bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gene expression profiling of Spodoptera frugiperda hemocytes and fat body using cDNA microarray reveals polydnavirus-associated variations in lepidopteran host genes transcript levels
Authors: Barat-Houari M , Hilliou F , Jousset F-X , Sofer L , Deleury E , Rocher J , Ravallec M , Galibert L , Delobel P , Feyereisen R , Fournier P , Volkoff A-N 
Published: June 2006

Abstract

Background
Genomic approaches provide unique opportunities to study interactions of insects with their pathogens. We developed a cDNA microarray to analyze the gene transcription profile of the lepidopteran pest Spodoptera frugiperda in response to injection of the polydnavirus HdIV associated with the ichneumonid wasp Hyposoter didymator. Polydnaviruses are associated with parasitic ichneumonoid wasps and are required for their development within the lepidopteran host, in which they act as potent immunosuppressive pathogens. In this study, we analyzed transcriptional variations in the two main effectors of the insect immune response, the hemocytes and the fat body, after injection of filter-purified HdIV.

Results
Results show that 24 hours post-injection, about 4% of the 1750 arrayed host genes display changes in their transcript levels with a large proportion (76%) showing a decrease. As a comparison, in S. frugiperda fat body, after injection of the pathogenic JcDNV densovirus, 8 genes display significant changes in their transcript level. They differ from the 7 affected by HdIV and, as opposed to HdIV injection, are all up-regulated. Interestingly, several of the genes that are modulated by HdIV injection have been shown to be involved in lepidopteran innate immunity. Levels of transcripts related to calreticulin, prophenoloxidase-activating enzyme, immulectin-2 and a novel lepidopteran scavenger receptor are decreased in hemocytes of HdIV-injected caterpillars. This was confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR analysis but not observed after injection of heat-inactivated HdIV. Conversely, an increased level of transcripts was found for a galactose-binding lectin and, surprisingly, for the prophenoloxidase subunits. The results obtained suggest that HdIV injection affects transcript levels of genes encoding different components of the host immune response (non-self recognition, humoral and cellular responses).

Conclusion
This analysis of the host-polydnavirus interactions by a microarray approach indicates that the presence of HdIV induces, directly or indirectly, variations in transcript levels of specific host genes, changes that could be responsible in part for the alterations observed in the parasitized host physiology. Development of such global approaches will allow a better understanding of the strategies employed by parasites to manipulate their host physiology, and will permit the identification of potential targets of the immunosuppressive polydnaviruses.
Intrahemispheric dysfunction in primary motor cortex without corpus callosum: a transcranial magnetic stimulation study
Authors: Fecteau Shirley , Lassonde Maryse , Théoret Hugo 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackgroundThe two human cerebral hemispheres are continuously interacting, through excitatory and inhibitory influences and one critical structure subserving this interhemispheric balance is the corpus callosum. Interhemispheric neurophysiological abnormalities and intrahemispheric behavioral impairments have been reported in individuals lacking the corpus callosum. The aim of this study was to examine intrahemispheric neurophysiological function in primary motor cortex devoid of callosal projections.MethodsIntracortical excitatory and inhibitory systems were tested in three individuals with complete agenesis of the corpus callosum and sixteen healthy individuals. These systems were assessed using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) protocols: motor threshold at rest, paired-pulse curve, and cortical silent period.ResultsTMS revealed no difference between the patient and control groups on the motor threshold measure, as well as intracortical facilitation and intracortical inhibition systems as tested by paired stimulation. However, intrahemispheric inhibitory function was found to be abnormal in participants without callosal projections, as the cortical silent period duration was significantly increased in the patient group.ConclusionThese data suggest that in addition to previously reported impaired interhemispheric function, patients lacking the entire corpus callosum also display abnormal intrahemispheric excitability of the primary motor cortex.
Effects of equipment and technique on peak flow measurements
Authors: Bongers Thomas , O'Driscoll B Ronan 
Published: June 2006

Abstract

Background
Different lung function equipment and different respiratory manoeuvres may produce different Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) results. Although the PEF is the most common lung function test, there have been few studies of these effects and no previous study has evaluated both factors in a single group of patients.

Methods
We studied 36 subjects (PEF range 80–570 l/min). All patients recorded PEF measurements using a short rapid expiration following maximal inspiration (PEF technique) or a forced maximal expiration to residual volume (FVC technique). Measurements were made using a Wright's peak flow meter, a turbine spirometer and a Fleisch pneumotachograph spirometer.

Results
The mean PEF was 8.7% higher when the PEF technique was used (compared with FVC technique, p < 0.0001). The mean PEF recorded with the turbine spirometer was 5.5% lower than the Wright meter reading. The Fleisch spirometer result was 19.5% lower than the Wright reading. However, adjustment of the Wrights measurements from the traditional Wright's scale to the new EU Peak Flow scale produced results that were only 7.2% higher than the Fleisch pneumotachograph measurements.

Conclusion
Peak flow measurements are affected by the instruction given and by the device and Peak Flow scale used. Patient management decisions should not be based on PEF measurement made on different instruments.
Alteration of serotonin transporter density and activity in fibromyalgia
Authors: Bazzichi Laura , Giannaccini Gino , Betti Laura , Mascia Giovanni , Fabbrini Laura , Italiani Paola , De Feo Francesca , Giuliano Tiziana , Giacomelli Camillo , Rossi Alessandra , Lucacchini Antonio , Bombardieri Stefano 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe aim of the study was to evaluate the kinetic parameters of a specific serotonin transporter (SERT) and serotonin uptake in a mentally healthy subset of patients with fibromyalgia. Platelets were obtained from 40 patients and 38 healthy controls. SERT expression and functionality were evaluated through the measurement of [3H]paroxetine binding and the [3H]serotonin uptake itself. The values of maximal membrane binding capacity (Bmax) were statistically lower in the patients than in the healthy volunteers, whereas the dissociation constant (Kd) did not show any statistically significant variations. Moreover, a decrease in the maximal uptake rate of SERT (Vmax) was demonstrated in the platelets of patients, whereas the Michaelis constant (Km) did not show any statistically significant variations. Symptom severity score (tiredness, tender points index and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire) were negatively correlated with Bmax and with Vmax, and positively correlated with Km. A change in SERT seems to occur in fibromyalgic patients, and it seems to be related to the severity of fibromyalgic symptoms.
Keratin 6 is not essential for mammary gland development
Authors: Grimm Sandra L , Bu Wen , Longley Mary Ann , Roop Dennis R , Li Yi , Rosen Jeffrey M 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Introduction
Keratin 6 (K6) has previously been identified as a marker of early mammary gland development and has also been proposed to be a marker of mammary gland progenitor cells. However, the function of K6 in the mammary gland was not known, so we examined the expression pattern of the protein during both embryonic and postnatal mammary development, as well as the mammary gland phenotype of mice that were null for both K6a and K6b isoforms.

Method
Immunostaining was performed to determine the expression pattern of K6a throughout mammary gland development, from the embryonic mammary bud to lactation. Double immunofluorescence was used to co-localize K6 with known markers of mammary gland development. Wild-type and K6ab-null mammary tissues were transplanted into the cleared fat pads of nude mice and the outgrowths were analyzed for morphology by whole-mount staining and for markers of mammary epithelium by immunostaining. Finally, progesterone receptor (PR) and bromodeoxyuridine co-localization was quantified by double immunofluorescence in wild-type and K6ab-null mammary outgrowths.

Results
Here we report that K6 is expressed earlier than described previously, by embryonic day 16.5. K6a is the predominant isoform expressed in the mammary gland, localized in the body cells and luminal epithelial cells but not in the cap cells or myoepithelial cells. Co-localization studies showed that most K6a-positive cells express steroid receptors but do not proliferate. When both the K6a and K6b genes are deleted, mammary gland development appears normal, with similar expression of most molecular markers examined in both the pubertal gland and the mature gland. Loss of K6a and K6b, however, leads to an increase in the number of steroid-receptor-positive cells, and increased co-localization of steroid receptor expression and proliferation was observed.

Conclusion
Although K6a was not essential for mammary gland development, loss of both K6a and K6b resulted in an increase in PR-positive mammary epithelial cells and decreased proliferation after exposure to steroid hormones. There was also increased co-localization of PR and bromodeoxyuridine, suggesting alterations in patterning events important for normal lobuloalveolar development.
The effect of the stromal component of breast tumours on prediction of clinical outcome using gene expression microarray analysis
Authors: Cleator Susan J , Powles Trevor J , Dexter Tim , Fulford Laura , Mackay Alan , Smith Ian E , Valgeirsson Haukur , Ashworth Alan , Dowsett Mitch 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Introduction
The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the cellular composition of biopsies on the error rates of multigene predictors of response of breast tumours to neoadjuvant adriamycin and cyclophosphamide (AC) chemotherapy.

Materials and methods
Core biopsies were taken from primary breast tumours of 43 patients prior to AC, and subsequent clinical response was recorded. Post-chemotherapy (day 21) samples were available for 16 of these samples. Frozen sections of each core were used to estimate the proportion of invasive cancer and other tissue components at three levels. Transcriptional profiling was performed using a cDNA array containing 4,600 elements.

Results
Twenty-three (53%) patients demonstrated a 'good' and 20 (47%) a 'poor' clinical response. The percentage invasive tumour in core biopsies collected from these patients varied markedly. Despite this, agglomerative clustering of sample expression profiles showed that almost all biopsies from the same tumour aggregated as nearest neighbours. SAM (significance analysis of microarrays) regression analysis identified 144 genes which distinguished high- and low-percentage invasive tumour biopsies at a false discovery rate of not more than 5%. The misclassification error of prediction of clinical response using microarray data from pre-treatment biopsies (on leave-one-out cross-validation) was 28%. When prediction was performed on subsets of samples which were more homogeneous in their proportions of malignant and stromal cells, the misclassification error was considerably lower (8%–13%, p < 0.05 on permutation).

Conclusion
The non-tumour content of breast cancer samples has a significant effect on gene expression profiles. Consideration of this factor improves accuracy of response prediction by expression array profiling. Future gene expression array prediction studies should be planned taking this into account.
Evaluation of Ki-67 proliferation and apoptotic index before, during and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for primary breast cancer
Authors: Burcombe Russell , Wilson George D , Dowsett Mitch , Khan Ifty , Richman Paul I , Daley Frances , Detre Simone , Makris Andreas 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Introduction
Biological markers that reliably predict clinical or pathological response to primary systemic therapy early during a course of chemotherapy may have considerable clinical potential. This study evaluated changes in Ki-67 labeling index and apoptotic index (AI) before, during, and after neoadjuvant anthracycline chemotherapy.

Methods
Twenty-seven patients receiving neoadjuvant FEC (5-fluorouracil, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide) chemotherapy for operable breast cancer underwent repeat core biopsy after 21 days of treatment. Tissue from pre-treatment biopsy, day 21 and surgery was analysed for Ki-67 index and AI.

Results
The objective clinical response rate was 56%. Eight patients (31%) achieved a pathological response by histological criteria; two patients had a near-complete pathological response. A reduction in Ki-67 index was observed in 68% of patients at day 21 and 72% at surgery; Ki-67 index increased between day 21 and surgery in 54%. AI decreased in 50% of tumours by day 21, increased in 45% and was unchanged in one patient; 56% demonstrated rebound increases in AI by the time of surgery. Neither pre-treatment nor post-chemotherapy median Ki-67 index nor median AI at all three time points or relative changes at day 21 and surgery differed significantly between clinical or pathological responders and non-responders. Clinical responders had lower median Ki-67 indices at day 21 (11.4% versus 27.0%, p = 0.02) and significantly greater percentage reductions in Ki-67 at day 21 than did non-responders (-50.6% versus -5.3%, p = 0.04). The median day-21 Ki-67 was higher in pathological responders (30.3% versus 14.1%, p = 0.046). A trend toward increased AI at day 21 in pathological responders was observed (5.30 versus 1.68, p = 0.12). Increased day-21 AI was a statistically significant predictor of pathological response (p = 0.049). A strong trend for predicting pathological response was seen with higher Ki-67 indices at day 21 and AI at surgery (p = 0.06 and 0.06, respectively).

Conclusion
The clinical utility of early changes in biological marker expression during chemotherapy remains unclear. Until further prospectively validated evidence confirming the reliability of predictive markers is available, clinical decision-making should not be based upon individual biological tumour marker profiles.
Comparison of Clinical, Ultrasonographic, and Biochemical Differences at the Beginning of Puberty in Healthy Girls Born Either Small for Gestational Age or Appropriate for Gestational Age: Preliminary Results
Authors: Hernández M. I. , Martínez A. , Capurro T. , Peña V. , Trejo L. , Avila A. , Salazar T. , Asenjo S. , Iñiguez G. , Mericq V. 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Context: There are limited and controversial data concerning puberty characteristics in girls born small for gestational age (SGA).
Objective: The objective of the study was to document clinical, ultrasonographic, and biochemical characteristics at the beginning of puberty in matched healthy girls born either SGA or appropriate for gestational age (AGA) recruited from the community.
Patients: Inclusion criteria were breast Tanner stage II and a body mass index between the 10th and 95th percentiles.
Interventions: Recruited subjects underwent a complete physical exam, bone age, and ultrasound measurements of the internal genitalia. Hormonal assessment included fasting early morning dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, androstenedione, SHBG, inhibin-B, FSH, LH, estradiol (E2), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OH Prog), and testosterone. Thereafter, a GnRH agonist test (leuprolide 500 μg, sc) was performed with FSH and LH at time 3 and 24 h for E2, 17OH Prog, and testosterone.
Results: Sixty-five girls (35 AGA, 30 SGA) with a mean age of 9.9 ± 1.03 (7.8–12.5) yr, similar bone age/chronological age (1.02 ± 0.8 in AGA and 1 ± 0.76 in SGA), median height of 1.35 ± 0.06 cm, and similar waist to hip ratio were included. No differences in the presence of pubic hair, axillary hair, apocrine odor, or ultrasound measurements were found. SGA girls had increased baseline E2 as well as stimulated E2 and 17OH Prog.
Conclusions: In a preliminary sample of lean, healthy girls recruited from the community born either SGA or AGA, we observed slight hormonal differences at the beginning of puberty. Longitudinal follow-up of this cohort will allow us to understand whether these differences are maintained and have a clinical impact in their pubertal development.
The Val279Phe Variant of the Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 Gene Is Associated with Catalytic Activities and Cardiovascular Disease in Korean Men
Authors: Jang Yangsoo , Kim Oh Yoen , Koh Soo Jeong , Chae Jey Sook , Ko Young Guk , Kim Ji Young , Cho Hongkeun , Jeong Tae-Sook , Lee Woo Song , Ordovas Jose M. , Lee Jong Ho 
Published: June 2006

AbstractContext and Objective: It is unclear whether lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) exerts a pro- or antiatherogenic effect on cardiovascular disease (CVD). We investigated the association between Lp-PLA2 variant (V279F and A379V) and CVD in Korean men.Design: CVD patients (n = 532) and healthy controls (n = 670) were genotyped for the Lp-PLA2 polymorphism (V279F and A379V).Main Outcome Measures: We calculated odds ratio (OR) on CVD risk and measured anthropometries, lipid profiles, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size, oxidized LDL, lipid peroxides, and Lp-PLA2 activity.Results: The presence of the 279F allele was associated with a lower risk of CVD [OR 0.646 (95% confidence interval 0.490–0.850), P = 0.002], and the association still remained after adjustments for age, body mass index, waist circumference, waist to hip ratio, cigarette smoking, and alcohol consumption [OR 0.683 (95% confidence interval 0.512–0.911), P = 0.009]. Lp-PLA2 activity was lower in CVD patients taking a lipid-lowering drug (31%), those not taking a lipid-lowering drug (26%), and control subjects (23%) with the V/F genotype, compared with those with the V/V genotype. Subjects with the F/F genotype in controls and two CVD patients groups showed no appreciable enzymatic activity. Control subjects with the V/F genotype had larger LDL particle size than those with the V/V genotype. In addition, control subjects carrying the F allele showed lower malondialdehyde concentrations. On the other hand, we found no significant relationship between A379V genotype and CVD risk.Conclusions: The association of the F279 loss of function variant with the reduced risk of CVD supports the concept that Lp-PLA2 plays a proatherogenic and causative role in CVD.
Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Concentrations in Lean and Overweight Children and Adolescents
Authors: El-Gharbawy Areeg H. , Adler-Wailes Diane C. , Mirch Margaret C. , Theim Kelly R. , Ranzenhofer Lisa , Tanofsky-Kraff Marian , Yanovski Jack A. 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Context: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor appear to be important components of the leptin-signaling cascade involved in energy homeostasis, and mice with BDNF or TrkB gene haploinsufficiency have excessive adiposity. Little is known about the relationship between adiposity and BDNF, particularly in children.
Objective: The objective of the study was to study the association of serum BDNF with measures of adiposity in children.
Design/Setting/Patients: BDNF was determined by a sandwich-type ELISA after an overnight fast in convenience sample of 328 subjects, aged 3–19 yr enriched for extreme obesity. In 43, BDNF was also measured before, and again 1 h after, consuming a high-energy content (787 kcal) milkshake.
Main Outcome Measures: Measures included associations between BDNF and measures of adiposity.
Results: There were no significant univariate associations between log BDNF and adiposity measured by body mass index (BMI), BMI-Z score, or fat mass. However, in an analysis of covariance accounting for age, sex, race, pubertal status, and platelet count, BDNF was lower in overweight children (mean ± sd, 39.8 ± 24.8 vs. 47.0 ± 25.4 ng/dl, P = 0.03); in multiple regression analyses with log BDNF as the dependent variable, BMI (P = 0.03), BMI-Z (P = 0.01), and body fat (P &lt; 0.02) were all negatively associated with BDNF once age, pubertal status, and platelet count were included in the model. Ingestion of a meal did not significantly alter serum BDNF 1 h later (P = 0.26).
Conclusions: Serum BDNF is lower in extremely overweight children and adolescents than those of normal weight. It remains to be determined whether obese individuals with low serum BDNF for age and platelet count have mutations that alter BDNF function.
Comprehensive Mutation Scanning of NF1 in Apparently Sporadic Cases of Pheochromocytoma
Authors: Bausch Birke , Koschker Ann-Cathrin , Fassnacht Martin , Stoevesandt Johanna , Hoffmann Michael M. , Eng Charis , Allolio Bruno , Neumann Hartmut P. H. 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Background: Pheochromocytoma is a rare manifestation in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF 1). The 57-exon susceptibility gene NF1 has so far not been systematically scanned for unexpected germline mutations in individuals with sporadic pheochromocytoma.
Methods: Twenty-seven patients with bilateral adrenal and/or extraadrenal abdominal pheochromocytoma not carrying germline mutations of the genes VHL, RET, SDHB, and SDHD were selected from the European-American pheochromocytoma registry. All 57 exons and flanking intronic regions of the NF1 gene were PCR amplified using newly designed primer pairs to exclude the amplification of pseudogenes. Intragenic mutation scanning was performed using denaturing HPLC and bidirectional direct sequencing.
Results: Of the 27 apparently sporadic cases, one (4%) was found to have a pathogenic germline NF1 mutation, Leu303Arg. Clinical reevaluation of this individual, who had bilateral pheochromocytoma, revealed classic, but very mild, features of NF 1, one cutaneous neurofibroma, axillary freckling, and Lisch nodules of the iris as well as a few café-au-lait spots.
Conclusions: In the absence of germline mutations in VHL, RET, SDHD, and SDHB, patients with pheochromocytoma, especially with bilateral disease, should be checked thoroughly for clinical lesions suggestive of underlying syndromes such as the cutaneous and ophthalmological features characteristic of NF 1.
Estimation of Reactivity by Correlation Analyses Using Ωs and ΔχB as Substituent Parameters
Authors: Isizawa Jun-ichi , Sakakibara Kazuhisa , Hirota Minoru 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
The ΔχB constant, defined as the difference of Bratsch’s electronegativity of a substituent group from that of CH3, was shown to serve as a versatile polar substituent constant in the multiple regression analysis using Ωs as the steric constant. Reactivities, which are usually expressed by the rate constants (k) and/or biological activities, could be expressed well in the form of a correlation equation using the steric (Ωs) and electronic (ΔχB: Bratsch’s group electronegativity) substituent parameters. As both parameters for any substituents can be obtained easily by calculations, the substituent effect on any reaction can be evaluated easily with good reliability. The correlation analyses among the Ωs, ΔχB, and the well-known Taft’s Es steric parameters showed that it must be reasonable to think that the Es parameters for the substituents containing hetero-atoms had an electronic nature to some extent as well as the steric effect.