bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Concentration‐dependent stimulation by tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases(TIMP)‐2 of two signaling pathways in human osteosarcoma (MG‐63) Cells
Authors: Wang Ting , Kondo Chihiro , Yamashita Kyoko , Oguchi Masayo , Iwata Kazushi , Noguchi Toshihide , Hayakawa Taro 
Published: July 2006

AbstractWe reported previously that tyrosine kinase (TYK) and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) play a role in TIMP‐dependent growth signaling. Here we demonstrate that the activation of MAPK stimulated by TIMP‐2 was sharply inhibited in MG‐63 cells by PP1, a selective inhibitor of Src‐family tyrosine kinases, suggesting that Src activation is possibly required for the MAPK activity in response to 1 ng/mL TIMP‐2. A specific cell‐permeable inhibitor of MAPK kinase (MEK), PD 98058 had an inhibitory effect on MAPK activity, indicating that MEK is an upstream effector of MAPK. By transfecting MG‐63 cells with dominant‐negative Ras, RasN17, and furthermore, by using a selective farnesyltransferase inhibitor, FTI‐277, we found that MAPK activation stimulated by TIMP‐2 was independent of Ras. We also demonstrated that the activation of MAPK in response to 1 ng/mL TIMP‐2 was inhibited by a cAMP agonist, 8‐bromo‐cAMP. On the contrary, [3H]thymidine incorporation and the activation of MAPK, all of which were heavily suppressed by increasing the TIMP‐2 concentration up to 100 ng/mL, were recovered by the addition of a cell‐permeable specific PKA inhibitor, H‐89. These results strongly suggest the presence of a negative crosstalk from the cAMP/PKA pathway to the TYK/MAPK one.
Sonographic findings of placental lacunae and the prediction of adherent placenta in women with placenta previa totalis and prior Cesarean section
Authors: Yang J. I. , Lim Y. K. , Kim H. S. , Chang K. H. , Lee J. P. , Ryu H. S. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the value of transvaginal sonographic findings of intraplacental lacunae for predicting adherent placenta and clinical outcome in patients with placenta previa totalis and a history of Cesarean section.MethodsFifty‐one patients with placenta previa totalis diagnosed by transvaginal sonography and with a history of Cesarean section who delivered at our hospital were included in the study. The sonographic findings of intraplacental lacunae were classified into one of four grades. Pathological analysis of the placenta was performed for all patients who delivered, and in cases of hysterectomy, examination of the uterus was also performed. The placental findings and obstetric complications, including massive transfusion, intensive care unit admission and Cesarean hysterectomy, were compared with the grade of lacuna.ResultsLacunae were classified as Grade 1+ in 10 cases, Grade 2+ in 11 cases, Grade 3+ in five cases and as Grade 0 (i.e. lacunae were absent) in the remaining 25 cases. When lacunae of ≥ Grade 1+ were considered, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of diagnosing adherent placenta were 86.9%, 78.6%, 76.9% and 88.0%, respectively. When lacunae of ≥ Grade 2+ were considered, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of diagnosing placenta increta or percreta were 100%, 97.2%, 93.8% and 100%, respectively. Hysterectomy was performed in 18 cases, among whom two cases showed Grade 1+ lacunae, 11 cases showed Grade 2+ lacunae, and five cases showed Grade 3+ lacunae. No hysterectomy was performed in any case in which lacunae were absent. Compared to those without lacunae, the number of massive transfusions and intensive care unit admissions and cases of disseminated intravascular coagulopathy and Cesarean hysterectomy were significantly greater in those with lacunae (P < 0.0001).ConclusionTransvaginal sonographic findings of intraplacental lacunae in patients with placenta previa totalis and a history of Cesarean section are useful in the prediction of adherent placenta and may have a role in the prediction of clinical outcome. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of increased yeast alcohol acetyltransferase and esterase activity on the flavour profiles of wine and distillates
Authors: Lilly Mariska , Bauer Florian F. , Lambrechts Marius G. , Swiegers Jan H. , Cozzolino Daniel , Pretorius Isak S. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe fruity odours of wine are largely derived from the synthesis of esters and higher alcohols during yeast fermentation. TheATF1‐ andATF2‐encoded alcohol acetyltransferases ofS. cerevisiaeare responsible for the synthesis of ethyl acetate and isoamyl acetate esters, while theEHT1‐encoded ethanol hexanoyl transferase is responsible for synthesizing ethyl caproate. However, esters such as these might be degraded by theIAH1‐encoded esterase. The objectives of this study were: (a) to overexpress the genes encoding ester‐synthesizing and ester‐degrading enzymes in wine yeast; (b) to prepare Colombard table wines and base wines for distillation using these modified strains; and (c) to analyse and compare the ester concentrations and aroma profiles of these wines and distillates. The overexpression ofATF1significantly increased the concentrations of ethyl acetate, isoamyl acetate, 2‐phenylethyl acetate and ethyl caproate, while the overexpression ofATF2affected the concentrations of ethyl acetate and isoamyl acetate to a lesser degree. The overexpression ofIAH1resulted in a significant decrease in ethyl acetate, isoamyl acetate, hexyl acetate and 2‐phenylethyl acetate. The overexpression ofEHT1resulted in a marked increase in ethyl caproate, ethyl caprylate and ethyl caprate. The flavour profile of the wines and distillates prepared using the modified strains were also significantly altered as indicated by formal sensory analysis. This study offers prospects for the development of wine yeast starter strains with optimized ester‐producing capability that could assist winemakers in their effort to consistently produce wine and distillates such as brandy to definable flavour specifications and styles. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro synergistic effect of farnesol and human gingival cells against Candida albicans
Authors: Saidi Said , Luitaud Cyril , Rouabhia Mahmoud 
Published: July 2006

AbstractFarnesol prevents the germination of yeast cells into mycelia, a fact that may be useful in eliminating C. albicans pathogenicity. Given the clinical potential of farnesol, its impact on C. albicans and host cells merited further investigation. We thus studied the effect of farnesol on C. albicans growth and filamentation and on gingival epithelial cells and fibroblasts and the synergistic effect of both gingival cells and farnesol on C. albicans filamentation. Repeated additions of farnesol reduced the growth of C. albicans. Farnesol was also effective at reducing C. albicans germ tube formation. While farnesol inhibited germ tube formation under the conditions tested, it was most effective at inhibiting C. albicans filamentation when added to the culture medium at the same time as the serum. Farnesol also had an effect on gingival cells. In a serum‐free medium, farnesol reduced fibroblast adhesion and proliferation, promoted epithelial cell differentiation and reduced proliferation up to 48 h post‐treatment. These effects were not seen in the presence of serum. When C. albicans, farnesol and gingival cells were present in the same culture, significantly greater inhibition of the yeast‐to‐hyphal transition was observed than germ tube inhibition in cultures containing only C. albicans and farnesol, suggesting a synergistic effect between the gingival cells and farnesol in inhibiting the transition. Overall, the data suggest that farnesol is effective against C. albicans and may have an effect on host cells at certain concentrations. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A genomic study of the inter‐ORF distances in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Pelechano Vicent , García‐Martínez José , Pérez‐Ortín José E. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe genome of eukaryotic microbes is usually quite compacted. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is one of the best‐known examples. Open reading frames (ORFs) occupy about 75% of the total DNA sequence. The existence of other, non‐protein coding genes and other genetic elements leaves very little space for gene promoters and terminators. We have performed an in silico study of inter‐ORF distances that shows that there is a minimum distance between two adjacent ORFs that depends on the relative orientation between them. Our analyses suggest that different kinds of promoters and terminators exist with regard to their length and ability to overlap each other. The experimental testing of some putative exceptions to the minimum length model in tandemly orientated ORF pairs suggests that, in those cases, defects in promoter or terminator functionality exist that provoke transcription of polycistronic mRNAs. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Can Biliary Carcinoembryonic Antigen Identify Colorectal Cancer Patients with Occult Hepatic Metastases?
Authors: Destri Giovanni Li , Lanteri Raffaele , Santangelo Marco , Torrisi Benedetto , Cataldo Antonio Di , Puleo Stefano 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackgroundTwenty‐five percent of radically treated colorectal cancer patients already have occult hepatic metastases (OHM) that will later be observed during postoperative follow‐up. Instrumental examinations, i.e., intraoperative ultrasound or Doppler perfusion index, have not improved diagnosis. As carcinoembyonic antigen (CEA) levels are useful to reveal hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer, determination of CEA in the bile rather than the blood may allow preclinical diagnosis of OHM thanks to the reduced volume of bile.MethodsOne hundred radically treated colorectal cancer patients were enrolled in the study. Bile was withdrawn from the gallbladder intraoperatively and biliary CEA levels determined using an immuno‐enzymatic method (normal value 0–5 ng/ml). Eighty‐nine fully evaluable patients were followed up for three years postoperatively to monitor hepatic metastases. Preoperative blood CEA, lymph node metastases and biliary CEA were compared in order to assess which procedure was more efficient in identifying patients who would develop hepatic metastases.ResultsEleven of the 89 evaluable patients developed hepatic metastases: 9/11 presented elevated biliary CEA levels (mean: 12.73; range: 5.1–26.2); 8/11 had high preoperative blood CEA values; and 9/11 were at anatomopathological stage N+. In the 78 patients who did not develop hepatic metastases, biliary CEA was within normal limits in 73/78, preoperative blood CEA was normal in 60/78, and 58/78 patients were at anatomopathological stage N−. Hence, the sensitivity of biliary CEA was 81.8%, specificity was 93.6%, and diagnostic accuracy was 92.1%.ConclusionsDetermination of biliary CEA seems to be more efficient in identifying patients presenting OHM who require frequent clinical examinations or adjuvant cancer treatment.
Effect of Sirolimus in the Prevention of Adhesions Around Intraabdominal Prosthetic Graft
Authors: Kanko Muhip , Ozbudak Ersan , Ozerdem Ali , Aksoy Ahmet , Kilic Metehan , Berki K. Turan 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackgroundAdhesions due to the reactions caused by the grafts used in primary vascular operations can lead to various problems when a secondary operation is necessary. These problems include bleeding, injuries to neighboring organs, and complications occurring due to a prolonged operation. We investigated the effects of sirolimus, which has antiproliferative features, on vascular adhesions.MethodsThe abdominal aorta of rats was explored and abrasions applied. Following the fixation of a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft on the abdominal aorta, sirolimus (rapamycin) is applied (in powdered form) onto the grafts of the study group. Eight weeks later a laparotomy was repeated and any adhesions were evaluated.ResultsIn the study group the adhesions were determined to be fewer in number and milder in severity. Severe cases of adhesion were determined in the control group.ConclusionsTherefore, sirolimus applied around the prosthesis in vascular operations was determined to be effective at preventing possible adhesions.
Effects of leaf quality and microhabitat on the survival of a leaf‐rolling weevil (Attelabidae)
Authors: Kobayashi Chisato , Kato Makoto 
Published: July 2006

AbstractFemale Cycnotrachelus roelofsi (Coleoptera: Attelabidae) construct two types of leaf roll, i.e., cut‐off cradles (CCs) and suspended cradles (SCs), in which to lay eggs; these cradles are generally constructed using older and younger leaves, respectively. We conducted two experiments to determine whether the quality of cradle leaves affects egg and larval survival. In the first experiment, we severed all SCs from a tree and placed them on the ground with unmanipulated CCs in the early breeding season. In the second experiment, we resuspended all CCs in a tree with unmanipulated SCs in the late breeding season. We also compared leaf mass per area (LMA), polyphenol content, and nitrogen content between the two cradle types to determine whether there were any differences in leaf quality. Larval mortality, probably caused by cradle herbivory, was significantly greater in severed SCs than in intact CCs in the early season, suggesting that leaf quality had a profound effect on larval mortality in the terrestrial microhabitat. In contrast, larval mortality did not differ between resuspended CCs and intact SCs in the late season, suggesting that leaf quality had little effect on larval mortality in the arboreal microhabitat. LMA was higher in CCs than in SCs, but there were no differences in the nitrogen and polyphenol contents. These results suggest that cradles constructed using mature, tough leaves were more effective against terrestrial cradle herbivores than those constructed using new, soft leaves.
Movements and survival of sonically tagged farmed Atlantic salmon released in Cobscook Bay, Maine, USA
Authors: Whoriskey Frederick G. , Brooking Paul , Doucette Gino , Tinker Stephen , Carr Jonathan W. 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
We sonically tagged and released farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) from a cage site in Cobscook Bay, Maine, USA. The fish were released in January (n = 75) and in April and May (n = 198) 2004 to study their movement patterns and survival and to assess the possibility of recapturing them. Inshore and offshore waters in this region are subject to intense tidal currents. Tagged salmon dispersed >1 km from the cage site within a few hours of their release. Mortality was high within Cobscook Bay and the surrounding coastal region (56% of the winter (January) releases; 84% of the spring (March) releases), probably the result of seal predation. Most surviving fish exited the coastal zone and entered the Bay of Fundy along the routes of the dominant tidal currents, passing through Canadian waters. No tagged fish were detected during the wild salmon spawning season in autumn 2004 in any of the 43 monitored salmon rivers draining into the Bay of Fundy, or during 2005 either in the Magaguadavic River, the site of the hatchery in which the fish were reared to the smolt stage, or by a limited coastal receiver array.
Role of tachykinins in castor oil diarrhoea in rats
Authors: Croci Tiziano , Landi Marco , Emonds‐Alt Xavier , Le Fur Gérard , Maffrand Jean‐Pierre , Manara Luciano 
Published: July 2006

We set out to ascertain the role of tachykinins, neurokinin A and substance P, in castor oil‐induced diarrhoea in rats as disclosed by the inhibitory effect of the non‐peptide NK1‐ and NK2‐receptor antagonists, SR 140333 and SR 48968, respectively.
SR 48968 (0.02 to 20 μg kg−1, s.c. or p.o.), and the opioid receptor agonist loperamide (1–10 mg kg−1, p.o.), dose‐dependently prevented castor oil effects: % inhibition vs castor oil, diarrhoea 0 to 100, increase in faecal mass 7 to 90 and water content 16 to 90. SR 140333 (0.02 to 20 μg kg−1, s.c.) and the platelet activating factor antagonist SR 27417 (5 to 500 μg kg−1, p.o.) did not prevent the increase in faecal water content, but reduced faecal mass (35 to 66%) and diarrhoea (0 to 57%).
The R‐enantiomers of tachykinin NK1 and NK2 receptor antagonists, SR 140603 and SR 48605 (both at 2 or 20 μg kg−1, s.c.) had no effect other than reducing faecal mass at the highest dose tested.
SR 48968 (20 μg kg−1, p.o.) but not loperamide (10 mg kg−1, p.o.) given 24 h before castor oil, still slightly but significantly reduced by 30% the increase of faecal mass output; both treatments significantly reduced (30 to 70%) the effect of castor oil on faecal water content, although the incidence of diarrhoea was only slightly less than in controls.
In castor oil‐treated rats, naloxone (2 mg kg−1, s.c.) completely blocked the antidiarrhoeal action of loperamide (10 mg kg−1, p.o.) but not of SR 48968 (20 μg kg−1, p.o.); a similar result was obtained on faecal mass and water content.
Castor oil strongly increased the occurrence of manometrically recorded propulsive giant contractions (500 to 1000% over control values) of transverse and distal colon, this effect being significantly prevented (80 to 100%) by SR 48968 and loperamide and partially by SR 140333 (35% distal colon, 70% transverse colon).
In castor oil free rats, loperamide but not SR 48968 or SR 140333 significantly reduced by 50% the gastrointestinal transit of a charcoal test meal, as well as 24 h faecal mass output. Consistently, loperamide, unlike the tachykinin receptor antagonists, had a dramatic effect on manometric recordings of intestinal motility, reducing all kinds of colonic contractions.
Our findings suggest that castor oil diarrhoea in rats entails activation of NK1 and NK2 receptors by endogenous tachykinins, whose antagonists may have a potential as antidiarrhoeal agents free from the constipating action of opioids.
Role of 5‐ht7 receptors in the long‐lasting hypotensive response induced by 5‐hydroxytryptamine in the rat
Authors: Terrón José A. 
Published: July 2006

The receptor mediating the long‐lasting hypotensive effect of intravenous (i.v.) 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) in the rat was originally classified as 5‐HT1‐like. Since some pharmacological properties of this receptor are closely similar to those for the cloned 5‐ht7 receptor, the present study investigated the effects of several 5‐HT receptor agonists and antagonists showing high affinity for the cloned 5‐ht7 receptor in pithed rats with artificially raised blood pressure.
I.v. bolus administration of 5‐HT, 5‐carboxamidotryptamine (5‐CT), 5‐methoxytryptamine, lisuride and sumatriptan to bilaterally vagotomized pithed rats pretreated with ketanserin (0.18 μmol kg−1, i.v.), the diastolic blood pressure of which had been raised by a continuous i.v. infusion of methoxamine (60–80 nmol kg−1 min−1), produced dose‐dependent hypotensive responses; only 5‐HT and 5‐CT displayed similar maximum effects. In addition to mimicking the hypotensive action of 5‐HT with a lower maximum effect, lisuride strongly antagonized the 5‐CT‐induced hypotensive responses thus suggesting a partial agonist effect. The rank order of hypotensive agonist potency was 5‐CT >> 5‐HT 5‐methoxytryptamine lisuride >> sumatriptan.
In experiments with antagonists, i.v. treatment with metergoline (2.48 μmol kg−1), mesulergine (2.76 μmol kg−1), methysergide (2.13 μmol kg−1), lisuride (0.22 μmol kg−1), methiothepin (0.68 μmol kg−1), mianserin (10.6 μmol kg−1), or the atypical antipsychotic drugs, clozapine (11.0 μmol kg−1) or risperidone (78.0 nmol kg−1), produced significant rightward displacements of the dose‐response curve for 5‐CT in methoxamine‐infused pithed animals pretreated with ketanserin (0.18 μmol kg−1, i.v.); lisuride, methiothepin and risperidone behaved as non‐competitive antagonists as they elicited a significant reduction of the maximum effect to 5‐CT. In contrast, blockade of 5‐HT1, 5‐HT3 and 5‐HT4 receptors with i.v. propranolol (3.38 μmol kg−1), MDL‐72222 (1.59 μmol kg−1) and GR125487 (1.91 μmol kg−1), respectively, did not alter 5‐CT‐induced hypotensive responses; ketanserin (0.18 μmol kg−1, i.v.) failed to modify the dose‐response curve for 5‐CT in saline‐pretreated animals. Lastly, inhibition of the prostaglandin‐forming cyclo‐oxygenase and nitric oxide synthase with indomethacin (14 μmol kg−1, i.v.) and NG‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME, 120 μmol kg−1, i.v.), respectively, had no significant effects on 5‐CT‐induced hypotensive effects.
Taken together, the present pharmacological data suggest that the long‐lasting vasodepressor action of 5‐HT in the rat involves activation of receptors closely similar to the cloned 5‐ht7 subtype. Since no evidence for an indirect mechanism could be obtained, these receptors may be primarily located in the vascular smooth muscle of the systemic resistance vessels. These findings represent further evidence favouring the functional role of the 5‐ht7 receptor.
Inhibition by mibefradil, a novel calcium channel antagonist, of Ca2+‐ and volume‐activated Cl− channels in macrovascular endothelial cells
Authors: Nilius Bernd , Prenen Jean , Kamouchi Masahiro , Viana Felix , Voets Thomas , Droogmans Guy 
Published: July 2006

We have studied the effects of mibefradil, a novel calcium antagonist, on the resting potential and ion channel activity of macrovascular endothelial cells (calf pulmonary artery endothelial cells, CPAE). The patch clamp technique was used to measure ionic currents and the Fura‐II microfluorescence technique to monitor changes in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration, [Ca2+]i.
Mibefradil (10 μM) hyperpolarized the membrane potential of CPAE cells from its mean control value of −26.6±0.6 mV (n=7) to −59.8±1.7 mV (n=6). A depolarizing effect was observed at higher concentrations (−13.7±0.6 mV, n=4, 30 μM mibefradil).
Mibefradil inhibited Ca2+‐activated Cl− currents, ICl,Ca, activated by loading CPAE cells via the patch pipette with 500 nM free Ca2+ (Ki=4.7±0.18 μM, n=8).
Mibefradil also inhibited volume‐sensitive Cl− currents, ICl,vol, activated by challenging CPAE cells with a 27% hypotonic solution (Ki=5.4±0.22 μM, n=6).
The inwardly rectifying K+ channel, IRK, was not affected by mibefradil at concentrations up to 30 μM.
Ca2+ entry activated by store depletion, as assessed by the rate of [Ca2+]i‐increase upon reapplication of 10 mM extracellular Ca2+ to store‐depleted cells, was inhibited by 17.6±6.5% (n=8) in the presence of 10 μM mibefradil.
Mibefradil inhibited proliferation of CPAE cells. Half‐maximal inhibition was found at 1.7±0.12 μM (n=3), which is similar to the concentration for half‐maximal block of Cl− channels.
These actions of mibefradil on Cl− channels and the concomitant changes in resting potential might, in addition to its effect on T‐type Ca2+ channels, be an important target for modulation of cardiovascular function under normal and pathological conditions.