bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coordination of the dynamics of yeast sphingolipid metabolism during the diauxic shift
Authors: Alvarez-Vasquez Fernando , Sims Kellie J , Voit Eberhard O , Hannun Yusuf A 
Published: October 2007

Abstract

Background
The diauxic shift in yeast requires cells to coordinate a complicated response that involves numerous genes and metabolic processes. It is unknown whether responses of this type are mediated in vivo through changes in a few "key" genes and enzymes, which are mathematically characterized by high sensitivities, or whether they are based on many small changes in genes and enzymes that are not particularly sensitive. In contrast to global assessments of changes in gene or protein interaction networks, we study here control aspects of the diauxic shift by performing a detailed analysis of one specific pathway–sphingolipid metabolism–which is known to have signaling functions and is associated with a wide variety of stress responses.

Results
The approach uses two components: publicly available sets of expression data of sphingolipid genes and a recently developed Generalized Mass Action (GMA) mathematical model of the sphingolipid pathway. In one line of exploration, we analyze the sensitivity of the model with respect to enzyme activities, and thus gene expression. Complementary to this approach, we convert the gene expression data into changes in enzyme activities and then predict metabolic consequences by means of the mathematical model. It was found that most of the sensitivities in the model are low in magnitude, but that some stand out as relatively high. This information was then deployed to test whether the cell uses a few of the very sensitive pathway steps to mount a response or whether the control is distributed throughout the pathway. Pilot experiments confirm qualitatively and in part quantitatively the predictions of a group of metabolite simulations.

Conclusion
The results indicate that yeast coordinates sphingolipid mediated changes during the diauxic shift through an array of small changes in many genes and enzymes, rather than relying on a strategy involving a few select genes with high sensitivity. This study also highlights a novel approach in coupling data mining with mathematical modeling in order to evaluate specific metabolic pathways.
Cellular apoptosis induced by replication of hepatitis B virus: possible link between viral genotype and clinical outcome
Authors: Lu Yi Wei , Tan Tuan Lin , Zhang Jianhua , Chen Wei Ning 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
HBV remains one of the major pathogens of liver diseases but the outcomes as inflammation, cirrhosis and cancer of the liver are greatly related to different viral genotypes. The aim of this study was to assess the pro-apoptotic effect of HBSP from three HBV genotypes on liver derived cells. HepG2 cells were applied in our system and transfected by HBV genotype A, B, and C. Cells were observed under phase contrast microscope, stained by apoptosis marker and analyzed by flow cytometre. HBSP expression was detected by western blot assay. BH3 sequences were aligned and analyzed by Vector NTI. HBV genotypes A, B, and C transfected cells displayed evidence of cell death which was further proved as apoptosis. Natural expression of a pro-apoptotic protein HBSP was detected during genomes transfection. The different apoptotic effects were correlated to the HBSP expression from each genome. Alignment and analysis of the BH3 domains from the three genomes revealed slight variance which might also contribute to the result. Our results suggested that variant HBSP expression and BH3 sequence of HBV genotypes may be involved in differential apoptotic effect in transfected cells. Detailed analysis of the role of HBV genotypes in cellular apoptotic process should provide molecular information on the reported clinical outcome of infection by different HBV genotypes.
Effects of low carbohydrate diets high in red meats or poultry, fish and shellfish on plasma lipids and weight loss
Authors: Cassady Bridget A , Charboneau Nicole L , Brys Emily E , Crouse Kristin A , Beitz Donald C , Wilson Ted 
Published: October 2007

Abstract

Background
Low carbohydrate diets (LCDs) have been demonstrated to be effective tools for promoting weight loss and an improved plasma lipid profile. Such diets are often associated with increased meat consumption, either poultry, fish, and shellfish (PFS), which are generally high in polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) or red meats (RM), generally high in saturated fat (SFA). The fatty acid profile and content of a diet may influence the plasma lipid profile of humans. This study examined whether the type of meat consumed could influence the outcome of an LCD.

Methods
Moderately obese subjects consumed two different LCDs as part of a weight loss regimen: 1) a diet high in foods of mammalian origin (RM) intended to contain more SFA, or 2) a diet high in PFS intended to contain more PUFA. Diet dependent changes in body weight, nutritional intake, and plasma lipids were evaluated during a 28 day study period.

Results
Both diets were associated with significant weight loss after 28 days, -5.26 ± 0.84 kg and -5.74 ± 0.63 kg for RM and PFS groups, respectively. The PFS diet was associated with a significantly higher intake of PUFA and cholesterol. Despite high cholesterol and fat intakes, neither diet was associated with significant changes in plasma cholesterol or the plasma lipoprotein cholesterol profile. While plasma triglycerides were reduced in both groups, the effect was only statistically significant for the PFS diet.
Cough reflex and oral chemesthesis induced by capsaicin and capsiate in healthy never-smokers
Authors: Yamasaki Miyako , Ebihara Satoru , Ebihara Takae , Freeman Shannon , Yamanda Shinsuke , Asada Masanori , Yoshida Motoki , Arai Hiroyuki 
Published: October 2007

Abstract

Background
Many tussive agents are components of foods, but little is known about the relationship between cough reflex and oral chemesthesis sensitivities. We investigated the relationships between cough reflex and oral chemesthesis in individuals using two transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) agonists with different potencies: capsaicin and capsiate.

Methods
Twenty-eight healthy never-smokers were allocated to evaluate cough and oral chemesthesis of capsinoids. Cough reflex sensitivities are estimated by the lowest concentrations generating five coughs by each TRPV1 agonist inhalation. Oral chemesthesis sensitivities are estimated by the lowest concentrations which generate a hot sensation when filter paper loaded with each TRPV1 agonist is placed on the tongue.

Results
There were strong correlations between capsaicin- and capsiate-induced cough reflex sensitivities, and between capsaicin- and capsiate-induced oral chemesthesis sensitivities. However, there were no significant correlations between cough reflex and oral chemesthesis sensitivities induced by both capsaicin and capsiate. The cough reflex sensitivities are significantly greater in females than in males whereas there were no gender differences in oral chemesthesis.

Conclusion
The results showed that the sensitivities of sensory afferents were different between cough reflex and oral chemesthesis, suggesting that TRPV1 sensitivities differ between organs within healthy individuals. Capsiate could be a tussigen for the cough challenge test.
Analysis of Lrrn1 expression and its relationship to neuromeric boundaries during chick neural development
Authors: Andreae Laura C , Peukert Daniela , Lumsden Andrew , Gilthorpe Jonathan D 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
Background
The Drosophila leucine-rich repeat proteins Tartan (TRN) and Capricious (CAPS) mediate cell affinity differences during compartition of the wing imaginal disc. This study aims to identify and characterize the expression of a chick orthologue of TRN/CAPS and examine its potential function in relation to compartment boundaries in the vertebrate central nervous system.

Results
We identified a complementary DNA clone encoding Leucine-rich repeat neuronal 1 (Lrrn1), a single-pass transmembrane protein with 12 extracellular leucine-rich repeats most closely related to TRN/CAPS. Lrrn1 is dynamically expressed during chick development, being initially localized to the neural plate and tube, where it is restricted to the ventricular layer. It becomes downregulated in boundaries following their formation. In the mid-diencephalon, Lrrn1 expression prefigures the position of the anterior boundary of the zona limitans intrathalamica (ZLI). It becomes progressively downregulated from the presumptive ZLI just before the onset of expression of the signalling molecule Sonic hedgehog (Shh) within the ZLI. In the hindbrain, downregulation at rhombomere boundaries correlates with the emergence of specialized boundary cell populations, in which it is subsequently reactivated. Immunocolocalization studies confirm that Lrrn1 protein is endocytosed from the plasma membrane and is a component of the endosomal system, being concentrated within the early endosomal compartment.

Conclusion
Chick Lrrn1 is expressed in ventricular layer neuroepithelial cells and is downregulated at boundary regions, where neurogenesis is known to be delayed, or inhibited. The timing of Lrrn1 downregulation correlates closely with the activation of signaling molecule expression at these boundaries. This expression is consistent with the emergence of secondary organizer properties at boundaries and its endosomal localisation suggests that Lrrn1 may regulate the subcellular localisation of specific components of signalling or cell-cell recognition pathways in neuroepithelial cells.
The use of nerve growth factor in herpetic keratitis: a case report
Authors: Cellini Mauro , Leonetti Pietro , Campos Emilio C 
Published: October 2007

Abstract

Background
We evaluate the role of nerve growth factor (NGF) eye drops to treat a herpetic corneal ulcer resistant to systemic and local acyclovir treatment in an HIV-positive patient.

Case Presentation
A 68 year old HIV-positive male presented with a herpetic corneal ulcer which was treated unsuccessfully with acyclovir. Acyclovir sensitivity of herpes simplex virus was tested with a dye uptake assay and we found that the herpes simplex virus isolated was resistant to acyclovir. We started eye drop therapy with NGF and the corneal herpetic ulcer healed in 23 treatment days.

Conclusion
The case presented here is the first described in the literature in which a herpetic corneal ulcer was successfully treated with NGF. We recommend that trials of NGF therapy in herpetic keratitis should be carried out on a larger number of acyclovir resistant cases.
Phenotypic and transcriptional response to selection for alcohol sensitivity in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Morozova Tatiana V , Anholt Robert RH , Mackay Trudy FC 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
Background
Alcoholism is a complex disorder determined by interactions between genetic and environmental risk factors. Drosophila represents a powerful model system to dissect the genetic architecture of alcohol sensitivity, as large numbers of flies can readily be reared in defined genetic backgrounds and under controlled environmental conditions. Furthermore, flies exposed to ethanol undergo physiological and behavioral changes that resemble human alcohol intoxication, including loss of postural control, sedation, and development of tolerance.

Results
We performed artificial selection for alcohol sensitivity for 35 generations and created duplicate selection lines that are either highly sensitive or resistant to ethanol exposure along with unselected control lines. We used whole genome expression analysis to identify 1,678 probe sets with different expression levels between the divergent lines, pooled across replicates, at a false discovery rate of q < 0.001. We assessed to what extent genes with altered transcriptional regulation might be causally associated with ethanol sensitivity by measuring alcohol sensitivity of 37 co-isogenic P-element insertional mutations in 35 candidate genes, and found that 32 of these mutants differed in sensitivity to ethanol exposure from their co-isogenic controls. Furthermore, 23 of these novel genes have human orthologues.

Conclusion
Combining whole genome expression profiling with selection for genetically divergent lines is an effective approach for identifying candidate genes that affect complex traits, such as alcohol sensitivity. Because of evolutionary conservation of function, it is likely that human orthologues of genes affecting alcohol sensitivity in Drosophila may contribute to alcohol-associated phenotypes in humans.
Intracellular zinc homeostasis in leukocyte subsets is regulated by different expression of zinc exporters ZnT-1 to ZnT-9
Authors: Overbeck Silke , Uciechowski Peter , Ackland M Leigh , Ford Dianne , Rink Lothar 
Published: October 2007

AbstractIntracellular zinc homeostasis is strictly regulated by zinc binding proteins and zinc transporters. In the present study, we quantified in a first global view the expression of all characterized human zinc exporters (hZnT-1-9) in different leukocyte subsets in response to zinc supplementation and depletion and analyzed their influence on alterations in the intracellular zinc concentration. We found that hZnT-1 is the most regulated zinc exporter. Furthermore, we discovered that hZnT-4 is localized in the plasma membrane similar to hZnT-1. hZnT-4 is most highly expressed in Molt-4, up-regulated after treatment with PHA and is responsible for the measured decrease of intracellular zinc content after high zinc exposure. In addition, we found that hZnT-5, hZnT-6, and hZnT-7 in Raji as well as hZnT-6 and hZnT-7 in THP-1 are up-regulated in response to cellular zinc depletion. Those zinc exporters are all localized in the Golgi network, and this type of regulation explains the observed zinc increase in both cell types after up-regulation of their expression during zinc deficiency and, subsequently, high zinc exposure. Furthermore, we detected, for the first time, the expression of hZnT-8 in peripheral blood lymphocytes, which varied strongly between individuals. While hZnT-2 was not detectable, hZnT-3 and hZnT-9 were expressed at low levels. Further on, the amount of expression was higher in primary cells than in cell lines. These data provide insight into the regulation of intracellular zinc homeostasis in cells of the immune system and may explain the variable effects of zinc deficiency on different leukocyte subsets.
Attenuated translocation of group IVa phospholipase A2 and up-regulated annexin-1 synthesis by glucocorticoid blocks β2-integrin adhesion in neutrophils
Authors: Meliton Angelo Y , Munoz Nilda M , Zhu Xiangdong , Leff Alan R 
Published: October 2007

AbstractWe examined the effect of glucocorticoid stimulation in blocking β2-integrin adhesion of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) isolated from human subjects. Surface expression of CD11b and ERK-1/2-mediated gIVaPLA2 phosphorylation, which are required for β2-integrin adhesion, were not affected by treatment with ≤10−6 M fluticasone propionate (FP) for PMNs activated by either 10−7 M LTB4 or 30 ng/ml TNF-α and caused no significant blockade of β2-integrin adhesion in vitro. Baseline expression of annexin-1 (ANXA1) synthesis was increased only after 10−6 M FP for PMNs; by contrast, comparable increase in ANXA1 expression was demonstrated in human eosinophils from the same subjects with 10−8 M FP. Viability of PMNs was verified by propidium iodide and by the persistence of β2-integrin adhesion in treated groups. Exogenous administration of ANXA1 mimetic peptide fragment blocked significantly and comparably the β2-integrin adhesion in PMNs activated by LTB4 and TNF-α and in eosinophils activated by IL-5. Translocation of gIVaPLA2 from the cytosol to the nucleus also was refractory for activated PMNs treated with ≥10−7 M FP; by contrast, complete blockade of nuclear translocation of cytosolic gIVaPLA2 was effected by 10−9 M FP in eosinophils. Our data indicate that the cell surface ANXA1 synthesis is capable of blocking β2-integrin adhesion in both PMNs and eosinophils. However, in contrast to eosinophils, FP does not cause either substantial ANXA1 synthesis or nuclear transport of cytosolic gIVaPLA2 in PMNs and thus does not block β2-integrin adhesion, a necessary step for granulocyte cell migration in vivo.
Expression of Gal4-dependent transgenes in cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system labeled with enhanced cyan fluorescent protein usingCsf1r-Gal4VP16/UAS-ECFP double-transgenic mice
Authors: Ovchinnikov Dmitry A , van Zuylen Wendy J M , DeBats Claire E E , Alexander Kylie A , Kellie Stuart , Hume David A 
Published: October 2007

AbstractWe generated double-transgenic mice carrying cointegrated tissue-specific Gal4 and Gal4 reporter transgenes to direct transgene overexpression in the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS). A modified promoter of the Csf1r (c-fms) gene, containing a deletion of the trophoblast-specific promoter, was used to drive the expression of Gal4VP16 transcriptional activator specifically in macrophages. This module was cointegrated with a fluorescent reporter, enhanced cyan fluorescent protein (ECFP), driven by a Gal4-dependent promoter. ECFP fluorescence was first detected in forming blood islands of the yolk sac at 8 dpc, then in macrophages in the yolk sac and the embryo proper. In adult mice ECFP was detected primarily in monocytes, tissue macrophages, microglia, and dendritic cells, including Langerhans cells of the skin. Crossing of these mice to transgenics containing tagged protein under control of a Gal4-dependent promoter directed expression of that protein in mononuclear phagocytes of double-transgenic animals. The new mouse line provides a useful tool for overexpression of transgenes in cells of the myeloid lineage, while simultaneously labeling them by ECFP expression.
Impact and clinical significance of a preventive intervention for disruptive boys
Authors: Boisjoli Rachel , Vitaro Frank , Lacourse Éric , Barker Edward D. , Tremblay Richard E. 
Published: October 2007

BackgroundMany intervention programmes have attempted to reduce disruptive behaviour problems during early childhood to prevent maladjustment during adolescence and adulthood.AimsTo assess the long-term impact and clinical significance of a 2-year multicomponent preventive intervention on criminal behaviour and academic achievement, using intention-to-treat analyses.MethodTargeted disruptive–aggressive boys considered to be at risk of later criminality and low school achievement (n=250), identified from a community sample (n=895), were randomly allocated to an intervention or a control group. The rest of the sample (n=645) served as the low-risk group. The intervention was multimodal and aimed at boys, parents and teachers. Official data measured both outcomes.ResultsSignificantly more boys in the intervention group (13%; P<0.05) completed high-school graduation and generally fewer (11%; P=0.06) had a criminal record compared with those allocated to the control group.ConclusionsThe results suggest that early preventive intervention for those at high risk of antisocial behaviour is likely to benefit both the individuals concerned and society.
Effects of training community staff in interventions for substance misuse in dual diagnosis patients with psychosis (COMO study)
Authors: Johnson Sonia , Thornicroft Graham , Afuwape Sarah , Leese Morven , White Ian R. , Hughes Elizabeth , Wanigaratne Shamil , Miles Helen , Craig Tom 
Published: October 2007

SummaryA cluster randomised controlled trial was used to investigate the effectiveness of training staff in 13 London community mental health teams (CMHTs) to deliver substance misuse interventions to patients with psychosis and comorbid substance misuse (‘dual diagnosis’). The primary hypotheses, which were that experimental group patients would spend fewer days in hospital over 18 months of follow-up and show reduced alcohol and drug consumption, were not confirmed, although confidence intervals were wide for some outcomes. Current UK policy guidance advocates training CMHT professionals to deliver dual diagnosis interventions, but the effectiveness of this strategy has not so far been demonstrated.
Antidepressant effects of augmentative transcranial magnetic stimulation
Authors: Herwig Uwe , Fallgatter Andreas J. , Höppner Jacqueline , Eschweiler Gerhard W. , Kron Martina , Hajak Göran , Padberg Frank , Naderi-Heiden Angela , Abler Birgit , Eichhammer Peter , Grossheinrich Nicola , Haya Birgit , Kammer Thomas , Langguth Berthold , Laske Christoph , Plewnia Christian , Richter Melany M. , Schulz Merten , Unterecker Stefan , Zinke Antonia , Spitzer Manfred , Schönfeldt-Lecuona Carlos 
Published: October 2007

BackgroundRepetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been proposed as a new treatment option for depression. Previous studies were performed with low sample sizes in single centres and reported heterogeneous results.AimsTo investigate the efficacy of rTMS as augmentative treatment in depression.MethodIn a randomised, double-blind, sham-controlled multicentre trial 127 patients with moderate to severe depressive episodes were randomly assigned to real or sham stimulation for 3 weeks in addition to simultaneously initiated antidepressant medication.ResultsWe found no difference in the responder rates of the real and the sham treatment groups (31% in each) or in the decrease of the scores on the depression rating scales.ConclusionsThe data do not support previous reports from smaller samples indicating an augmenting or accelerating antidepressant effect of rTMS. Further exploration of the possible efficacy of other stimulation protocols or within selected sub-populations of patients is necessary.
Psychophysiological and behavioural characteristics of individuals comorbid for antisocial personality disorder and schizophrenia-spectrum personality disorder
Authors: Schug Robert A. , Raine Adrian , Wilcox Rand R. 
Published: October 2007

BackgroundFew studies have examined people with comorbid schizophrenia-spectrum personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder, a subgroup who may differ psychophysiologically and behaviourally from those with either condition alone.AimsTo test whether individuals with both types of personality disorder are particularly characterised by reduced orienting and arousal and by increased criminal offending.MethodIn a community adult sample, self-reported crime and skin conductance orienting were collected on four diagnostic groups: schizophrenia-spectrum personality disorder only; antisocial personality disorder only; comorbidity of the two disorders; and a control group.ResultsThe comorbid group showed significantly higher levels of criminal behaviour than the other three groups. They also showed reduced skin conductance orienting to neutral tones compared with the other groups, and significantly reduced arousal and orienting to significant stimuli compared with the control group.ConclusionsReduced orienting may reflect a neurocognitive attentional risk factor for both antisocial and schizotypal personality disorders that indirectly reflects a common neural substrate to these disorders.
Intergenerational transmission of health beliefs in somatoform disorders
Authors: Marshall Tamsin , Jones David P. H. , Ramchandani Paul G. , Stein Alan , Bass Christopher 
Published: October 2007

SummaryChildren of parents with a range of psychiatric disorders are at increased risk of developing psychological disturbance themselves. There is growing evidence that this includes children who have parents with a chronic somatoform disorder. The health beliefs of children with a parent with a somatoform disorder were compared with those of children with a parent with an organic physical disorder. Children of parents with somatoform disorder scored higher on bodily preoccupation and disease phobia scales and their health beliefs showed similarities to the beliefs of their parents.