bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of auditory stimuli on the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: MORALES Robin F. , SEONG Ki Moon , KIM Cha Soon , JIN Young‐Woo , MIN Kyung‐Jin 
Published: July 2010

AbstractIt is well known that music can have calming effects on humans, other mammals and birds. Reducing environmental stress or enhancing the resistance to certain stressors has been shown to extend lifespan in several organisms. Evidence also suggests that mild temporary stress may also enhance stress resistance and ultimately slow the aging process. This study explored the possibility that music may influence the lifespan of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, possibly by affecting responses to stress. Flies received either background sounds (control), or background sounds supplemented with music (experimental). The experimental group had classical music playing constantly at an average of 20 dB above background sound. The median lifespan of females receiving music was 42 days compared to the median of 45 days without music, but the difference was not significant. For males median lifespans were 42 days with music exposure, and 47 days without music and the difference was significant. These results suggest that exposure to classical music decreased the lifespan of male Drosophila. Both experimental and control populations showed age‐dependent increases in mortality, indicating that music affects the normal aging process rather than showing overt toxicity. These results suggest that certain auditory stimuli may be stressful and can be used as insect management.
Does the Oxidative/Glycolytic Ratio Determine Proliferation or Death in Immune Recognition?
Authors: NEWELL M. KAREN , HARPER MARY‐ELLEN , FORTNER KAREN , DESBARATS JULIE , RUSSO ALICIA , HUBER SALLY A. 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTHere we discuss the possibility that the way cells utilize fuel(s) for energy confers the properties that can be recognized by the immune system and, reciprocally, that recognition by the immune system can alter the balance of the cell's energy metabolism. We propose that immune recognition, of somatic cells via MHC can alter the their energy metabolism and induce a metabolic shift. We demonstrate the reciprocal relationship that inducing a shift in metabolism toward glycolysis by supplying glucose and insulin results in the upregulation of immunologically recognizable molecules such as cell surface Fas. Thus, immune recognition can induce metabolic deviation. Metabolic deviation can result in altered immune recognition and ultimately in cell proliferation, cell differentiation, or cell death.
Ibogaine: Complex Pharmacokinetics, Concerns for Safety, and Preliminary Efficacy Measures
Authors: MASH DEBORAH C. , KOVERA CRAIG A. , PABLO JOHN , TYNDALE RACHEL F. , ERVIN FRANK D. , WILLIAMS IZBEN C. , SINGLETON EDWARD G. , MAYOR MANNY 
Published: July 2010

AbstractIbogaine is an indole alkaloid found in the roots of Tabernanthe Iboga (Apocynaceae family), a rain forest shrub that is native to western Africa. Ibogaine is used by indigenous peoples in low doses to combat fatigue, hunger and thirst, and in higher doses as a sacrament in religious rituals. Members of American and European addict self‐help groups have claimed that ibogaine promotes long‐term drug abstinence from addictive substances, including psychostimulants and opiates. Anecdotal reports attest that a single dose of ibogaine eliminates opiate withdrawal symptoms and reduces drug craving for extended periods of time. The purported efficacy of ibogaine for the treatment of drug dependence may be due in part to an active metabolite. The majority of ibogaine biotransformation proceeds via CYP2D6, including the O‐demethylation of ibogaine to 12‐hydroxyibogamine (noribogaine). Blood concentration‐time effect profiles of ibogaine and noribogaine obtained for individual subjects after single oral dose administrations demonstrate complex pharmacokinetic profiles. Ibogaine has shown preliminary efficacy for opiate detoxification and for short‐term stabilization of drug‐dependent persons as they prepare to enter substance abuse treatment. We report here that ibogaine significantly decreased craving for cocaine and heroin during inpatient detoxification. Self‐reports of depressive symptoms were also significantly lower after ibogaine treatment and at 30 days after program discharge. Because ibogaine is cleared rapidly from the blood, the beneficial aftereffects of the drug on craving and depressed mood may be related to the effects of noribogaine on the central nervous system.
Time‐Dependent Turbulent Convection in 1D Radiation Hydrodynamics of Pulsating Stars
Authors: FEUCHTINGER MICHAEL 
Published: July 2010

Abstract: Due to the lack of a self‐consistent convection theory, each model of turbulent convection has to pass through several tests based on detailed comparisons with observations of real astrophysical objects. In this context nonlinear investigations of radially pulsating stars play an important role. They provide a unique opportunity to confront results of model calculations with a huge, detailed and accurate material of observational data.Using a state‐of‐the‐art numerical technique we investigate the nonlinear behavior of radially pulsating stars by solving the full time‐dependent system of radiation hydrodynamics including a time‐dependent turbulent convection model.As a first example we discuss nonlinear models of RR Lyrae stars. We present fundamental as well as first overtone lightcurves for two sets of stellar parameters. A standard Fourier decomposition is used to confront the resulting light and radial velocity variations with recent observations and we show that well‐known problems like the phase discrepancy problem or the problem of stable nonlinear double mode models can be treated.
Low Frequency Oscillation in Turbulent Convection
Authors: KRISHNAMURTI RUBY 
Published: July 2010

Abstract: Large fluid systems such as the atmosphere of the Earth or the convection zone of the Sun are no doubt turbulent, but contain considerable organization on many scales. Not all of these scales are directly forced; some arise as a result of internal arrangements of energy and momentum, giving rise, in the Earth's atmosphere, to such phenomena as the atmospheric jet streams.This paper is about an investigation of large‐scale organization that arises in turbulent Rayleigh‐Benard convection. We report on observations of low‐frequency oscillations in the Rayleigh number (R) range 107‐108, with Prandtl number (Pr) equal to seven. It has been known that for convecting layers with large aspect ratio A (where A is the ratio of fluid layer width to depth), a steady large‐scale flow sets in at R= 2× 106. Tilted transient plumes embedded in this flow, and maintaining it through Reynolds stresses, drift in one direction along the bottom of the layer, and in the opposite direction along the top. At a fixed point near the bottom or top boundary, there is a variability associated with the passage of these plumes. We call this the high‐frequency variability. A new kind of organization is observed for 107 < R < 108; clusters of transient tilted plumes travel in a horizontal direction as coherent units. These clusters are separated from each other by quiescent zones with almost no plumes. Now at a fixed point near the bottom boundary, there is a low‐frequency variability associated with the passage of clusters, as well as the high frequency variabilty from the passage of plumes within the cluster. Quantitative information on this low‐frequency oscillation derived from space‐time portraits and from temperature‐time series is described. A mathematical model of the low‐frequency oscillation is presented.
Hormonal Prevention of Hereditary Breast Cancer
Authors: NAROD STEVEN A. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractWomen who carry a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes face a lifetime risk of developing breast cancer that approaches 80%. Among women with predisposing BRCA mutations, the risk of breast cancer is influenced by environmental factors and by modifying genes. Through the study of cohorts of female BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers, several modifying factors have been identified. The risk of breast cancer is increased by early parity and is decreased by breast feeding, by oophorectomy, and by cigarette smoking. Many of the stragegies for breast cancer prevention involve estrogen deprivation and it is important to consider the acute and long‐term effects of induced menopause in young women at high risk for breast cancer. There are no data so far on whether hormonal replacement therapy is hazardous in carriers of BRCA mutations.
Early Lung Cancer Action Project
Authors: HENSCHKE CLAUDIA I. , YANKELEVITZ DAVID F. , LIBBY DANIEL M. , McCAULEY DOROTHY , PASMANTIER MARK , ALTORKI NASSER K. , SMITH JAMES P. , MIETTINEN OLLI S. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe advent of helical CT imaging held promise for the early diagnosis, and thereby, for enhanced curability of lung cancer—a highly fatal disease. In 1993, the Early Lung Cancer Action Project (ELCAP) was initiated and experimentally screened a cohort of 1,000 high‐risk persons. Here we summarize the results of the baseline and annual repeat CT screening of these 1,000 subjects. CT‐based screening (compared to traditional radiology) was clearly shown to enhance the detection of lung cancer at earlier and more curable stages. A discussion follows of the meaning of the results and possible future screening protocols.
The Future of Prostate Cancer Prevention
Authors: BRAWLEY OTIS W. , BARNES SHAKIA , PARNES HOWARD 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe dramatic international variation in prostate cancer mortality rates suggest an environmental influence. This combined with a building understanding of the genetic mechanisms of carcinogenesis encourages a search for ways to prevent it. Androgenic stimulation over a period of time has been suggested a cause of prostate cancer. The corollary to this hypothesis is that lowering androgenic stimulation over time will prevent prostate cancer. Decreasing androgenic stimulation of the prostate with 5‐α‐reductase inhibitors such as finasteride has been shown to decrease prostate size and may prevent prostate cancer. A large, long‐term clinical trial is underway using finasteride to determine if it can prevent prostate cancer. Results are expected in 2004. Epidemiologic and laboratory studies also suggest that high selenium and vitamin E intake lowers risk of prostate cancer. Recent serendipitous findings of two randomized clinical trials support the hypothesis that selenium and vitamin administration will decrease prostate cancer risk. A study to assess these compounds is beginning. Other promising, but less developed, interventions in chemoprevention of prostate cancer include vitamin D supplementation and diet modification. All will need to be rigorously evaluated before they can be advocated for prostate cancer prevention.
Cancer Preventive Effect of Morinda citrifolia (Noni)
Authors: WANG M. Y. , SU C. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractMorinda citrifolia (Noni) has been extensively used in folk medicine by Polynesians for over 2,000 years. It has been reported to have broad therapeutic effects, including anticancer activity, in both clinical practice and laboratory animal models. The mechanism for these effects remains unknown. The hypothesis that Morinda citrifolia possesses a cancer preventive effect at the initiation stage of carcinogenesis was studied. Our preliminary data indicated that 10% Tahitian Noni® Liquid Dietary Supplement or Tahitian Noni® Juice (TNJ), made from Morinda citrifolia fruit by Morinda Inc, in drinking water for one week was able to prevent DMBA‐DNA adduct formation. The levels of DMBA‐DNA adducts were reduced by 30% in the heart, 41% in the lung, 42% in the liver, and 80% in the kidney of female SD rats. Even more dramatic results were obtained in male C57 BL‐6 mice: 10% TNJ was able to reduce DMBA‐DNA adduct formation by 60% in the heart, 50% in the lung, 70% in the liver, and 90% in the kidney. In order to explore the mechanism of this preventive effect, the antioxidant activity of TNJ was examined in vitro by lipid hydroperoxide (LPO) and tetrazolium nitroblue (TNB) assays. In the LPO assay, LPO oxidizes leucomethylene blue to methylene blue in the presence of hemoglobin. The resultant blue color was quantified at 660 nm spectrophotometrically. In the TNB assay, superoxide anion radicals (SAR) reduce TNB into formazan blue that was also measured by absorption at 602 nm. TNJ showed a dose‐dependent inhibition of both LPO and SAR in our system. The antioxidant activity of TNJ was compared to the effects of vitamin C, grape seed powder (GSP), and pycnogenol (PYC) at the daily dose per serving level recommended by U.S.RDAs or manufacturers. The results suggest that prevention of carcinogen‐DNA adduct formation and the antioxidant activity of TNJ may contribute to the cancer preventive effect of Morinda citrifolia.
Evaluation of Cancer‐Preventive Agents and Strategies
Authors: VAINIO HARRI , BIANCHINI FRANCA 
Published: July 2010

AbstractAbout five years ago, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) initiated a new program, IARC Handbooks of Cancer Prevention, aimed at evaluating the evidence base for the cancer‐preventive activity of various agents and strategies. To date (2001) 5 volumes have been published—1. Non‐steroidal Anti‐inflammatory Drugs, 2. Carotenoids, 3. Vitamin A, 4. Retinoids, and 5. Sunscreens—and volume 6 (Weight Control and Physical Activity) is in press. Future volumes will include evaluations of breast cancer screening (vol. 7) and fruits and vegetables (vol. 8).
Signal Processing by Vestibular Nuclei Neurons Is Dependent on the Current Behavioral Goal
Authors: CULLEN KATHLEEN E. , ROY JEFFERSON E. , SYLVESTRE PIERRE A. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract: The vestibular sensory apparatus and associated vestibular nuclei are generally thought to encode angular head velocity during our daily activities. However, in addition to direct inputs from vestibular afferents, the vestibular nuclei receive substantial projections from cortical, cerebellar, and other brainstem structures. Given this diversity of inputs, the question arises: How are the responses of vestibular nuclei neurons to head velocity modified by these additional inputs during naturally occurring behaviors? Here we have focused on the signal processing done by two specific classes of neurons in the vestibular nuclei: (1) position‐vestibular‐pause (PVP) neurons that mediate the vestibulo‐ocular reflex (VOR), and (2) vestibular‐only (VO) neurons that are thought to mediate, at least in part, the vestibulo‐collic reflex (VCR).We first characterized neuronal responses to passive rotation in the head‐restrained condition, and then released the head to record the discharges of the same neurons during self‐generated head movements. VOR interneurons (i.e., PVP neurons) faithfully transmitted head velocity signals when the animal stabilized its gaze, regardless of whether the head motion was actively or passively generated; their responses were attenuated only when the monkey's behavioral goal was to redirect its axis of gaze relative to space. In contrast, VCR interneurons (i.e., VO neurons) faithfully transmitted head velocity signals during passive head motion, but their responses were greatly (and similarly) attenuated during all behaviors (i.e., gaze shifts, gaze pursuit, gaze stabilization) during which the monkey's behavioral goal was to move its head relative to the body. To characterize the mechanism(s) that underlie this differential processing, we tested neurons during passive rotation of the head relative to the body, as well as during a task in which a monkey actively “drove” both its head and body together in space. We conclude that neither passive activation of neck proprioceptors nor knowledge of self‐generated head‐in‐space motion directly mediate the observed reductions in head‐velocity‐related modulation. Instead, we propose that the VOR and VCR pathways use efference copies of oculomotor and neck movement commands, respectively, for the differential processing of vestibular information.
Ovulation Induction Disrupts Luteal Phase Function
Authors: TAVANIOTOU ASIMINA , SMITZ JOHAN , BOURGAIN CLAIRE , DEVROEY PAUL 
Published: July 2010

AbstractAbnormalities in the luteal phase have been detected in virtually all the stimulation protocols used in in vitro fertilization, on both the hormonal and endometrial levels. Supraphysiological follicular or luteal sex steroid serum concentrations, altered estradiol: progesterone (E2/P) ratio, and disturbed luteinizing hormone pituitary secretion leading to corpus luteum insufficiency or a direct drug effect have been postulated as the main etiologic factors. Luteinizing hormone supports corpus luteum function, and low LH levels have been described after human menopausal gonadotropin treatment, after gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH)‐agonist treatment, or after GnRH‐antagonist treatment. These low luteal LH levels may lead to an insufficient corpus luteum function and consequently to a shortened luteal phase or to the low luteal progesterone concentrations frequently described after ovulation induction. A direct effect of the GnRH agonist or GnRH antagonist on human corpus luteum or on human endometrium and thus on endometrial receptivity cannot be excluded, as GnRH receptors have been described in both compartments. Endometrial histology has revealed a wide range of abnormalities during the various stimulation protocols. In GnRH‐agonist cycles, mid‐luteal biopsies have revealed increased glandulo‐stromal dyssynchrony and delay in endometrial development, strong positivity of endometrial glands for progesterone receptors, decreased αvβ3‐integrin subunit expression, and earlier appearance of surface epithelium pinopodes. These factors suggest a shift forwards of the implantation window. Progesterone supplementation improves endometrial histology, and its necessity has been well established, at least in cycles using GnRH agonists.
Decidual Cell‐Expressed Tissue Factor Maintains Hemostasis in Human Endometrium
Authors: LOCKWOOD CHARLES J. , KRIKUN GRACIELA , SCHATZ FREDERICK 
Published: July 2010

AbstractWe showed that decidualized stromal cells of luteal phase and pregnant human endometrium express tissue factor (TF), the primary initiator of hemostasis, thereby suggesting a mechanism by which perivascular decidual cells can mitigate the risk of hemorrhage during endovascular trophoblast invasion. Progestins enhanced TF mRNA and protein levels in monolayers of human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs), with estradiol (E2) + progestin, further enhancing TF levels despite a lack of response to E2 alone. This differential ovarian steroid response has been found for several decidualization markers. Further studies with cultured HESCs established that elevated TF levels are mediated by the progesterone receptor and are maintained for weeks in response to E2 plus progestin, thus simulating the chronic upregulation of TF levels observed in decidualized HESCs in vivo. Recent studies revealed that elevated TF expression during in vitro decidualization of HESCs involved both the EGFR and progesterone receptor. Thus, enhancement of TF mRNA and protein levels in the HESCs required co‐incubation with a progestin (MPA) and an EGFR agonist such as EGF or TGF‐α. In correspondence with co‐elevation of EGFR and TF in decidualized HESCs in sections of luteal phase and pregnant endometrium, EGFR levels proved to be progestin‐enhanced in the cultured HESCs. We established that progestin‐enhanced TF expression in HESCs was trancriptionally regulated, then evaluated the relative roles of SP and EGR‐1 sites on the TF promoter in regulating this expression. Transient transfections with a series of promoter constructs containing overlapping SP and EGR‐1 sites and with constructs in which the EGR‐1 and SP sites were systematically inactivated by site‐directed mutagenesis established the dominance of SP sites in both basal and progestin‐enhanced TF transcriptional activity. Additional experiments involving transient transfections with SP1overexpressing vectors and with a specific blocker of if Sp1 binding to its corresponding GC box specified the importance of the Sp1 transcription factor. These results were further validated by immunostaining, which revealed that the ratio of Sp1 to Sp3 increased during progestin‐regulated decidualization of HESCs in vitro and in vivo. The absence of canonical estrogen and progesterone response elements from either the TF or Sp1 gene promoters suggests that the EGFR may help to mediate progestin‐enhanced TF expression during decidualization of HESCs.
Endometrial Quality in Infertile Women with Endometriosis
Authors: PELLICER ANTONIO , NAVARRO JOSÉ , BOSCH ERNESTO , GARRIDO NICOLÁS , GARCIA‐VELASCO JUAN A. , REMOHÍ JOSÉ , SIMÓN CARLOS 
Published: July 2010

AbstractSeveral analyses in our infertility (IVF) and oocyte donation programs were carried out to gain clinical knowledge of the factors involved in the etiology of endometriosis‐associated infertility. We first compared the IVF outcomes in women with tubal infertility and endometriosis. The results indicated that patients with endometriosis had a poorer IVF outcome in terms of reduced pregnancy rate per cycle, per transfer, and reduced implantation rate per embryo replaced. We then evaluated embryo development in vitro in women with and without endometriosis who underwent IVF and embryo replacement 72 hours after oocyte retrieval. We observed that compared to controls, patients with endometriosis had a significantly reduced number of blastomeres per embryo as well as an increased incidence of arrested embryos in vitro. In subsequent studies we compared fertility parameters in patients receiving donor oocytes. We noted that when donor oocytes came from patients without known endometriosis, embryo development and implantation rates were similar in patients with and without endometriosis. However, when the results of oocyte donation were classified according to the nature of the oocytes donated, patients who received embryos derived from oocytes from women with endometriotic ovaries showed a significantly reduced implantation rate compared to the controls. Taken together, these observations suggest that IVF in patients with endometriosis may be related to alterations within the oocyte, which, in turn, result in embryos of lower quality with a reduced ability to implant.
The Mechanisms of Placental Viral Infection
Authors: KOI HIDEKI , ZHANG JIAN , PARRY SAMUEL 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe placenta is a dynamic organ whose structure and function change throughout pregnancy. There is compelling evidence that the placenta plays an integral role in the vertical transmission of viruses, such as cytomegalovirus and human immunodeficiency virus, from the mother to the fetus. Although the sequelae of congenital viral infection (i.e., fetal anomalies, intrauterine fetal death, and persistent postnatal infection) may be devastating, very little is known about the passage of viruses across the placenta and the pathologic consequences of placental viral infection. We postulate that the syncytiotrophoblast, which forms a continuous barrier between the maternal and fetal circulation, is relatively resistant to viral infection. In support of this hypothesis, we observed that the susceptibility of trophoblast cells to infection by adenovirus and herpes simplex virus and the expression of viral receptors were reduced as trophoblast cells terminally differentiated into syncytiotrophoblast. Conversely, we observed that undifferentiated, extravillous trophoblast cells, which are susceptible to adenovirus infection, underwent pathologic changes (i.e., apoptosis) when infected by adenovirus in the presence of decidual lymphocytes (which were used to simulate the maternal immune response to viral infection). Based on these findings, we speculate that viral infection of extravillous trophoblast cells may negatively impact the process of placental invasion and predispose the mother and fetus to adverse reproductive outcomes that result from placental dysfunction.