bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A polymorphic variant of the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) receptor correlates with male longevity in the Italian population: a genetic study and evaluation of circulating IGF-1 from the "Treviso Longeva (TRELONG)" study
Authors: Albani Diego , Batelli Sara , Polito Letizia , Vittori Angelica , Pesaresi Marzia , Gajo Giovanni Battista , De Angeli Sergio , Zanardo Andrea , Gallucci Maurizio , Forloni Gianluigi 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background
An attenuation of the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) signaling has been associated with elongation of the lifespan in simple metazoan organisms and in rodents. In humans, IGF-1 level has an age-related modulation with a lower concentration in the elderly, depending on hormonal and genetic factors affecting the IGF-1 receptor gene (IGF-1R).

Methods
In an elderly population from North-eastern Italy (n = 668 subjects, age range 70–106 years) we investigated the IGF-1R polymorphism G3174A (rs2229765) and the plasma concentration of free IGF-1. Frequency distributions were compared using χ2-test "Goodness of Fit" test, and means were compared by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA); multiple regression analysis was performed using JMP7 for SAS software (SAS Institute, USA). The limit of significance for genetic and biochemical comparison was set at α = 0.05.

Results
Males showed an age-related increase in the A-allele of rs2229765 and a change in the plasma level of IGF-1, which dropped significantly after 85 years of age (85+ group). In the male 85+ group, A/A homozygous subjects had the lowest plasma IGF-1 level. We found no clear correlation between rs2229765 genotype and IGF-1 in the females.

Conclusion
These findings confirm the importance of the rs2229765 minor allele as a genetic predisposing factor for longevity in Italy where a sex-specific pattern for IGF-1 attenuation with ageing was found.
Low density parasitaemia, red blood cell polymorphisms and Plasmodium falciparumspecific immune responses in a low endemic area in northern Tanzania
Authors: Shekalaghe Seif , Alifrangis Michael , Mwanziva Charles , Enevold Anders , Mwakalinga Steve , Mkali Humphrey , Kavishe Reginald , Manjurano Alphaxard , Sauerwein Robert , Drakeley Chris , Bousema Teun 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background
Low density Plasmodium falciparum infections, below the microscopic detection limit, may play an important role in maintaining malaria transmission in low endemic areas as well as contribute to the maintenance of acquired immunity. Little is known about factors influencing the occurrence of sub-microscopic parasitaemia or the relation with immune responses.
We investigated possible associations between the occurrence of sub-microscopic P. falciparum parasite carriage and antibody responses to the asexual stage antigens, G6PD deficiency and α+-thalassaemia in 464 subjects from a low endemic area in northern Tanzania.

Methods
We used samples collected from two cross sectional surveys conducted during dry and wet season in 2005. Submicroscopic parasitaemia was detected by using quantitative nucleic acid sequence based amplification (QT-NASBA). Genotyping for G6PD and α+-thalassaemia were performed by high throughput PCR; the prevalence and level of total IgG antibodies against MSP-1, MSP-2 and AMA-1 were determined by ELISA.

Results
Compared to parasite free individuals, individuals carrying sub-microscopic densities of P. falciparum parasites had significantly higher median antibody levels to MSP-1 (p = 0.042) and MSP-2 (p = 0.034) but not to AMA-1 (p = 0.14) while no clear relation between sub-microscopic parasite carriage and G6PD deficiency or α+-thalassaemia was observed.

Conclusion
Our data suggest a role for sub-microscopic parasite densities in eliciting or maintaining humoral immune responses without evidence for a modulating effect of G6PD deficiency or α+-thalassaemia.
The combination effect of sodium butyrate and 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine on radiosensitivity in RKO colorectal cancer and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines
Authors: Cho Hang Joo , Kim Sin Young , Kim Kee Hwan , Kang Won Kyung , kim Ji Il , Oh Seong Tack , Kim Jeong Soo , An Chang Hyeok 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background
The overall level of chromatin compaction is an important mechanism of radiosensitivity, and modification of DNA methylation and histone deacetylation may increase radiosensitivity by altering chromatin compaction. In this study, we investigated the effect of a demethylating agent, a histone deacetylase(HDAC) inhibitor, and the two agents combined on radiosensitivity in human colon and breast cancer cell lines.

Methods
In this study, we used RKO colorectal cancer cell line and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines and normal colon cell lines. On each of the cell lines, we used three different agents: the HDAC inhibitor sodium butyrate(SB), the demethylating agent 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine(5-aza-DC), and radiation. We then estimated the percentage of the cell survival using the XTT method and experimented to determine if there was an augmentation in the therapeutic effect by using different combinations of the two or three of the treatment methods.

Results
After treatment of each cell lines with 5-aza-DC, SB and 6 grays of radiation, we observed that the survival fraction was lower after the treatment with 5-aza-DC or SB than with radiation alone in RKO and MCF-7 cell lines(p < 0.001). The survival fraction was lowest when the two agents, 5-aza-DC and SB were combined with radiation in both RKO and MCF-cell lines.

Conclusion
In conclusion, 5-aza-DC and SB can enhance radiosensitivity in both MCF-7 and RKO cell lines. The combination effect of a demethylating agent and an HDAC inhibitor is more effective than that of single agent treatment in both breast and colon cancer cell lines.
The cAMP-HMGA1-RBP4 system: a novel biochemical pathway for modulating glucose homeostasis
Authors: Chiefari Eusebio , Paonessa Francesco , Iiritano Stefania , Le Pera Ilaria , Palmieri Dario , Brunetti Giuseppe , Lupo Angelo , Colantuoni Vittorio , Foti Daniela , Gulletta Elio , De Sarro Giovambattista , Fusco Alfredo , Brunetti Antonio 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background

We previously showed that mice lacking the high mobility group A1 gene (Hmga1-knockout mice) developed a type 2-like diabetic phenotype, in which cell-surface insulin receptors were dramatically reduced (below 10% of those in the controls) in the major targets of insulin action, and glucose intolerance was associated with increased peripheral insulin sensitivity. This particular phenotype supports the existence of compensatory mechanisms of insulin resistance that promote glucose uptake and disposal in peripheral tissues by either insulin-dependent or insulin-independent mechanisms. We explored the role of these mechanisms in the regulation of glucose homeostasis by studying the Hmga1-knockout mouse model. Also, the hypothesis that increased insulin sensitivity in Hmga1-deficient mice could be related to the deficit of an insulin resistance factor is discussed.

Results

We first show that HMGA1 is needed for basal and cAMP-induced retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) gene and protein expression in living cells of both human and mouse origin. Then, by employing the Hmga1-knockout mouse model, we provide evidence for the identification of a novel biochemical pathway involving HMGA1 and the RBP4, whose activation by the cAMP-signaling pathway may play an essential role for maintaining glucose metabolism homeostasis in vivo, in certain adverse metabolic conditions in which insulin action is precluded. In comparative studies of normal and mutant mice, glucagon administration caused a considerable upregulation of HMGA1 and RBP4 expression both at the mRNA and protein level in wild-type animals. Conversely, in Hmga1-knockout mice, basal and glucagon-mediated expression of RBP4 was severely attenuated and correlated inversely with increased Glut4 mRNA and protein abundance in skeletal muscle and fat, in which the activation state of the protein kinase Akt, an important downstream mediator of the metabolic effects of insulin on Glut4 translocation and carbohydrate metabolism, was simultaneously increased.

Conclusion

These results indicate that HMGA1 is an important modulator of RBP4 gene expression in vivo. Further, they provide evidence for the identification of a novel biochemical pathway involving the cAMP-HMGA1-RBP4 system, whose activation may play a role in glucose homeostasis in both rodents and humans. Elucidating these mechanisms has importance for both fundamental biology and therapeutic implications.
Blood autoantibody and cytokine profiles predict response to anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Hueber Wolfgang , Tomooka Beren H , Batliwalla Franak , Li Wentian , Monach Paul A , Tibshirani Robert J , Van Vollenhoven Ronald F , Lampa Jon , Saito Kazuyoshi , Tanaka Yoshiya , Genovese Mark C , Klareskog Lars , Gregersen Peter K , Robinson William H 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Anti-TNF therapies have revolutionized the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a common systemic autoimmune disease involving destruction of the synovial joints. However, in the practice of rheumatology approximately one-third of patients demonstrate no clinical improvement in response to treatment with anti-TNF therapies, while another third demonstrate a partial response, and one-third an excellent and sustained response. Since no clinical or laboratory tests are available to predict response to anti-TNF therapies, great need exists for predictive biomarkers.

Methods
Here we present a multi-step proteomics approach using arthritis antigen arrays, a multiplex cytokine assay, and conventional ELISA, with the objective to identify a biomarker signature in three ethnically diverse cohorts of RA patients treated with the anti-TNF therapy etanercept.

Results
We identified a 24-biomarker signature that enabled prediction of a positive clinical response to etanercept in all three cohorts (positive predictive values 58 to 72%; negative predictive values 63 to 78%).

Conclusions
We identified a multi-parameter protein biomarker that enables pretreatment classification and prediction of etanercept responders, and tested this biomarker using three independent cohorts of RA patients. Although further validation in prospective and larger cohorts is needed, our observations demonstrate that multiplex characterization of autoantibodies and cytokines provides clinical utility for predicting response to the anti-TNF therapy etanercept in RA patients.
Dynamic expression of small non-coding RNAs, including novel microRNAs and piRNAs/21U-RNAs, during Caenorhabditis elegansdevelopment
Authors: Kato Masaomi , de Lencastre Alexandre , Pincus Zachary , Slack Frank J 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Background
Small non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs), serve an important role in controlling gene expression during development and disease. However, little detailed information exists concerning the relative expression patterns of small RNAs during development of animals such as Caenorhabditis elegans.

Results
We performed a deep analysis of small RNA expression in C. elegans using recent advances in sequencing technology, and found that a significant number of known miRNAs showed major changes in expression during development and between males and hermaphrodites. Additionally, we identified 66 novel miRNA candidates, about 35% of which showed transcripts from their 'star sequence', suggesting that they are bona fide miRNAs. Also, hundreds of novel Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs)/21U-RNAs with dynamic expression during development, together with many longer transcripts encompassing 21U-RNA sequences, were detected in our libraries.

Conclusions
Our analysis reveals extensive regulation of non-coding small RNAs during development of hermaphrodites and between different genders of C. elegans, and suggests that these RNAs, including novel miRNA candidates, are involved in developmental processes. These findings should lead to a better understanding of the biological roles of small RNAs in C. elegans development.
Roles for phagocytic cells and complement in controlling relapsing fever infection
Authors: Woodman Michael E , Cooley Anne E , Avdiushko Rita , Bowman Amy , Botto Marina , Wooten R Mark , van Rooijen Nico , Cohen Donald A , Stevenson Brian 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Macrophages and/or dendritic cells were found to play significant roles in both antibody-dependent and -independent control of B. hermsii infection, while bacterial binding of host factor H was found to be nonessential.
Relapsing fever spirochetes, such as Borrelia hermsii, proliferate to high levels in their hosts’ bloodstream until production of IgM against borrelial surface proteins promotes bacterial clearance. The mechanisms by which B. hermsii survives in host blood, as well as the immune mediators that control this infection, remain largely unknown. It has been hypothesized that B. hermsii is naturally resistant to killing by the alternative pathway of complement activation as a result of its ability to bind factor H, a host complement regulator. However, we found that Cfh−/− mice were infected to levels identical to those seen in wild-type mice. Moreover, only a small minority of B. hermsii in the blood of wild-type mice had detectable levels of factor H adhered to their outer surfaces. In vitro, complement was found to play a statistically significant role in antibody-mediated inactivation of B. hermsii, although in vivo studies indicated that complement is not essential for host control of B. hermsii. Depletion of mφ and DC from mice had significant impacts on B. hermsii infection, and depleted mice were unable to control bloodstream infections, leading to death. Infection studies using muMT indicated a significant antibody-independent role for mφ and/or DC in host control of relapsing fever infection. Together, these findings indicate mφ and/or DC play a critical role in the production of B. hermsii-specific IgM and for antibody-independent control of spirochete levels.
Moderators of post‐identification feedback effects on eyewitnesses' memory reports
Authors: Douglass Amy Bradfield , Brewer Neil , Semmler Carolyn 
Published: May 2009

Purpose. Information provided to eyewitnesses suggesting that their identification was correct (i.e., post‐identification feedback) distorts witnesses' memory reports. More pronounced effects of feedback have been detected for subjective than for objective judgments. We investigated two variables that might explain this finding: response format and question verifiability.Methods. Response format was manipulated by varying whether participants (N = 160) answered objective questions using fill‐in‐the‐blank options or Likert scales. Question verifiability was manipulated within‐subjects by including objective questions for which the answers either could or could not be known by the experimenter.Results. Objective measures produced non‐significant feedback effects, whereas most subjective measures produced large feedback effects. Neither response format nor verifiability moderated the feedback effect on any of the measures.Conclusions. Researchers should continue to search for moderators of the post‐identification feedback effect, guided by theoretical memory research. In addition, they should publish descriptive statistics for individual dependent measures, even if the ideal statistical techniques require collapsing across measures. This approach will allow future researchers to evaluate the difference between objective and subjective measures. Finally, researchers should avoid sweeping statements about the breadth of susceptibility to feedback – objective measures, for reasons unknown, are generally unaffected by post‐identification feedback.
A Proposed Qualitative Framework for Heterogeneous Burning of Metallic Materials: The “Melting Rate Triangle”
Authors: Ward Nicholas R. , Steinberg Theodore A. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThis paper presents a proposed qualitative framework to discuss the heterogeneous burning of metallic materials, through parameters and factors that influence the melting rate of the solid metallic fuel (either in a standard test or in service). During burning, the melting rate is related to the burning rate and is therefore an important parameter for describing and understanding the burning process, especially since the melting rate is commonly recorded during standard flammability testing for metallic materials and is incorporated into many relative flammability ranking schemes. However, while the factors that influence melting rate (such as oxygen pressure or specimen diameter) have been well characterized, there is a need for an improved understanding of how these parameters interact as part of the overall melting and burning of the system. Proposed here is the “melting rate triangle,” which aims to provide this focus through a conceptual framework for understanding how the melting rate (of solid fuel) is determined and regulated during heterogeneous burning. In this paper, the proposed conceptual model is shown to be both (a) consistent with known trends and previously observed results, and (b) capable of being expanded to incorporate new data. Also shown are examples of how the melting rate triangle can improve the interpretation of flammability test results. Slusser and Miller previously published an “extended fire triangle” as a useful conceptual model of ignition and the factors affecting ignition, providing industry with a framework for discussion. In this paper it is shown that a melting rate triangle provides a similar qualitative framework for burning, leading to an improved understanding of the factors affecting fire propagation and extinguishment.
The Effect of Hydrogen Peroxide on the Hatch Rate and Saprolegnia spp. Infestation of Channel Catfish Eggs
Authors: Mitchell Andrew J , Radomski Andrew A , Straus David L , Carter Ray 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Fungal infestations of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus eggs can lower hatch rate, which requires the producer to spawn more channel catfish or risk fingerling shortages. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) treatments (0.0, 15.6, 31.3, 62.5, 125, 250, 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 mg/L) were evaluated to determine their effect on channel catfish hatch rate (number of fry/number of eggs × 100) and control of naturally occurring infestations of fungi Saprolegnia spp. in an experimental compartmentalized trough hatching system. Experiments were run at water temperatures of 23.2–24.0°C, dissolved oxygen concentrations of 4.5–6.8 mg/L (53–79% saturation), total alkalinity of 209–217 mg/L, and total hardness of 91–110 mg/L. Treatments were applied to hatching compartments while well water was flowing at a rate of one water exchange every 30 min and egg density was 2.5 g eggs/L of water. Observations for fungal development were made daily, and the maximum measure of fungal growth was recorded. An initial range-finding study demonstrated that H2O2 concentrations greater than 500 mg/L lowered the hatch rate. In later experiments, concentrations of 125, 250, and 500 mg/L applied for 6 d significantly increased the hatch rate and reduced fungal growth when compared with the controls. The 250-mg/L H2O2 treatment had the highest mean hatch rate (64.4% compared with 24.7% for the controls), lowest incidence of fungal infestation (27.3% compared with 100% for the control), and the lowest average fungal growth (an average measure of 0.95 cm compared with 7.23 cm for the controls).
Environmental Factors Related to the Distribution, Abundance, and Life History Characteristics of Mountain Whitefish in Idaho
Authors: Meyer Kevin A. , Elle F. Steven , Lamansky James A. 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Mountain whitefish Prosopium williamsoni are a broadly distributed native salmonid in western North America, but comparatively little investigation has been made regarding their population characteristics. We surveyed 2,043 study sites to assess whether physiochemical stream conditions affected mountain whitefish distribution and abundance in southern Idaho, and at 20 of these sites life history characteristics were also estimated. A total of 581 sites were dry or contained too little water to support any fish species. Mountain whitefish were captured at 106 sites; for these sites only, mean abundance was 2.2/100 m2. They were rarely present when mean wetted width was less than 10 m but were almost always present when wetted width was greater than 15 m. We estimated that within the study area there were approximately 4.7 ± 1.8 million mountain whitefish, mostly in fifth- to seventh-order streams, which comprised only 13% of the total stream kilometers but accounted for 93% of the total abundance of whitefish. Growth was positively related to mean annual water temperature and negatively related to site elevation. Mountain whitefish were long lived, most (90%) populations containing fish estimated to be at least 10 years old. This longevity produced total annual survival rates averaging 0.82 (range = 0.63–0.91). In general, the growth, fecundity, and survival of mountain whitefish were higher in the upper Snake River basin than in other areas for which data have been reported. Whitefish matured at about 250 mm and about age 2, with little variation in length and age at maturity between sites; males matured at a smaller size and younger age than females. The disproportionate use of larger (i.e., &gt;15-m-wide) streams by mountain whitefish in southern Idaho differs from the situation in more northerly locations, where they apparently are more common in smaller streams.
Rehabilitation Needs for Burbot in the Kootenai River, Idaho, USA, and British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Paragamian Vaughn L. , Hansen Michael J. 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
We developed rehabilitation goals for burbot Lota lota in the Kootenai River, Idaho and British Columbia. After developing a catchability model for burbot in the Kootenai River, we used capture rates in two Alaskan rivers to develop surrogate rehabilitation targets for burbot in the Kootenai River. Then we used demographic statistics for burbot in the Kootenai River in a stochastic density-dependent population model to estimate recruitment rates for population rehabilitation. If recruitment failure continued, the population would decline to extinction by 2018. However, the population would reach the interim target abundance of 5,500 individuals (45 fish/km; 3.0 fish/ha) within 25 years if each adult produced 0.85 recruits per year, and it would reach the ultimate target abundance of 17,500 individuals (143 fish/km; 9.6 fish/ha) if each adult produced 1.1 recruits per year. After 25 years, 5,500 burbot would be present with 50% likelihood at a recruitment rate of 0.85 recruits per adult and 95% likelihood at a recruitment rate of 0.88 recruits per adult; 17,000 burbot would be present with 50% likelihood at a recruitment rate of 1.03 recruits per adult and 95% likelihood at a recruitment rate of 1.16 recruits per adult. The time to reach the interim rehabilitation goal of 5,500 burbot would decline from 50 to 25 years as the recruitment rate increased from 0.72 to 0.87 recruits per adult; the time to reach the ultimate rehabilitation goal of 17,500 burbot would decline from 50 to 25 years as recruitment increased from 0.82 to 1.07 recruits per adult. We recommend the following rehabilitation goals for burbot in the Kootenai River: (1) an interim population goal of 5,500 burbot (0.484 fish per net-day) and an ultimate population goal of 17,500 burbot (1.23 fish per net-day); (2) population rehabilitation within 25 years; and (3) an annual recruitment rate of 0.85–1.1 recruits per adult.