bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new family of polymerases related to superfamily A DNA polymerases and T7-like DNA-dependent RNA polymerases
Authors: Iyer Lakshminarayan M , Abhiman Saraswathi , Aravind L 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Using sequence profile methods and structural comparisons we characterize a previously unknown family of nucleic acid polymerases in a group of mobile elements from genomes of diverse bacteria, an algal plastid and certain DNA viruses, including the recently reported Sputnik virus. Using contextual information from domain architectures and gene-neighborhoods we present evidence that they are likely to possess both primase and DNA polymerase activity, comparable to the previously reported prim-pol proteins. These newly identified polymerases help in defining the minimal functional core of superfamily A DNA polymerases and related RNA polymerases. Thus, they provide a framework to understand the emergence of both DNA and RNA polymerization activity in this class of enzymes. They also provide evidence that enigmatic DNA viruses, such as Sputnik, might have emerged from mobile elements coding these polymerases.

Reviewers

This article was reviewed by Eugene Koonin and Mark Ragan.
Diverse histologic appearances in pulmonary mucinous cystic neoplasia: A case report
Authors: Wynveen Christine , Behmaram Behnaz , Haasler George , Rao Nagarjun 
Published: October 2008

Abstract

Introduction
Primary pulmonary mucinous cystic neoplasia comprises a group of tumors, from benign cystadenoma to mucinous cystadenocarcinoma.

Case presentation
We report a case of primary pulmonary mucinous cystadenocarcinoma in a 75-year-old woman who was found to have a right hilar mass on a routine chest X-ray. A lobectomy was performed and the resection specimen revealed a multicystic mucinous tumor. Microscopically, the tumor was composed of confluent mucin-filled cystic spaces lined by columnar mucin-secreting cells which ranged from cytologically bland to moderately atypical with 'bronchioloalveolar pattern' invasion into the adjacent parenchyma. Immunohistochemically, tumor cells were positive diffusely for Cytokeratin 7, and focally for Cytokeratin 20 and Thyroid Transcription Factor-1.

Conclusion
This case highlights the continuous spectrum of pulmonary mucinous cystic neoplasia from benign mucinous cystadenoma to malignant mucinous cystadenocarcinoma, and the probable existence of a 'borderline' mucinous cystic tumor. Although molecular data are lacking to substantiate progression from benign to malignant in these neoplasms, the importance of recognizing the morphologic continuum lies in alerting pathologists to thoroughly examine specimens to rule out invasive foci in tumors with 'borderline' morphology.
Erratum to: Lutzomyia longipalpis s.l. in Brazil and the impact of the Sao Francisco River in the speciation of this sand fly vector
Authors: Coutinho-Abreu Iliano V , Sonoda Ivan V , Fonseca Jose A , Melo Marcia A , Balbino Valdir Q , Ramalho-Ortigão Marcelo 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
In our recently published article "Lutzomyia longipalpis s.l. in Brazil and the impact of the Sao Francisco River in the speciation of this sand fly vector" by Iliano V. Coutinho-Abreu et al. a sentence located in paragraph 8 in the Discussion section had its meaning altered due to the improper insertion of three words.
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy associated with anesthesia: three case reports
Authors: Littlejohn F Craig , Syed Omar , Ornstein Eugene , Connolly E Sander , Heyer Eric J 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a form of transient, reversible left ventricular dysfunction that can mimic an acute coronary event. However, cardiac catheterization often reveals normal coronary arteries. Patients are often postmenopausal women who experience acute physical or emotional distress. The prognosis for this entity is quite favorable. In this report, we present three cases of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in patients having procedures involving anesthesia. Each case illustrates a different etiology for the syndrome: Patient, procedure, and anesthetic management.
Necrotizing fasciitis with toxic shock syndrome in a child: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Abass Kotb , Saad Hekma , Abd-Elsayed Alaa A 
Published: October 2008

Abstract

Introduction
Necrotizing fasciitis was described as early as the fifth century BC. It showed an increased incidence worldwide in the past several years.

Case presentation
An 8-year-old Arabian boy was referred for admission as a case of cellulitis of the left thigh. Ten days prior to admission he had a cat scratch to his left thigh and the parents did not seek medical advice at that time. The child was again examined by orthopedic surgeon and a diagnosis of cellulites was made at that time.
Physical examination on admission revealed a very toxic appearing weak child with cold extremities and poor peripheral perfusion.
Examination of the left thigh revealed extensive swelling, induration and edema with dusky skin, blistering and bleb formation, in addition to an area of gangrenous skin. Laboratory investigation revealed white blood cell count of 22,400 × 109 with toxic granulation on peripheral blood smear.
The child was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit and dopamine and dobutamine infusions were started after volume expansion. Penicillin and clindamycin also were started in addition to multiple transfusions of fresh frozen plasma. Surgical debridement of all necrotic tissues and drainage of involved fascia planes via extensive fasciotomy were done for our patient after stabilization of his vital signs and improvement of his general condition.
Blood cultures grew group A streptococcus, as did wound swab culture.
The child showed great improvements in his clinical condition after the 3rd day of antibiotics and supportive treatment and the wound healed normally and antibiotics were administered for 21 days.

Conclusion
Necrotizing fasciitis in children is a frequently misdiagnosed condition; early identification of the necrotizing process can improve the outcome of this life-threatening disease. Surgical debridement and antibiotics were the most important therapeutic measures.
Variations in the transcriptome of Alzheimer's disease reveal molecular networks involved in cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Ray Monika , Ruan Jianhua , Zhang Weixiong 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Background
Because of its polygenic nature, Alzheimer's disease is believed to be caused not by defects in single genes, but rather by variations in a large number of genes and their complex interactions. A systems biology approach, such as the generation of a network of co-expressed genes and the identification of functional modules and cis-regulatory elements, to extract insights and knowledge from microarray data will lead to a better understanding of complex diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. In this study, we perform a series of analyses using co-expression networks, cis-regulatory elements, and functions of co-expressed gene modules to analyze single-cell gene expression data from normal and Alzheimer's disease-affected subjects.

Results
We identified six co-expressed gene modules, each of which represented a biological process perturbed in Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease-related genes, such as APOE, A2M, PON2 and MAP4, and cardiovascular disease-associated genes, including COMT, CBS and WNK1, all congregated in a single module. Some of the disease-related genes were hub genes while many of them were directly connected to one or more hub genes. Further investigation of this disease-associated module revealed cis-regulatory elements that match to the binding sites of transcription factors involved in Alzheimer's disease and cardiovascular disease.

Conclusion
Our results show the extensive links between Alzheimer's disease and cardiovascular disease at the co-expression and co-regulation levels, providing further evidence for the hypothesis that cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease are linked. Our results support the notion that diseases in which the same set of biochemical pathways are affected may tend to co-occur with each other.
Prostaglandin H2 induces the migration of human eosinophils through the chemoattractant receptor homologous molecule of Th2 cells, CRTH2
Authors: Schuligoi Rufina , Sedej Miriam , Waldhoer Maria , Vukoja Anela , Sturm Eva M , Lippe Irmgard T , Peskar Bernhard A , Heinemann Akos 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe major mast cell product PGD2 is released during the allergic response and stimulates the chemotaxis of eosinophils, basophils, and Th2-type T lymphocytes. The chemoattractant receptor homologous molecule of Th2 cells (CRTH2) has been shown to mediate the chemotactic effect of PGD2. PGH2 is the common precursor of all PGs and is produced by several cells that express cyclooxygenases. In this study, we show that PGH2 selectively stimulates human peripheral blood eosinophils and basophils but not neutrophils, and this effect is prevented by the CRTH2 receptor antagonist (+)-3-[[(4-fluorophenyl)sulfonyl] methyl amino]-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-9H-carbazole-9-acetic acid (Cay10471) but not by the hematopoietic PGD synthase inhibitor 4-benzhydryloxy-1-[3-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-propyl]piperidine (HQL79). In chemotaxis assays, eosinophils showed a pronounced migratory response toward PGH2, but eosinophil degranulation was inhibited by PGH2. Moreover, collagen-induced platelet aggregation was inhibited by PGH2 in platelet-rich plasma, which was abrogated in the presence of the D-type prostanoid (DP) receptor antagonist 3-[(2-cyclohexyl-2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-2,5-dioxo-1-(phenylmethyl)-4-imidazolidine-heptanoic acid (BWA868c). Each of these effects of PGH2 was enhanced in the presence of plasma and/or albumin. In eosinophils, PGH2-induced calcium ion (Ca2+) flux was subject to homologous desensitization with PGD2. Human embryo kidney (HEK)293 cells transfected with human CRTH2 or DP likewise responded with Ca2+ flux, and untransfected HEK293 cells showed no response. These data indicate that PGH2 causes activation of the PGD2 receptors CRTH2 and DP via a dual mechanism: by interacting directly with the receptors and/or by giving rise to PGD2 after catalytic conversion by plasma proteins.
Vitamin D and Human Health: Lessons from Vitamin D Receptor Null Mice
Authors: Bouillon Roger , Carmeliet Geert , Verlinden Lieve , van Etten Evelyne , Verstuyf Annemieke , Luderer Hilary F. , Lieben Liesbet , Mathieu Chantal , Demay Marie 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe vitamin D endocrine system is essential for calcium and bone homeostasis. The precise mode of action and the full spectrum of activities of the vitamin D hormone, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D], can now be better evaluated by critical analysis of mice with engineered deletion of the vitamin D receptor (VDR). Absence of a functional VDR or the key activating enzyme, 25-OHD-1α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1), in mice creates a bone and growth plate phenotype that mimics humans with the same congenital disease or severe vitamin D deficiency. The intestine is the key target for the VDR because high calcium intake, or selective VDR rescue in the intestine, restores a normal bone and growth plate phenotype.The VDR is nearly ubiquitously expressed, and almost all cells respond to 1,25-(OH)2D exposure; about 3% of the mouse or human genome is regulated, directly and/or indirectly, by the vitamin D endocrine system, suggesting a more widespread function. VDR-deficient mice, but not vitamin D- or 1α-hydroxylase-deficient mice, and man develop total alopecia, indicating that the function of the VDR and its ligand is not fully overlapping. The immune system of VDR- or vitamin D-deficient mice is grossly normal but shows increased sensitivity to autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease or type 1 diabetes after exposure to predisposing factors. VDR-deficient mice do not have a spontaneous increase in cancer but are more prone to oncogene- or chemocarcinogen-induced tumors. They also develop high renin hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, and increased thrombogenicity. Vitamin D deficiency in humans is associated with increased prevalence of diseases, as predicted by the VDR null phenotype. Prospective vitamin D supplementation studies with multiple noncalcemic endpoints are needed to define the benefits of an optimal vitamin D status.
Once-Monthly Oral Ibandronate Improves Biomechanical Determinants of Bone Strength in Women with Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Authors: Lewiecki E. Michael , Keaveny Tony M. , Kopperdahl David L. , Genant Harry K. , Engelke Klaus , Fuerst Thomas , Kivitz Alan , Davies Richard Y. , Fitzpatrick Lorraine A. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractContext: Bone strength and fracture resistance are determined by bone mineral density (BMD) and structural, mechanical, and geometric properties of bone.Design, Setting, and Objectives: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled outpatient study evaluated effects of once-monthly oral ibandronate on hip and lumbar spine BMD and calculated strength using quantitative computed tomography (QCT) with finite element analysis (FEA) and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) with hip structural analysis (HSA).Participants: Participants were women aged 55–80 yr with BMD T-scores −2.0 or less to −5.0 or greater (n = 93).Intervention: Oral ibandronate 150 mg/month (n = 47) or placebo (n = 46) was administered for 12 months.Outcome Measures: The primary end point was total hip QCT BMD change from baseline; secondary end points included other QCT BMD sites, FEA, DXA, areal BMD, and HSA. All analyses were exploratory, with post hoc P values.Results: Ibandronate increased integral total hip QCT BMD and DXA areal BMD more than placebo at 12 months (treatment differences: 2.2%, P = 0.005; 2.0%, P = 0.003). FEA-derived hip strength to density ratio and femoral, peripheral, and trabecular strength increased with ibandronate vs. placebo (treatment differences: 4.1%, P &lt; 0.001; 5.9%, P &lt; 0.001; 2.5%, P = 0.011; 3.5%, P = 0.003, respectively). Ibandronate improved vertebral, peripheral, and trabecular strength and anteroposterior bending stiffness vs. placebo [7.1% (P &lt; 0.001), 7.8% (P &lt; 0.001), 5.6% (P = 0.023), and 6.3% (P &lt; 0.001), respectively]. HSA-estimated femoral narrow neck cross-sectional area and moment of inertia and outer diameter increased with ibandronate vs. placebo (respectively 3.6%, P = 0.003; 4.0%, P = 0.052; 2.2%, P = 0.049).Conclusions: Once-monthly oral Ibandronate for 12 months improved hip and spine BMD measured by QCT and DXA and strength estimated by FEA of QCT scans.
Physiological responses of the alga Cyclotella caspia to bisphenol A exposure
Authors: Li Rui , Liu Yu , Chen Guizhu , Tam Nora F.Y. , Shin Paul K.S. , Cheung Sin Gin , Luan Tiangang 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
The endocrine-disrupting chemical bisphenol A (BPA) has attracted attention because of its estrogenic activity and its extensive environmental distribution. The objective of this study was to investigate the physiological response of the alga Cyclotella caspia, a dominant species isolated from Futian Nature Mangrove Reserve, Shenzhen, China, to BPA at different concentrations (4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 mg l-1). We studied the effects of BPA on biomass, growth rate, chlorophyll (chl) a content, cellular morphology, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of C. caspia. The effective concentration of BPA that inhibited algal growth by 50% at 96 h was 7.96±0.23 mg l-1. Algal biomass, growth rate and chl a content decreased with increasing BPA concentration. BPA concentrations greater than 6 mg l-1 strongly inhibited cell division, significantly increased cell volume, and caused cellular inclusions to appear. SOD activity increased with the BPA concentration, but decreased with prolonged exposure time, showing a dynamic process from induction to inhibition. Our results provide baseline information for the development of marine ecotoxicology and physiology theories concerning BPA.
GABAergic Afferents Activate Both GABAAand GABABReceptors in Mouse Substantia Nigra Dopaminergic NeuronsIn Vivo
Authors: Brazhnik Elena , Shah Fulva , Tepper James M. 
Published: October 2008

Mostin vivoelectrophysiological studies of substantia nigra have used rats. With the recent proliferation of the use of mice forin vitroneurophysiological studies because of the availability of various genetically modified strains to identify the roles of various channels and proteins in neuronal function, it is crucial to obtain data onin vivoresponses in mice to verify that thein vitroresults reflect functioning of systems comparable with those that have been well studied in rat.Inhibitory responses of rat nigral dopaminergic neurons by stimulation of afferents from striatum, globus pallidus, or pars reticulata have been shown to be mediated predominantly or exclusively by GABAAreceptors. This is puzzling given the substantial expression of GABABreceptors and the ubiquitous appearance of GABABsynaptic responses in rat dopaminergic neuronsin vitro. In the present study, we studied electrically evoked GABAergic inhibition in nigral dopaminergic neurons in C57BL/6J mice. Stimulation of the three major GABAergic inputs elicited stronger and longer-lasting inhibitory responses than those seen in rats. The early inhibition was GABAAmediated, whereas the later component, absent in rats, was GABABmediated and selectively enhanced by GABA uptake inhibition. Striatal-evoked inhibition exhibited a slower onset and a weaker initial component compared with inhibition from globus pallidus or substantia nigra pars reticulata. These results are discussed with respect to differences in the size and neuronal density of the rat and mouse brain and the different sites of synaptic contact of the synapses from the three GABAergic afferents.
The limited role of midnight salivary cortisol levels in the diagnosis of subclinical hypercortisolism in patients with adrenal incidentaloma
Authors: Masserini Benedetta , Morelli Valentina , Bergamaschi Silvia , Ermetici Federica , Eller-Vainicher Cristina , Barbieri Anna Maria , Maffini Maria Antonia , Scillitani Alfredo , Ambrosi Bruno , Beck-Peccoz Paolo , Chiodini Iacopo 
Published: October 2008

ObjectiveThe criteria for defining subclinical hypercortisolism (SH) are debated and a real gold standard test or combination of tests is lacking. Recently, late-night salivary cortisol (MSC) has been described as a sensitive and easy-to-perform marker for diagnosing overt hypercortisolism. No data are available on the role of MSC in the diagnosis of SH. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of MSC levels in the diagnosis of SH in patients with adrenal incidentalomas (AI).MethodsIn 103 (females/males, 69/34) patients with AI, MSC levels were studied. One milligram overnight dexamethasone suppression test (DST), urinary-free cortisol (UFC), and ACTH plasma levels were also evaluated. Patients were defined as affected by SH if they showed two of the following criteria: DST>83 nmol/l, ACTH <2.2 pmol/l, and UFC >193 nmol/24 h.ResultsNo difference in MSC levels in patients with SH (3.1±3.1 nmol/l) compared with patients without SH (2.2±2.8 nmol/l) was observed. In patients with SH, MSC levels were significantly correlated with DST (r=0.4,P<0.05). Using the cut-off of 5.1 nmol/l, the sensitivity and specificity of MSC levels for diagnosis of SH is 22.7 and 87.7% respectively.ConclusionIn patients with AI, normal levels of MSC do not exclude SH, whereas high levels may suggest the presence of SH identified by conventional tests. Thus, MSC is not suitable as a screening test, although it may be used in conjunction with other tests as the confirming test in selected patients.
Incorporation of the fasting free fatty acid concentration into quantitative insulin sensitivity check index improves its association with insulin sensitivity in adults, but not in children
Authors: Ijzerman Richard G , Stehouwer Coen D A , Serné Erik H , Voordouw Jasper J , Smulders Yvo M , Delemarre-van de Waal Henriette A , van Weissenbruch Mirjam M 
Published: October 2008

ObjectiveBased on fasting insulin and glucose, several indices of insulin sensitivity have been developed in adults. Recently, it has been demonstrated that incorporation of the fasting free fatty acid (FFA) concentration improves the association with insulin sensitivity in adults. We investigated the association of clamp-derived insulin sensitivity with indices of insulin sensitivity derived from fasting blood in prepubertal children and adults, with and without incorporation of FFAs.Design and methodsWe studied 59 healthy adults and 29 of them are prepubertal children. We measured insulin sensitivity with the euglycemic–hyperinsulinemic clamp. Based on fasting insulin and glucose, we estimated insulin sensitivity with the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), and the revised QUICKI after the incorporation of FFAs.ResultsThe associations of HOMA and QUICKI with clamp-derived insulin sensitivity in children (r=−0.55 and 0.54 respectively;P<0.01) were similar to those in adults (r=−0.54 and 0.53 respectively;P<0.01). However, incorporation of FFAs into the QUICKI model resulted in an increase in the association in adults, but not in children (r=0.68 and 0.48 respectively;P<0.01). Adding FFA levels to a regression model with glucose and insulin as independent variables resulted in an increase in the explained variance in clamp-derived insulin sensitivity in adults, but not in children (Pvalue 0.004 in adults and 0.3 in children).ConclusionsHOMA and QUICKI are associated with clamp-derived insulin sensitivity in both children and adults. Incorporating fasting levels of FFAs into the QUICKI model improves the association with clamp-derived insulin sensitivity in adults, but not in children.
Is there a unique measuring method to assess obesity?
Authors: Antal Magda , Regöly-Mérei Andrea , Nagy Katalin , Biró Lajos , Péter Szabolcs , Arató Györgyi , Szabó Csaba , Lásztity Natália , Martos Éva 
Published: October 2008

Az elhízás mértékének megállapítására nincs egységesen elfogadott mérőmódszer.Célkitűzésannak megállapítása, hogy milyen összefüggés van a testtömegindex, a testzsírszázalék és a haskörfogat alapján felállított kategóriák és az inzulinrezisztencia, a szérumleptin és -rezisztin koncentrációja között.Módszerek:A vizsgálatot 101 fiú és 115 lány részvételével végezték el. Mérték a testmagasságot, a testtömeget, a haskörfogatot, a testösszetételt pedig InBody3 bioimpedancia-készülékkel határozták meg. A testtömegindexet és a testzsírszázalékot a készülék számította ki. A szérumban a glükózinzulin-, a leptin- és a rezisztintartalom került meghatározásra. Az inzulinrezisztencia mértékét a HOMAIRmodellel becsülték meg.Eredmények:A testzsírszázalék, a szérumleptin és -rezisztin koncentrációja szignifikánsan nagyobb volt a lányok, mint a fiúk esetében. A testtömegindex, a testzsírszázalék és a haskörfogat növekedésével összhangban szignifikánsan nőtt mind a HOMAIR-érték, mind a szérumleptin koncentrációja. A túlsúlyos fiúk – akik, a testzsírszázalék alapján elhízottaknak bizonyultak – szérumleptin-koncentrációja szignifikánsan nagyobb volt, mint nem elhízott társaiké.Következtetés:Mind az epidemiológiai vizsgálatokban, mind a táplálkozási intervenciókban szükséges lenne a testösszetétel meghatározása a szervezetben lezajló biokémiai változások nyomon követése érdekében.