bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of copper and thiomolybdates on bovine theca cell differentiation in vitro
Authors: Kendall N R , Marsters P , Guo L , Scaramuzzi R J , Campbell B K 
Published: May 2006

Subfertility that will respond to appropriate copper supplementation is a widespread problem in the national dairy herd. The aims of this study were to determine the effect of copper and/or copper chelating thiomolybdates on LH-induced differentiation by looking at the effects on androgen production, steroidogenic enzymes (cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase and cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage) and lysyl oxidase mRNA expression in cultured theca cells maintained under serum-free conditions.
The effect of thiomolybdates and copper on LH differentiation was investigated by supplementing (ammonium) tetrathiomolybdate to optimum theca cell culture media at 0–100 μg/ml, copper (chloride) at equimolar concentrations (0–51.6 μg/ml) or equimolar combinations of both media. Lysyl oxidase mRNA expression was investigated with semi-quantitative RT-PCR, whilst expression of cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase and cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage mRNA was examined using real time PCR. Both PCRs used bovine specific primers and cell lysates obtained from bovine theca cells cultured for 6 days and in the presence or absence of the 100 μg/ml dose of thiomolybdate and equimolar copper thiomolybdate.
Thiomolybdate depressed androstenedione production in a dose-dependent manner at doses greater than 1 μg/ml at 96 h (P<0.05); doses above 20 μg/ml were all greatly reduced at all time points and at 192 h when related to numbers of cells (P<0.001). Copper alone had no effect at physiological doses, but the use of the equimolar copper thiomolybdate reversed the effect of tetrathiomolybdates on androstenedione production at the 20 μg/ml dose. Thiomolybdate supplementation, with and without copper, had no significant effect on the level of lysyl oxidase or cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage expression. However, cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase expression was significantly increased (P<0.05) by tetrathiomolybdate, possibly due to a local regulatory system.
In conclusion, these results demonstrate that thiomolybdates can prevent LH-induced differentiation of bovine theca cells in vitro and that these effects can be ameliorated by copper supplementation. Our results also indicate that it is unlikely that the effects of thiomolybdate are mediated at the transcriptional level and further work is required to determine if thiomolybdate exerts its effects through post-translation processing or some other unrelated mechanism. Overall, these data support the hypothesis that copper responsive subfertility results from perturbation of the normal pattern of ovarian steroidogenesis.
Resistin regulates human choriocarcinoma cell invasive behaviour and endothelial cell angiogenic processes
Authors: Di Simone Nicoletta , Di Nicuolo Fiorella , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Castellani Roberta , D’Asta Marco , Caforio Leonardo , Caruso Alessandro 
Published: May 2006

Resistin is a novel hormone that is secreted by human adipocytes and mononuclear cells and is probably associated with insulin resistance. Recently, resistin has been postulated to play a role in pregnancy, and resistin gene expression has been observed in placental tissues. However, it is still not known if resistin is able to affect trophoblast functions and development. Therefore, we investigated the hypothesis that resistin might regulate trophoblast production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), trophoblast invasive behavior and the angiogenic processes.
In human choriocarcinoma cells (BeWo), resistin (10–100 ng/ml) enhanced both MMP-2 protein and mRNA expression, significantly reduced TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 and increased trophoblast-like cell invasiveness.
We analyzed the effect of resistin on an in vitro angiogenesis system for endothelial cells (HUVEC) and we evaluated its ability to modulate the secretion of an angiogenic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Our data showed that resistin induced VEGF production and we observed that the addition of resistin stimulated endothelial cell tube formation.
These findings suggest that resistin might be able to induce BeWo cell invasiveness and to contribute to the control of placental vascular development.
Identification of new gonadotrophin-releasing hormone partial agonists
Authors: Leaños-Miranda Alfredo , Ulloa-Aguirre Alfredo , Cervini Laura A , Janovick Jo Ann , Rivier Jean , Conn P Michael 
Published: May 2006

GnRH agonists or antagonists are currently utilized as therapeutic agents in a number of diseases. A side-effect of prolonged treatment with GnRH analogues is hypoestrogenism. In this study, we tested the in vitro potency of different GnRH analogues originally found to be partial agonists (i.e. analogues with decreased efficacy for activating or stimulating their cognate receptor) as well as novel analogues, to identify compounds that might potentially be useful for partial blockade of gonadotrophin release. Cultured COS-7 cells transiently expressing the rat or human GnRH receptor (GnRHR) were exposed to increasing concentrations (10−8 to 10−5 M) of GnRH analogues (c(4–10)[Asp4,DNal6,Dpr10]-GnRH; c(4–10) [Dpr4,DNal6,Asp10]-GnRH; c(4–10)[Cys4,10,DNal6]-GnRH; c[Eaca1,DNal6]-GnRH; c[Gly1,DNal6]-GnRH; c[βAla1,DTrp6]-GnRH; c[Dava1,DNal6]-GnRH; c[Gaba1, DNal6]-GnRH), and the ability of these analogues to provoke or antagonize GnRH-stimulated inositol phosphate production was assessed.
With both human and rat GnRHRs, c[Eaca1,DNal6]-GnRH, c[Gly1,DNal6]-GnRH, c[βAla1,DTrp6]-GnRH and c[Dava1,DNal6]-GnRH exhibited partial agonist activity (35–87% of the maximal efficacy shown by 10−6 M GnRH), whereas c[Gaba1,DNal6]-GnRH behaved as a partial agonist with the human GnRHR and as full agonist with the rat GnRHR. c(4–10)[Asp4, DNal6,Dpr10]-GnRH and c(4–10)[Dpr4,DNal6,Asp10]-GnRH exhibited full antagonist activity with both GnRHRs, and c(4–10) [Cys4,10,DNal6]-GnRH was a weak, partial agonist with the human GnRHR and a full antagonist with the rat GnRHR. With the exception of c[Gaba1,DNal6]-GnRH stimulation of the human GnRHR, and c[Dava1,DNal6]-GnRH and c[Gaba1, DNal6]-GnRH stimulation of the rat GnRHR, all partial agonists also exhibited antagonist activity in the presence of the exogenous full agonist.
The results demonstrate that structurally similar analogues display variable potencies and efficacies in vitro for a specific GnRHR as well as for the human versus the rat GnRHR. Their ultimate in vivo usefulness to treat clinical conditions in which complete suppression of gonadotroph activity is not required remains to be investigated.
An Open, Randomized, Parallel-Group Study to Compare the Efficacy and Safety Profile of Inhaled Human Insulin (Exubera) With Metformin as Adjunctive Therapy in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Poorly Controlled on a Sulfonylurea
Authors: Barnett Anthony H. , Dreyer Manfred , Lange Peter , Serdarevic-Pehar Marjana ,   on behalf of the Exubera Phase III Study Group
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE—To compare the efficacy and safety profile of adding inhaled human insulin (INH; Exubera) or metformin to sulfonylurea monotherapy in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We performed an open-label, parallel, 24-week, multicenter trial. At week −1, patients uncontrolled on sulfonylurea monotherapy were divided into two HbA1c (A1C) arms: ≥8 to ≤9.5% (moderately high) and &gt;9.5 to ≤12% (very high). Patients were randomized to adjunctive premeal INH (n = 225) or metformin (n = 202). The primary efficacy end point was change in A1C from baseline.
RESULTS—In the A1C &gt;9.5% arm, INH demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in A1C than metformin. Mean adjusted changes from baseline were −2.17 and −1.79%, respectively; between-treatment difference was −0.38% (95% CI −0.63 to −0.14, P = 0.002). In the A1C ≤9.5% arm, mean adjusted A1C changes were −1.94 and −1.87%, respectively (−0.07% [−0.33 to 0.19], P = 0.610), consistent with the noninferiority criterion. Hypoglycemia (events/subject-month) was greater in the INH (0.33) than in the metformin (0.15) group (risk ratio 2.16 [95% CI 1.67–2.78]), but there were no associated discontinuations. Other adverse events, except increased cough in the INH group, were similar. At week 24, changes in pulmonary function parameters were small and comparable between groups. Insulin antibody binding increased more with INH but did not have any associated clinical manifestations.
CONCLUSIONS—In patients with type 2 diabetes poorly controlled on a sulfonylurea (A1C &gt;9.5%), the addition of premeal INH significantly improves glycemic control compared with adjunctive metformin and is well tolerated.
Induction of interferon‐α by immune complexes or liposomes containing systemic lupus erythematosus autoantigen– and Sjögren's syndrome autoantigen–associated RNA
Authors: Lövgren Tanja , Eloranta Maija‐Leena , Kastner Berthold , Wahren‐Herlenius Marie , Alm Gunnar V. , Rönnblom Lars 
Published: May 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the ability of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) autoantigen– and Sjögren's syndrome (SS) autoantigen–associated U1 small nuclear RNA (U1 snRNA) and hY1RNA to induce interferon‐α (IFNα) production.MethodsIn vitro–transcribed U1 snRNA or hY1RNA and lipofectin were added to peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) cultures. Purified U1 snRNP particles and IgG from SLE patients (SLE‐IgG) were added to cultures of PBMCs, enriched monocytes, or natural interferon–producing cells (NIPCs); the latter are also known as plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC). Cells were double‐stained for IFNα and either blood dendritic cell antigen 2 (NIPCs/pDC) or CD14 (monocytes) and then analyzed by flow cytometry. In some experiments, RNase or inhibitors of Fcγ receptor IIa (FcγRIIa) (specific antibodies), endocytosis (chloroquine, bafilomycin A), or Toll‐like receptors (TLRs; oligodeoxynucleotide 2088) were used. The produced IFNα was measured by immunoassay.ResultsLipofected U1 snRNA and hY1RNA both induced IFNα production in monocytes, but not in NIPC/pDC. In contrast, U1 snRNP combined with SLE‐IgG induced IFNα production only in NIPCs/pDC, and this response was decreased by RNase treatment or inhibition of the FcγRIIa, the endocytosis pathways, or the TLRs.ConclusionOur finding that U1 snRNA and hY1RNA have IFNα‐inducing capacity indicates that immune complexes containing such RNA, for example U1 snRNP particles, can be at least partly responsible for the ongoing IFNα production seen in SLE and SS. These results may help to explain the molecular mechanisms behind the pathogenesis of these and other autoimmune diseases in which autoantibodies to RNA‐ binding proteins occur.
Identification of synovial biomarkers of response to experimental treatment in early‐phase clinical trials in spondylarthritis
Authors: Kruithof Elli , De Rycke Leen , Vandooren Bernard , De Keyser Filip , FitzGerald Oliver , McInnes Iain , Tak Paul P. , Bresnihan Barry , Veys Eric M. , Baeten Dominique ,   OMERACT Special Interest Group on Synovial Analysis in Clinical Trials
Published: May 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo identify biomarkers for effective treatment in early‐phase clinical trials of spondylarthritis (SpA), by analyzing which synovial features can be reliably identified in patients with SpA.MethodsSynovial biopsies were performed at weeks 0 and 12 in 20 SpA patients treated with infliximab, 20 treated with etanercept, and 12 who were not treated. Primary clinical outcome measures were patient and physician global assessment of disease activity. Extensive histologic evaluation included assessment of lining layer hyperplasia, vascularity, markers of cellular infiltration, and metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the lining and sublining layers.ResultsChanges in levels of CD163 (resident tissue macrophages) in the lining, and CD163, MMP‐3, and myeloid‐related protein 14 (MRP‐14; infiltrating myeloid cells) in the sublining correlated significantly with changes in the primary clinical outcomes. Comparison between responders (n = 35) and nonresponders (n = 17) showed differences in the degree of change in the levels of CD163 in the lining and CD163, MMP‐3, and CD3 in the sublining, whereas trends in change in the levels of MRP‐8 and MRP‐14 in the lining and sublining were similar in the 2 groups. Accordingly, the highest differences in standardized response means (SRMs) between the 2 groups were found for CD163 in the lining, MMP‐3, CD163, CD3, and MRP‐8 in the sublining, and the level of polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs). When comparing treated and untreated patients, high differences in SRMs were again found for CD163 in the lining, MMP‐3, CD163, and MRP‐8 in the sublining, and PMNs. These parameters performed prognostically as well as the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and better than the C‐reactive protein level. Class prediction analysis yielded a 90% correct prediction using 8 synovial parameters, as follows: lining and sublining CD163, MRP‐8, and MRP‐14, sublining MMP‐3, and PMNs. In validation analyses with independent samples, effective treatment was correctly predicted in 24 of 30 SpA patients and in 2 of 2 placebo‐treated patients.ConclusionChanges in synovial macrophage subsets, PMN levels, and MMP‐3 expression reflect response to treatment in SpA. The ability of these parameters to correctly identify effective therapy makes them interesting biomarkers for use in early‐phase clinical trials in SpA.
Intravenous ibandronate injections in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: One‐year results from the dosing intravenous administration study
Authors: Delmas Pierre D. , Adami Silvano , Strugala Cezary , Stakkestad Jacob A. , Reginster Jean‐Yves , Felsenberg Dieter , Christiansen Claus , Civitelli Roberto , Drezner Marc K. , Recker Robert R. , Bolognese Michael , Hughes Claire , Masanauskaite Daiva , Ward Penelope , Sambrook Philip , Reid David M. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractObjectiveAlthough oral bisphosphonates are effective treatments for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, oral dosing may be unsuitable for some patients. An efficacious intravenously administered bisphosphonate could be beneficial for such patients. Ibandronate, a potent nitrogen‐containing bisphosphonate, can be administered using extended dosing intervals, either orally or by rapid intravenous injection. The aim of this study was to identify the optimal intravenous dosing regimen for ibandronate in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.MethodsIn a randomized, double‐blind, double‐dummy, phase III, noninferiority study, we compared 2 regimens of intermittent intravenous injections of ibandronate (2 mg every 2 months and 3 mg every 3 months) with a regimen of 2.5 mg of oral ibandronate daily, the latter of which has proven antifracture efficacy. The study group comprised 1,395 women (ages 55–80 years) who were at least 5 years postmenopausal. All patients had osteoporosis (lumbar spine [L2−L4] bone mineral density [BMD] T score less than −2.5). Participants also received daily calcium (500 mg) and vitamin D (400 IU). The primary end point was change from baseline in lumbar spine BMD at 1 year. Changes in hip BMD and in the level of serum C‐telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) were also measured, as were safety and tolerability.ResultsAt 1 year, mean lumbar spine BMD increases were as follows: 5.1% among 353 patients receiving 2 mg of ibandronate every 2 months, 4.8% among 365 patients receiving 3 mg of ibandronate every 3 months, and 3.8% among 377 patients receiving 2.5 mg of oral ibandronate daily. Both of the intravenous regimens not only were noninferior, but also were superior (P < 0.001) to the oral regimen. Hip BMD increases (at all sites) were also greater in the groups receiving medication intravenously than in the group receiving ibandronate orally. Robust decreases in the serum CTX level were observed in all arms of the study. Both of the intravenous regimens were well tolerated and did not compromise renal function.ConclusionAs assessed by BMD, intravenous injections of ibandronate (2 mg every 2 months or 3 mg every 3 months) are at least as effective as the regimen of 2.5 mg orally daily, which has proven antifracture efficacy, and are well tolerated.
Scientific research activity and communication measured with cybermetrics indicators
Authors: Aguillo Isidro F. , Granadino Begoña , Ortega José L. , Prieto José A. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractTo test feasibility of cybermetric indicators for describing and ranking university activities as shown in their Web sites, a large set of 9,330 institutions worldwide was compiled and analyzed. Using search engines' advanced features, size (number of pages), visibility (number of external inlinks), and number of rich files (pdf, ps, doc, ppt, and xls formats) were obtained for each of the institutional domains of the universities. We found a statistically significant correlation between a Web ranking built on a combination of Webometric data and other university rankings based on bibliometric and other indicators. Results show that cybermetric measures could be useful for reflecting the contribution of technologically oriented institutions, increasing the visibility of developing countries, and improving the rankings based on Science Citation Index (SCI) data with known biases.
Estimation of strength in different extra Watson–Crick hydrogen bonds in DNA double helices through quantum chemical studies
Authors: Bandyopadhyay D. , Bhattacharyya D. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractIt was shown earlier, from database analysis, model building studies, and molecular dynamics simulations that formation of cross‐strand bifurcated or Extra Watson–Crick hydrogen (EWC) bonds between successive base pairs may lead to extra rigidity to DNA double helices of certain sequences. The strengths of these hydrogen bonds are debatable, however, as they do not have standard linear geometry criterion. We have therefore carried out detailed ab initio quantum chemical studies using RHF/6‐31G(2d,2p) and B3LYP/6‐31G(2p,2d) basis sets to determine strengths of several bent hydrogen bonds with different donor and acceptors. Interaction energy calculations, corrected for the basis set superposition errors, suggest that N—H···O type bent EWC hydrogen bonds are possible along same strands or across the strands between successive base pairs, leading to significant stability (ca. 4–9 kcal/mol). The N—H···N and C—H···O type interactions, however, are not so stabilizing. Hence, consideration of EWC N—H···O H‐bonds can lead to a better understanding of DNA sequence directed structural features. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 83:313–325, 2006This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Simplified estimation method of the largest eigenvalue distribution in Nakagami–Rice MIMO channel
Authors: Tsuruta Makoto , Karasawa Yoshio 
Published: May 2006

AbstractIn this paper, we propose a simple method for accurately calculating the probability distribution of the largest eigenvalue of the correlation matrix of a MIMO propagation channel in a Nakagami–Rice fading environment including direct signals. The results determined by the proposed approximation method were compared to the results of a computer simulation and exhibited accurate matches. We discuss the channel capacity in a Nakagami–Rice fading environment. In this environment, the largest eigenvalue clearly dominates, and maximum ratio combining transfers are clearly useful. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 89(11): 68–77, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.20210
Tiny GPS receiver for space application
Authors: Saito Hirobumi , Hamada Yusuke , Shinkai Kenji , Sasaki Hiroyuki , Kuroki Seiji 
Published: May 2006

AbstractGPS receivers used in car navigation and other applications have been downsized to dozens of grams, with significant gains in power conservation. With the assistance of a vehicle GPS manufacturer, a vehicle GPS receiver has been modified and a space application GPS receiver with ultralow power consumption that generates pseudo‐range data has been developed. We expanded the frequency search range for the GPS receiver, and we conducted on‐orbit simulations using a GPS simulator and confirmed that the positioning accuracy performance of the receiver is less than 1 m. It has also been confirmed that the receiver has a 20‐krad radiation tolerance and that it is latch‐up‐free with respect to 200‐MeV protons. The GPS receiver will be deployed on the small scientific satellite INDEX which is under development by the Aerospace Science Research Department of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 89(11): 56–67, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.20234
An array antenna assisted digital terrestrial television broadcasting receiver with vehicle speed estimation and Doppler spread compensation
Authors: Nagai Norikazu , Takayanagi Hideaki , Saito Masato , Okada Minoru , Yamamoto Heiichi 
Published: May 2006

AbstractFor digital terrestrial broadcasting, OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) is used as the transmission system. While OFDM is robust to frequency‐selective fading due to delayed waves in a multipath environment, it is not resistant to Doppler spread for reception during movement. When the digital terrestrial broadcast is received while a vehicle is in motion, this weakness is a serious problem. The present authors have proposed a method for correcting Doppler spread by effectively canceling the motion of the moving body based on an array antenna to estimate the received signal at a point stationary to the ground. In the present paper, an algorithm is developed for estimating, from the received signal, the speed of movement of the vehicle, which was considered known in the previous method. A digital terrestrial broadcasting receiver is proposed for compensating the Doppler spread by estimating the speed of movement of the vehicle. By computer simulation, it is shown that the proposed algorithm can accurately estimate the speed of movement and that the bit error rate of reception of digital terrestrial broadcasts while in motion can be significantly improved. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 89(11): 46–55, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.20260
A distributed queue layered network suppressing slot discarding
Authors: Enzaki Takeshi , Ata Shingo , Oka Ikuo , Fujiwara Chikato 
Published: May 2006

AbstractIn this paper, a layered network that interconnects a distributed queue subnetwork with another distributed queue bridge network is considered. As slot control scheme in this network, a loopback retransmission scheme preventing slot discarding and an adaptive node load control function are proposed. In the communication within the subnetwork, no transmitted slot is discarded during processing. However, it is necessary to consider protection against discarding due to buffer overflow in the bridge of the distributed queue bridge network interconnecting the subnetworks. In order to prevent reduction of slot use efficiency caused by discarding in the bridge, it is desirable to eliminate discarding. Also, in order to prevent discarding of slots arriving at the bridge from the subnetworks, slot transmission at each node must be controlled. In this paper, in order to prevent slot discarding caused by buffer overflow of the bridge, a method is proposed for loopback retransmission of the slot on the bridge network or subnetwork. It is shown that discarding can be eliminated. Also, the effectiveness of the method is confirmed by computer simulation. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 89(11): 35–45, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.20267