bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Thisbe and Pyramus functional domains reveals evidence for cleavage of Drosophila FGFs
Authors: Tulin Sarah , Stathopoulos Angelike 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Background
As important regulators of developmental and adult processes in metazoans, Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) proteins are potent signaling molecules whose activities must be tightly regulated. FGFs are known to play diverse roles in many processes, including mesoderm induction, branching morphogenesis, organ formation, wound healing and malignant transformation; yet much more remains to be learned about the mechanisms of regulation used to control FGF activity.

Results
In this work, we conducted an analysis of the functional domains of two Drosophila proteins, Thisbe (Ths) and Pyramus (Pyr), which share homology with the FGF8 subfamily of ligands in vertebrates. Ths and Pyr proteins are secreted from Drosophila Schneider cells (S2) as smaller N-terminal fragments presumably as a result of intracellular proteolytic cleavage. Cleaved forms of Ths and Pyr can be detected in embryonic extracts as well. The FGF-domain is contained within the secreted ligand portion, and this domain alone is capable of functioning in the embryo when ectopically expressed. Through targeted ectopic expression experiments in which we assay the ability of full-length, truncated, and chimeric proteins to support cell differentiation, we find evidence that (1) the C-terminal domain of Pyr is retained inside the cell and does not seem to be required for receptor activation and (2) the C-terminal domain of Ths is secreted and, while also not required for receptor activation, this domain does plays a role in limiting the activity of Ths when present.

Conclusions
We propose that differential protein processing may account for the previously observed inequalities in signaling capabilities between Ths and Pyr. While the regulatory mechanisms are likely complex, studies such as ours conducted in a tractable model system may be able to provide insights into how ligand processing regulates growth factor activity.
Involvement of the Reck tumor suppressor protein in maternal and embryonic vascular remodeling in mice
Authors: Chandana Ediriweera PS , Maeda Yasuhiro , Ueda Akihiko , Kiyonari Hiroshi , Oshima Naoko , Yamamoto Mako , Kondo Shunya , Oh Junseo , Takahashi Rei , Yoshida Yoko , Kawashima Satoshi , Alexander David B , Kitayama Hitoshi , Takahashi Chiaki , Tabata Yasuhiko , Matsuzaki Tomoko , Noda Makoto 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackgroundDevelopmental angiogenesis proceeds through multiple morphogenetic events including sprouting, intussusception, and pruning. Mice lacking the membrane-anchored metalloproteinase regulator Reck diein uteroaround embryonic day 10.5 with halted vascular development; however, the mechanisms by which this phenotype arises remain unclear.ResultsWe found that Reck is abundantly expressed in the cells associated with blood vessels undergoing angiogenesis or remodelling in the uteri of pregnant female mice. Some of the Reck-positive vessels show morphological features consistent with non-sprouting angiogenesis. Treatment with a vector expressing a small hairpin RNA against Reck severely disrupts the formation of blood vessels with a compact, round lumen. Similar defects were found in the vasculature ofReck-deficient orReckconditional knockout embryos.ConclusionsOur findings implicate Reck in vascular remodeling, possibly through non-sprouting angiogenesis, in both maternal and embyornic tissues.
Caspase inhibitors affect the kinetics and dimensions of tracheary elements in xylogenic Zinnia (Zinnia elegans) cell cultures
Authors: Twumasi Peter , Iakimova Elena T , Qian Tian , van Ieperen Wim , Schel Jan HN , Emons Anne MieC , van Kooten Olaf , Woltering Ernst J 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Background
The xylem vascular system is composed of fused dead, hollow cells called tracheary elements (TEs) that originate through trans-differentiation of root and shoot cambium cells. TEs undergo autolysis as they differentiate and mature. The final stage of the formation of TEs in plants is the death of the involved cells, a process showing some similarities to programmed cell death (PCD) in animal systems. Plant proteases with functional similarity to proteases involved in mammalian apoptotic cell death (caspases) are suggested as an integral part of the core mechanism of most PCD responses in plants, but participation of plant caspase-like proteases in TE PCD has not yet been documented.

Results
Confocal microscopic images revealed the consecutive stages of TE formation in Zinnia cells during trans-differentiation. Application of the caspase inhibitors Z-Asp-CH2-DCB, Ac-YVAD-CMK and Ac-DEVD-CHO affected the kinetics of formation and the dimensions of the TEs resulting in a significant delay of TE formation, production of larger TEs and in elimination of the 'two-wave' pattern of TE production. DNA breakdown and appearance of TUNEL-positive nuclei was observed in xylogenic cultures and this was suppressed in the presence of caspase inhibitors.

Conclusions
To the best of our knowledge this is the first report showing that caspase inhibitors can modulate the process of trans-differentiation in Zinnia xylogenic cell cultures. As caspase inhibitors are closely associated with cell death inhibition in a variety of plant systems, this suggests that the altered TE formation results from suppression of PCD. The findings presented here are a first step towards the use of appropriate PCD signalling modulators or related molecular genetic strategies to improve the hydraulic properties of xylem vessels in favour of the quality and shelf life of plants or plant parts.
MiR-145, a new regulator of the DNA Fragmentation Factor-45 (DFF45)-mediated apoptotic network
Authors: Zhang Jianjun , Guo Haiyan , Qian Guanxiang , Ge Shengfang , Ji Huifeng , Hu Xiaobo , Chen Wantao 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackgroundMicroRNA-145 (miR-145) is considered to play key roles in many cellular processes, such as proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis, by inhibiting target gene expression. DNA Fragmentation Factor-45 (DFF45) has been found to be the substrate of Caspase-3, and the cleavage of DFF45 by caspase-3 during apoptosis releases DFF40 that degrades chromosomal DNA into nucleosomal fragments. There are currently no in-depth studies on the relationship between miR-145 and the DFF45 gene.ResultsIn this study, we identified DFF45 as a novel target of miR-145. We demonstrated that miR-145 targets a putative binding site in the coding sequence (CDS) of DFF45, and its abundance is inversely associated with DFF45 expression in colon cancer cells. Using a luciferase reporter system, we found that miR-145 suppresses the expression of the luciferase reporter gene fused to the putative binding site of DFF45. The level of DFF45 protein, but not DFF45 mRNA, was decreased by miR-145, suggesting a mechanism of translational regulation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this specific silencing of DFF45 by miR-145 accounts, at least in part, for the staurosporine-induced tumor cell apoptosisin vitro.ConclusionsOur study reveals a previously unrecognized function of miR-145 in DFF45 processing, which may underlie crucial aspects of cancer biology.
Lotus leaf extract and L-carnitine influence different processes during the adipocyte life cycle
Authors: Siegner Ralf , Heuser Stefan , Holtzmann Ursula , Söhle Jörn , Schepky Andreas , Raschke Thomas , Stäb Franz , Wenck Horst , Winnefeld Marc 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackgroundThe cellular and molecular mechanisms of adipose tissue biology have been studied extensively over the last two decades. Adipose tissue growth involves both an increase in fat cell size and the formation of mature adipocytes from precursor cells. To investigate how natural substances influence these two processes, we examined the effects of lotus leaf extract (Nelumbo nucifera-extract solution obtained from Silab, France) and L-carnitine on human preadipocytes and adipocytes.MethodsFor ourin vitrostudies, we used a lotus leaf extract solution alone or in combination with L-carnitine. Utilizing cultured human preadipocytes, we investigated lotus leaf extract solution-induced inhibition of triglyceride incorporation during adipogenesis and possible effects on cell viability. Studies on human adipocytes were performed aiming to elucidate the efficacy of lotus leaf extract solution to stimulate lipolytic activity. To further characterize lotus leaf extract solution-mediated effects, we determined the expression of the transcription factor adipocyte determination and differentiation factor 1 (ADD1/SREBP-1c) on the RNA- and protein level utilizing qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence analysis. Additionally, the effect of L-carnitine on beta-oxidation was analyzed using human preadipocytes and mature adipocytes. Finally, we investigated additive effects of a combination of lotus leaf extract solution and L-carnitine on triglyceride accumulation during preadipocyte/adipocyte differentiation.ResultsOur data showed that incubation of preadipocytes with lotus leaf extract solution significantly decreased triglyceride accumulation during adipogenesis without affecting cell viability. Compared to controls, adipocytes incubated with lotus leaf extract solution exhibited a significant increase in lipolysis-activity. Moreover, cell populations cultivated in the presence of lotus leaf extract solution showed a decrease in adipocyte differentiation capacity as indicated by a decrease in the ADD1/SREBP-1c signal. Importantly, our results demonstrated that a combination of lotus leaf extract solution and L-carnitine reduced triglyceride accumulation to a greater extent compared to incubation with either substance alone.ConclusionsOverall, our data demonstrate that a combination of lotus leaf extract and L-carnitine reduced triglyceride accumulation in human (pre)adipocytes by affecting different processes during the adipocyte life cycle. For this reason, this combination might represent a treatment option for obesity-related diseases.
Childhood physical abnormalities following paternal exposure to sulfur mustard gas in Iran: a case-control study
Authors: Abolghasemi Hassan , Radfar Mohammad H , Rambod Mehdi , Salehi Parvin , Ghofrani Hossein , Soroush Mohammad R , Falahaty Farahnaz , Tavakolifar Yousef , Sadaghianifar Ali , Khademolhosseini Seyyed M , Kavehmanesh Zohreh , Joffres Michel , Burkle Frederick M , Mills Edward J 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Background
Mustard gas, a known chemical weapon, was used during the Iran-Iraq war of 1980-1988. We aimed to determine if exposure to mustard gas among men was significantly associated with abnormalities and disorders among progenies.

Methods
Using a case-control design, we identified all progenies of Sardasht men (exposed group, n = 498), who were born at least nine months after the exposure, compared to age-matched controls in Rabat, a nearby city (non-exposed group, n = 689). We conducted a thorough medical history, physical examination, and appropriate paraclinical studies to detect any physical abnormality and/or disorder. Given the presence of correlated data, we applied Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) multivariable models to determine associations.

Results
The overall frequency of detected physical abnormalities and disorders was significantly higher in the exposed group (19% vs. 11%, Odds Ratio [OR] 1.93, 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 1.37-2.72, P = 0.0002). This was consistent across sexes. Congenital anomalies (OR 3.54, 95% CI, 1.58-7.93, P = 0.002) and asthma (OR, 3.12, 95% CI, 1.43-6.80, P = 0.004) were most commonly associated with exposure. No single abnormality was associated with paternal exposure to mustard gas.

Conclusion
Our study demonstrates a generational effect of exposure to mustard gas. The lasting effects of mustard gas exposure in parents effects fertility and may impact child health and development in the long-term.
Left hepatic trisectionectomy for hilar cholangiocarcinoma presenting with an aberrant biliary duct of segment 5: a case report
Authors: Akamatsu Nobuhisa , Sugawara Yasuhiko , Komagome Masahiko , Ishida Takashi , Shin Nobuhiro , Cho Narihiro , Ozawa Fumiaki , Hashimoto Daijo 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Introduction
Management of the biliary ducts during liver resection is one of the most important challenges for hepatobiliary surgeons. Here, we report the case of a left hepatic trisectionectomy for hilar cholangiocarcinoma with a rare aberrant biliary duct of segment 5, which, to the best of our knowledge, has never been reported in previous literature.

Case presentation
A 56-year-old Asian female initially presented with intrahepatic bile duct dilatation in the left lateral sector, left paramedian sector, and right paramedian sector. Simultaneous cholangiography from a percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage tube in biliary duct of segment 8 and endoscopic nasobiliary drainage tube in biliary duct of segment 3 revealed drainage of the right lateral sectoral branch into the common hepatic duct and the aberrant drainage of segment 5 into the right lateral sectoral branch. The left hepatic duct, right paramedian sectoral duct, and the confluence of the right lateral sectoral duct were narrowed. Left hepatic trisectionectomy was successfully performed with careful dissection and division of the aberrant biliary duct of segment 5.

Conclusion
For safe liver resection, it is important to perform a detailed anatomic evaluation of the intrahepatic ducts, both preoperatively and intraoperatively.
Development of recurrent facial palsy during plasmapheresis in Guillain-Barré syndrome: a case report
Authors: Stevenson Mary L , Weimer Louis H , Bogorad Ilya V 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Introduction
Guillain-Barré syndrome is an immune-mediated polyneuropathy that is routinely initially treated with either intravenous immunoglobulin or plasmapheresis. To the best of our knowledge, no association between plasmapheresis treatment and acute onset of facial neuropathy has been reported.

Case presentation
A 35-year-old Caucasian man with no significant prior medical history developed ascending motor weakness and laboratory findings consistent with a diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Plasmapheresis was initiated. Acute facial palsy developed during the plasma exchange that subsequently resolved and then acutely recurred during the subsequent plasma exchange.

Conclusion
To the best of our knowledge, no prior cases of acute facial palsy developing during plasmapheresis treatment are known. Although facial nerve involvement is common in typical Guillain-Barré syndrome, the temporal association with treatment, near-complete resolution and later recurrence support the association. The possible mechanism of plasmapheresis-induced worsening of peripheral nerve function in Guillain-Barré syndrome is unknown.
Discontinuation of standard first‐line antiretroviral therapy in a cohort of 1434 Malawian children
Authors: Buck W Chris , Kabue Mark M , Kazembe Peter N , Kline Mark W 
Published: August 2010

The standard first‐line antiretroviral (ART) regimen in Malawi for both adults and children is a fixed‐dose combination tablet containing stavudine (d4T), lamivudine (3TC) and nevirapine (NVP). This regimen has been shown to yield satisfactory virologic and immunologic outcomes in children. Published studies have described insights into discontinuation of first‐line regimen and toxicities of ART in adults, but similar studies in paediatric populations are lacking.A retrospective cohort study was undertaken to assess reasons for discontinuation of the standard first‐line ART regimen (d4T/3TC/NVP) in a paediatric population. In total, 1434 patients met eligibility criteria and were included. The cohort had mean and median age at ART initiation of 4.7 years and 2.9 years, respectively (range: 0.1 months‐18.7 years). The gender distribution was 47% female and 53% male. Median follow‐up time on ART was 1.8 years (range: 2 weeks‐3.9 years). A majority (96.2%) of patients were on the standard first‐line ART regimen, while 3.8% (54) were on a different regimen. Twenty‐eight patients (2.0%) were on an alternative first‐line regimen due to toxicities, 22 patients (1.5%) were on a second‐line regimen due to ART failure, and four patients (0.3%) were on a non‐standard regimen for other clinical reasons.Of the 28 patients who experienced toxicities requiring ART regimen change, 60.7% (17) were caused by NVP, 39.3% (11) by d4T, and none by 3TC. The median time from first‐line ART initiation to alternative first‐line ART was two months (range: 10 days‐28.1 months); 60.7% of patients on alternative first‐line ART were male. Average time on ART until switch to second‐line ART regimen was 16.3 months (SD: 9.3 months). The probability of failure after one year on first‐line regimen was 1.6% (95% CI: 0.9‐2.6).There was no compelling evidence in this cohort, representing approximately 10% of all children on ART in Malawi, to support changing the standard paediatric first‐line regimen based on early toxicities or failure. However, experience from the national adult cohort, longer term follow up of the paediatric cohort in this study, emerging data on resistance after single‐dose NVP containing mother to child transmission antiretroviral prophylaxis, and new 2009 World Health Organization ART recommendations may influence national policy change to a different first‐line regimen.
Translational bioinformatics in the cloud: an affordable alternative
Authors: Dudley Joel T , Pouliot Yannick , Chen Rong , Morgan Alexander A , Butte Atul J 
Published: August 2010

AbstractWith the continued exponential expansion of publicly available genomic data and access to low-cost, high-throughput molecular technologies for profiling patient populations, computational technologies and informatics are becoming vital considerations in genomic medicine. Although cloud computing technology is being heralded as a key enabling technology for the future of genomic research, available case studies are limited to applications in the domain of high-throughput sequence data analysis. The goal of this study was to evaluate the computational and economic characteristics of cloud computing in performing a large-scale data integration and analysis representative of research problems in genomic medicine. We find that the cloud-based analysis compares favorably in both performance and cost in comparison to a local computational cluster, suggesting that cloud computing technologies might be a viable resource for facilitating large-scale translational research in genomic medicine.
Hydrated metal ions in aqueous solution: How regular are their structures?
Authors: Persson Ingmar 
Published: August 2010

The hydration reaction is defined as the transfer of an ion or neutral chemical species from the gaseous phase into water, Mn+(g) → Mn+(aq). In this process, water molecules bind to metal ions through ion-dipole bonds of mainly electrostatic character. The hydration reaction is always strongly exothermic with increasing heat of hydration with increasing charge density of the ion. The structures of the hydrated metal ions in aqueous solution display a variety of configurations depending on the size and electronic properties of the metal ion. The basic configurations of hydrated metal ions in aqueous solution are tetrahedral, octahedral, square antiprismatic, and tricapped trigonal prismatic. This paper gives an overview of the structures of hydrated metal ions in aqueous solution with special emphasis on those with a non-regular coordination figure. Metal ions without d-electrons in the valance shell form regular aqua complexes with a coordination figure, allowing a maximum number of water molecules to be clustered around the metal ion. This number is dependent on the ratio of the metal ion radius to the atomic radius of oxygen in a coordinated water molecule (1.34 Å). The lighter lanthanoid(III) ions have a regular tricapped trigonal prismatic configuration with the M–O distance to the capping water molecules somewhat longer than to the prismatic ones. However, with increasing atomic number of the lanthanoid(III) ions, an increasing distortion of the capping water molecules is observed, resulting in a partial loss of water molecules in the capping positions for the heaviest lanthanoids. Metal ions with d4 and d9 valance shell electron configuration, as chromium(II) and copper(II), respectively, have Jahn–Teller distorted aqua complexes. Metal ions with low charge and ability to form strong covalent bonds, as silver(I), mercury(II), palladium(II), and platinum(II), often display distorted coordination figures due to the second-order Jahn–Teller effect. Metal ions with d10s2 valence shell electron configuration may have a stereochemically active lone electron pair (hemi-directed complexes) or an inactive one (holo-directed). The hydrated tin(II), lead(II), and thallium(I) ions are hemi-directed in aqueous solution, while the hydrated bismuth(III) ion is holo-directed. The structures of the hydrated cationic oxo-metal ions are reported as well.
Experimental Techniques for Evaluation of Fatigue Characteristics of Laminated Constructions from Composite Materials: Full-Scale Testing of the Helicopter Rotor Blades
Authors: Rasuo Bosko 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
The importance of full-scale testing in the development process for composite laminated materials helicopter blades is discussed and illustrated by means of two examples drawn from the Aeronautical Department, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering’s experience in the use of composites in a wide variety of structural applications. Laboratory fatigue testing is conducted at the Aeronautical Department on all flight-critical dynamic components in order to determine structural adequacy. In this paper, the analyses of behavior by fatigue testing for a main rotor blade for a light multipurpose helicopter propulsion system and a heavy transport helicopter tail rotor blade of composite laminated materials are given. The blades were fabricated from composite laminated materials. The contour of airfoil was formed by a continuous structural pocket, which had a Rohacell foam core and a fiberglass skin. The upper and lower skins were fabricated from woven fiberglass that was laid up with fibers oriented at 45° and 0°/90° to the blade’s longitudinal axis. In the trailing edge of both skins, graphite fibers were placed for stiffening. Fatigue testing of the helicopter blades was accomplished in a special test facility designed to simulate the inflight loading. The applied test loads include simulated steady centrifugal, vibratory chordwise bending, vibratory flapwise bending, and vibratory torsional pitch motion. The fatigue analyses of these composite laminated structures were performed after fatigue test cycles for the detection of laminate separation, tolerance, and distortion of structure cross sections.