Palumbo Luigi , Hetzel Ralf , Tao Mingxin , Li Xiaobin 
Published: December 2010

Terra Nova, 23, 42–48, 2011AbstractWe present denudation rates for catchments in the Qilian Shan and two mountain ranges in its foreland, which differ markedly in elevation and catchment morphology. Catchments with mean slope angles below ∼25° yield 10Be‐derived denudation rates <∼200 mm ka−1 and have narrow and symmetric slope–frequency distributions, which become broader as the mean slope angle increases. Denudation rates for catchments with mean hillslope angles steeper than ∼25° range from ∼100 to ∼800 mm ka−1. Field observations suggest that these higher and more variable rates are the result of erosion by bedrock landslides, which contribute to mass transport on the hillslopes. Six catchments aligned along the mountain front of the central Qilian Shan have reached threshold values of slope and relief. These basins also show remarkably similar slope–frequency distributions with negative skewness and a pronounced peak at a slope angle of 30°–35°. We hypothesize that these catchments have attained an erosional steady state.
When an ‘inverse’ fabric is not inverse: an integrated AMS‐SPO study in MORB‐like dykes
Authors: Hastie Warwick W. , Aubourg Charles , Watkeys Michael K. 
Published: December 2010

Terra Nova, 23, 49–55, 2011AbstractMagma flow direction is recorded in the macroscopic mineral petrofabric and magnetic fabric of the MORB‐like Rooi Rand dyke swarm. The bulk magnetic fabric is sub‐parallel to the dyke plane, resulting from preferred orientation of grains during magma flow. This is referred to as type‐A fabric. A study of mineral shape preferred orientation reveals an additional fabric, which is orthogonal to the average dyke orientation in 30% of the data. This fabric is carried by both plagioclase and opaque grains and would typically be interpreted as ‘inverse’. It is referred to here as type‐B fabric. However, because it is carried by the shape preferred orientation of macroscopic grains and is in most cases not coaxial to the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility fabric, it is interpreted as having been acquired during increased grain interaction during late‐stage magma flow associated with decreasing magma pressure.
Procoagulant activity of long‐term stored red blood cells due to phosphatidylserine exposure
Authors: Lu C. , Shi J. , Yu H. , Hou J. , Zhou J. 
Published: December 2010

Objective/Background: Phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure on the outer membrane surface is a known storage lesion of red blood cells (RBCs). Procoagulant activity (PCA) of PRBC units has been shown to increase during storage. However, the PCA and the relation to PS of banked RBCs remain unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate the PCA and the correlation with PS exposure on banked RBCs. Materials and Methods: Human normal leucodepleted RBC concentrates were stored in saline–adenine–glucose–mannitol (SAGM) solution at 4 °C for up to 42 days. PS exposure was measured by lactadherin and annexin V. PCA of RBCs was determined by one‐step recalcification assay and further determined by prothrombinase and tenase assays. The correlation between PCA and PS exposure of RBCs was measured by inhibition tests with lactadherin or annexin V. Results: Lactadherin detected 1·5% PS‐positive stored RBCs vs 0·5% for annexin V after 14 days of storage, which significantly reached 18·4 vs 4·5% after 42 days of storage. Potent PCA was observed on day 14 and continuously increased. PCA of RBCs on day 42 was inhibited 94% by lactadherin vs 45% by annexin V. Incubation at 37 °C in fresh heparinised plasma partially reversed PS exposure and PCA of RBCs stored for 14 days but had no effect on these parameters for cells stored for 42 days. Conclusions: PCA and PS exposure of stored RBCs increased during storage and showed significant positive correlation. PCA of long‐term stored RBCs may not be reversed by transfusion.
Haematological and biochemical reference intervals for infants and children in Gabon
Authors: Humberg Alexander , Kammer Judith , Mordmüller Benjamin , Kremsner Peter G. , Lell Bertrand 
Published: December 2010

SummaryObjectives  To establish reference intervals for major haematological and biochemical parameters in Gabonese infants and children.Methods  The reference sample population consisted of 226 healthy infants (4–9 weeks of age) and 185 healthy children (18–60 months of age). Basic red cell parameters as well as total and differential white blood cell counts were performed. Clinical chemistry parameters consisted of glutamate–pyruvic transaminase and creatinine, and total bilirubin was measured in children. Statistical analysis was based on the guidelines of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Nonparametric methods were used to determine 95% reference limits and their 90% confidence intervals.Results  Compared to European populations, values for several red cell parameters (haemoglobin, haematocrit, red blood cell count, mean corpuscular volume) were lower and platelet counts were higher. Eosinophils were higher in the older age group, most likely caused by intestinal helminths.Conclusions  The study confirms the importance of establishing reference limits for local populations. The reference ranges could be used as a benchmark for similar populations in Central Africa.