bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cross Talk of Signaling Pathways in the Regulation of the Glucocorticoid Receptor Function
Authors: Davies Laura , Karthikeyan Nirupama , Lynch James T. , Sial Elin-Alia , Gkourtsa Areti , Demonacos Constantinos , Krstic-Demonacos Marija 
Published: March 2008

AbstractSeveral posttranslational modifications including phosphorylation have been detected on the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). However, the interdependence and combinatorial regulation of these modifications and their role in GR functions are poorly understood. We studied the effects of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-dependent phosphorylation of GR on its sumoylation status and the impact that these modifications have on GR transcriptional activity. GR is targeted for phosphorylation at serine 246 (S246) by the JNK protein family in a rapid and transient manner. The levels of S246 phosphorylation of endogenous GR increased significantly in cells treated with UV radiation that activates JNK. S246 GR phosphorylation by JNK facilitated subsequent GR sumoylation at lysines 297 and 313. GR sumoylation increased with JNK activation and was inhibited in cells treated with JNK inhibitor. GR sumoylation in cells with activated JNK was mediated preferentially by small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO)2 rather than SUMO1. An increase in GR transcriptional activity was observed after inhibition of JNK or SUMO pathways and suppression of GR transcriptional activity after activation of both pathways in cells transfected with GR-responsive reporter genes. Endogenous GR transcriptional activity was inhibited on endogenous target genes IGF binding protein (IGFBP) and glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (GILZ) when JNK and SUMO pathways were induced individually or simultaneously. Activation of both of these signals inhibited GR-mediated regulation of human inhibitor of apoptosis gene (hIAP), whereas simultaneous activation had no effect. We conclude that phosphorylation aids GR sumoylation and that cross talk of JNK and SUMO pathways fine tune GR transcriptional activity in a target gene-specific manner, thereby modulating the hormonal response of cells exposed to stress.
Beneficial effect of antibiotics on ciliary beat frequency of human nasal epithelial cells exposed to bacterial toxins
Authors: Mallants Roel , Jorissen Mark , Augustijns Patrick 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
In the present study, we explored whether the cilio-inhibitory effect induced by toxins derived from bacterial infections could be compensated for by a cilio-stimulatory effect of antibiotics. Human nasal epithelial cells (HNEC) expressing beating cilia were grown as monolayers. Ciliary beat frequency (CBF) was determined using an inverted microscope coupled with a high-speed digital camera. Clarithromycin and neomycin did not influence ciliary activity. Bacitracin, clindamycin, gramicidin and roxithromycin increased CBF significantly: by 50 ± 12%, 54 ± 16%, 31 ± 16% and 31 ± 18%, respectively. A 30 min exposure to Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B (SEB) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide (PAL) decreased CBF significantly, by 37 ± 16 and 28 ± 12%, respectively. In contrast with exposure to the toxin alone, co-incubation of the nasal monolayer cells with PAL and bacitracin or clindamycin did not result in a decrease in CBF after 30 and 60 min. The effect of SEB could be compensated for by bacitracin but not by clindamycin. After a 12 h pre-incubation period with SEB, co-incubation with either bacitracin or clindamycin resulted in the complete recovery of CBF. This study suggests that topical antibiotic treatment of nasal infections could result in a dual positive effect, namely treatment of the bacterial infection and recovery of ciliary activity.
Soybean fat supplementation controls insulin resistance caused by fat-free total parenteral nutrition
Authors: Ohkawa Hiroko , Fukuwa Chie , Matsuzawa-Nagata Naoto , Yokogawa Koichi , Omura Kenji , Miyamoto Ken-ichi 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Conscious young adult male rats were given total parenteral nutrition (TPN) with or without soybean fat for 4 days. Those given fat-free TPN developed severe fatty liver, with hyperglycaemia, hyperinsulinaemia, and hypotriglyceridaemia. These disorders were clearly improved by supplementing TPN with soybean fat, in an amount equivalent to 20% of total calories, and correspondingly reducing glucose. Insulin resistance also developed over a 4-day infusion of fat-free TPN in mature rats. Even after overnight fasting after stopping the TPN infusion, the levels of serum glucose and insulin were higher in the fat-free TPN group than in the control group, and intravenous glucose tolerance test results indicated insulin resistance in the fat-free TPN group. The HOMA-IR index of insulin resistance was significantly improved by supplementation with soybean fat. In conclusion, fat-free TPN infusion induced hyperglycaemia and hyperinsulinaemia, leading to fatty liver and insulin resistance. TPN with glucose should be supplemented with soybean fat emulsion as replacement for part of the glucose calories.
Induction of hepatocyte growth factor by fucoidan and fucoidan-derived oligosaccharides
Authors: Fukuta Kazuhiro , Nakamura Toshikazu 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Fucoidan, which is extracted from brown seaweed, is a complex sulphated polysaccharide that is mostly composed of l-fucose and sulphated ester groups. The structural and anionic characteristics of fucoidan are similar to those of heparin. Heparin stimulates production of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which has key roles in tissue regeneration. We have shown that fucoidan and fucoidan-derived oligosaccharides have similar ability to stimulate production of HGF as heparin and heparin-derived oligosaccharides. This induction of HGF by heparin or fucoidan and their oligosaccharide derivates occurs primarily at the level of translation, probably via the same mechanism. Fucoidan may thus be useful to protect tissues and organs from various injuries and diseases, via mechanisms involving HGF.
Effect of methanolic extract of Terminalia arjuna against Helicobacter pylori 26695 lipopolysaccharide-induced gastric ulcer in rats
Authors: Devi Rethinam Sundaresan , Kist Manfred , Vani Ganapathy , Devi Chennam Srinivasulu Shyamala 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Helicobacter pylori lipopolysaccharide (HP-LPS) is a potent virulence factor in the causation of gastric ulcer and gastritis. H. pylori-induced gastric pathology is prevalent throughout the world. Herbal medicines are attracting attention because of their traditional values, popularity and belief, as well as for their advantages such as less toxicity, affordability and medicinal value. The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-ulcer effect of a methanolic extract of Terminalia arjuna (TA) against HP-LPS-induced gastric damage in rats. Ulcers were induced with HP-LPS (50 μg per animal) administered orally daily for 3 days. The efficacy of TA on gastric secretory parameters such as volume of gastric juice, pH, free and total acidity, pepsin concentration, and the cytoprotective parameters such as protein-bound carbohydrate complexes in gastric juice and gastric mucosa was assessed. The protective effect of TA was also confirmed by histopathological examination of gastric mucosa. HP-LPS-induced alterations in gastric secretory parameters were altered favourably in rats treated with TA, suggesting that TA has an anti-secretory role. Furthermore, HP-LPS-induced impairments in gastric defence factors were also prevented by treatment with TA. These results suggest that the severe cellular damage and pathological changes caused by HP-LPS are mitigated by TA; these effects are comparable with those of sucralfate. The anti-ulcer effect of TA may reflect its ability to combat factors that damage the gastric mucosa, and to protect the mucosal defensive factors.
Methanol extract of Desmodium gangeticum roots preserves mitochondrial respiratory enzymes, protecting rat heart against oxidative stress induced by reperfusion injury
Authors: Kurian Gino A , Yagnesh N , Kishan R Sanchit , Paddikkala Jose 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Ischaemia and reperfusion result in mitochondrial dysfunction, with decreased oxidative capacity, loss of cytochrome c and generation of reactive oxygen species. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a methanol extract of Desmodium gangeticum (L) DC (Fabaceae) (DG) on lipid per-oxidation and antioxidants in mitochondria and tissue homogenates of normal, ischaemic and ischaemia-reperfused rats. Myocardial lipid peroxidation products (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances; TBARS) in cardiac tissue homogenates and mitochondrial fractions were significantly increased during ischaemia reperfusion. Antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase) in the myocardial tissue homogenate and mitochondria decreased significantly during ischaemia reperfusion, accompanied by a decreased activity of mitochondrial respiratory enzymes. Daily pretreatment of rats with DG (50 or 100 mgkg−1) orally for 30 days had a significant effect on the activity of mitochondrial and antioxidant enzymes. In-vitro studies showed that DG inhibited lipid peroxidation, and also scavenged hydroxyl and superoxide radicals. The concentrations required to scavenge 50% of the superoxide and hydroxyl radicals were 21 and 50.5 μgmL−1, respectively. Administration of DG to normal rats did not have any significant effect on any of the parameters studied. The results of our study showed that DG possesses the ability to scavenge the free radicals generated during ischaemia and ischaemia reperfusion and thereby preserves the mitochondrial respiratory enzymes that eventually lead to cardioprotection.
Variability in forelimb bone strains during non-steady locomotor activities in goats
Authors: Moreno Carlos A. , Main Russell P. , Biewener Andrew A. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of non-steady locomotor activities on load predictability in two goat forelimb bones and to explore the degree to which bone curvature influences load predictability. We measured in vivo bone strains in the radius and metacarpus of juvenile goats performing a variety of natural behaviors in an outdoor arena and compared these strain magnitudes and loading patterns with those measured during steady-state treadmill locomotion. We sought to test two hypotheses:our first hypothesis expects an increase in the variability of strain magnitude and pattern during outdoor non-steady behavior when compared to treadmill locomotion. Our second hypothesis was that the curved radius experiences higher peak strains but less variability during non-steady activities than the straighter metacarpus. We found that unsteady, outdoor locomotion generally caused more variable strain patterns (consistent with the first hypothesis), but not more variable strain magnitudes, than treadmill locomotion in both bones. During outdoor locomotion, higher magnitude strain events in the radius showed more constrained loading patterns than in the metacarpus (consistent with the second hypothesis). In addition to the radius experiencing significantly greater bending strains compared to the straighter metacarpus, these results support the idea of a trade-off between increased predictability of loading pattern and increased bending-induced strain. Strain magnitudes recorded during both outdoor and treadmill locomotion showed a lognormal frequency distribution, but the outdoor bone strain distributions had a greater range because they included high magnitude loading events that did not occur during steady treadmill locomotion.
Thermodynamics of oxygenation-linked proton and lactate binding govern the temperature sensitivity of O2 binding in crustacean(Carcinus maenas) hemocyanin
Authors: Weber Roy E. , Behrens Jane W. , Malte Hans , Fago Angela 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY
With the aim of understanding the molecular underpinnings of the enormous variation in the temperature sensitivity of hemocyanin–O2affinity encountered in crustaceans, we measured O2 binding to Carcinus maenas hemocyanin at two temperatures, varying pH values and in the absence and presence of lactate ions in order to assess the contributions of oxygenation-linked binding of protons (the Bohr effect) and lactate ions to the overall enthalpies of oxygenation (ΔH′). The hemocyanin binds maximally 0.35 lactate ions per functional subunit. Lactate(which accumulates under hypoxic conditions) increases O2 affinity by preferentially raising the association equilibrium constant of the hemocyanin in the low-affinity Tense state (KT), without significantly affecting that of the high-affinity Relaxed state(KR). In the absence of lactate, the variation in the temperature sensitivity observed with decreasing pH tallies neatly with changes in the nature and magnitude of the Bohr effect. Accordingly, the normal, absent and reverse Bohr effects observed under alkaline, neutral and acid conditions, respectively, reflect endothermic proton dissociation,absence of proton binding and exothermic proton association, respectively,upon oxygen binding. Oxygenation-linked lactate binding is exothermic, highly pH dependent and peaks near pH 7.6, where it contributes approximately–30 kJ mol–1 to the overall heat of oxygenation. This predictably increases the temperature sensitivity of O2 affinity,potentially hampering O2 loading in warm, hypoxic habitats. The data demonstrate governing roles for lactate and proton ions in determining the temperature sensitivity of hemocyanin–O2 affinity in crustaceans.
Involvement of lactate in glucose metabolism and glucosensing function in selected tissues of rainbow trout
Authors: Polakof Sergio , Soengas José L. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYThe aim of this study was to obtain evidence in rainbow trout for a role of lactate in glucose homeostasis as well as in the function of glucosensing tissues. In a first set of experiments, trout were injected, either (1)intraperitoneally (N=8) with 5 ml kg–1 of Cortland saline alone (control) or saline containing l-(+)-lactate (22.5 mg kg–1 or 45 mg kg–1), oxamate (22.5 mg kg–1) or d-glucose (500 mg kg–1),or (2) intracerebroventricularly (N=11) with 1 μl 100 g–1 body mass of Cortland saline alone (control) or containing d-glucose (400 μg μl–1) or l-(+)-lactate (400 μg μl–1), with samples being obtained 6 h after treatment. In a second set of experiments,hypothalamus, hindbrain and Brockmann bodies were incubated in vitrofor 1 h at 15°C in modified Hanks' medium containing 2, 4 or 8 mmol l–1l-(+)-lactate alone (control) or with 50 mmol l–1 oxamate, 1 mmol l–1 DIDS, 1 mmol l–1 dichloroacetate, 10 mmol l–12-deoxy-d-glucose, 1 mmol l–1α-cyano-4-hydroxy cinnamate or 10 mmol l–1d-glucose. The response of parameters assessed (metabolite levels,enzyme activities and glucokinase expression) in tissues provided evidence for(1) a role for lactate in the regulation of glucose homeostasis through changes not only in brain regions but also in liver energy metabolism, which are further reflected in changes in plasma levels of metabolites; (2) the possible presence in trout brain of an astrocyte–neuron lactate shuttle similar to that found in mammals; and (3) the lack of capacity of lactate to mimic in vitro (but not in vivo) glucose effects in fish glucosensing regions.
Recent advances in hearing restoration
Authors: Kulkarni Kunal , Hartley Douglas EH 
Published: March 2008

Summary This review is based on Pubmed, Medline and Internet literature searches, supplemented by knowledge from textbooks, conference presentations, and personal communications with experts in the field of hearing restoration and patients. We have not specifically selected a time limit for our literature searches; however, the majority are articles from the past 5 years.
Sciences of complexity and language origins: an alternative to natural selection
Authors: Longa Víctor M 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Natural selection is claimed to be the only way to explain complex design. The same assumption has also been held for language. However, sciences of complexity have shown, from a wide range of domains, the existence of a clear alternative: self-organisation, spontaneous patterns of order arising from chaos. According to this view, design derives from internal factors (dynamic interaction of the elements within the system) rather than from adaptation to the environment by means of selection. This paper aims to apply sciences of complexity to language origins; it shows that preexisting and well established ideas can be rethought according to such a view. The main objective of the paper is to illustrate the new and promising horizons that complexity could open as regards the origins of the most specific property of human beings.
Applying C1601-06 “Standard Test Method for Field Determination of Water Penetration of Masonry Wall Surfaces” in Practice
Authors: Dalrymple Gerald A. , Rhett Whitlock A. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Water permeance of exterior masonry wall systems drives masonry restoration and repair design decisions from selection of flashing replacement to pointing to application of water repellents. ASTM C1601 was first issued in August 2004 and has not been used extensively in service by professionals to evaluate masonry wall surfaces. ASTM C1601 provides a standard method of measuring water permeance that can be used to evaluate existing wall surfaces prior to specifying repair methods and as a tool to evaluate the overall effectiveness of repair methods so that efficient repair options can be selected. This paper reviews the requirements of the test method, application of the test method and interpretation of test results. Historical test data are presented that illustrate use of the test method to evaluate wall systems and expected range of test results for existing and repaired wall systems that can be used to select appropriate repair procedures.
The District Six Museum: An Ordinary People's Place
Authors: LAYNE VALMONT 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
This article describes the founding and work of the District Six Museum. Under the apartheid system, District Six was declared a white-only area. Many residents were forcibly removed, and almost all of the buildings were bulldozed. The District Six Museum was launched in 1994 to keep alive the memories of District Six and displaced people everywhere. It is a space where the forgotten understandings of the past are resuscitated, and where different interpretations of that past are facilitated. The museum also assists in the reconstitution of the community of District Six and Cape Town.
Sohlh2 Knockout Mice Are Male-Sterile Because of Degeneration of Differentiating Type A Spermatogonia
Authors: Hao Jing , Yamamoto Miwako , Richardson Timothy E. , Chapman Karen M. , Denard Bray S. , Hammer Robert E. , Zhao Guang Quan , Hamra F. Kent 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
The spermatogenesis and oogenesis-specific transcription factor Sohlh2 is normally expressed only in premeiotic germ cells. In this study, Sohlh2 and several other germ cell transcripts were found to be induced in mouse embryonic stem cells when cultured on a feeder cell line that overexpresses bone morphogenetic protein 4. To study the function of Sohlh2 in germ cells, we generated mice harboring null alleles of Sohlh2. Male Sohlh2-deficient mice were infertile because of a block in spermatogenesis. Although normal prior to birth, Sohlh2-null mice had reduced numbers of intermediate and type B spermatogonia by postnatal day 7. By day 10, development to the preleptotene spermatocyte stage was severely disrupted, rendering seminiferous tubules with only Sertoli cells, undifferentiated spermatogonia, and degenerating colonies of differentiating spermatogonia. Degenerating cells resembled type A2 spermatogonia and accumulated in M-phase prior to death. A similar phenotype was observed in Sohlh2-null mice on postnatal days 14, 21, 35, 49, 68, and 151. In adult Sohlh2-mutant mice, the ratio of undifferentiated type A spermatogonia (DAZL+/PLZF+) to differentiating type A spermatogonia (DAZL+/PLZF−) was twice normal levels. In culture, undifferentiated type A spermatogonia isolated from Sohlh2-null mice proliferated normally but linked the mutant phenotype to aberrant cell surface expression of the receptor-tyrosine kinase cKit. Thus, Sohlh2 is required for progression of differentiating type A spermatogonia into type B spermatogonia. One conclusion originating from these studies would be that testicular factors normally regulate the viability of differentiating spermatogonia by signaling through Sohlh2. This regulation would provide a crucial checkpoint to optimize the numbers of spermatocytes entering meiosis during each cycle of spermatogenesis.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Embryonic Porcine Liver as a Source for Transplantation: Advantage of Intact Liver Implants over Isolated Hepatoblasts in Overcoming Homeostatic Inhibition by the Quiescent Host Liver
Authors: Katchman Helena , Tal Orna , Eventov-Friedman Smadar , Shezen Elias , Aronovich Anna , Tchorsh Dalit , Cohen Sivan , Shtabsky Alexander , Hecht Gil , Dekel Benjamin , Freud Enrique , Reisner Yair 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Cell therapy as an alternative to orthotopic liver transplantation represents a major challenge, since negligible proliferation of isolated hepatocytes occurs after transplantation because of the stringent homeostatic control displayed by the host liver. Thus, different modalities of liver injury as part of the pretransplant conditioning are a prerequisite for this approach. The major objective of the present study was to test whether xenotransplantation of pig fetal liver fragments, in which potential cell-cell and cell-stroma interactions are spared, might afford more robust growth and proliferation compared with isolated pig fetal hepatoblasts. After transplantation into SCID mice, fetal liver tissue fragments exhibited marked growth and proliferation, in the setting of a quiescent host liver, compared with isolated fetal hepatoblasts harvested at the same gestational age (embryonic day 28). The proliferative advantage of fetal pig liver fragments was clearly demonstrated by immunohistochemical and morphometric assays and was observed not only after implantation into the liver but also into extrahepatic sites, such as the spleen and the subrenal capsule. The presence of all types of nonparenchymal liver cells that is crucial for normal liver development and regeneration was demonstrated in the implants. Preservation of the three-dimensional structure in pig fetal liver fragments enables autonomous proliferation of transplanted hepatic cells in the setting of a quiescent host liver, without any requirement for liver injury in the pretransplant conditioning. The marked proliferation and functional maturation exhibited by the pig fetal liver fragments suggests that it could afford a preferable source for transplantation.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.