bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A synaptic nidogen: Developmental regulation and role of nidogen-2 at the neuromuscular junction
Authors: Fox Michael A , Ho Matthew SP , Smyth Neil , Sanes Joshua R 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Background
The skeletal neuromuscular junction is a useful model for elucidating mechanisms that regulate synaptogenesis. Developmentally important intercellular interactions at the neuromuscular junction are mediated by the synaptic portion of a basal lamina that completely ensheaths each muscle fiber. Basal laminas in general are composed of four main types of glycosylated proteins: laminins, collagens IV, heparan sulfate proteoglycans and nidogens (entactins). The portion of the muscle fiber basal lamina that passes between the motor nerve terminal and postsynaptic membrane has been shown to bear distinct isoforms of the first three of these. For laminins and collagens IV, the proteins are deposited by the muscle; a synaptic proteoglycan, z-agrin, is deposited by the nerve. In each case, the synaptic isoform plays key roles in organizing the neuromuscular junction. Here, we analyze the fourth family, composed of nidogen-1 and -2.

Results
In adult muscle, nidogen-1 is present throughout muscle fiber basal lamina, while nidogen-2 is concentrated at synapses. Nidogen-2 is initially present throughout muscle basal lamina, but is lost from extrasynaptic regions during the first three postnatal weeks. Neuromuscular junctions in mutant mice lacking nidogen-2 appear normal at birth, but become topologically abnormal as they mature. Synaptic laminins, collagens IV and heparan sulfate proteoglycans persist in the absence of nidogen-2, suggesting the phenotype is not secondary to a general defect in the integrity of synaptic basal lamina. Further genetic studies suggest that synaptic localization of each of the four families of synaptic basal lamina components is independent of the other three.

Conclusion
All four core components of the basal lamina have synaptically enriched isoforms. Together, they form a highly specialized synaptic cleft material. Individually, they play distinct roles in the formation, maturation and maintenance of the neuromuscular junction.
The BHU bicentric bipolar prosthesis in fracture neck femur in active elderly
Authors: Rai Anil K , Agarwal Rakesh , Singh Saurabh , Ratan Ratnav 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackground55 BHU bicentric bipolar hemiarthroplasties were reviewed after a mean follow up of 4 years (range 1–5 years). Patients with displaced subcapital fractures were selected for operation on the basis of good mobility before the fracture. Object of the study was to see the efficacy of BHU bipolar prostheses and functional outcome.ResultsThere were no incidences of dislocation. Modified Harris hip scoring system scoring system was used which included sitting crosslegged and squatting in view of the sociocultural needs of the patients of Indian subcontinent. Modified Harris hip scoring system 89% had a good or excellent result and 94% had no or only occasional pain. Majority of the patients returned to their prefracture activity.ConclusionThus at follow up of 4 year the BHU bicentric bipolar prosthesis has been shown to be a good option for intracapsular fractures of neck femur with encouraging results.
Effect of arginase II on L-arginine depletion and cell growth in murine cell lines of renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Tate David J , Vonderhaar Derek J , Caldas Yupanqui A , Metoyer Toye , Patterson John R , Aviles Diego H , Zea Arnold H 
Published: September 2008

Abstract

Background
L-arginine is the common substrate for the two isoforms of arginase. Arginase I, highly expressed in the liver and arginase II mainly expressed in the kidney. Arginase I-producing myeloid derived suppressor cells have been shown to inhibit T-cell function by the depletion of L-arginine. On the other hand, arginase II has been detected in patients with cancer and is thought to metabolize L-arginine to L-ornithine needed to sustain rapid tumor growth; however its role in L-arginine depletion is unclear. Thus, in tumor biology, L-arginine metabolism may play a dual role in tumor growth and in the induction of T cell dysfunction. Therefore, we studied in murine renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell lines, the effect of arginase II on tumor cell proliferation and L-arginine depletion. The effect of arginase inhibitors on cell proliferation was also tested.

Methods
Three murine renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) cell lines were tested for the presence of arginase. nor-NOHA, an arginase inhibitor was used to substantiate the effect of arginase on cell growth and L-arginine depletion. Amino acid levels were tested by HPLC.

Results
Our results show that mRCC cell lines express only arginase II and were able to deplete L-arginine from the medium. Cell growth was independent of the amount of arginase activity expressed by the cells. nor-NOHA significantly (P = 0.01) reduced arginase II activity and suppressed cell growth in cells exhibiting high arginase activity.
The depletion of L-arginine by mRCC induced the decrease expression of CD3ζ a key element for T-cell function.

Conclusion
The results of this study show for the first time that arginase II produced by RCC cell lines depletes L-arginine resulting in decreased expression of CD3ζ. These results indicate that RCC cell lines expressing arginase II can modulate the L-arginine metabolic pathway to regulate both cell growth and T-cell function. Blocking arginase may lead to a decrease in RCC cell growth and aid in restoring immune function by increasing L-arginine availability for T-cell use. Understanding the interplay between arginase II and its interaction with the immune system may provide future therapeutic benefits to treat patients with RCC.
Efficient inhibition of murine breast cancer growth and metastasis by gene transferred mouse survivin Thr34→Ala mutant
Authors: Peng Xing-Chen , Yang Li , Yang Li-Ping , Mao Yong-Qiu , Yang Han-Shuo , Liu Ji-Yan , Zhang Dong-Mei , Chen li-Juan , Wei Yu-Quan 
Published: September 2008

Abstract

Background
Metastasis in breast cancer is a vital concern in treatment because most women with primary breast cancer have micrometastases to distant sites at diagnosis. As a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family, survivin has been proposed as an attractive target for new anticancer interventions. In this study, we investigated the role of the plasmid encoding the phosphorylation-defective mouse survivin threonine 34→alanine mutant (Msurvivin T34A plasmid) in suppressing both murine primary breast carcinomas and pulmonary metastases.

Methods
In vitro study, induction of apoptosis by Msurvivin T34A plasmid complexed with cationic liposome (DOTAP/Chol) was examined by PI staining fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometric analysis. The anti-tumor and anti-metastases activity of Msurvivin T34A plasmid complexed with cationic liposome (DOTAP/Chol) was evaluated in female BALB/c mice bearing 4T1 s.c. tumors. Mice were treated twice weekly with i.v. administration of Msurvivin T34A plasmid complexed with cationic liposome (DOTAP/Chol), PORF-9 null plasmid complexed with cationic liposome (DOTAP/Chol), 0.9% NaCl solution for 4 weeks. Tumor volume was observed. After sacrificed, tumor net weight was measured and Lung metastatic nodules of each group were counted. Assessment of apoptotic cells by TUNEL assay was conducted in tumor tissue. Microvessel density within tumor tissue was determined by CD31 immunohistochemistry. Alginate-encapsulated tumor cells test was conducted to evaluate the effect on angiogenesis. By experiment of cytotoxicity T lymphocytes, we test whether Msurvivin T34A plasmid complexed with cationic liposome (DOTAP/Chol) can induce specific cell immune response.

Results
Administration of Msurvivin T34A plasmid complexed with cationic liposome (DOTAP/Chol) resulted in significant inhibition in the growth and metastases of 4T1 tumor model. These anti-tumor and anti-metastases responses were associated with triggering the apoptosis of tumor cells directly, inhibiting angiogenesis and inducing specific cellular immune response.

Conclusion
The present findings suggest that the Msurvivin T34A plasmid complexed with cationic liposome may provide an effective approach to inhibit the growth and metastases of a highly metastatic mouse breast cancer model with minimal side effects.
Gene expression regulation in the context of mouse interspecific mosaic genomes
Authors: L'Hôte David , Serres Catherine , Veitia Reiner A , Montagutelli Xavier , Oulmouden Ahmad , Vaiman Daniel 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Background
Accumulating evidence points to the mosaic nature of the mouse genome. However, little is known about the way the introgressed segments are regulated within the context of the recipient genetic background. To address this question, we have screened the testis transcriptome of interspecific recombinant congenic mouse strains (IRCSs) containing segments of Mus spretus origin at a homozygous state in a Mus musculus background.

Results
Most genes (75%) were not transcriptionally modified either in the IRCSs or in the parent M. spretus mice, compared to M. musculus. The expression levels of most of the remaining transcripts were 'dictated' by either M. musculus transcription factors ('trans-driven'; 20%), or M. spretus cis-acting elements ('cis-driven'; 4%). Finally, 1% of transcripts were dysregulated following a cis-trans mismatch. We observed a higher sequence divergence between M. spretus and M. musculus promoters of strongly dysregulated genes than in promoters of similarly expressed genes.

Conclusion
Our study indicates that it is possible to classify the molecular events leading to expressional alterations when a homozygous graft of foreign genome segments is made in an interspecific host genome. The inadequacy of transcription factors of this host genome to recognize the foreign targets was clearly the major path leading to dysregulation.
The signature of long-standing balancing selection at the human defensin β-1 promoter
Authors: Cagliani Rachele , Fumagalli Matteo , Riva Stefania , Pozzoli Uberto , Comi Giacomo P , Menozzi Giorgia , Bresolin Nereo , Sironi Manuela 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Background
Defensins, small endogenous peptides with antimicrobial activity, are pivotal components of the innate immune response. A large cluster of defensin genes is located on human chromosome 8p; among them the beta defensin 1 (DEFB1) promoterhas been extensively studied since discovery that specific polymorphisms and haplotypes associate with asthma and atopy, susceptibility to severe sepsis, as well as HIV and Candida infection predisposition.

Results
Here, we characterize the sequence variation and haplotype structure of the DEFB1 promoter region in six human populations. In all of them, we observed high levels of nucleotide variation, an excess of intermediate-frequency alleles, reduced population differentiation and a genealogy with common haplotypes separated by deep branches. Indeed, a significant departure from the expectation of evolutionary neutrality was observed in all populations and the possibility that this is due to demographic history alone was ruled out. Also, we verified that the selection signature is restricted to the promoter region and not due to a linked balanced polymorphism. A phylogeny-based estimation indicated that the two major haplotype clades separated around 4.5 million years ago, approximately the time when the human and chimpanzee lineages split.

Conclusion
Altogether, these features represent strong molecular signatures of long-term balancing selection, a process that is thought to be extremely rare outside major histocompatibility complex genes. Our data indicate that the DEFB1 promoter region carries functional variants and support previous hypotheses whereby alleles predisposing to atopic disorders are widespread in modern societies because they conferred resistance to pathogens in ancient settings.
Psychological therapies provision: views from primary care
Authors: Ward Anne , Polizzi Giovanni , Milovanovic Miomir 
Published: September 2008

Aims and MethodRecent National Health Service (NHS) policy and guidelines support the increased provision of psychological therapies. As secondary care providers of psychological therapies, we carried out a questionnaire study of how our services were perceived by local general practitioners (GPs). All GPs in the borough of Southwark were included.ResultsGeneral practitioners value secondary care psychotherapeutic input across a spectrum of complex diagnostic groups and are interested in further training/education. They also consistently complain about long waiting times and confusion about accessing the various services.Clinical ImplicationsWith increasing interest in and willingness to fund the delivery of psychological therapies, there is the potential for working more effectively across the primary–secondary care divide. However, improved communication between primary and secondary care is essential if the increased commitment at government level is to be translated into a locally effective service.
Surgical management with mitral valve replacement in young infants with congenital mitral valve diseases and complete atrioventricular septal defect
Authors: Hartyánszky István , Mihályi Sándor , Bodor Gábor 
Published: September 2008

A szerzők
célja
volt csecsemőkorban vizsgálni a veleszületett mitralisbillentyű-szűkület és -elégtelenség sebészi kezelését, valamint a komplett atrioventricularis septumdefektus (CAVD) teljes korrekciója során a mitralis billentyű kialakításának, pótlásának lehetőségét.
Betegek:
2001 és 2007 között 82, egy évnél fiatalabb csecsemőn a korrekciós műtétet követően 7 betegben (5 hét–7 hónap, 3,5–5 kg) mitralis (bileaflet) műbillentyű korai beültetése vált szükségessé. A két műtét közti idő 0–7 nap, de a legkisebb csecsemőnél intenzív kezelés mellett 38 napot kellett várni az annulus feltágulására, hogy a legkisebb műbillentyű beültethető lehessen. A műbillentyűk típusa: 16 mm-es Carbomedics 2, 16 mm-es ATS 3, 17 mm-es Sorin 1, 19 mm-es Sorin 1. Congenitalis mitralis stenosis, illetve insufficientia miatt 2-2 csecsemőbe kellett 16 mm-es ATS billentyűt beültetni.
Eredmény:
30 napos mortalitás 0. Egy-egy csecsemő a 46., illetve a 71. posztoperatív napon szepszisben meghalt. 1–6 (átlag 3) éves utánkövetés: 1 betegben kellett pannust eltávolítani, a betegek panaszmentesek. Az antikoaguláns terápia helyes beállítása nehézséget jelentett.
Összefoglalás:
Congenitalis mitralis stenosis és elégtelenség, valamint a CAVD sebészi korrekciója már kis súlyú újszülötteken is sikerrel elvégezhető. Kedvezőtlen anatómiai helyzetben a mitralis billentyű kialakításának lehetetlensége esetén csak a műbillentyű-beültetés a megoldás. Ez kilátástalannak tűnő helyzetben (kis mitralis annulus) is elvégezhető jó eredménnyel. (Tudomásunk szerint 3500 g súlyú betegünk a legkisebb, sikeresen operált eset.) Ezt igazolják eseteink korai és középtávú eredményei.
A national risk assessment for intersex in fish arising from steroid estrogens
Authors: Williams Richard J. , Keller Virginie D. J. , Johnson Andrew C. , Young Andrew R. , Holmes Matthew G. R. , Wells Claire , Gross-Sorokin Melanie , Benstead Rachel 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
The occurrence of intersex fish is widespread in the rivers of England and Wales. The extent of intersex in fish populations is believed to be strongly linked to their exposure to steroid estrogens. The present study presents, to our knowledge, the first national, catchment-based risk assessment for steroid estrogens in the world. A graphical information system–based model predicted the concentrations of estradiol (E2), estrone, and ethinylestradiol, which were combined and compared with known biological effect levels to predict the risk of endocrine disruption for 10,313 individual river reaches (21,452 km) receiving effluent from more than 2,000 sewage treatment plants serving more than 29 million people. The large scale of this assessment underlines the usefulness of computer-based risk assessment methods. Overall, 39% of the modeled reaches (all percentages are in terms of the total river length modeled) in England and Wales were predicted to be not at risk from endocrine disruption (mean concentrations, &lt;1 ng/L E2 equivalents). A large range existed in the percentage of river reaches at risk in the various regions, from 5% in Wales to 67% in the Thames catchment. Important factors influencing this proportion are the population density, particularly their location, and the available dilution. A very small proportion of reaches (∼1–3%) were predicted to be at high risk (&gt;10 ng/L E2 equivalents). Many of these high-risk reaches, however, were ditches, which were composed almost entirely of sewage effluent. The model could be applied equally well to any other chemical of concern emanating from the human population that would be impractical to assess by measurement.
Test of the ecological‐constraints model on ursine colobus monkeys (Colobus vellerosus) in Ghana
Authors: Teichroeb Julie A. , Sicotte Pascale 
Published: September 2008

AbstractFor group‐living mammals, the ecological‐constraints model predicts that within‐group feeding competition will increase as group size increases, necessitating more daily travel to find food and thereby constraining group size. It provides a useful tool for detecting scramble competition any time it is difficult to determine whether or not food is limiting. We tested the ecological‐constraints model on highly folivorous ursine colobus monkeys (Colobus vellerosus) at the Boabeng‐Fiema Monkey Sanctuary in Ghana. Three differently sized groups were followed for 13 months and two others were followed for 6 months each in 2004–2005 using focal‐animal sampling and ranging scans; ecological plots and phenology surveys were used to determine home‐range quality and food availability. There was relatively little difference in home‐range quality, monthly food availability, diet, adult female ingestion rates, and rate of travel within food patches between the groups. However, home‐range size, day‐range length, and percent of time spent feeding all increased with group size. We performed a single large test of the ecological‐constraints model by combining several separate Spearman correlations, each testing different predictions under the model, using Fisher's log‐likelihood method. It showed that the ecological‐constraints model was supported in this study; scramble competition in this population is manifesting in increased ranging and time spent feeding. How costly this increased energy expenditure is for individuals in larger groups remains to be determined. Am. J. Primatol. 71:49–59, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Highly Enantioselective Copper‐Catalyzed Ring Opening of Oxabicyclic Alkenes with Grignard Reagents
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhu Shou‐Fei , Qiao Xiang‐Chen , Zhou Qi‐Lin 
Published: September 2008

AbstractA highly efficient copper‐catalyzed enantioselective ring opening of oxabicylic alkenes with Grignard reagents has been developed by using chiral spiro phosphine ligands. Excellent trans selectivities, good yields, and high enantioselectivities are obtained for a broad range of Grignard reagents under mild reaction conditions. The catalyst system shows an extraordinary activity and the TON of the reaction reaches 9000.
Ein Lichtmast aus Glas für die Beleuchtung des Marktplatzes in Göppingen
Authors: Pocanschi Adrian , Phocas Marios C. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractIm vorliegenden Aufsatz werden der Entwurf und konstruktive Details von Lichtmasten aus Glas dargestellt, deren Prototyp für eine blendfreie Beleuchtung des Markplatzes in Göppingen entwickelt wurde. Der kreuzförmige Mast besteht aus einem 2,0 m hohen Sockel aus Edelstahl, auf dessen Oberseite eine 6,0 m hohe Glassäule verschraubt ist. Die Glassäule setzt sich aus vier Flügeln aus Verbundsicherheitsglas (VSG) zusammen, die derart an einem mittig angeordneten Stahlkern befestigt sind, dass im Katastrophenfall die erforderliche Resttragfähigkeit der Konstruktion gewährleistet ist. Vier in einer Höhe von 8,0 m mit Facetten montierte Spiegel lenken die Lichtstrahlen um, die von den im Boden platzierten Lichtwerfern nach oben projiziert werden.
Vergleichende Lebenszykluskostenanalyse für Fußgängerbrücken aus unterschiedlichen Werkstoffen
Authors: Heitel Stephanie , Koriath Holger , Herzog Christoph S. , Specht Günter 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBei Infrastrukturobjekten können im Laufe der Nutzungsdauer erhebliche Kosten für Instandhaltungsmaßnahmen anfallen. Die Wahl der baulichen Variante sollte deshalb nicht nur anhand des Anschaffungspreises sondern unter Berücksichtigung der entstehenden Folgekosten erfolgen. Vor diesem Hintergrund wurde in einer Studie mit der Deutschen Bahn AG und der Peter Maier Leichtbau GmbH untersucht, welcher Werkstoff für Fußgängerbrücken die beste Gesamtwirtschaftlichkeit verspricht. Dabei wurde die Gesamtwirtschaftlichkeit anhand einer Lebenszykluskosten‐Analyse beurteilt.Untersucht wurden Fußgängerbrücken als sog. Personenüberführungen aus den konventionellen Brückenbaustoffen Holz, Stahl und Stahlbeton sowie aus dem Werkstoff Aluminium. Als Vergleichswert für die Lebenszykluskosten wurde die Annuität herangezogen. Unsicherheiten bei der Kostenprognose wurden mit Hilfe von Sensitivitätsanalysen eingegrenzt. Für das im Rahmen der Untersuchung betrachtete System stellte sich die Aluminiumbrücke als die wirtschaftlichste Variante heraus.
Hydrogen/deuterium exchange study of subtilisin Carlsberg during prolonged exposure to organic solvents
Authors: Fasoli Ezio , Ferrer Amaris , Barletta Gabriel L. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractIt has been previously reported that prolonged exposure of an enzyme to organic solvents leads to substantial decrease of activity. This effect was found to be unrelated to the catalysts' structure or their possible aggregation in organic solvents, and up to the present day the cause for activity loss remains unclear. In the present work, the structural dynamics of the serine protease subtilisin Carlsberg (SC) have been investigated during prolonged exposure to two organic solvents by following hydrogen/deuterium (H/D) exchange of mobile protons. The enzyme, after lyophilization, was incubated in organic solvents at controlled deuteriated water activity for different times and the H/D exchange was allowed to take place. The amount of deuterium exchanged was evaluated by 2H NMR, which in turn gave us a picture of the changing dynamics of our model enzyme during incubation and under different experimental conditions. Our results show that the flexibility of SC decreases during prolonged storage in 1,4‐dioxane (Diox) and acetonitrile (ACN) as indicated by the observed 3‐ to 10‐fold decrease in the apparent rate constants of exchange (k) of fast exchangeable protons (FEP) and slow exchangeable protons (SEP) in the protein. Our study also shows that SC is more flexible in ACN than in Diox (k 3–20 times higher in ACN for the FEP and SEP), suggesting that enzyme dynamics are affected by solvent physicochemical properties. Additionally, the enzyme dynamics are also affected by the method of preparation: decreased flexibility (k decreases 3‐ to 10‐fold for FEP and SEP) is observed when the enzyme is chemically modified with poly ethylene glycol (PEGylated) or colyophilized with crown ethers. A possible relationship between activity, enantioselectivity (E), and structural dynamics is discussed, demonstrating that direct correlations, as have been attempted in the past, are hampered by the multi‐variable nature and complexity of the system. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;102: 1025–1032. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.