bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Crowding, an environmental stressor, blocks long-term memory formation inLymnaea
Authors: De Caigny Pascaline , Lukowiak Ken 
Published: August 2008

SUMMARYCrowding is an environmental stressor. We found that this stressor altered(i.e. prevented) the ability of Lymnaea to form long-term memory(LTM) following operant conditioning of aerial respiratory behaviour. The ability to form LTM was compared between snails that had been crowded (20 snails per 100 ml of pond water) and those maintained in uncrowded conditions(two snails per 100 ml of pond water). Crowding either immediately before or after two different operant conditioning procedures – the traditional training procedure and the memory augmentation procedure – blocked LTM formation. However, if crowding is delayed by more than 1h following training or if crowding stops 1h before training, LTM results. If memory is already formed, crowding does not block memory recall. Pond water from a crowded aquarium or crowding with clean shells from dead snails, or a combination of both, is insufficient to block LTM formation. Finally, crowding does not block intermediate-term memory (ITM) formation. Since ITM is dependent on new protein synthesis whereas LTM is dependent on both new protein synthesis and altered gene activity, we hypothesize that crowding alters the genomic activity in neurons necessary for LTM formation.
Utility of Kallikrein-Related Peptidases (KLKs) as Cancer Biomarkers
Authors: Emami Nashmil , Diamandis Eleftherios P 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Background: The human kallikrein-related peptidase (KLK) family consists of 15 highly conserved serine proteases, which are encoded by the largest uninterrupted cluster of protease genes in the human genome. To date, several members of the family have been reported as potential cancer biomarkers. Although primarily known for their biomarker value in prostate, ovarian, and breast cancers, more recent data suggest analogous roles of KLKs in several other cancers, including gastrointestinal, head and neck, lung, and brain malignancies. Among the proposed KLK cancer biomarkers, prostate-specific antigen (also known as KLK3) is the most widely recognized member in urologic oncology.
Content: Despite substantial progress in the understanding of the biomarker utility of individual KLKs, the current challenge lies in devising biomarker panels to increase the accuracy of prognosis, prediction of therapy, and diagnosis. To date, multiparametric KLK panels have been proposed for prostate, ovarian, and lung cancers. In addition to their biomarker utility, emerging evidence has revealed a number of critical functional roles for KLKs in the pathogenesis of cancer and their potential use as therapeutic targets.
Summary: KLKs have biomarker utility in many cancer types but individually lack sufficient specificity or sensitivity to be used in clinical practice; however, groups of KLKs and other candidate biomarkers may offer improved performance.
Adhesion to wet cellulose – Comparing adhesive layer-by-layer assembly to coating polyelectrolyte complex suspensions 2nd ICC 2007, Tokyo, Japan, October 25–29, 2007
Authors: Feng Xianhua , Zhang Dan , Pelton Robert 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Polyelectrolyte complexes are routinely used as adhesives to strengthen fiber-fiber contacts in paper. This work evaluates different approaches to putting the polyelectrolyte complexes into the adhesive joint. Instead of conventional wet paper mechanical testing, a wet cellulose film delamination technique was employed permitting direct comparison of different approaches to applying the polymeric adhesive to the cellulose-cellulose joint. The adhesion strengths of layer-by-layer polyelectrolyte complexes assembled on wet cellulose films and the adhesion strengths of the corresponding polyelectrolyte complex coated on wet cellulose films are compared. The wet adhesion strengths were measured by peel delamination. The polyelectrolyte complexes were based on mixtures of cationic polyvinylamine (PVAm) and anionic carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). The layer-by-layer assemblies of PVAm and CMC yielded stronger wet adhesion than did coated films of the corresponding colloidal complexes or pure PVAm at the same coverage (mass of polymer/joint area). The role of CMC was to give ionic crosslinks with PVAm which increase the cohesive strength of thick PVAm layers. PVAm gives much stronger wet adhesion to cellulose compared to the oxidized silicon wafer surfaces. It is proposed that imine and aminal bonds can form between the polyamine and hemiacetals in the regenerated cellulose films which cannot form with silica.
Putative Dental Pulp-Derived Stem/Stromal Cells Promote Proliferation and Differentiation of Endogenous Neural Cells in the Hippocampus of Mice
Authors: Huang Anderson Hsien-Cheng , Snyder Brooke R. , Cheng Pei-Hsun , Chan Anthony W.S. 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Until now, interest in dental pulp stem/stromal cell (DPSC) research has centered on mineralization and tooth repair. Beginning a new paradigm in DPSC research, we grafted undifferentiated, untreated DPSCs into the hippocampus of immune-suppressed mice. The rhesus DPSC (rDPSC) line used was established from the dental pulp of rhesus macaques and found to be similar to human bone marrow/mesenchymal stem cells, which express Nanog, Rex-1, Oct-4, and various cell surface antigens, and have multipotent differentiation capability. Implantation of rDPSCs into the hippocampus of mice stimulated proliferation of endogenous neural cells and resulted in the recruitment of pre-existing Nestin+ neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and β-tubulin-III+ mature neurons to the site of the graft. Additionally, many cells born during the first 7 days after implantation proliferated, forming NPCs and neurons, and, to a lesser extent, underwent astrogliosis, forming astrocytes and microglia, by 30 days after implantation. Although the DPSC graft itself was short term, it had long-term effects by promoting growth factor signaling. Implantation of DPSCs enhanced the expression of ciliary neurotrophic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and fibroblast growth factor for up to 30 days after implantation. In conclusion, grafting rDPSCs promotes proliferation, cell recruitment, and maturation of endogenous stem/progenitor cells by modulating the local microenvironment. Our results suggest that DPSCs have a valuable, unique therapeutic potential, specifically as a stimulator and modulator of the local repair response in the central nervous system. DPSCs would be a preferable cell source for therapy due to the possibility of a “personalized” stem cell, avoiding the problems associated with host immune rejection.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Constitutive Expression of HIF-1α and HIF-2α in Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Differentially Promotes Their Proangiogenic Properties
Authors: Ben-Shoshan Jeremy , Schwartz Shulamit , Luboshits Galia , Maysel-Auslender Sofia , Barzelay Aya , Polak-Charcon Sylvie , Tzahor Eldad , Barshack Iris , Barak Adiel , Levkovitch-Verbin Hani , Keren Gad , George Jacob 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) contain progenitors capable of participating in postnatal angiogenesis. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) mediate endothelial activation by driving the expression of multiple angiogenic factors. We explored the potential of HIF-1α and HIF-2α modification in BMSCs, as a tool to improve cell-based angiogenic therapy. BMSCs were retrovirally transduced to express stable forms of HIF-1α and HIF-2α. HIF-1α and, to a greater extent, HIF-2α overexpression promoted differentiation of BMSCs to the endothelial lineage, evident by CD31 and Tie-2 expression and improved adhesive properties. Whereas chemotaxis toward stromal-derived factor 1 was higher in both HIF-α-expressing BMSCs, enhanced migration toward vascular endothelial growth factor was found only following overexpression of HIF-2α, supported by a robust expression of its receptor, Flk-1. HIF-α expression was associated with upregulation of angiogenic proteins and improved tube formation. Cytokine arrays of endothelial cells stimulated by medium collected from HIF-α-expressing BMSCs revealed further angiogenic activation and improved adhesive capacity. Eventually, delivery of HIF-2α-transduced BMSCs induced a more robust angiogenic response, compared with sham-transduced or HIF-1α-transduced BMSCs in the corneal micropocket angiogenesis model. Our results support the use of HIF-α genes, particularly HIF-2α, to augment the efficacy of future cell-based therapy.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Zfp143 Regulates Nanog Through Modulation of Oct4 Binding
Authors: Chen Xi , Fang Fang , Liou Yih-Cherng , Ng Huck-Hui 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Identification of regulators governing the maintenance of embryonic stem (ES) cells is crucial to the understanding of ES cell biology. We identified a zinc finger protein, Zfp143, as a novel regulator for self-renewal. Depletion of Zfp143 by RNA interference causes loss of self-renewal of ES cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and electrophoretic mobility shift assays show the direct binding of Zfp143 to the Nanog proximal promoter. Knockdown of Zfp143 or mutation of the Zfp143 binding motif significantly downregulates Nanog proximal promoter activity. Importantly, enforced expression of Nanog is able to rescue the Zfp143 knockdown phenotype, indicating that Nanog is one of the key downstream effectors of Zfp143. More interestingly, we further show that Zfp143 regulates Nanog expression through modulation of Oct4 binding. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments revealed that Zfp143 and Oct4 physically interact with each other. This interaction is important because Oct4 binding to the Nanog promoter is promoted by Zfp143. Our study reveals a novel regulator functionally important for the self-renewal of ES cells and provides new insights into the expanded regulatory circuitry that maintains ES cell pluripotency.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Cyclic ADP-Ribose-Mediated Expansion and Stimulation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells by the Plant Hormone Abscisic Acid
Authors: Scarfì Sonia , Ferraris Chiara , Fruscione Floriana , Fresia Chiara , Guida Lucrezia , Bruzzone Santina , Usai Cesare , Parodi Alessia , Millo Enrico , Salis Annalisa , Burastero Giorgio , De Flora Antonio , Zocchi Elena 
Published: August 2008

AbstractAbscisic acid (ABA) is a phytohormone involved in fundamental processes in higher plants. Endogenous ABA biosynthesis occurs also in lower Metazoa, in which ABA regulates several physiological functions by activating ADP-ribosyl cyclase (ADPRC) and causing overproduction of the Ca2+-mobilizing second messenger cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR), thereby enhancing intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). Recently, production and release of ABA have been demonstrated to take place also in human granulocytes, where ABA behaves as a proinflammatory hormone through the same cADPR/[Ca2+]i signaling pathway described in plants and in lower Metazoa. On the basis of the fact that human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) express ADPRC activity, we investigated the effects of ABA and of its second messenger, cADPR, on purified human MSC. Both ABA and cADPR stimulate the in vitro expansion of MSC without affecting differentiation. The underlying mechanism involves a signaling cascade triggered by ABA binding to a plasma membrane receptor and consequent cyclic AMP-mediated activation of ADPRC and of the cADPR/[Ca2+]i system. Moreover, ABA stimulates the following functional activities of MSC: cyclooxygenase 2-catalyzed production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), release of several cytokines known to mediate the trophic and immunomodulatory properties of MSC, and chemokinesis. Remarkably, ABA proved to be produced and released by MSC stimulated by specific growth factors (e.g., bone morphogenetic protein-7), by inflammatory cytokines, and by lymphocyte-conditioned medium. These data demonstrate that ABA is an autocrine stimulator of MSC function and suggest that it may participate in the paracrine signaling among MSC, inflammatory/immune cells, and hemopoietic progenitors.Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Subchronic exposure of honeybees to sublethal doses of pesticides: Effects on behavior
Authors: Aliouane Yassine , el Hassani Adessalam K. , Gary Vincent , Armengaud Catherine , Lambin Michel , Gauthier Monique 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Laboratory bioassays were conducted to evaluate the effects on honeybee behavior of sublethal doses of insecticides chronically administered orally or by contact. Emergent honeybees received a daily dose of insecticide ranging from one-fifth to one-five-hundredth of the median lethal dose (LD50) during 11 d. After exposure to fipronil (0.1 and 0.01 ng/bee), acetamiprid (1 and 0.1 μg/bee), or thiamethoxam (1 and 0.1 ng/bee), behavioral functions of honeybees were tested on day 12. Fipronil, used at the dose of 0.1 ng/bee, induced mortality of all honeybees after one week of treatment. As a result of contact treatment at 0.01 ng/bee, honeybees spent significantly more time immobile in an open-field apparatus and ingested significantly more water. In the olfactory conditioning paradigm, fipronil-treated honeybees failed to discriminate between a known and an unknown odorant. Thiamethoxam by contact induced either a significant decrease of olfactory memory 24 h after learning at 0.1 ng/bee or a significant impairment of learning performance with no effect on memory at 1 ng/bee. Responsiveness to antennal sucrose stimulation was significantly decreased for high sucrose concentrations in honeybees treated orally with thiamethoxam (1 ng/bee). The only significant effect of acetamiprid (administered orally, 0.1 μg/bee) was an increase in responsiveness to water. The neonicotinoids acetamiprid and thiamethoxam tested at the highest dose (one-tenth and one-fifth of their oral LD50, respectively) and fipronil at one-five-hundredth of LD50 have limited effects on the motor, sensory, and cognitive functions of the honeybee. Our data on the intrinsic toxicity of the compounds after chronic exposure have to be taken into account for evaluation of risk to honeybees in field conditions.
Effect of Vitamin K Supplementation on Insulin Resistance in Older Men and Women
Authors: Yoshida Makiko , Jacques Paul F. , Meigs James B. , Saltzman Edward , Shea M. Kyla , Gundberg Caren , Dawson-Hughes Bess , Dallal Gerard , Booth Sarah L. 
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVE—Vitamin K has a potentially beneficial role in insulin resistance, but evidence is limited in humans. We tested the hypothesis that vitamin K supplementation for 36 months will improve insulin resistance in older men and women.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—This was an ancillary study of a 36-month, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial designed to assess the impact of supplementation with 500 μg/day phylloquinone on bone loss. Study participants were older nondiabetic men and women (n = 355; aged 60–80 years; 60% women). The primary outcome of this study was insulin resistance as measured by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) at 36 months. Fasting plasma insulin and glucose were examined as the secondary outcomes.
RESULTS—The effect of 36-month vitamin K supplementation on HOMA-IR differed by sex (sex × treatment interaction P = 0.02). HOMA-IR was statistically significantly lower at the 36-month visit among men in the supplement group versus the men in the control group (P = 0.01) after adjustment for baseline HOMA-IR, BMI, and body weight change. There were no statistically significant differences in outcome measures between intervention groups in women.
CONCLUSIONS—Vitamin K supplementation for 36 months at doses attainable in the diet may reduce progression of insulin resistance in older men.
Improved Survival of Diabetic Foot Ulcer Patients 1995–2008
Authors: Young Matthew J. , McCardle Joanne E. , Randall Luann E. , Barclay Janet I. 
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVE—The purpose of this study was to determine whether a strategy of aggressive cardiovascular risk management reduced the mortality associated with diabetic foot ulceration.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—After an initial audit of outcomes demonstrating a high mortality rate in 404 diabetic foot ulcer patients with the first ulceration developing between 1995 and 1999, a new aggressive cardiovascular risk policy was introduced as standard practice at the Diabetic Foot Clinic, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, in 2001. In the first 3 years of this policy, 251 patients were screened and identified. The audit cycle was then closed by reauditing the 5-year mortality for this second group of foot ulcer patients in 2008.
RESULTS—Overall 5-year mortality was reduced from 48.0% in cohort 1 to 26.8% in cohort 2 (P &lt; 0.001). Improvement in survival was seen for both neuroischemic patients (5-year mortality of 58% reduced to 36%; relative reduction 38%) and neuropathic patients (36% reduction to 19%; relative reduction 47%) (both P &lt; 0.001). Patients were more likely to die if they were older at the time of ulceration or had type 2 diabetes, renal impairment, or preexisting cardiovascular disease or were already taking aspirin. Prior statin use, current smoker or ex-smoker status, blood pressure, A1C, and total cholesterol were not significantly different between survivors and those who died in the follow-up periods.
CONCLUSIONS—Diabetic foot ulcer patients have a high risk of death. Survival has improved over the past 13 years. The adoption of an aggressive cardiovascular risk management policy in diabetic foot ulcer clinics is recommended for these patients.
Electromyography for Assessment of Pain in Low Back Muscles
Authors: Candotti Cláudia Tarragô , Loss Jefferson Fagundes , Pressi Ana Maria Steffens , de Souza Castro Flávio Antonio , La Torre Marcelo , de Oliveira Melo Mônica , Araújo Lucas Dutra , Pasini Maicon 
Published: August 2008

Background and Purpose
Pain is currently evaluated with “subjective” methods (eg, patient self-report). This study aimed to test whether fatigue indexes are able to accurately discriminate between subjects with and subjects without low back pain.

Subjects
Sixty subjects separated into 2 groups—a group with low back pain (n=30) and a group without low back pain (n=30)—participated in this study.

Methods
Electromyographic (EMG) and force data were obtained during a muscle fatigue test. The same test was repeated to monitor recovery. Linear regression analysis was used to obtain fatigue indexes.

Results
Subjects with pain produced significantly lower force values than those without pain. The use of fatigue indexes and force values permitted accurate classification in 89.5% of cases.

Discussion and Conclusion
The results confirm that subjects with pain show early myoelectrical manifestations of muscle fatigue and that EMG can be a useful tool in the evaluation of low back pain.
Remarkable Activation of an Enzyme by (R)‐Pyrrolidine‐ Substituted Imidazolium Alkyl PEG Sulfate
Authors: Abe Yoshikazu , Hirakawa Takuya , Nakajima Shino , Okano Nagisa , Hayase Shuichi , Kawatsura Motoi , Hirose Yoshihiko , Itoh Toshiyuki 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe chiral pyrrolidine‐substituted imidazolium cetyl‐PEG10‐sulfate (D‐ProMe) derived from D‐proline worked as an excellent activating agent of Burkholderia cepacia lipase; it is particularly interesting that the D‐isomer of the imidazolium salt worked better than the L‐isomer. This suggests that the imidazolium cation group directly interacts with the enzyme protein and causes preferable modification of the reactivity.
Circumstances of fatal lockout/tagout‐related injuries in manufacturing
Authors: Bulzacchelli Maria T. , Vernick Jon S. , Sorock Gary S. , Webster Daniel W. , Lees Peter S.J. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackgroundOver the past few decades, hundreds of manufacturing workers have suffered fatal injuries while performing maintenance and servicing on machinery and equipment. Using lockout/tagout procedures could have prevented many of these deaths.MethodsA narrative text analysis of OSHA accident investigation report summaries was conducted to describe the circumstances of lockout/tagout‐related fatalities occurring in the US manufacturing industry from 1984 to 1997.ResultsThe most common mechanisms of injury were being caught in or between parts of equipment, electrocution, and being struck by or against objects. Typical scenarios included cleaning a mixer or blender, cleaning a conveyor, and installing or disassembling electrical equipment. Lockout procedures were not even attempted in the majority (at least 58.8%) of fatal incidents reviewed.ConclusionsLockout/tagout‐related fatalities occur under a wide range of circumstances. Enhanced training and equipment designs that facilitate lockout and minimize worker contact with machine parts may prevent many lockout/tagout‐related injuries. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:728–734, 2008. Published 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Male aggression during mating: evidence for sexual coercion in a female dominant primate?
Authors: Parga Joyce A. , Henry Amy R. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractIn this article we document male sexual coercion of a Lemur catta female on St. Catherines Island (SCI), USA. Data presented in this paper were collected on one free‐ranging L. catta group during October–November 2002 using all‐occurrences sampling for agonism and reproductive behavior. We observed a male forcefully attempting to mate with a year‐old estrous female. Despite the fact that we observed this female to present to the male during her estrus, throughout the episode the male employed the use of force, and achieved penile intromission on at least one occasion while the female struggled and resisted. We interpret his behavior as sexual coercion. As measured by sexual presents, the female appeared to more strongly prefer two other males as mates, yet each of these males gained fewer mounts and less cumulative time spent in mounts than the coercive male. The coercive male was one of two group males with the lowest observed mating success, suggesting that coercion might be a strategy used by males who are not highly sexually preferred. Females undergo early sexual maturation at this site owing to provisioning, and can therefore enter estrus before fully attaining dominance over males. As such, these data suggest that one consequence of provisioning a wild L. catta population (or of maintaining L. catta in captivity) may be that young females can be the targets of sexual coercion if they reach sexual maturity before fully achieving social dominance over males. In conclusion, male sexual coercion can occur in L. catta despite the female dominance characteristic of this species, and can constrain the mating behavior of females. Am. J. Primatol. 70:1187–1190, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.