bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diminishment of α-MSH anti-inflammatory activity in MC1r siRNA-transfected RAW264.7 macrophages
Authors: Li Dayu , Taylor Andrew W 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe neuropeptide α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) is a powerful suppressor of inflammation mediated by macrophages, which express at least two receptors, melanocortin 1 and 3 receptors (MC1r and MC3r) that bind α-MSH. Albeit, the anti-inflammatory activity of α-MSH has been well documented in macrophages, the mechanisms of α-MSH activity in macrophages are not clearly understood. This study is to investigate which of the MCr expressed on macrophages is associated with the immunosuppressive activities of α-MSH on LPS-stimulated macrophages. To address this question, we transfected RAW264.7 macrophage cells with MC1r small interfering (si)RNA, which specifically targets mouse MC1r mRNA. The diminution of MC1r mRNA expression was 82% at 24 h and 67% at 48 h after transfection. There was a significant loss in α-MSH suppression of NO generation and TNF-α production by MC1r siRNA-transfected macrophages stimulated with LPS. There was an equally diminished α-MSH suppression of LPS-stimulated intracellular activation of NF-κB and p38 phosphorylation. In addition, the diminishment of MC1r expression by siRNA transfection had no influence on MC3r expression and function in the macrophages. These findings demonstrate that α-MSH suppression of LPS-induced inflammatory activity in macrophages requires expression of MC1r. The results imply that although all of the MCr are G-coupled proteins, they may not necessarily function through the same intracellular pathways in macrophages.
Update on the Molecular Diagnosis of Endocrine Tumors: Toward –omics-Based Personalized Healthcare?
Authors: Weber Frank , Eng Charis 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Genetic advances in endocrine neoplasia provided the paradigm for the practice of clinical cancer genetics: germline RET mutations in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2. In the last 14 yr, both genetics and –omics advances have occurred, almost exponentially in the last 5 yr. The time has come to reevaluate recent advances in genomic medicine’s promise to revolutionize personalized healthcare in the context of endocrine neoplasias. This update focuses on two examples of endocrine neoplasias, those of the thyroid and of the adrenal, and discusses recent advances in germline and somatic genetics and genomics, as they relate to clinical application.
Local Delivery of Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor-Mobilized CD34-Positive Progenitor Cells Using Bioscaffold for Modality of Unhealing Bone Fracture
Authors: Mifune Yutaka , Matsumoto Tomoyuki , Kawamoto Atsuhiko , Kuroda Ryosuke , Shoji Taro , Iwasaki Hiroto , Kwon Sang-Mo , Miwa Masahiko , Kurosaka Masahiro , Asahara Takayuki 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
We recently reported that i.v. transplantation of adult human circulating CD34+ cells, an endothelial/hematopoietic progenitor-enriched cell population, contributes to fracture healing through the enhancement of vasculogenesis and osteogenesis. However, the scarcity of CD34+ cells in the adult human is a critical issue for the future clinical application of this method. To overcome this issue, we assessed in vitro and in vivo capacity of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-mobilized peripheral blood (GM-PB) human CD34+ cells for vasculogenesis and osteogenesis. First, we confirmed the differentiation capability of GM-PB CD34+ cells into osteoblasts in vitro. Second, local transplantation of GM-PB CD34+ cells on atelocollagen scaffold was performed in nude rats in a model of unhealing fractures. Immunostaining for human leukocyte antigen-ABC of tissue samples 1 week after fracture and cell therapy showed the superior incorporation after local transplantation compared with systemic infusion. Third, the effects of local transplantation of 105 (Hi), 104 (Mid), or 103 (Lo) doses of GM-PB CD34+ cells or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) on fracture healing were compared. Extrinsic vasculogenic and osteogenic differentiation of GM-PB CD34+ cells, enhancement of the intrinsic angio-osteogenesis by recipient cells, augmentation of blood flow recovery at the fracture sites, and radiological and histological confirmation of fracture healing were observed only in the Hi and Mid groups but not in the Lo and PBS groups. These results strongly suggest that local transplantation of GM-PB CD34+ cells with atelocollagen scaffold is a feasible strategy for therapeutic vasculogenesis and osteogenesis needed for fracture healing.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Pitx3-Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein Midbrain Dopamine Neurons Survive Enrichment by Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting and Function in an Animal Model of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Hedlund Eva , Pruszak Jan , Lardaro Thomas , Ludwig Wesley , Viñuela Angel , Kim Kwang-Soo , Isacson Ole 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBoth fetal ventral mesencephalic (VM) and embryonic stem (ES) cell-derived dopamine neurons have been used successfully to correct behavioral responses in animal models of Parkinson's disease. However, grafts derived from fetal VM cells or from ES cells contain multiple cell types, and the majority of these cells are not dopamine neurons. Isolation of ES cell-derived dopamine neurons and subsequent transplantation would both elucidate the capacity of these neurons to provide functional input and also further explore an efficient and safer use of ES cells for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Toward this goal, we used a Pitx3-enhanced green fluorescent protein (Pitx3-eGFP) knock-in mouse blastocyst-derived embryonic stem (mES) cell line and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) to select and purify midbrain dopamine neurons. Initially, the dopaminergic marker profile of intact Pitx3-eGFP mES cultures was evaluated after differentiation in vitro. eGFP expression overlapped closely with that of Pitx3, Nurr1, Engrailed-1, Lmx1a, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), l-aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC), and vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), demonstrating that these cells were of a midbrain dopamine neuron character. Furthermore, postmitotic Pitx3-eGFP+ dopamine neurons, which constituted 2%–5% of all live cells in the culture after dissociation, could be highly enriched to &gt;90% purity by FACS, and these isolated neurons were viable, extended neurites, and maintained a dopaminergic profile in vitro. Transplantation to 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats showed that an enriched dopaminergic population could survive and restore both amphetamine- and apomorphine-induced functions, and the grafts contained large numbers of midbrain dopamine neurons, which innervated the host striatum.Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
The Neuronal Differentiation Potential of Ldb1-Null Mutant Embryonic Stem Cells Is Dependent on Extrinsic Influences
Authors: Hwang Minyoung , Gorivodsky Marat , Kim Minjung , Westphal Heiner , Geum Dongho 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
LIM-domain binding protein 1 (Ldb1) is a multiadaptor protein that mediates the action of transcription factors, including LIM-homeodomain proteins. To elucidate the functional role of Ldb1 in the neuronal differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells, we have generated Ldb1-null mutant (Ldb1−/−) ES cells and examined neuronal differentiation potentials in vitro using two different neuronal differentiation protocols. When subjected to a five-stage protocol that recapitulates in vivo conditions of neuronal differentiation, wild-type ES cells differentiated into a wide spectrum of neuronal cell types. However, Ldb1−/− ES cells did not differentiate into neuronal cells; instead, they differentiated into sarcomeric α-actinin-positive muscle cells. In contrast, when an adherent monolayer culture procedure (which is based on the default mechanism of neural induction and eliminates environmental influences) was applied, both wild-type and Ldb1−/− ES cells differentiated into MAP2-positive mature neurons. Comparison of the results obtained when two different neuronal differentiation protocols were used suggests that Ldb1−/− ES cells have an innate potential to differentiate into neuronal cells, but this potential can be inhibited by environmental influences.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Human Bone Marrow Adipocytes Block Granulopoiesis Through Neuropilin-1-Induced Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Inhibition
Authors: Belaid-Choucair Zakia , Lepelletier Yves , Poncin Géraldine , Thiry Albert , Humblet Chantal , Maachi Mustapha , Beaulieu Aurore , Schneider Elke , Briquet Alexandra , Mineur Pierre , Lambert Charles , Mendes-Da-Cruz Daniella , Ahui Marie Louise , Asnafi Vahid , Dy Michel , Boniver Jacques , Nusgens Betty V. , Hermine Olivier , Defresne Marie Paule 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Adipocytes are part of hematopoietic microenvironment, even though up to now in humans, their role in hematopoiesis is still questioned. We have previously shown that accumulation of fat cells in femoral bone marrow (BM) coincides with increased expression of neuropilin-1 (NP-1), while it is weakly expressed in hematopoietic iliac crest BM. Starting from this observation, we postulated that adipocytes might exert a negative effect on hematopoiesis mediated through NP-1. To test this hypothesis, we set up BM adipocytes differentiated into fibroblast-like fat cells (FLFC), which share the major characteristics of primitive unilocular fat cells, as an experimental model. As expected, FLFCs constitutively produced macrophage colony stimulating factor and induced CD34+ differentiation into macrophages independently of cell-to-cell contact. By contrast, granulopoiesis was hampered by cell-to-cell contact but could be restored in transwell culture conditions, together with granulocyte colony stimulating factor production. Both functions were also recovered when FLFCs cultured in contact with CD34+ cells were treated with an antibody neutralizing NP-1, which proved its critical implication in contact inhibition. An inflammatory cytokine such as interleukin-1 β or dexamethasone modulates FLFC properties to restore granulopoiesis. Our data provide the first evidence that primary adipocytes exert regulatory functions during hematopoiesis that might be implicated in some pathological processes.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Accessible and total lead in low-cost jewelry items
Authors: Yost Jamie L , Weidenhamer Jeffrey D 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has proposed a ban on children's metal jewelry containing more than 0.06% lead by weight. This ban would replace the current interim enforcement standard, which also includes a measurement of accessible lead. Under current guidelines, accessible lead for any component of a jewelry item must not exceed 175 μg. Critics argue that lead in jewelry is inaccessible if items are properly plated. The objective of this study was to determine whether highly leaded jewelry also has high accessible lead content. Sixty-four inexpensive, leaded jewelry items with a wide range of total lead content (all above the 0.06% threshold) were tested first for accessible lead and then for total lead, with analysis by atomic absorption spectrometry. Fifty of the items exceeded the 175-μg maximum allowed for accessible lead. Thirty-one of these items exceeded 1000 μg accessible lead, and 18 items exceeded 3000 μg accessible lead. The finding that a majority of tested items had both accessible and total lead content above current standards provides support for the rationale of simplifying the current standard by basing regulations on total lead content.
A multitrophic approach to monitoring the effects of metal mining in otherwise pristine and ecologically sensitive rivers in Northern Canada
Authors: Spencer Paula , Bowman Michelle F , Dubé Monique G 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
It is not known if current chemical and biological monitoring methods are appropriate for assessing the impacts of growing industrial development on ecologically sensitive northern waters. We used a multitrophic level approach to evaluate current monitoring methods and to determine whether metal-mining activities had affected 2 otherwise pristine rivers that flow into the South Nahanni River, Northwest Territories, a World Heritage Site. We compared upstream reference conditions in the rivers to sites downstream and further downstream of mines. The endpoints we evaluated included concentrations of metals in river water, sediments, and liver and flesh of slimy sculpin (Cottus cognatus); benthic algal and macroinvertebrate abundance, richness, diversity, and community composition; and various slimy sculpin measures, our sentinel forage fish species. Elevated concentrations of copper and iron in liver tissue of sculpin from the Flat River were associated with high concentrations of mine-derived iron in river water and copper in sediments that were above national guidelines. In addition, sites downstream of the mine on the Flat River had increased algal abundances and altered benthic macroinvertebrate communities, whereas the sites downstream of the mine on Prairie Creek had increased benthic macroinvertebrate taxa richness and improved sculpin condition. Biological differences in both rivers were consistent with mild enrichment of the rivers downstream of current and historical mining activity. We recommend that monitoring in these northern rivers focus on indicators in epilithon and benthic macroinvertebrate communities due to their responsiveness and as alternatives to lethal fish sampling in habitats with low fish abundance. We also recommend monitoring of metal burdens in periphyton and benthic invertebrates for assessment of exposure to mine effluent and causal association. Although the effects of mining activities on riverine biota currently are limited, our results show that there is potential for effects to occur with proposed growth in mining activities.
Diet composition and prey selection of vendace Coregonus albula in the mesotrophic, temperate Lake Ostrowite (Northern Poland)
Authors: Kakareko Tomasz , Napiórkowski Paweł , Kozłowski Jacek 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Lake Ostrowite is a mesotrophic lake in Northern Poland 280.7 ha in area and 43 m deep at its deepest point. To study vendace (Coregonus albula L.) diet in the lake, fish and zooplankton were sampled at two stations on 28-29 April, 15-16 May (fish only), 28-29 July and 15-16 August 2004. Fish were caught by gill netting, while zooplankton was collected from the whole water column by means of a Ruttner sampler (5 x 2 dm3). In total 91 vendace specimens were analysed, of which 64.8% had non-empty alimentary tracts. In the April and May samples Copepoda were the most numerous prey, while Daphnidae dominated the diet in the July- and September-caught fish. Planktonic Chironomidae pupae were also an important dietary item in the April-caught fish. Cladocerans, especially from Daphnidae family, were positively selected by vendace whilst copepods were not. Large predatory cladocerans, Leptodora kindtii, and the non-indigenous Bythotrephes longimanus were consumed in substantial quantities by the July- and September-sampled fish, with the vendace feeding more intensively on the L. kindtii than on the B. longimanus.
The formation of water beetle fauna in anthropogenic water bodies
Authors: Pakulnicka Joanna 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Studies on the fauna of water beetles inhabiting anthropogenic water bodies were conducted on 44 clay-pit and gravel-pit ponds. A total of 125 water beetle species were identified. The dominant species were Scarodytes halensis and Laccobius minutus, representing the argillophilous component. Eurytopic, lake and riverine, and peatland species were also identified. Among the environmental factors determining the diversity of the water beetle fauna in particular types of habitats, the most significant role was played by the substratum and succession stage.
Bone Mineral Density of the Tarsals and Metatarsals With Reloading
Authors: Hastings Mary Kent , Gelber Judy , Commean Paul K , Prior Fred , Sinacore David R 
Published: April 2008

Background and PurposeBone mineral density (BMD) decreases rapidly with prolonged non–weight bearing. Maximizing the BMD response to reloading activities after NWB is critical to minimizing fracture risk. Methods for measuring individual tarsal and metatarsal BMD have not been available. This case report describes tarsal and metatarsal BMD with a reloading program, as revealed by quantitative computed tomography (QCT).Case DescriptionA 24-year-old woman was non–weight bearing for 6 weeks after right talocrural arthroscopy. Tarsal and metatarsal BMD were measured with QCT 9 weeks (before reloading) and 32 weeks (after reloading) after surgery. A 26-week progressive reloading program was completed. Change scores were calculated for BMD before reloading and BMD after reloading for the total foot (average of all tarsals and metatarsals), tarsals, metatarsals, bones of the medial column (calcaneus, navicular, cuneiforms 1 and 2, and metatarsal 1), and bones of the lateral column (calcaneus, cuboid, cuneiform 3, and metatarsals 2–5). The percent differences in BMD between the involved side and the uninvolved side were calculated.OutcomesBefore reloading, BMD of the involved total foot was 9% lower than that on the uninvolved side. After reloading, BMD increased 22% and 21% for the total foot, 16% and 14% for the tarsals, 29% and 30% for the metatarsals, 14% and 15% for the medial column bones, and 28% and 26% for the lateral column bones on the involved and uninvolved sides, respectively. After reloading, BMD of the involved total foot remained 8% lower than that on the uninvolved side.DiscussionThe increase in BMD with reloading was not uniform across all pedal bones; the metatarsals showed a greater increase than the tarsals, and the lateral column bones showed a greater increase than the medial column bones.
Additive effects of a potentially invasive grass and water stress on the performance of seedlings of gypsum specialists
Authors: Matesanz Silvia , Escudero Adrián , Valladares Fernando 
Published: April 2008

Abstract.Question: What is the combined effect of two drivers of local biodiversity changes (presence of a potentially invasive species and seasonal drought) on the performance of seedlings of plants from gypsum habitats under experimental conditions?Location: A controlled microcosm reconstruction of natural assemblages of gypsum plant communities from central Spain.Methods: We evaluated the effects of a potentially invasive grass (Lolium rigidum) and water stress on the survival, height growth and biomass of five woody species (Colutea hispanica, Gypsophila struthium, Thymus lacaitae, Lepidium subulatum and Helianthemum squamatum) from semi‐arid gypsum ecosystems. Seedlings of the five species were grown with or without the potential invader and under three watering regimes: early stress — simulating an advanced summer, late stress — simulating the characteristic timing of current summer drought and well‐watered.Results: Seedling survival and performance were negatively affected by the presence of the potential invader. Early stress had larger impacts on the gypsum species than late stress. No interactions were found between factors for any of the study variables, and responses to both factors were found to be species‐specific.Conclusions: The lack of interactions between factors indicates that the presence of the potentially invasive grass and water stress had additive effects in our study system. The negative impact of early water stress draws attention to the possible consequences of the advances of summer drought predicted for Mediterranean ecosystems. Finally, the differential responses found for the study species suggest that plant communities will not respond as a unit to global change, leading to significant changes in species composition and dominance.
Using route and survey information to generate cognitive maps: differences between normally sighted and visually impaired individuals
Authors: Steyvers Frank J. J. M. , Kooijman Aart C. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractVisually impaired people (VIP) have to rely on different information to generate a cognitive map of their environment than normally sighted people. This study explored the extent to which a cognitive map could be generated by auditory information of route‐type and survey‐type descriptions of a fictitious environment. A total of 27 visually impaired and 28 normally sighted participants listened to either a survey‐type or a route‐type description of a fictitious zoo. They then answered both route‐type and survey‐type questions. This listening/question‐and‐answer sequence was repeated twice (total n = 3). The visually impaired participants showed no difference in error frequency between the two description types, while the normally sighted individuals performed better after listening to the survey‐type description. In addition, the learning curve of the normally sighted individuals was steeper than that of the visually impaired and they made fewer errors. The error scores indicated two subgroups in both the normally sighted and the visually impaired groups. These two groups, the ‘good’ learners and the ‘poor’ learners, showed marked differences in generating a cognitive map from auditory descriptions of an environment. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The cognitive interview: the efficacy of a modified mental reinstatement of context procedure for frontline police investigators
Authors: Dando Coral , Wilcock Rachel , Milne Rebecca 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe current investigative interview framework for police officers in England and Wales (and many other countries) recommends the use of the cognitive interview (CI). One of the primary components of the CI is the mental reinstatement of context (MRC) instruction. However, research has consistently indicated that police officers do not regularly use this component and when they do it is often poorly applied. Thus the question arises as to whether some adjustment of the MRC component might enhance its forensic practicability. An initial investigation was conducted as to the efficacy of a more succinct and less complex MRC technique, namely a sketch plan mental reinstatement of context (Sketch MRC). Twenty‐four hours after having viewed a crime film, adult mock witnesses were interviewed employing the traditional MRC instruction, a Sketch MRC instruction or no mental reinstatement of context (No MRC). Analysis of overall memorial performance revealed the Sketch MRC to be as effective as the MRC and more effective than No MRC. Thus, for less serious crime the Sketch MRC technique may be a viable, less complex and less time consuming alternative. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.