bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) amplifies the signals induced by the NACHT-LRR (NLR) pattern recognition receptors
Authors: Netea Mihai G , Azam Tania , Ferwerda Gerben , Girardin Stephen E , Kim Soo-Hyun , Dinarello Charles A 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) is a member of a new family of myeloid receptors, encoded by a gene cluster linked to the MHC. Engagement of TREM-1 stimulates intracellular signals, resulting in activation of phagocytosis, neutrophil degranulation, and amplification of cytokine production induced by TLRs. In the present study, a novel property following engagement of TREM-1 is described, namely the amplification of cytokine production induced by the second major class of pattern recognition receptors, the NAIP, CIITA, HET-E, TP-1-leucine-rich repeat (NACHT-LRR; NLR) receptors, which recognize intracellular microorganisms through sensing their muropeptide components of peptidoglycan. The TREM-1/NLR synergism was observed for the production of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, leading to an increase in cytokine production up to tenfold greater than the additive value of TREM-1 or muropeptide stimulation alone. Several putative mechanisms are proposed to be involved in the synergism between NLRs and TREM-1, including the increase in TREM-1 expression by NLR ligands, and of the expression of nucleotide oligomerization domain-2 receptor by TREM-1 engagement. In contrast, although caspase-1 modulates IL-1β and IL-6 production after stimulation with anti-TREM-1 antibodies or NLR ligands, it does not appear to be responsible for the synergism between these two pathways. These findings demonstrate that TREM-1 acts on both major recognition pathways of bacterial structures: the extracellular TLR receptors, and the intracellular NLR molecules. This latter finding supports the concept that TREM-1 provides optimal amplification of cytokine-induced inflammation during the initiation of host defense.
Type 1 Collagen Marker of Bone Turnover, Insulin-Like Growth Factor, and Leptin in Dichorionic Twins with Discordant Birth Weight
Authors: Bajoria Rekha , Sooranna Suren R. , Chatterjee Ratna 
Published: August 2006

AbstractObjective: We investigated the relationship between IGF-I-IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-1 and leptin levels with type 1 collagen markers of bone turnover in dichorionic twins with or without discordant birth weight of 20% or greater.Methods: Maternal and cord bloods were collected from gestational age-matched dichorionic twins with (n = 16) or without (n = 16) discordant birth weight. The samples were assayed for cross-linked carboxyl terminal telopeptide (ICTP, a marker of bone resorption) and propeptide (PICP, a marker of bone formation) of type I collagen, leptin, IGF-I, and IGFBP-1 by RIA.Results: The intrauterine growth-restricted (IUGR) twins of the discordant group had higher fetal ICTP (P &lt; 0.001) and IGFBP-1 (P &lt; 0.001) levels, whereas PICP (P &lt; 0.001), IGF-I (P &lt; 0.001), and leptin (P &lt; 0.001) were lower than the cotwins with normal weight (AGA). In contrast, concentrations of IGF-I, IGFBP-1, ICTP, PICP, and leptin were comparable between concordant twin pairs. Leptin levels were positively correlated with PICP (r = 0.61; P &lt; 0.001) and negatively with ICTP (r = −0.57; P &lt; 0.001) in concordant and AGA twins but not in IUGR twins. In IUGR twins, IGF-I had positive association with PICP (r = 0.76; P &lt; 0.001) and negative association with ICTP (r= −0.76; P &lt; 0.001), whereas IGFBP-1 was negatively correlated with PICP levels (r = −0.65; P &lt; 0.01). No such association was found in concordant and AGA twins.Conclusion: These data suggest that IUGR twins had high bone turnover, which is independent of maternal factors and perhaps may be due to altered IGF axis.
Copeptin and Arginine Vasopressin Concentrations in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Jochberger Stefan , Morgenthaler Nils G. , Mayr Viktoria D. , Luckner Günter , Wenzel Volker , Ulmer Hanno , Schwarz Siegfried , Hasibeder Walter R. , Friesenecker Barbara E. , Dünser Martin W. 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
Context: Determination of arginine vasopressin (AVP) concentrations may be helpful to guide therapy in critically ill patients. A new assay analyzing copeptin, a stable peptide derived from the AVP precursor, has been introduced.
Objective: Our objective was to determine plasma copeptin concentrations.
Design: We conducted a post hoc analysis of plasma samples and data from a prospective study.
Setting: The setting was a 12-bed general and surgical intensive care unit (ICU) in a tertiary university teaching hospital.
Patients: Our subjects were 70 healthy volunteers and 157 ICU patients with sepsis, with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), and after cardiac surgery.
Interventions: There were no interventions.
Main Outcome Measures: Copeptin plasma concentrations, demographic data, AVP plasma concentrations, and a multiple organ dysfunction syndrome score were documented 24 h after ICU admission.
Results: AVP (P &lt; 0.001) and copeptin (P &lt; 0.001) concentrations were significantly higher in ICU patients than in controls. Patients after cardiac surgery had higher AVP (P = 0.003) and copeptin (P = 0.003) concentrations than patients with sepsis or SIRS. Independent of critical illness, copeptin and AVP correlated highly significantly with each other. Critically ill patients with sepsis and SIRS exhibited a significantly higher ratio of copeptin/AVP plasma concentrations than patients after cardiac surgery (P = 0.012). The American Society of Anesthesiologists’ classification (P = 0.046) and C-reactive protein concentrations (P = 0.006) were significantly correlated with the copeptin/AVP ratio.
Conclusions: Plasma concentrations of copeptin and AVP in healthy volunteers and critically ill patients correlate significantly with each other. The ratio of copeptin/AVP plasma concentrations is increased in patients with sepsis and SIRS, suggesting that copeptin may overestimate AVP plasma concentrations in these patients.
Circulating Bioactive Androgens in Midlife Women
Authors: Chen Jiangang , Sowers MaryFran R. , Moran Francisco M. , McConnell Daniel S. , Gee Nancy A. , Greendale Gail A. , Whitehead Cheryl , Kasim-Karakas Sidika E. , Lasley Bill L. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractContext: It is important to characterize the biological activity of circulating androgenic steroid hormones during the menopausal transition because these appear to impact the metabolic and cardiovascular health risk factors of women.Objective: The objective of the study was to develop and characterize a cell-based bioassay that measures the androgen receptor-mediated signal transduction in serum.Design: This was a clinically relevant experimental study nested in a sample population of a longitudinal cohort study.Setting: The study was conducted at a university laboratory.Methods: A receptor-mediated luciferase expression bioassay based on HEK 293 cells that were stably cotransfected with plasmids containing the human androgen receptor and luciferase gene was developed. In 49 samples from menstruating women aged 42–52 yr, total testosterone (T) and SHBG concentrations were measured by immunoassay; free T concentrations were calculated from the total T and SHBG concentrations.Results: Mean total T concentration of the sample was 1.15 nm (sd 0.46, range 0.57–3.86 nm). The mean bioactive androgen detected was 1.00 nm (sd 0.24, range 0.53–1.60 nm). Calculated free T (mean 0.0156 nm) was significantly lower than the levels of bioactive androgens measured by receptor-mediated bioassay. There was significant positive correlation between bioactive androgen levels and total T values in young women and polycystic ovarian disorder patients, whereas no correlation was found between the two values in middle-aged women.Conclusions: An androgen receptor-mediated bioassay can provide additional information in the evaluation of total bioactive androgens in midlife women. Our data suggest that levels of circulating SHBG may have a significant impact on the levels of total circulating bioavailable androgens.
Serum Aldosterone Concentration and Cardiovascular Risk in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Authors: Cascella Teresa , Palomba Stefano , Tauchmanovà Libuse , Manguso Francesco , Di Biase Sebastiano , Labella Donato , Giallauria Francesco , Vigorito Carlo , Colao Annamaria , Lombardi Gaetano , Orio Francesco 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
Context: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with early impairment of vascular structure and a low-grade chronic inflammation. Aldosterone is a well-recognized cardiovascular risk (CVR) factor and is related to inflammatory processes.
Objective: Our objective was to investigate serum aldosterone levels in PCOS and correlate them to some CVR factors and early atherosclerotic markers.
Design and Setting: A prospective baseline-controlled clinical study was conducted at the University “Federico II” of Naples School of Medicine (Naples, Italy).
Patients: Fifty PCOS women age- and body mass index-matched with 50 healthy women were enrolled.
Mean Outcome Measures: Anthropometric, hormonal, and metabolic patterns, including plasma aldosterone, renin, and C-reactive protein, were measured in each subject. Intima-media thickness was also evaluated in each patient and control.
Results: Aldosterone levels were significantly increased (P &lt; 0.001) in PCOS compared with healthy women (10.5 ± 3.2 vs. 5.7 ± 2.5 ng/dl). In PCOS, a significant (P &lt; 0.001) direct correlation between plasma aldosterone and homeostasis model assessment, C-reactive protein, intima-media thickness, and mean blood pressure was found. On the other hand, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and potassium were inversely (P &lt; 0.001) related to serum aldosterone. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the area under the curve for insulin and homeostasis model assessment was linearly related to aldosterone in PCOS.
Conclusion: PCOS women show an insulin resistance related increase in serum aldosterone levels.
Novel HESX1 Mutations Associated with a Life-Threatening Neonatal Phenotype, Pituitary Aplasia, but Normally Located Posterior Pituitary and No Optic Nerve Abnormalities
Authors: Sobrier Marie-Laure , Maghnie Mohamad , Vié-Luton Marie-Pierre , Secco Andrea , di Iorgi Natascia , Lorini Renata , Amselem Serge 
Published: August 2006

AbstractContext: Hesx1 is one of the earliest homeodomain transcription factors expressed during pituitary development. Very few HESX1 mutations have been identified in humans; although in those cases the disease phenotype shows considerable variability, all but one of the patients display an ectopic posterior pituitary and/or optic nerve abnormalities.Objective: The objectives of the study were to describe the complex phenotype associated with the panhypopituitarism of two unrelated Italian patients who, at birth, presented with hypoglycemic seizures and respiratory distress complicated by shock, in a familial context of neonatal death in one family and spontaneous miscarriage in both families and to identify the molecular basis of this unusual syndrome.Main Outcome Measures: Magnetic resonance imaging of the pituitary region, study of HESX1 gene and transcripts, and assessment of the ability of mutated HESX1 proteins to repress transcription were measured.Results: Magnetic resonance imaging examination showed an anterior pituitary aplasia in a flat sella turcica and a normally located posterior pituitary in both patients. A constellation of extrapituitary developmental defects were found in the two patients, but without any optic nerve abnormalities. Sequencing of HESX1 exons and their flanking intronic regions revealed two different homozygous mutations. A frameshift (c.449_450delAC) was identified in one case, whereas the other patient carried a splice defect (c.357 + 2T&gt;C) confirmed by the study of HESX1 transcripts. If translated, these mutations would lead to the synthesis of truncated proteins partly or entirely lacking the homeodomain, with no transcriptional repression, as shown by their inability to inhibit PROP1 activity.Conclusions: These observations reveal two novel HESX1 mutations in a so-far-undescribed disease phenotype characterized by a life-threatening neonatal condition associated with anterior pituitary aplasia, in the absence of ectopic posterior pituitary and optic nerve abnormalities, two features classically associated with HESX1 defects.
Baseline Characteristics and Effects of Growth Hormone Therapy over Two Years in Younger and Elderly Adults with Adult Onset GH Deficiency
Authors: Franco Celina , Johannsson Gudmundur , Bengtsson Bengt-Åke , Svensson Johan 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
Context: The effects of GH replacement in elderly GH-deficient (GHD) adults are not well known.
Objective/Design/Patients: In this prospective, single-center, open-label study, baseline characteristics and the effects of 2-yr GH replacement were determined in 24 GHD adults above 65 yr of age and in 24 younger GHD patients (mean age, 37 yr; range, 27–46 yr). All patients had adult onset disease, and both groups were comparable in terms of the number of pituitary hormonal deficiencies, gender, body mass index, and waist/hip ratio. Duration of hypopituitarism was, however, longer in the elderly patients.
Results: The mean maintenance dose of GH was 0.31 (sem, 0.03) mg/d in the elderly GHD patients and 0.44 (0.04) mg/d in the younger patients. The less marked response in IGF-I sd score, total body fat, and extracellular water in the elderly patients lost significance when the dose of GH was accounted for in the statistical analyses. Despite the lower dose in the elderly GHD group, these patients had a more marked reduction in waist/hip ratio and serum low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol level, and these differences remained also after correction for duration of hypopituitarism. There was no difference at baseline or in responsiveness in lean mass, bone mineral density, and glucose homeostasis.
Conclusions: This study identifies elderly GHD adults as a GH-sensitive group in whom a low dose of GH can improve body composition and serum lipid profile without any significant impairment of glucose metabolism. GH replacement should therefore be considered in elderly GHD adults.
Circulating Estradiol Is an Independent Predictor of Progression of Carotid Artery Intima-Media Thickness in Middle-Aged Men
Authors: Tivesten Åsa , Hulthe Johannes , Wallenfeldt Karin , Wikstrand John , Ohlsson Claes , Fagerberg Björn 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
Context: Estrogen treatment of men with prostate cancer is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality; however, the role of endogenous estrogen levels for atherosclerotic disease in men is unknown.
Objective: The objective of the study was to determine whether endogenous serum estradiol (E2) levels predict the progression of carotid artery intima-media thickness in men.
Design, Setting and Participants: This was a population-based, prospective cohort study (the Atherosclerosis and Insulin Resistance study) conducted in Göteborg, Sweden, among 313 Caucasian men without cardiovascular or other clinically overt diseases. Carotid artery intima-media thickness, an index of preclinical atherosclerosis, was measured by ultrasound at baseline (58 yr of age) and after 3 yr of follow-up. Serum sex hormone levels and cardiovascular risk factors (body mass index, waist to hip ratio, systolic blood pressure, serum triglycerides, plasma c-peptide, and smoking status) were assessed at study entry.
Intervention: There was no intervention.
Main Outcome Measures: Association between baseline total and free E2 levels and progression of carotid intima-media thickness over 3 yr with adjustments for cardiovascular risk factors was measured.
Results: In univariate analyses, both total and free E2 levels at baseline were positively associated with the annual change in intima-media thickness. In linear regression models including E2 and cardiovascular risk factors, low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and E2 were identified as independent predictors of progression of carotid artery intima-media thickness (total E2 beta = 0.187, P = 0.001; and free E2 beta = 0.183, P = 0.003).
Conclusions: Circulating E2 is a predictor of progression of carotid artery intima-media thickness in middle-aged men. Further studies are needed to investigate the role of endogenous E2 for incident cardiovascular disease events.
The Effects of Growth Hormone Treatment on Bone Mineral Density and Body Composition in Girls with Turner Syndrome
Authors: Ari Mim , Bakalov Vladimir K. , Hill Suvimol , Bondy Carolyn A. 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
Background: Many girls with Turner syndrome (TS) are treated with GH to increase adult height. In addition to promoting longitudinal bone growth, GH has effects on bone and body composition.
Objective: The objective was to determine how GH treatment affects bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition in girls with TS.
Method: In a cross-sectional study, we compared measures of body composition and BMD by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, and phalangeal cortical thickness by hand radiography in 28 girls with TS who had never received GH and 39 girls who were treated with GH for at least 1 yr. All girls were participants in a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Research Center (CRC) protocol between 2001 and 2006.
Results: The two groups were similar in age (12.3 yr, sd 2.9), bone age (11.5 yr, sd 2.6), and weight (42.8 kg, sd 16.6); but the GH-treated group was taller (134 vs. 137 cm, P = 0.001). The average duration of GH treatment was 4.2 (sd 3.2) yr (range 1–14 yr). After adjustment for size and bone age, there were no significant differences in BMD at L1–L4, 1/3 radius or cortical bone thickness measured at the second metacarpal. However, lean body mass percent was higher (P &lt; 0.001), whereas body fat percent was lower (P &lt; 0.001) in the GH-treated group. These effects were independent of estrogen exposure and were still apparent in girls that had finished GH treatment at least 1 yr previously.
Conclusions: Although GH treatment has little effect on cortical or trabecular BMD in girls with TS, it is associated with increased lean body mass and reduced adiposity.
Energetic influence on gull flight strategy selection
Authors: Shamoun-Baranes Judy , van Loon Emiel 
Published: August 2006

SUMMARY
During non-migratory flight, gulls (Larids) use a wide variety of flight strategies. We investigate the extent to which the energy balance of a bird explains flight strategy selection. We develop a model based on optimal foraging and aerodynamic theories, to calculate the ground speeds and airspeeds at which a gull is expected to flap or soar during foraging flight. The model results are compared with observed flight speeds, directions, and flight strategies of two species of gulls, the black-headed gull Larus ridibundus and the lesser black-backed gull Larus fuscus. The observations were made using a tracking radar over land in The Netherlands.
The model suggests that, especially at combinations of low ground speed(∼5-10 m s-1), high air speed (∼20-25 m s-1) and low ground and air speed, gulls should favor soaring flight. At intermediate ground and air speeds the predicted net energy gain is similar for soaring and flapping. Hence the ratio of flapping to soaring may be higher than for other air and ground speed combinations. This range of speeds is broadest for black-headed gulls. The model results are supported by the observations. For example, flapping is more prevalent at speeds where the predicted net energy gain is similar for both strategies. Interestingly, combinations of air speed and flight speed that, according to the model, would result in a loss of net energy gain, were not observed. Additional factors that may influence flight strategy selection are also briefly discussed.
A reaction-diffusion analysis of energetics in large muscle fibers secondarily evolved for aerobic locomotor function
Authors: Hardy Kristin M. , Locke Bruce R. , Da Silva Marilia , Kinsey Stephen T. 
Published: August 2006

SUMMARY
The muscles that power swimming in the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, grow hypertrophically, such that in juvenile crabs the cell diameters are &lt;60 μm, whereas fibers of the adult crabs often exceed 600μm. Thus, as these animals grow, their muscle fibers greatly exceed the surface area to volume ratio and intracellular diffusion distance limits of most cells. Previous studies have shown that arginine phosphate (AP) recovery in the anaerobic (light) fibers, which demonstrate a fiber size dependence on anaerobic processes following contraction, is too slow to be restricted by intracellular metabolite diffusive flux, in spite of the fiber's large size. By contrast, the aerobic (dark) fibers have evolved an intricate network of intracellular subdivisions that maintain an effectively small `metabolic diameter' throughout development. In the present study, we examined the impact of intracellular metabolite diffusive flux on the rate of post-contractile AP resynthesis in the dark muscle, which has a much higher aerobic capacity than the light muscle. AP recovery was measured for 60 min in adults and 15 min in juveniles following burst contractile activity in dark fibers, and a mathematical reaction-diffusion model was used to test whether the observed aerobic rates of AP resynthesis were fast enough to be limited by intracellular metabolite diffusion. Despite the short diffusion distances and high mitochondrial density, the AP recovery rates were relatively slow and we found no evidence of diffusion limitation. However, during simulation of steady-state contraction, which is an activity more typical of the dark fibers, there were substantial intracellular metabolite gradients, indicative of diffusion limitation. This suggests that high ATP turnover rates may lead to diffusion limitation in muscle even when diffusion distances are short, as in the subdivided dark fibers.
PTHrP regulation and calcium balance in sea bream (Sparus auratusL.) under calcium constraint
Authors: Abbink Wout , Bevelander Gideon S. , Hang Xiaoming , Lu Weiqun , Guerreiro Pedro M. , Spanings Tom , Canario Adelino V. M. , Flik Gert 
Published: August 2006

SUMMARYJuvenile gilthead sea bream were exposed to diluted seawater (2.5‰salinity; DSW) for 3 h or, in a second experiment, acclimated to DSW and fed a control or calcium-deficient diet for 30 days. Branchial Ca2+influx, drinking rate and plasma calcium levels were assessed. Sea bream plasma parathyroid hormone related protein (sPTHrP) was measured, and mRNAs of pthrp, its main receptor, pth1r, and the calcium-sensing receptor (casr) were quantified in osmoregulatory tissues and the pituitary gland. When calcium is limited in water or diet, sea bream maintain calcium balance; however, both plasma Ca2+ and plasma sPTHrP concentrations were lower when calcium was restricted in both water and diet. Positive correlations between plasma sPTHrP and plasma Ca2+(R2=0.30, N=39, P&lt;0.05), and plasma sPTHrP and body mass of the fish (R2=0.37, N=148, P&lt;0.001) were found. Immunoreactive sPTHrP was demonstrated in pituitary gland pars intermedia cells that border the pars nervosa and co-localises with somatolactin. In the pituitary gland, pthrp, pth1r and casr mRNAs were downregulated after both short-and long-term exposure to DSW. A correlation between pituitary gland pthrp mRNA expression and plasma Ca2+(R2=0.71, N=7, P&lt;0.01) was observed. In gill tissue, pthrp and pth1r mRNAs were significantly upregulated after 30 days exposure to DSW, whereas no effect was found for casr mRNA expression. We conclude that in water of low salinity,declining pituitary gland pthrp mRNA expression accompanied by constant plasma sPTHrP levels points to a reduced sPTHrP turnover and that sPTHrP, through paracrine interaction, is involved in the regulation of branchial calcium handling, independently of endocrine pituitary gland sPTHrP.