bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ligand-Mediated Activation of an Engineered Gs G Protein-Coupled Receptor in Osteoblasts Increases Trabecular Bone Formation
Authors: Hsiao Edward C. , Millard Susan M. , Louie Alyssa , Huang Yong , Conklin Bruce R. , Nissenson Robert A. 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Age-dependent changes in skeletal growth play important roles in regulating skeletal expansion and in the course of many diseases affecting bone. How G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling affects these changes is poorly understood. Previously, we described a mouse model expressing Rs1, an engineered receptor with constitutive Gs activity. Rs1 expression in osteoblasts from gestation induced a dramatic age-dependent increase in trabecular bone with features resembling fibrous dysplasia; however, these changes were greatly minimized if Rs1 expression was delayed until after puberty. To further investigate whether ligand-induced activation of the Gs-GPCR pathway affects bone formation in adult mice, we activated Rs1 in adult mice with the synthetic ligand RS67333 delivered continuously via an osmotic pump or intermittently by daily injections. We found that osteoblasts from adult animals can be stimulated to form large amounts of bone, indicating that adult mice are sensitive to the dramatic bone- forming actions of Gs signaling in osteoblasts. In addition, our results show that intermittent and continuous activation of Rs1 led to structurally similar but quantitatively different degrees of trabecular bone formation. These results indicate that activation of a Gs-coupled receptor in osteoblasts of adult animals by either intermittent or continuous ligand administration can increase trabecular bone formation. In addition, osteoblasts located at the bone epiphyses may be more responsive to Gs signaling than osteoblasts at the bone diaphysis. This model provides a powerful tool for investigating the effects of ligand-activated Gs-GPCR signaling on dynamic bone growth and remodeling.
In situcardiac function in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua): effects of acute and chronic hypoxia
Authors: Petersen L. H. , Gamperl A. K. 
Published: February 2010

SUMMARYRecent in vivo experiments on Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) acclimated to chronic hypoxia (6-12 weeks at 10°C; PwO2 ~8-9 kPa) revealed a considerable decrease in the pumping capacity of the heart. To examine whether this diminished cardiac performance was due to the direct effects of chronic moderate hypoxia on the myocardium (as opposed to alterations in neural and/or hormonal control), we measured the resting and maximum in situ function of hearts from normoxia- and hypoxia-acclimated cod: (1) when initially perfused with oxygenated saline; (2) at the end of a 15 min exposure to severe hypoxia (PO2 ~0.6 kPa); and (3) 30 min after the hearts had been reperfused with oxygenated saline. Acclimation to hypoxia did not influence resting (basal) in situ cardiac performance during oxygenated or hypoxic conditions. However, it caused a decrease in maximum cardiac output () under oxygenated conditions (from 49.5 to 40.3 ml min−1 kg−1; by 19%), that was due to diminished values for maximum stroke volume (VS) and scope for VS. Severe hypoxia reduced in both groups to ~20 ml min−1 kg−1, yet, the hearts of hypoxia-acclimated fish were better able to sustain this level of under hypoxia, and the recovery of (as compared with initial values under oxygenated conditions) was significantly improved (94% vs 83%). These data show that acclimation to hypoxia has a direct effect on cod myocardial function and/or physiology, and suggest that the cod heart shows some adaptations to prolonged hypoxia.
Changes in rabbit jaw-muscle activity parameters in response to reduced masticatory load
Authors: Grünheid T. , Brugman P. , Zentner A. , Langenbach G. E. J. 
Published: February 2010

SUMMARY
Mechanical food properties influence the neuromuscular activity of jaw-closing muscles during mastication. It is, however, unknown how the activity profiles of the jaw muscles are influenced by long-term alterations in masticatory load. In order to elucidate the effect of reduced masticatory load on the daily habitual activity profiles of three functionally different jaw muscles, the electromyograms of the masseter, temporalis and digastric muscles were recorded telemetrically in 16 male rabbits between seven and 20 weeks of age. Starting at eight weeks of age the experimental animals were fed significantly softer pellets than the control animals. Daily muscle activity was quantified by the relative duration of muscle use (duty time), burst number and burst length in relation to multiple activity levels. The daily duty time and burst number of the masseter muscle were significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group at 5% and 10% of the maximum activity during the two weeks following the change in food hardness. By contrast, altered food hardness did not significantly influence the activity characteristics of the temporalis and digastric muscles. The findings suggest that a reduction in masticatory load decreases the neuromuscular activity of the jaw-closing muscles that are primarily responsible for force generation during mastication. This decrease is most pronounced in the weeks immediately following the change in food hardness and is limited to the activity levels that reflect muscle contractions during chewing. These findings support the conclusion that the masticatory system manifests few diet-specific long-term changes in the activity profiles of jaw muscles.
Understanding the vertebrate immune system: insights from the reptilian perspective
Authors: Zimmerman L. M. , Vogel L. A. , Bowden R. M. 
Published: February 2010

SummaryReptiles are ectothermic amniotes, providing the key link between ectothermic anamniotic fishes and amphibians, and endothermic amniotic birds and mammals. A greater understanding of reptilian immunity will provide important insights into the evolutionary history of vertebrate immunity as well as the growing field of eco-immunology. Like mammals, reptile immunity is complex and involves innate, cell-mediated and humoral compartments but, overall, there is considerably less known about immune function in reptiles. We review the current literature on each branch of the reptilian immune system, placing this information in context to other vertebrates. Further, we identify key areas that are prime for research as well as areas that are lagging because of lack of reagents in non-model systems.
Fitness costs may explain the post-colonisation erosion of phenotypic plasticity
Authors: Aubret F. , Shine R. 
Published: February 2010

SUMMARYMany organisms can adjust their phenotypes to match local environmental conditions via shifts in developmental trajectories, rather than relying on changes in gene frequencies wrought by natural selection. Adaptive developmental plasticity confers obvious benefits in terms of rapid response and higher mean fitness, so why is it not more common? Plausibly, adaptive plasticity also confers a cost; reshaping the phenotype takes time and energy, so that canalised control of trait values enhances fitness if the optimal phenotype remains the same from one generation to the next. Although this idea is central to interpreting the fitness consequences of adaptive plasticity, empirical data on costs of plasticity are scarce. In Australian tiger snakes, larger relative head size enhances maximal ingestible prey size on islands containing large prey. The trait arises via adaptive plasticity in snake populations on newly colonised islands but becomes genetically canalised on islands where snakes have been present for much longer periods. We experimentally manipulated relative head size in captive neonatal snakes to quantify the costs of adaptive plasticity. Although small-headed snakes were able to increase their head sizes when offered large prey, the delay in doing so, and their inability to consume large prey at the outset, significantly reduced their growth rates relative to conspecifics with larger heads at the beginning of the experiment. This study describes a proximate cause to the post-colonisation erosion of developmental plasticity recorded in tiger snake populations.
Urinary proteases degrade albumin: implications for measurement of albuminuria in stored samples
Authors: Kania Kasia , Byrnes Elizabeth A , Beilby John P , Webb Steve A R , Strong Kimberley J 
Published: February 2010

Background Previous studies have shown that albumin in stored urine samples degrades over time, and that albumin losses are greatest in samples with low pH conditions (pH < 5). Furthermore, the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay for urinary albumin has been shown to be particularly susceptible to the effects of prolonged storage. Methods Frozen urine samples, stored for 12 months at −70 and −20°C, were analysed for albumin fragmentation. Urinary protease activity was investigated in vitro in urine adjusted to pH 2.3–2.5. Albumin was measured by nephelometry, HPLC and sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Results In the unadjusted samples, albumin was degraded in 11 out of 40 samples stored at −20°C. In the in vitro experiments, both endogenous albumin and exogenous albumin added to urine were rapidly degraded into large fragments within minutes after adjustment to low pH. The fragments produced were consistent with those produced during digestion with pepsin and urinary degradation was completely inhibited by pepstatin. Albumin concentration measured by HPLC was most dramatically affected, with near-complete loss of albumin-sized material within one hour of incubation at pH 2.3–2.5. Sample reactivity with antiserum in a nephelometry assay initially declined then increased, possibly due to exposure of internal epitopes during albumin digestion. Conclusions This study demonstrated that proteases are present and active in stored human urine samples. Urinary albumin digestion occurred in a manner consistent with activity of endogenous urinary proteases. Adjustment to neutral pH or addition of protease inhibitors may be useful techniques for sample preservation.
Molecular Diversity of Hemoglobin H Disease in India
Authors: Nadkarni Anita H. , Nair Sona B. , Italia Khushnooma Y. , Warang Prashant , Dalvi Madhura , Ghosh Kanjaksha , Colah Roshan B. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThis study was undertaken to evaluate the variable clinical expression of hemoglobin (Hb) H disease in India. For the study, α genotyping was done in 8 patients with Hb H disease using multiplex polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing.The study revealed that 4 genotypes (– –SEA/ –α3.7, – –SA/–α3.7, – –SEA/–α3.7 Sallanches, – –α3.7/–α3.7 Sallanches) were responsible for Hb H disease, the α+ thalassemia mutation (–α3.7 deletion) being the most common defect. The nondeletional mutation Hb Sallanches (α 2 codon 104 G → A) was seen in 3 cases. Two unique and novel genotypes leading to Hb H disease were characterized (– –SEA/–α3.7 Sallanches and –α3.7/–α3.7 Sallanches).Because a majority of patients with Hb H disease do not have severe manifestations, prenatal diagnosis is usually unwarranted in India.
A Rapid and Simple High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Assay for the Leflunomide Metabolite, Teriflunomide (A77 1726), in Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Sobhani Kimia , Garrett Danette A. , Liu Dong-Pei , Rainey Petrie M. 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Leflunomide (Arava), a drug with immunosuppressive and antiviral effects, is being used in renal transplant recipients, primarily for its action against BK polyomavirus (BKV), which affects 1% to 10% of renal transplant recipients and often causes failure of grafted kidneys. Leflunomide effects are solely due to an active metabolite, teriflunomide (formerly A77 1726). Trough blood concentrations of teriflunomide exceeding 40 μg/mL (148 μmol/L) are associated with progressive clearance of BKV. Toxic effects become increasingly apparent at higher concentrations.
We have developed a rapid, simple, and robust high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for therapeutic monitoring of teriflunomide in renal transplant recipients. Sample preparation is rapid, and each HPLC separation takes about 7 minutes. Intraday and interday coefficients of variation were 1.5% or less and 5.6% or less, respectively. The method was linear to 200 μg/mL (740 μmol/L), which is well above teriflunomide concentrations that are likely to be observed.
Recurrent Capillary Leak Syndrome Following Bortezomib Therapy in a Patient with Relapsed Myeloma
Authors: Hsiao Shu-Chen , Wang Ming-Chung , Chang Hung , Pei Sung-Nan 
Published: February 2010

Objective: To describe the first case of bortezomib-induced capillary leak syndrome (CLS), a rare but potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the shift of intravascular fluid and protein to the interstitial space. Case Summary: A 65-year-old female with relapsed multiple myeloma developed fluid retention, ascites, and general anasarca following bortezomib administration (1.3 mg/m2 on days 1, 4, 8, and 11). Aggressive albumin infusion and loop diuretics did not lead to improvement and the patient received 2 sessions of hemodialysis for pulmonary edema. Although the bortezomib dose was reduced (0.7 mg/m2 on days 1, 4, and 11) for the second cycle, CLS recurred after treatment. Dexamethasone was given along with bortezomib in the third cycle and subsequent CLS was prevented. The patient's multiple myeloma responded partially to the treatment, but the patient later died from cardiac amyloidosis. Discussion: Bortezomib is associated with several well-known adverse effects, such as peripheral neuropathy, thrombocytopenia, and gastrointestinal complications. CLS has not previously been reported to be associated with bortezomib. In this case, CLS developed twice after the patient received bortezomib treatment. The severity of CLS was dose-dependent and this adverse effect was preventable by concomitant use of steroids; this clearly demonstrated the close relationship between CLS and bortezomib in this patient. Using the Naranjo probability scale, the occurrence of CLS related to bortezomib treatment was probable. Conclusions: Our report demonstrates CLS as an unusual adverse effect of bortezomib. As bortezomib use may become more common, clinicians should be aware of this novel but potentially life-threatening adverse effect. Based on our experience, timely management with steroids is important in dealing with this complication.
Effects of elevated CO2 and phosphorus supply on growth, photosynthesis and nutrient uptake in the marine macroalga Gracilaria lemaneiformis (Rhodophyta)
Authors: Xu Zhiguang , Zou Dinghui , Gao Kunshan 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
The red alga Gracilaria lemaneiformis was cultured under different CO2 and phosphorus conditions for 16 days, and its growth, photosynthesis and uptake of nitrate and phosphate were examined in order to establish the longer-term impacts of elevated CO2 and phosphorus supplies on this economically important seaweed. Enrichment with either CO2 or phosphorus in culture markedly increased the growth of G. lemaneiformis compared to the control. Light-saturated photosynthetic rate was enhanced significantly by phosphorus enrichment, but hardly affected by the elevation of CO2 when G. lemaneiformis was grown under low phosphorus conditions. High phosphorus stimulated photosynthetic inorganic carbon utilization and nitrogen uptake. Under low phosphorus conditions, the thalli grown at the high level of CO2 had a lower carbon utilization capacity and a higher nitrogen uptake rate compared to those grown under ambient CO2. Reversed results were found when the algae were grown under high phosphorus conditions. Hence, available phosphorus may regulate inorganic carbon utilization of G. lemaneiformis grown at different CO2 levels, and growth reflected a balance between carbon and nutrient metabolism.
Procalcitonin measurement in routine emergency medicine practice: comparison between two immunoassays
Authors: Hausfater Pierre , Brochet Christine , Freund Yonathan , Charles Vanessa , Bernard Maguy 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background: Accurate identification of bacterial infections in patients presenting at the emergency department is crucial for early and rational antibiotic treatment. In this situation, using a cut-off of 0.25 μg/L for procalcitonin allows for carefully monitoring of febrile patients. Most previous studies have been performed with the reference B·R·A·H·M·S PCT KRYPTOR® assay. The goal of this study was to compare this test with the VIDAS B·R·A·H·M·S PCT® assay and to validate clinically relevant cut-off thresholds.

Methods: This prospective study was conducted in adults presenting to the emergency departments of a tertiary hospital. We included 305 consecutive patients that had procalcitonin requested. Procalcitonin was measured first with the KRYPTOR, then with the VIDAS systems. Statistical analysis consisted in Passing and Bablok and Bland-Altman plots.

Results: In the overall cohort, 176 patients had procalcitonin concentrations measured using both methods and were well correlated. The Bland-Altman plot exhibited a bias of 0.108 [95% confidence interval: –0.044 to 0.260]. The concordance at different procalcitonin cut-off thresholds, respectively of 0.1, 0.25, 0.5 and 2 μg/L, indicated that above 0.25 μg/L, the κ coefficient was >0.80.

Conclusions: A highly significant correlation was observed between the two automated assays. Procalcitonin concentrations obtained from both methods led to the same clinical interpretation.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:501–4.
Beware of carryover in modern chemistry analyzers
Authors: Kyle Patrick B. 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background: Random-access analyzers that employ dedicated probes may be affected by carryover. Sample carryover, involving analyte from one sample that is measured in a subsequent sample, is most often detected in measurement procedures that have wide reportable ranges. However, reagent carryover can be more difficult to detect as it may involve only one pair of measurement procedures.

Methods: Our laboratory noted several patient samples with total cholesterol <2.58 mmol/L (100 mg/dL) during the initial months after a new chemistry analyzer was installed. The problem seemed to occur intermittently, approximately once per week.

Results: Immediate reanalysis of affected samples resulted in measured values that were 1.03–2.58 mmol/L (40–100 mg/dL) higher. Evaluation of reagent carryover revealed a significant decrease in total cholesterol after analysis of creatine kinase (EC 2.7.3.2). Carryover disappeared when an additional reagent probe wash was applied, whereas the root of the problem was eliminated with replacement of the reagent probes. The insidious nature of reagent carryover made it difficult to initially detect the problem, which affected two of the three instruments in our laboratory.

Conclusions: Laboratorians should be aware of the potential for carryover in random access analyzers, and should be mindful of appropriate troubleshooting techniques.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:519–21.
Comparison of different depletion strategies for improving resolution of the human urine proteome
Authors: Magagnotti Cinzia , Fermo Isabella , Carletti Rose Mary , Ferrari Maurizio , Bachi Angela 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background: Urine, being an ultrafiltrate of plasma, is a rich source for biomarker discovery. Since potential new disease markers are often present in low concentrations, a prefractionation/enrichment step could be useful in the discovery process. To enhance the detection of low-abundance proteins, three immuno-affinity depletion approaches were evaluated.

Methods: To remove the most abundant proteins from a human urine sample, GenWay™ Spin IgY-12 kit, HPLC Agilent Hu-PL7 and a home-made column vs. human serum albumin [immuno-affinity column (IAC)] were compared. Quantification of total proteins, 2-D gel electrophoresis (2-DE), Progenesis gel images analysis and mass spectrometric proteins identification were applied to evaluate these strategies.

Results: Reproducibility of depletion columns, by estimating protein content of unbound fractions, were: 343±20.0 μg, 5.8%; 186.3±13.3 μg, 7.2%; 292±20.6 μg, 8.8% [mean± standard deviation (SD), CV%], for GenWay™, Agilent and IAC methods, respectively. To isolate urinary protein after depletion, ethanol precipitation provided the highest recovery (80%). Applying 2-DE and Progenesis analysis, the number of spots visualized on the gels was 468±21, 331±7, 368±22 and 304±7 (mean±SD) for GenWay™, Agilent, IAC, and the undepleted urine pool sample, respectively, with a significant difference p<0.001 compared to the GenWay procedure.

Conclusions: The sequential procedure of urine samples using multi-protein immuno-affinity depletion represents a valid tool for simplifying 2-DE analysis of the urine proteome. Particularly, the GenWay™ kit followed by ethanol precipitation was found to be the most efficient method for exploring the urine proteome.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:531–5.
Contemporary platelet function testing
Authors: Favaloro Emmanuel J. , Lippi Giuseppe , Franchini Massimo 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Defects in primary hemostasis typically lead to a bleeding diathesis and include several disorders, such as von Willebrand disease and various platelet function defects that may arise because of failure of membrane receptors, deficiencies in internal storage organelles, and/or signal transduction problems. The laboratory identification of a primary hemostasis defect including platelet function defects now involves a multi-step process. These processes begin with a full blood count to assess platelet count and size, progressing, if necessary, to platelet aggregation studies, and leading to further specific testing including flow cytometry, electron micro-scopy and/or genetic testing. This review outlines the sequential process of platelet function investigations, and discusses each of the essential components in some detail.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:579–98.
Tooth Loss in 776 Treated Periodontal Patients
Authors: Martin John A. , Page Roy C. , Loeb Carl F. , Levi Paul A. 
Published: February 2010

Background: The most common form of periodontitis is a variably progressive dynamic pathologic process that causes attachment loss, destroys the alveolar bone supporting a tooth, and terminates with tooth loss. We evaluated the loss of teeth of treated periodontal patients categorized by severity and risk.Methods: Each of nine periodontists evaluated 100 consecutive periodontal maintenance patients. The disease severity and risk level were determined from data at the initial examination. The number of teeth lost was determined from data at the initial and maintenance visits.Results: A stepwise regression analysis showed that disease (P = 0.0000478) and risk (P = 0.00129) scores predicted the mean tooth loss rate. The adjusted R2 statistic was 88.56%. The ordinal logistic regression model showed that only the disease score (P <0.0005) was significantly associated with the probability of patients losing a specific number of teeth.Conclusions: Categorizing a patient by severity may be beneficial in the management of the periodontal patient. The disease score can be used to establish a criterion and target for care. For example, treatment can result in nearly no lost teeth when the severity is low, and this benefit is lost when the severity is high. The disease score provides an objective means to quickly determine severity. An increase in the disease score provides evidence that a new treatment plan is needed. Therefore, the effect of the routine use of the disease score could result in fewer patients with severe disease and reduce the number of teeth lost.