bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on Hepatic Lipid Metabolism Parameters and Lipogenic Gene mRNA Expression in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Tang Xue , Ma Haitian , Zou Sixiang , Chen Weihua 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to identify the effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on hepatic lipid metabolism parameters and lipogenic gene mRNA expression in broiler chickens. A total of 72 1‐day‐old broiler chicks received a common basal diet with DHEA added at either 0 (control), 5 or 20 mg/kg feed. In the present study, the hepatic triglyceride (TG) concentration was significantly lower in male and female broilers that had bed administered DHEA than in control birds. In contrast, DHEA administration caused a marked rise in the hepatic non‐esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentration in both male and female broilers and also increased lipase (HL) activity in male broilers, while in female birds, no significant differences were observed in HL activity. The expression of peroxisome proliferators‐activated receptor α (PPARα) and carnitine palmitoyl transferase I (CPTI) mRNA was decidedly enhanced following treatment with DHEA, and a similar tendency was also observed in the expression of acyl‐Coenzyme A oxidase 1 (ACOX1). However, no significant differences were observed in the expression of either sterol regulatory element binding protein‐1c (SREBP‐1c) or acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC) mRNA, except for a decline in the expression of ACC in females treated with 5 mg DHEA/kg. Numerous peroxisomes without a core and an increased number of peroxisomes were evident during morphological observations of broiler livers, in animals that had been treated with DHEA. Overall, the results of the present study indicated that DHEA accelerated lipid catabolism by direct regulation of hepatic lipid metabolism and by induction of relevant gene expression.
Evidence of a two-fold glacial advance during the last glacial maximum in the Tagliamento end moraine system (eastern Alps)
Authors: Monegato Giovanni , Ravazzi Cesare , Donegana Marta , Pini Roberta , Calderoni Gilberto , Wick Lucia 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe glacial history of the Tagliamento morainic amphitheater (southeastern Alpine foreland, Italy) during the last glacial maximum (LGM) has been reconstructed by means of a geological survey and drillings, radiocarbon dating and pollen analysis in the amphitheater and in the sandur. Two phases of glacial culmination, separated by a distinct recession, are responsible for glacial landforms and related sediments in the outer part of the amphitheater. The age of the younger advance fits the chronology of the culmination of the last glaciation in the Alps, well established between 24 and 21 cal ka BP (20 to 17.514C ka BP), whereas the first pulse between 26.5 and 23 cal ka BP (22 to 2114C ka BP), previously undated, was usually related to older (pre-LGM) glaciations by previous authors. Here, the first pulse is the most extensive LGM culmination, but is often buried by the subsequent pulse. The onset and final recession of the late Würm Alpine glaciation in the Tagliamento amphitheater are synchronous with the established global glacial maximum between 30 and 19 cal ka BP. The two-fold LGM glacial oscillation is interpreted as a millennial-scale modulation within the late Würm glaciation, caused by oscillations in inputs of southerly atmospheric airflows related to Dansgaard–Oeschger cycles. Phases of enhanced southerly circulation promoted increased rainfall and ice accumulation in the southern Alps.
Asymptotic Green's function in homogeneous anisotropic viscoelastic media
Authors: Vavryčuk Václav 
Published: August 2007

An asymptotic Green's function in homogeneous anisotropic viscoelastic media is derived. The Green's function in viscoelastic media is formally similar to that in elastic media, but its computation is more involved. The stationary slowness vector is, in general, complex valued and inhomogeneous. Its computation involves finding two independent real-valued unit vectors which specify the directions of its real and imaginary parts and can be done either by iterations or by solving a system of coupled polynomial equations. When the stationary slowness direction is found, all quantities standing in the Green's function such as the slowness vector, polarization vector, phase and energy velocities and principal curvatures of the slowness surface can readily be calculated.The formulae for the exact and asymptotic Green's functions are numerically checked against closed-form solutions for isotropic and simple anisotropic, elastic and viscoelastic models. The calculations confirm that the formulae and developed numerical codes are correct. The computation of theP-wave Green's function in two realistic materials with a rather strong anisotropy and absorption indicates that the asymptotic Green's function is accurate at distances greater than several wavelengths from the source. The error in the modulus reaches at most 4% at distances greater than 15 wavelengths from the source.
ZSTK474 is an ATP‐competitive inhibitor of class I phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase isoforms
Authors: Kong Dexin , Yamori Takao 
Published: August 2007

Class I phosphatidylinositol 3 kinases (PI3K) phosphorylate phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate to generate phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5‐trisphosphate. These molecules play an important role in fundamental cellular responses. Four isoforms of class I PI3K are known to have different functions, and abnormalities in their activities have been related to various diseases such as cancer and inflammation. We previously identified a novel PI3K inhibitor, ZSTK474, which showed potent antitumor activity in vivo against a human cancer xenograft without observable toxicity. However, the mode of its molecular action was not investigated in detail. Our previous study only suggested that ZSTK474 possibly competes with ATP for the ATP‐binding pocket of PI3Kγ. In the present study, we have used an in vitro homogenous time‐resolved fluorescence kinase assay to examine whether ZSTK474 is indeed an ATP‐competing inhibitor of PI3K, and also to determine whether the inhibitory activity of ZSTK474 was isoform‐specific. Lineweaver–Burk plot analysis revealed that ZSTK474 inhibits all four PI3K isoforms in an ATP‐competitive manner. Among all of the PI3K isoforms, PI3Kδ was inhibited most potently by ZSTK474 with a Ki of 1.8 nM, and the other isoforms were inhibited at higher doses. We have also used a kinase activity ELISA to determine whether ZSTK474 inhibits mammalian target of rapamycin, a key kinase acting downstream of PI3K to promote protein synthesis and cell proliferation. Even at a concentration of 100 µM, ZSTK474 inhibited mammalian target of rapamycin activity rather weakly. These results indicate that ZSTK474 is an ATP‐competitive pan‐class I PI3K inhibitor. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 1638–1642)
Adverse Effects of Alcohol in Pregnancy
Authors: Barrison I. G. , Waterson E. J. , Murray‐Lyon Iain M. 
Published: August 2007

SummaryAlcohol consumption in pregnancy can produce a spectrum of abnormalities in the developing foetus, ranging from minor retardation of growth to the fully developed ‘foetal alcohol syndrome’. This syndrome comprises a constellation of physical and mental defects associated with a charateristic facial appearance that is found in children: born to chronic alcoholic women. Although it was thought to be extremely rare in the U.K., several case studies have recently appeared in the literature, and its incidence is probably increasing. In moderately drinking pregnant women increased rates of spontaneous abortion, stillbirth and congenital malformation as well as growth retardation have been reported, though some of these findings await confurmation. It is likely also that certain behavioural abnormalities are consequent on maternal alcohol intake. The major U.K. finding so far is that consumption of more than 100g alcohol per week in the early stages of pregnancy is associated with reduced birth weight. There is no doubt that alcohol is teratogenic in laboratory animals and that the effects are dose‐related. In humans the threshold dose necessary to produce damage to the foetus and the time in pregnancy that alcohol is particularly likely to have deleterious effects have not yet been established. In the present state of knowledge there are difficulties in recommending safe limits. It is obvious that abstinence before and during pregancy is the safest course, but one drink a day is unlikely to be harmful. Greater efforts are needed to educate women about the dangers of alcohol consumption in pregnancy.
The Costs of Alcohol Misuse
Authors: McDonnell Rebecca , Maynard Alan 
Published: August 2007

SummaryThe misuse of alcohol imposes costs on society in a variety of ways. This paper presents a conservative estimate of the total resource cost of alcohol misuse in England and Wales concentrating on four major areas: the costs to industry and the National Health Service, material damage costs and the costs of criminal activity. It is estimated the social cost of alcohol misuse is in excess of £1500 million (1983 prices). Much research needs to be undertaken to improve the poor epidemiological bases on which these estimates depend.
Patterns of Outcome: Drinking Histories over Ten Years Among a Group of Alcoholics
Authors: Taylor Colin , Brown David , Duckitt Anita , Edwards Griffith , Oppenheimer Edna , Sheehan Margaret 
Published: August 2007

SummaryIn a long‐term follow‐up study extending over 10 years of a cohort of 99 male alcoholics, interviews were achieved with 68 of them. Data obtained by personal recall are presented to illustrate the pattern of the men's drinking over the follow‐up period. The changes over time and the difference between individuals are discussed.
Metabolic Bone Disease and Fractures in Male Alcoholics: A Pilot Study
Authors: Wilkinson Greg , Cundy T. , Parsons V. , Lawson‐Matthew P. 
Published: August 2007

SummaryIn a pilot study, the prevalence of metabolic bone disease was found to be low in male alcoholics attending an alcohol problems clinic, and did not appear to account for their high prevalence of fractures. The alcoholics with clinical signs suggestive of neuropathy or liver damage did not have a higher prevalence of metabolic bone disease and fractures than those without such signs. However, future research on this topic will have to be based on methods of greater reliability and validity
Pulmonary Candidiasis in a Heroin Addict: Some Remarks on its Aetiology and Pathogenesis
Authors: Lazzarin Adriano , Uberti‐Foppa Caterina , Galli Massimo , Crocchiolo Paolo , Moroni Mauro 
Published: August 2007

SummaryWe describe a case of pulmonary candidiasis in a 26‐year old drug‐addict who had been recently submitted to a porto‐caval by pass operation. This opportunistic infection appeared after an injection of heroin.The same patient was also found to suffer from a severe cellular immune response defect.No opportunistic fungal infections were observed, despite the frequent use of intravenous heroin, in a group of 20 parenteral drug addicts.The latter patients, however, were showing only minor abnormalities of their immunological status.Although in this case the main cause of the disease may have been the injection of heroin contaminated with the infecting organism, other important factors contributing to the development of opportunistic mycoses seem to be a reduced microbicidal capacity of the polymorphonuclear leukocytes and an impaired cell‐mediated immunity.
Variant mannose‐binding lectin 2 genotype is a risk factor for reactive systemic amyloidosis in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Maury C. P. J. , Aittoniemi J. , Tiitinen S. , Laiho K. , Kaarela K. , Hurme M. 
Published: August 2007

Abstract.Objective.  The aim of this study was to investigate whether polymorphism of the mannose‐binding lectin 2 (MBL2) gene is related to the occurrence of systemic AA amyloidosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods.  MBL2 structural gene polymorphisms at codon 52 (CGT→TGT, Arg→Cys; D), codon 54 (GGC→GAC, Gly→Asp; B) and codon 57 (GGA→GAA, Gly→ Glu; C), and MBL2 promoter region polymorphism at position –221 (G→C) were examined in 57 patients with RA complicated by biopsy‐proven reactive amyloidosis and 51 control RA patients without amyloid.Results.  A strong association was found between the presence of a structural MBL2 gene variant O (B, D or C) and the occurrence of amyloidosis in RA patients: 29 of 57 (50.9%) of the RA patients with amyloid had a variant allele compared with 12 of 51 (23.5%) of the RA patients without amyloid (OR 3.37, 95% CI 1.47–7.72; P = 0.004).Conclusion.  We conclude that variant MBL2 structural genotype constitutes a significant risk factor for reactive amyloidosis in RA and that the increased risk is probably related to MBL‐mediated impairment of mononuclear phagocyte function.
Feedback control of glucosamine‐6‐phosphate synthase GlmS expression depends on the small RNA GlmZ and involves the novel protein YhbJ in Escherichia coli
Authors: Kalamorz Falk , Reichenbach Birte , März Walter , Rak Bodo , Görke Boris 
Published: August 2007

SummaryAmino sugars are essential precursor molecules for the biosynthesis of bacterial cell walls. Their synthesis pathway is initiated by glucosamine‐6‐phosphate (GlcN‐6‐P) synthase (GlmS) which catalyses the rate limiting reaction. We report here that expression of the Escherichia coli glmS gene is negatively feedback regulated by its product GlcN‐6‐P at the post‐transcriptional level. Initially, we observed that mutants defective for yhbJ, a gene of the rpoN operon, overproduce GlmS. Concomitantly, a glmS mRNA accumulates that is derived from processing of the primary glmUS transcript at the glmU stop codon by RNase E. A transposon mutagenesis screen in the yhbJ mutant identified the small RNA GlmZ (formerly RyiA or SraJ) to be required for glmS mRNA accumulation. GlmZ, which is normally processed, accumulates in its full‐length form in the yhbJ mutant. In the wild type, a decrease of the intracellular GlcN‐6‐P concentration induces accumulation of the glmS transcript in a GlmZ‐dependent manner. Concomitantly, GlmZ accumulates in its unprocessed form. Hence, we conclude that the biological function of GlmZ is to positively control the glmS mRNA in response to GlcN‐6‐P concentrations and that YhbJ negatively regulates GlmZ. As in yhbJ mutants GlcN‐6‐P has no effect, YhbJ is essential for sensing this metabolite.
The hydroxyproline‐rich glycopeptide systemin precursor NapreproHypSys does not play a central role in Nicotiana attenuata's anti‐herbivore defense responses
Authors: BERGER BEATRICE , BALDWIN IAN T. 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACTTo determine whether the Nicotiana tabacum preproHypSys homolog in Nicotiana attenuata (NapreproHypSys) mediates anti‐herbivore responses, we silenced (IRsys) and ectopically over‐expressed (OVsys) NapreproHypSys in N. attenuata. Neither herbivore simulation nor methyl jasmonate (MeJA) application increased transcripts in wild‐type (WT) or transformed lines. Compared to WT plants, OVsys plants had marginally higher constitutive levels but normally induced levels of trypsin proteinase inhibitors (TPIs) and nicotine; IRsys plants did not differ from WT plants. Herbivory‐associated signalling [salicylic acid‐induced protein kinase (SIPK) activity, jasmonic acid (JA), jasmonic acid‐isoleucine/leucine (JA‐Ile/Leu) and ethylene production or perception] did not differ strongly among the lines, but JA, JA‐Ile/Leu and ethylene were marginally higher in OVsys plants. Manduca sexta larval performance did not differ among the lines, but feeding induced levels of TPI and nicotine in OVsys plants and decreased them in IRsys plants relative to WT. The secondary metabolite profiles of plants transplanted into N. attenuata's native habitat in the Great Basin Desert (UT, USA) mirrored those of glasshouse‐grown plants, and compared to WT plants, OVsys plants suffered marginally less damage from grasshoppers, mirids and flea beetles but did not differ in their ability to attract Geocoris predators. We conclude that NapreproHypSys does not play a central role in anti‐herbivore defense signalling in this native tobacco.
Heat shock factor 1 is a key regulator of the stress response in Chlamydomonas
Authors: Schulz‐Raffelt Miriam , Lodha Mukesh , Schroda Michael 
Published: August 2007

SummaryWe report here on the characterization of heat shock factor 1 (HSF1), encoded by one of two HSF genes identified in the genome of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Chlamydomonas HSF1 shares features characteristic of class A HSFs of higher plants. HSF1 is weakly expressed under non‐stress conditions and rapidly induced by heat shock. Heat shock also resulted in hyperphosphorylation of HSF1, and the extent of phosphorylation correlated with the degree of induction of heat shock genes, suggesting a role for phosphorylation in HSF1 activation. HSF1, like HSFs in yeasts, forms high‐molecular‐weight complexes, presumably trimers, under non‐stress, stress and recovery conditions. Immunoprecipitation of HSF1 under these conditions led to the identification of cytosolic HSP70A as a protein constitutively interacting with HSF1. Strains in which HSF1 was strongly under‐expressed by RNAi were highly sensitive to heat stress. 14C‐labelling of nuclear‐encoded proteins under heat stress revealed that synthesis of members of the HSP100, HSP90, HSP70, HSP60 and small HSP families in the HSF1‐RNAi strains was dramatically reduced or completely abolished. This correlated with a complete loss of HSP gene induction at the RNA level. These data suggest that HSF1 is a key regulator of the stress response in Chlamydomonas.
Prevention of withdrawal movement associated with injection of rocuronium in children: comparison of remifentanil, alfentanil and fentanyl
Authors: Oh A. Y. , Seo K. S. , Goo E. K. , Park Y. O. , Kim S. J. , Kim J. H. 
Published: August 2007

Background:  We compared the efficacy of remifentanil, alfentanil and fentanyl in reducing withdrawal movement associated with the injection of rocuronium in children.Methods:  In total, 164 ASA physical status I or II pediatric patients, aged 1–14 years, were randomly assigned to four treatment groups: group C received saline; group R, remifentanil 1 μg/kg; group A, alfentanil 10 μg/kg; and group F, fentanyl 2 μg/kg. Treatments were injected over 30 s, followed by thiopental 5 mg/kg. At 90 s after the start of the study drug injection, rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg was injected over 10 s. The patient's response to the injection of rocuronium was graded on a four‐point scale in a double‐blinded manner.Results:  The incidence of withdrawal movement was 89.5% in group C, 70.3% in group F, 36.3% in group A and 7.2% in group R. The incidence of generalized movement (grade 4) was 86.9% in group C, 58.5% in group F, 15.9% in group A and 2.4% in group R.Conclusion:  Remifentanil, alfentanil and fentanyl all reduced the incidence of withdrawal movement when administered 90 s before the injection of rocuronium compared with saline. Remifentanil was the most effective, followed by alfentanil. Fentanyl was less effective but significantly different from the saline in reducing withdrawal movement in children.
Severe head injury: control of physiological variables, organ failure and complications in the intensive care unit
Authors: Schirmer‐Mikalsen K. , Vik A. , Gisvold S. E. , Skandsen T. , Hynne H. , Klepstad P. 
Published: August 2007

Background:  In patients with severe head injury, control of physiological variables is important to avoid intracranial hypertension and secondary injury to the brain. The aims of this retrospective study were to evaluate deviations of physiological variables and the incidence of extracranial complications in patients with severe head injury. We also studied if these deviations could be related to outcome.Patients and methods:  One hundred and thirty‐three patients were included during a 5‐year period (1998–2002). Deviations from treatment goals for the following physiological variables were studied: blood pressure, haemoglobin, blood sugar, serum sodium, serum albumin and temperature. Extra cerebral organ complications were also recorded as well as outcome at 6 months.Results:  The median age was 32 years (range; 1–88 years). Median Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) before intubation was 6 (range; 3–14). The frequencies of severe deviations from the desired values of the physiological variables for at least one treatment day were: hypotensive episodes (systolic BP < 90 mmHg) – 20%, anaemia (hgb < 8 g/dL) – 22%, blood glucose > 10 mmol/l – 26%, serum sodium concentration < 130 mmol/l – 10%, serum albumin < 25 g/l−1– 31% and hyperthermia > 39 °C – 24%. Pneumonia was diagnosed in 71% and Acute Lung Injury (ALI)/Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) in 26% of the patients. Other complications such as severe sepsis (6%), renal failure (1.5%), a coagulation disorder (6%) and liver failure (one patient) were infrequent. Age, GCS, hypotension during the first day of treatment, elevated blood sugar and low albumin predicted an unfavourable outcome.Conclusions:  Deviations of key physiological variables and pulmonary complications were frequent in patients suffering from severe head injury. During intensive care treatment, hypotension, elevated blood sugar and hypoalbuminemia are possible independent predictors of an unfavourable outcome.
Combined photoplethysmographic monitoring of respiration rate and pulse: a comparison between different measurement sites in spontaneously breathing subjects
Authors: Nilsson L. , Goscinski T. , Kalman S. , Lindberg L.‐G. , Johansson A. 
Published: August 2007

Background:  The non‐invasive photoplethysmographic (PPG) signal reflects blood flow and volume in a tissue. The PPG signal shows variation synchronous with heartbeat (PPGc), as used in pulse oximetry, and variations synchronous with breathing (PPGr). PPGr has been used for non‐invasive monitoring of respiration with promising results. Our aim was to investigate PPG signals recorded from different skin sites in order to find suitable locations for parallel monitoring of variations synchronous with heartbeat and breathing.Methods:  PPG sensors were applied to the forearm, finger, forehead, wrist and shoulder on 48 awake healthy volunteers. From these sites, seven PPG signals were simultaneously recorded during normal spontaneous breathing over 10 min. Capnometry served as respiration and electrocardiogram (ECG) as pulse reference signals. PPG signals were compared with respect to power spectral content and squared coherence.Results:  Forearm PPG measurement showed significantly higher power within the respiratory region of the power spectrum [median (quartile range) 42 (26)%], but significantly lower power within the cardiac region [9 (10)%] compared with the other skin sites. PPG finger measurement showed the opposite; in transmission mode, the power within the respiratory region was significantly lower [4 (10)%] and within the cardiac region significantly higher [45 (25)%] than the other sites. PPGc coherence values were generally high [>0.96 (0.08)], and PPGr coherence values lower [0.83 (0.35)–0.94 (0.17)].Conclusion:  Combined PPG respiration and pulse monitoring is possible, but there are significant differences between the respiratory and cardiac components of the PPG signal at different sites.