bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro antiangiogenic activity of selective somatostatin subtype‐1 receptor agonists
Authors: Bocci G. , Culler M. D. , Fioravanti A. , Orlandi P. , Fasciani A. , Colucci R. , Taylor J. E. , Sadat D. , Danesi R. , Del Tacca M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground  Endothelial cells of human blood vessels (arteries and veins) show high levels of somatostatin subtype‐1 receptor (sst1). The aim of the present study is to investigate the inhibitory effects of novel somatostatin analogs, highly selective for human sst1, on in vitro angiogenesis and their modulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 (VEGFR‐2) expression.Materials and methods  Somatostatin analogs BIM‐23745 and BIM‐23926 were tested for their ability to prevent proliferation and migration of human endothelial HMEC‐1 cells, to modulate VEGF and VEGFR‐2 expression and to inhibit sprouting of microvessels from cultured human placental vessel explants in fibrin matrix for 28 days.Results  The somatostatin sst1 receptor‐selective agonists, BIM‐23745 and BIM‐23926 showed a suppression of endothelial proliferation (e.g. 10−6 M BIM‐23475, 40·0 ± 2·1% vs. 100% of controls; 10−7 M BIM‐23926, 55·3 ± 3·3% vs. 100% of controls), migration (e.g. 10−7 M BIM‐23475, 35·0 ± 1·56% vs. 100% of controls; 10−7 M BIM‐23926, 53·7 ± 1·77% vs. 100% of controls) and microvessel sprouting (e.g. 10−8 M BIM‐23475, 42·8 ± 5·6% vs. 100% of controls; 10−7 M BIM‐23926, 17·2 ± 11·8% vs. 100% of controls). A small but significant percentage of cells exposed to BIM‐23745 and BIM‐23926 for 24 h and for 72 h presented typical apoptotic morphology. Moreover, both the analogs significantly inhibit VEGF and VEGFR‐2 gene expression in endothelial cells grown for 144 h in a fibrin matrix and the VEGF secretion in conditioned media.Conclusions  The inhibition of endothelial activities suggests potential therapeutic utility for administration of somatostatin sst1 receptor‐selective agonists in the proliferative diseases involving angiogenesis.
Association of oxidative stress and PON1 with LDL and HDL particle size in middle‐aged subjects
Authors: Vekic J. , Kotur‐Stevuljevic J. , Jelic‐Ivanovic Z. , Spasic S. , Spasojevic‐Kalimanovska V. , Topic A. , Zeljkovic A. , Stefanovic A. , Zunic G. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground  Alterations in plasma lipoprotein subclass distributions affect atherosclerosis risk. Smaller, denser low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) particles (sdLDL) are more susceptible to oxidation. In contrast, most of the protective effects of high‐density lipoproteins (HDL) are attributable to larger particles. This study investigates the connection between LDL and HDL particle heterogeneity and oxidative stress, antioxidative defence (AOD) and paraoxonase (PON1) status in a healthy middle‐aged Serbian population.Materials and methods  LDL and HDL particle sizes and subclass distributions were measured by gradient gel electrophoresis in 104 men and 103 women, aged 53 ± 9·4 years. PON1 activities and PON1Q192R phenotypes were determined with paraoxon and diazoxon as substrates. The oxidative stress/AOD status was estimated by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide‐anion () levels and superoxide‐dismutase (SOD) activity.Results  Subjects with sdLDL had significantly higher MDA (P < 0·001) and (P < 0·05) levels and greater diazoxonase (DZOase) activity (P < 0·05) compared to subjects with larger LDL particles. A high MDA concentration was a significant predictor of the sdLDL phenotype (P < 0·005). Increased levels of and MDA were associated with smaller HDL3 subclass abundance. Reduced HDL particle size was associated with lower DZOase activity (P < 0·01).Conclusions  Even in the absence of symptoms of atherosclerosis, sdLDL particles are associated with increased oxidative stress, which may stimulate a compensatory rise in PON1 DZOase activity. Elevated oxidative stress may significantly affect HDL subclass distribution, resulting in the accumulation of smaller, denser HDL particles with diminished antioxidative capacity.
High‐dose versus low‐dose esomeprazole‐based triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Hsu P. I. , Lai K. H. , Wu C. J. , Tseng H. H. , Tsay F. W. , Peng N. J. , Chen T. A. , Chuah S. K. , Lin W. S. , Lo G. H. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground  This prospective, randomized, controlled study was conducted to compare the efficacies of high‐dose and low‐dose esomeprazole‐based triple therapies for Helicobacter pylori eradication in Taiwan.Materials and methods  From January 2004 to June 2006, 240 H. pylori‐infected patients were randomly assigned to undergo high‐dose (40 mg b.d.) or low‐dose (40 mg o.d.) esomeprazole combined with clarithromycin (500 mg b.d.) and amoxicillin (1 g b.d.) for one week. Follow‐up endoscopy was performed at eight weeks after the end of treatment to evaluate the response to therapy.Results  Intention‐to‐treat analysis demonstrated no differences between eradication rates of high‐dose and low‐dose groups (92% vs. 90%, respectively, P > 0·05). Per‐protocol analysis yielded comparable results (95% vs. 93%). Both groups exhibited similar frequencies of adverse events (13% vs. 11%) and drug compliance (96% vs. 93%). Multivariate analysis indicated that only good compliance (odds ratio: 10·3, 95% CI, 3·0–35·7) was an independent predictor of treatment success.Conclusions  This work demonstrates that low‐dose esomeprazole‐based triple therapy yields a similar eradication rate as high‐dose esomeprazole‐based therapy in Taiwan. Since the cost of the low‐dose regime is lower than that of the high‐dose regime, low‐dose esomeprazole‐based triple therapy can reasonably be recommended for the first‐line eradication of H. pylori for Taiwanese and probably most Asians.
Lipid peroxidation and mucin secretagogue activity in bile of gallstone patients
Authors: Jüngst C. , Sreejayan N. , Eder M. I. , Von Stillfried N. , Zündt B. , Spelsberg F. W. , Kullak‐Ublick G. A. , Jüngst D. , Von Ritter C. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground  Chronic inflammation of the gallbladder wall and mucin hypersecretion are considered to be important factors in the pathogenesis of cholesterol gallstone disease. The aim of the study was to compare mucin concentration and mucin secretagogue activity with lipid peroxidation in gallbladder bile of patients with cholesterol or pigment stones.Material and methods  We studied mucin concentration and, as a marker of lipid peroxidation, malondialdehyde concentration in 11 rapid (1 to 3 days) and eight non‐nucleating (> 21 days) gallbladder biles of patients with cholesterol or pigment stones. Furthermore, the mucin secretagogue activity of rapid and non‐nucleating gallbladder biles, as well as 1–5 µmol L−1 malondialdehyde on cultured gallbladder epithelial cells, was determined.Results  Our data show an increased malondialdehyde (7·2 ± 1·8 vs. 3·8 ± 0·5 µmol L−1, P = 0·01) and mucin concentration (0·9 ± 0·09 vs. 0·41 ± 0·03 mg mL−1, P = 0·01) and an increased mucin secretagogue activity (2·0 ± 0·5 vs. 1·1 ± 0·3 mucin secretion/control, P = 0·04) and cholesterol saturation index (1·2 ± 0·1 vs. 08 ± 0·1, P = 0·04) in rapid as compared to non‐nucleating gallbladder biles. Malondialdehyde stimulated mucin secretion of cultured gallbladder epithelial cells in a concentration dependent manner.Conclusions  Our results support a promoting effect of gallbladder mucin hypersecretion by lipid peroxidation leading to rapid formation of cholesterol crystals in gallbladder bile. These findings suggest that besides hypersecretion of cholesterol in bile, chronic inflammation of the gallbladder wall is implicated in the pathogenesis of cholesterol gallstone disease.
A comparative analysis of population structuring and genetic diversity in sympatric lineages of freshwater shrimp (Atyidae: Paratya): concerted or independent responses to hydrographic factors?
Authors: COOK BENJAMIN D. , BUNN STUART E. , HUGHES JANE M. 
Published: July 2007

Summary1. We determined whether two sympatric mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) lineages of freshwater shrimp (Decapoda: Atyidae: Paratya australiensis) represent biological species and if they had concerted or independent population responses to hydrographic factors in small streams (the Granite Creeks) in southeastern Australia.2. Allozyme data indicated the presence of two gene pools at sites where the P. australiensis lineages were co‐occurring and the gene pools were statistically assigned with high probability to each respective lineage. This indicated that these mtDNA lineages in P. australiensis were reproductively isolated and thus biological species.3. Populations of both lineages were genetically homogeneous among lowland sites within streams, but were isolated by steep stream gradients among upland sites and for lowland–upland site comparisons. However, the magnitude of differentiation was markedly different between the two lineages. Allozyme diversity also differed between the two lineages, suggesting that they have different effective population sizes. Thus, differences in the magnitude of genetic divergence among populations were probably because of different life‐history characteristics, including dispersal ability and population size.4. Genetic population structure was mostly temporally stable, despite the extreme effects of drought during the first year and substantial stream‐flow during the second. However, stable isotope analyses revealed greater local movement in both lineages during the second year, as greater hydrological connectivity provided more opportunities for dispersal. Thus, although lowland populations within streams were genetically homogeneous, stable isotope data indicated that connections may be sporadic and result from accumulated small‐scale movements among refugial pools.5. Both lineages were therefore found to have similar small‐scale population responses to the unstable habitats of the Granite Creeks. Results highlight the importance of refugia for the capacity of biota to recover from drought and the need for multiple restored patches to reinstate natural population processes (e.g. resilience, recolonization) in degraded systems.
Identification of phytoplasmas in eggs, nymphs and adults of Scaphoideus titanus Ball reared on healthy plants
Authors: Alma A. , Bosco D. , Danielli A. , Bertaccini A. , Vibio M. , Arzone A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA survey for the presence of aster yellows‐related phytoplasmas in the different life stages of Scaphoideus titanus was carried out by means of PCR and nested‐PCR assays. Using a phytoplasma 16Srl group‐specific primer pair followed by RFLP analysis of amplified products, we were able to detect and identify phytoplasmas from eggs, newly hatched nymphs, fourth and fifth instar nymphs and adults reared on ten phytoplasma‐free Vicia faba seedlings. Two of these broad beans became infected, whereas PCR failed to detect phytoplasmas in the same ten plants before leafhopper rearing. These results suggest the possibility of transovarial transmission of aster yellows‐related phytoplasmas in S. titanus.
Insulin‐mediated secretion of ecdysteroids from mosquito ovaries and molecular cloning of the insulin receptor homologue from ovaries of bloodfed Aedes aegypti
Authors: Graf R. , Neuenschwander S. , Brown M. R. , Ackermann U. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe reproductive cycle of female mosquitoes is activated by ingestion of blood from vertebrate hosts. Shortly after feeding, neurohormones are released from the brain neurosecretory system and stimulate the ovaries to secrete ecdysteroids, which are necessary for vitellogenesis by the fat body. Because bombyxins, which are insulin‐like peptides, stimulate ecdysteroidogenesis in silkworm larvae, we tested porcine insulin and found that it activates ecdysteroidogenesis and protein synthesis in ovaries isolated from unfed mosquitoes. To further characterize the regulation of ecdysteroidogenesis in female mosquitoes, we cloned the mosquito insulin receptor (MIR) homologue from ovarian mRNA. The sequence of the extracellular domain shows moderate homologies with vertebrate and Drosophlla Insulin receptor homologues, as well as with the insulin receptor‐related receptor, the latter being an ‘orphan’ receptor with an unknown function. In the intracellular domain, high homologies are observed, particularly in those subdomains that are responsible for ATP binding and kinase activity. Northern blot analysis of MIR demonstrated a highly specific expression in ovaries, and cloning experiments indicated its presence in the brain. Recombinant MIR extracts from a baculovirus expression system contained high constitutive kinase activity in the presence of manganese or magnesium. Activation was independent of a ligand. SDS‐gel analysis suggested that the recombinant receptor was not post‐translationally processed into an α and β‐subunit as was expected from a putative cleavage sinal. Enzymatic properties of the propreceptor are presented: the Km for ATP was between 15 and 50 μM in the presence of a synthetic substrate: maximal kinase activity to 100‐fold over basic activity was reached in the presence of 1 mn managanese. Stimulation of key oogenic processes by porcine insulin and identification of a MIR indicate that insulin‐like neurophormonones may have an important regulatory role in mosquito oogenesis.
Cysteine proteinase 1 (CP1), a cathepsin L‐like enzyme expressed in the Drosophila melanogaster haemocyte cell line mbn‐2
Authors: Tryselius Y. , Hultmark D. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWe have isolated cDNA clones encoding the full‐length Drosophila melanogaster cysteine proteinase 1 (CP1). The clones were isolated from the Drosophila melanogaster haemocytic mbn‐2 cell line, where the gene is relatively strongly expressed, giving a transcript of 1.6 kb in size. We present the sequence encoding the full‐length protein, and deduce the genomic organlzation of the gene by comparison to previously published genomic partial sequence data. Immunofluorescence shows that CP1 is localized in small granules, probably lysosomes, in mbn‐2 cells. The data presented suggest a role for cysteine proteinases in immune functions in insects. It is likely to participate in the degradation of internalized material in phagocytic cells.
Identification of subtilisin, Epr and Vpr as enzymes that produce CSF, an extracellular signalling peptide of Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Lanigan‐Gerdes Sara , Dooley Alek N. , Faull Kym F. , Lazazzera Beth A. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryCell–cell communication regulates many important processes in bacteria. Gram‐positive bacteria use peptide signals for communication, such as the Phr pentapeptides of Bacillus subtilis. The Phr pentapeptides are secreted with a pro domain that is cleaved to produce an active signalling peptide. To identify the protease(s) involved in production of the mature Phr signalling peptides, we developed assays for detecting cleavage of one of the B. subtilis Phr pentapeptides, CSF, from the proCSF precursor. Using both a cellular and a mass spectrometric approach, we determined that a sigma‐H‐regulated, secreted, serine protease(s) cleaved proCSF to CSF. Mutants lacking the three proteases that fit these criteria, subtilisin, Epr and Vpr, had a defect in CSF production. Purified subtilisin and Vpr were shown to be capable of processing proCSF as well as at least one other Phr peptide produced by B. subtilis, PhrA, but they were not able to process the PhrE signalling peptide of B. subtilis, indicating that there are probably other unidentified proteases involved in Phr peptide production. Subtilisin, Epr and Vpr are members of the subtilisin family of proteases that are widespread in bacteria, suggesting that many bacterial species may be capable of producing Phr signalling peptides.
Muralytic activity and modular structure of the endolysins of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteriophages φKZ and EL
Authors: Briers Yves , Volckaert Guido , Cornelissen Anneleen , Lagaert Stijn , Michiels Chris W. , Hertveldt Kirsten , Lavigne Rob 
Published: July 2007

Summary Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteriophage endolysins KZ144 (phage φKZ) and EL188 (phage EL) are highly lytic peptidoglycan hydrolases (210 000 and 390 000 units mg−1), active on a broad range of outer membrane‐permeabilized Gram‐negative species. Site‐directed mutagenesis indicates E115 (KZ144) and E155 (EL188) as their respective essential catalytic residues. Remarkably, both endolysins have a modular structure consisting of an N‐terminal substrate‐binding domain and a predicted C‐terminal catalytic module, a property previously only demonstrated in endolysins originating from phages infecting Gram‐positives and only in an inverse arrangement. Both binding domains contain conserved repeat sequences, consistent with those of some peptidoglycan hydrolases of Gram‐positive bacteria. Fusions of these domains with green fluorescent protein immediately label all outer membrane‐permeabilized Gram‐negative bacteria tested, isolated P. aeruginosa peptidoglycan and N‐acetylated Bacillus subtilis peptidoglycan, demonstrating the broad range of peptidoglycan‐binding capacity by these domains. Specifically, A1 chemotype peptidoglycan and fully N‐acetylated glucosamine units are essential for binding. Both KZ144 and EL188 appear to be a natural chimeric enzyme, originating from a recombination of a cell wall‐binding domain encoded by a Bacillus or Clostridium species and a catalytic domain of an unknown ancestor.
Participation of FLIP, RIP and Bcl‐xL in Fas‐mediated T‐cell Death
Authors: Djerbi M. , Malinowski M. M. , Yagita H. , Zhivotovsky B. , Grandien A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractApart from the conventional Fas signalling pathway, alternative pathways including the mitochondrial caspase‐dependent and RIP‐mediated cell death routes have been proposed to operate during Fas‐mediated cell death. To evaluate the contribution of different Fas signalling pathways, mice overexpressing FLIPL, Bcl‐xL, a kinase‐deficient form of RIP (RIPΔkin) or combinations thereof were generated by retroviral gene transfer of haematopoietic stem cells. Such mice did not show overt abnormalities in haematopoietic development, defects in thymic deletion, accumulation of double‐negative T cells or signs of autoimmunity. Fas‐mediated death of mitogen‐activated T cells was caspase dependent and could be blocked by FLIPL overexpression only with the minor involvement of Bcl‐xL or RIPΔkin inhibitable pathways. Fas‐mediated death of resting CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was mainly caspase dependent but could only partly be blocked by FLIPL overexpression. Both Bcl‐xL or RIPΔkin expression resulted in partial protection of CD8+ T cells against Fas‐mediated cell death. These results indicate that yet uncharacterized signalling pathways from the Fas receptor are critically involved in lymphoproliferative and autoimmune disease observed in lpr mice and autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome patients.
Studies on settling, traction and entrainment of larger benthic foraminiferal tests: implications for accumulation in shallow marine sediments
Authors: YORDANOVA ELZA K. , HOHENEGGER JOHANN 
Published: July 2007

AbstractSettling and traction velocities were measured on optimally preserved tests of larger foraminifera using a settling tube and flume tank. Within larger foraminifera with porcelaneous tests, the peneroplids, Peneroplis antillarum, P. planatus, P. pertusus and Dendritina cf. D. zhengae, are distinguished by low test densities (ca 1·2) that do not change with growth. Buoyancy is high because of low Reynolds numbers and increases in large individuals because of the allometric change of test shape. The fusiform Alveolinella quoyi, with test densities ca 1·6, is characterized by high Reynolds numbers, inducing the weakest buoyancy within porcelaneous larger foraminifera. The highest buoyancy was recorded for the three soritids, Parasorites orbitolitoides, Sorites orbiculus and Amphisorus hemprichii, because of their low test densities (ca 1·25) and the extremely flat, biconcave, plate‐like shape. Flat tests, however, reduce traction and entrainment from smooth surfaces. Within hyaline larger foraminiferat, the amphisteginids show thick‐lenticular (Amphistegina lobifera, A. radiata) to thin‐lenticular tests (A. bicirculata, A. papillosa), influencing buoyancy. Here, high test densities (ca 1·8) decrease with growth in A. lobifera, A. lessonii and A. bicirculata, and remain constant in A. radiata and A. papillosa. Minimum velocities required for entrainment are lower for thick‐lenticular tests and higher for thin‐lenticular tests. Test densities remain constant with growth in the calcarinid Baculogypsina sphaerulata (ρ ∼ 1·78) and decrease slightly in Calcarina gaudichaudii and Neorotalia calcar (starting at ρ ∼ 1·85), all living under extreme hydrodynamic conditions. Density decreases the most in Baculogypsinoides spinosus (starting at ρ ∼ 1·8), resulting in higher buoyancy through low Reynolds numbers. Traction is promoted in spherical tests of Baculogypsina and Baculogypsinoides. Within nummulitids, the thick‐lenticular Palaeonummulites venosus (test density decreasing with size; starting at 1·78) is less buoyant, expressed in high Reynolds numbers, but easily entrained. Thick‐lenticular juveniles and extremely flat adults distinguish Operculinella cumingii, Heterostegina depressa and the giant Cycloclypeus carpenteri. Test densities increase during growth, starting from ca 1·6 and attaining a maximum of 1·8. Buoyancy is low in small tests and high in large tests, while entrainment velocities are reduced as the tests flatten. High buoyancy is also a characteristic of the entirely flat tests in Operculina ammonoides (from deeper regions) and Planostegina operculinoides, which is expressed in the lowest Reynolds numbers within larger foraminifera.
T‐cell receptor‐γ gene analysis in evolving to advancing cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Foo Christopher CI , Tang Mark BY , Chong Tina KL , Sun Yong‐Jiang , Tan Suat‐Hoon 
Published: July 2007

SUMMARYThe diagnosis of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma is often a challenge for the dermatopathologist. Early stages can mimic inflammatory dermatoses. Our aim was to explore the applicability of a standard T‐cell receptor‐γ polymerase chain reaction in various subtypes of cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas. Ninety‐six biopsy specimens from 38 patients were selected. These included 72 specimens of mycosis fungoides, 12 specimens of non‐mycosis fungoides T‐cell lymphomas, and 12 specimens in which histology was non‐specific or equivocal in patients who were later diagnosed to have lymphoma. T‐cell clones were detected in 53 of 72 specimens of mycosis fungoides and eight of 12 specimens of non‐mycosis fungoides lymphomas. Of the 72 specimens of mycosis fungoides, T‐cell clones were detected in eight of 10 specimens of mycosis fungoides‐associated follicular mucinosis and pigmented purpura‐like mycosis fungoides. Four specimens from the 12 prediagnostic for cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas showed presence of T‐cell clones, identical to subsequent clones detected when lymphoma was fully established. In specimens where histology is not diagnostic and T‐cell receptor‐γ gene analysis is positive, patients should be followed up closely. T‐cell receptor‐γ gene analysis is a useful adjunct to histological diagnosis of early stage and variant types of mycosis fungoides.