bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Testicular involution prior to sex change in gilthead seabream is characterized by a decrease in DMRT1 gene expression and by massive leukocyte infiltration
Authors: Liarte Sergio , Chaves-Pozo Elena , García-Alcazar Alicia , Mulero Victoriano , Meseguer José , García-Ayala Alfonsa 
Published: June 2007

Abstract

Background
Leukocytes are found within the testis of most, if not all, mammals and are involved in immunological surveillance, physiological regulation and tissue remodelling. The testis of seasonal breeding fish undergoes a regression process. In the present study, the second reproductive cycle (RC) of the protandrous seasonal teleost fish, gilthead seabream, was investigated and the presence of leukocytes analysed. Special attention has been paid to the testicular degenerative process which is particularly active in the last stage of the second RC probably due to the immediacy of the sex change process.

Methods
Sexually mature specimens (n = 10–18 fish/month) were sampled during the second RC. Some specimens were intraperitoneally injected with bromodeoxyuridin (BrdU) before sampling. Light and electron microscopy was used to determine the different stages of gonadal development and the presence of leukocytes and PCR was used to analyse the gene expression of a testis-differentiating gene and of specific markers for macrophages and B and T lymphocytes. Immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry were performed using a specific antibody against acidophilic granulocytes from the gilthead seabream. Cell proliferation was detected by immunocytochemistry using an anti-BrdU antibody and apoptotic cells by in situ detection of DNA fragmentation.

Results
The fish in the western Mediterranean area developed as males during the first two RCs. The testis of all the specimens during the second RC underwent a degenerative process, which started at post-spawning and was enhanced during the testicular involution stage, when vitellogenic oocytes appeared in the ovary accompanied by a progressive increase in the ovarian index. However, only 40% of specimens were females in the third RC. Leukocytes (acidophilic granulocytes, macrophages and lymphocytes) were present in the gonad and acidophilic granulocyte infiltration occurred during the last two stages. At the same time DMRT1 gene expression decreased.

Conclusions
The results demonstrate that innate and adaptive immune cells are present in the gonads of gilthead seabream. Moreover, the whole fish population underwent a testicular degenerative process prior to sex change, characterized by high rates of apoptosis and necrosis and accompanied by an infiltration of acidophilic granulocytes and a decrease in DMRT1 levels.
Increased platelet expression of FcGammaRIIa and its potential impact on platelet reactivity in patients with end stage renal disease
Authors: Serrano Feliciano A , El-Shahawy Mohamed , Solomon Richard J , Sobel Burton E , Schneider David J 
Published: June 2007

Abstract

Background
Increased platelet reactivity has been implicated in cardiovascular disease – the major cause of death in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD). FcGammaRIIA is a component of glycoprotein VI and Ib-IX-V that mediate activation of platelets by collagen and von Willebrand factor. To determine whether expression of FcGammaRIIA impacts platelet reactivity we quantified its expression and platelet reactivity in 33 patients with ESRD who were undergoing hemodialysis.

Methods
Blood samples were obtained from patients immediately before hemodialysis and before administration of heparin. Platelet expression of FcGammaRIIA and the activation of platelets in response to low concentrations of convulxin (1 ng/ml, selected to mimic effects of collagen), thrombin (1 nM), adenosine diphosphate (ADP, 0.2 uM), or platelet activating factor (PAF, 1 nM) were determined with the use of flow cytometry in samples of whole blood anticoagulated with corn trypsin inhibitor (a specific inhibitor of Factor XIIa).

Results
Patients were stratified with respect to the median expression of FcGammaRIIA. Patients with high platelet expression of FcGammaRIIA exhibited 3-fold greater platelet reactivity compared with that in those with low expression in response to convulxin (p < 0.01) and 2-fold greater activation in response to thrombin, ADP, and PAF (p < 0.05 for each). For each agonist, expression of FcGammaRIIA correlated modestly but positively with platelet reactivity. The strongest correlation was with thrombin-induced activation (r = 0.6, p < 0.001).

Conclusion
Increased platelet reactivity in response to low concentrations of diverse agonists is associated with high expression of FcGammaRIIA and may contribute to an increased risk of thrombosis in patients with ESRD.
The role of CDK in the initiation step of DNA replication in eukaryotes
Authors: Tanaka Seiji , Tak Yon-Soo , Araki Hiroyuki 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) regulate the progression of the cell cycle in eukaryotes. One of the major roles of CDK is to promote chromosomal DNA replication. However, how CDKs promote DNA replication has been a long-standing question, because all the essential CDK substrates in DNA replication have not been identified yet. Recently Sld2 and Sld3 were identified as essential substrates of CDKs in the initiation step of DNA replication in budding yeast. Moreover, bypass of their phosphorylations is sufficient to promote DNA replication. Phosphorylation of Sld2 and Sld3 by CDKs enhances the formation of complex(es) with a BRCT (BRCA1 C-Terminal)-containing replication protein, Dpb11. We further propose that multiple phosphorylation by CDKs controls this process in budding yeast. Even though Sld3 orthologues in multicellular eukaryotes have not been identified, similar complex formation and, therefore, a similar mechanism of initiation control might be employed in eukaryotes.
Influence of different treatment techniques on radiation dose to the LAD coronary artery
Authors: Nieder Carsten , Schill Sabine , Kneschaurek Peter , Molls Michael 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
Background
The purpose of this proof-of-principle study was to test the ability of an intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) technique to reduce the radiation dose to the heart plus the left ventricle and a coronary artery. Radiation-induced heart disease might be a serious complication in long-term cancer survivors.

Methods
Planning CT scans from 6 female patients were available. They were part of a previous study of mediastinal IMRT for target volumes used in lymphoma treatment that included 8 patients and represent all cases where the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) could be contoured. We compared 6 MV AP/PA opposed fields to a 3D conformal 4-field technique and an optimised 7-field step-and-shoot IMRT technique and evaluated DVH's for several structures. The planning system was BrainSCAN 5.21 (BrainLAB, Heimstetten, Germany).

Results
IMRT maintained target volume coverage but resulted in better dose reduction to the heart, left ventricle and LAD than the other techniques. Selective dose reduction could be accomplished, although not to the degree initially attempted. The median LAD dose was approximately 50% lower with IMRT. In 5 out of 6 patients, IMRT was the best technique with regard to heart sparing.

Conclusion
IMRT techniques are able to reduce the radiation dose to the heart. In addition to dose reduction to whole heart, individualised dose distributions can be created, which spare, e.g., one ventricle plus one of the coronary arteries. Certain patients with well-defined vessel pathology might profit from an approach of general heart sparing with further selective dose reduction, accounting for the individual aspects of pre-existing damage.
Pivotal Advance: Inhibition of MyD88 dimerization and recruitment of IRAK1 and IRAK4 by a novel peptidomimetic compound
Authors: Loiarro Maria , Capolunghi Federica , Fantò Nicola , Gallo Grazia , Campo Silvia , Arseni Brunilde , Carsetti Rita , Carminati Paolo , De Santis Rita , Ruggiero Vito , Sette Claudio 
Published: June 2007

AbstractMyD88 is an adaptor protein, which plays an essential role in the intracellular signaling elicited by IL-1R and several TLRs. Central to its function is the ability of its Toll/IL-1R translation initiation region (TIR) domain to heterodimerize with the receptor and to homodimerize with another MyD88 molecule to favor the recruitment of downstream signaling molecules such as the serine/threonine kinases IL-1R-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) and IRAK4. Herein, we have synthesized and tested the activity of a synthetic peptido-mimetic compound (ST2825) modeled after the structure of a heptapeptide in the BB-loop of the MyD88-tIR domain, which interferes with MyD88 signaling. ST2825 inhibited MyD88 dimerization in coimmunoprecipitation experiments. This effect was specific for homodimerization of the TIR domains and did not affect homodimerization of the death domains. Moreover, ST2825 interfered with recruitment of IRAK1 and IRAK4 by MyD88, causing inhibition of IL-1β-mediated activation of NF-κB transcriptional activity. After oral administration, ST2825 dose-dependently inhibited IL-1β-induced production of IL-6 in treated mice. Finally, we observed that ST2825 suppressed B cell proliferation and differentiation into plasma cells in response to CpG-induced activation of TLR9, a receptor that requires MyD88 for intracellular signaling. Our results indicate that ST2825 blocks IL-1R/TLR signaling by interfering with MyD88 homodimerization and suggest that it may have therapeutic potential in treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases.
Plasma Testosterone and Prognosis of Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Micheli Andrea , Meneghini Elisabetta , Secreto Giorgio , Berrino Franco , Venturelli Elisabetta , Cavalleri Adalberto , Camerini Tiziana , Di Mauro Maria G. , Cavadini Elena , De Palo Giuseppe , Veronesi Umberto , Formelli Franca 
Published: June 2007

PurposeHigh endogenous testosterone is associated with increased breast cancer (BC) risk. We designed this study specifically to assess the long-term prognostic role of testosterone in a cohort of postmenopausal BC patients.Patients and MethodsWe considered 194 postmenopausal women, operated on for early BC (T1-2N0M0), who never received chemotherapy or hormonal therapy, and who participated in a fenretinide BC prevention trial as untreated controls. Blood samples were collected 3 months (median) after surgery; plasma samples, stored at −80°C, were radioimmunoassayed for testosterone. Median follow-up was 14 years. The main end point was any cancer event. Event-free survival was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Hazard ratios (HRs) of events by testosterone level were estimated by the Cox model, adjusting for age, tumor size, and histology.ResultsPatients with high testosterone (≥ 0.40 ng/mL, median of distribution) had significantly lower event-free survival than those with low testosterone (log-rank P = .004). The adjusted HR of patients with high versus low testosterone was 2.05 (95% CI, 1.28 to 3.27). High testosterone was also associated with a significantly higher risk of BC events (relapse and second primary) with an adjusted HR of 1.77 (95% CI, 1.06 to 2.96). Eleven second primaries (non-BC) occurred in the high-testosterone group, four in the low-testosterone group.ConclusionHigh plasma testosterone strongly predicts poorer prognosis in postmenopausal BC patients not administered adjuvant therapy. Testosterone levels should be determined as part of the prognostic work-up.
Caveolin-1 Knockout Mice Have Increased Bone Size and Stiffness
Authors: Rubin Janet , Schwartz Zvi , Boyan Barbara D , Fan Xian , Case Natasha , Sen Buer , Drab Marcus , Smith Deborah , Aleman Maria , Wong Kevin L , Yao Hai , Jo Hanjoong , Gross Ted S 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
The skeletal phenotype of the cav-1−/− mouse, which lacks caveolae, was examined. μCT and histology showed increased trabecular and cortical bone caused by the gene deletion. Structural changes were accompanied by increased mechanical properties. Cell studies showed that cav-1 deficiency leads to increased osteoblast differentiation. These results suggest that cav-1 helps to maintain osteoblast progenitors in a less differentiated state.
Introduction: The absence of caveolin-1 in cellular membranes causes dysregulated signaling. To understand the role of the caveolar microdomain in bone homeostasis, we examined the skeletal phenotype of 5- and 8-wk-old cav-1−/− mice.
Materials and Methods: High-resolution μCT imaging showed a region-specific effect of cav-1 deficiency on the skeleton. At 5 wk, cav-1−/− mice had increased epiphyseal bone volume (+58.4%, p = 0.05); at 8 wk, metaphyseal bone volume was increased by 77.4% (p = 0.008). Cortical bone at the femoral mid-diaphysis showed that the periosteal area of cav-1−/− mice significantly exceeded that of cav-1+/+ mice by 23.9% and 16.3% at 5 and 8 wk, respectively, resulting in increased mechanical properties (Imax: +38.2%, p = 0.003 and Imi: +23.7%, p = 0.03).
Results: Histomorphometry complemented μCT results showing increased bone formation rate (BFR) at trabecular and cortical sites at 5 wk, which supported findings of increased bone at 8 wk in cav-1−/− mice. Formal mechanical testing of the femoral diaphysis confirmed increased bone structure: stiffness increased 33% and postyield deflection decreased 33%. Stromal cells from cav-1−/− marrow showed a 23% increase in von Kossa–positive nodules; osteoclastogenesis was also modestly increased in cav-1–deficient marrow. Knockdown of cav-1 with siRNA in wildtype stromal cells increased alkaline phosphatase protein and expression of osterix and Runx2, consistent with osteoblast differentiation.
Conclusions: These data suggest that cav-1 helps to maintain a less differentiated state of osteoblast progenitor cells, and the absence of cav-1 causes bone to mature more rapidly. Caveolin-1 may thus be a target for altering skeletal homeostasis.
Changes in Soil Characteristics in a Mono- and Triculture Long-term Field Experiment
Authors: Kátai János 
Published: June 2007

The effects of
fertilization, irrigation and crop rotation on the major soil parameters and
microbiological soil properties were studied at Debrecen-Látókép in the 16
th

and 17
th
years of the fertilization experiment on calcareous
chernozem soil. The results can be summarized as follows: In the examination period the moisture
content of the experimental soil increased by 2-3% due to irrigation. With increasing fertilizer doses, the pH
value of soils reduced both in aqueous and
M
KCl suspension, but it did
not change considerably at medium and high fertilizer doses. The hydrolytic
acidity increased with decreasing pH values. The nitrate-N, AL-soluble phosphorus and
potassium contents increased gradually with increasing fertilizer doses. Among the soil microbial parameters, the
total number of germs increased slightly, while the amount of nitrifying
bacteria was significantly higher due to fertilization. As a result of
fertilization
,
a significant increase was detected in the phosphatase and urease activityin
both crop rotations and irrigation treatments. The activity of saccharase and
catalase was reduced at medium and high fertilizer doses. In addition to
changing the moisture content of soils irrigationincreased the total
number of germs and the amount of nitrifying and cellulose decomposing
bacteria. Irrigation provided more favourable conditions for CO
2
production,
increasing the microbial biomass C content and for the functioning of
phosphatase and urease enzymes.
In triculture the number of
nitrogen-fixing and cellulose decomposing bacteria was higher than in
monoculture, especially in the case of medium and high fertilizer doses. The
activity of phosphatase, saccharase and urease enzymes was significantly higher
in triculture than in monoculture.
Calibration of Nitrogen Content of Soil with Sweet Corn
Authors: Buzás István , Hoyk E. , Cserni I. , Bors-Pető J. 
Published: June 2007

It was found that quantitative and qualitative
indices of the sweet corn yield correlate with the nitrate nitrogen content of
the upper soil layer (0-30 cm). As no correlation was established between the
nitrate nitrogen content of the lower layers and the sweet corn, the conclusion
was drawn that the quantity of sweet corn yield is determined even before its
roots reach deeper down than 30 cm and the nitrogen content of the lower layers
could affect the sweet corn. Depending
on the NO
3
-N content of the soil before fertilization the maximal
corn ear mass achievable with fertilization may vary. In the study the same
yield could not be accomplished in the case of the lowest soil nitrogen
concentration (2.9 mg NO
3
-N/kg) with the highest fertilizer rate
(200 kg N/ha) - but probably irrespective of any amount of fertilizer - as on
the soil of 4.6 mg NO
3
-N/kg. In the case of the poorly supplied soil
the fertilization curve becomes flat sooner or turns negative. The phenomenon
that, regarding various soils, the maximal yield achievable on soils with good
production features with fertilization is higher than in the case of soils
having worse features, is well-known. That this fact is also valid in the case
of the same soils was expected after calibration experiments carried out with
winter oilseed rape and beet root, but it has not been proven for sweet corn as
yet. The results also showed that the
grain dry matter production of sweet corn per hectare can still be enhanced
with the increase in the soil's nitrogen supply, even if the corn ear does not
grow. The presented calibration curves
show - in the range of 2.9-4.6 mg NO
3
-N/kg soil - how much corn ear
and grain dry matter produce are expected on soils with differing nitrogen
supply, distributing 0-200 kg nitrogen fertilizer in spring.
Microbial Biomass and Phosphomonoesterase Activity of the Willow (Salix sp.) Rhizosphere in a Heavy Metal Polluted Soil
Authors: Szili-Kovács T. , Máthé-Gáspár G. , Máthé P. , Anton A. 
Published: June 2007

The applicability
of the chloroform fumigation extraction method was tested for detecting soil
microbial biomass and p-nitrophenyl phosphate (pNP) for acid phosphatase
activity to study their response to heavy metal pollution in the rhizosphere
soil of planted willow
(Salix sp.).

The experimental site was located in the Toka River Valley (North-East
Hungary) along the riverbank that had been severely polluted by flooding. The
river had transported heavy metal and arsenic ions from several heaps deposited
imprudently near a historic lead and zinc mining site. A phytoremediation
experiment was set up by planting willow trees with the aim of extracting toxic
elements from the soil. A strong significant difference between the control and
the metal-contaminated rhizosphere soils resulted much lower microbial biomass
values in the polluted soils, which suggests disturbance in the organic matter
transformation dynamics. A significant increase in acid phosphomonoesterase
activity was determined in the soil due to the pollution. The phosphatase
enzyme production of living organisms may be stimulated by the measured higher
moisture content and significantly lower LE-soluble phosphorus content of the
polluted soil samples. The correlation established between soil water content
and phosphatase activity was positive (r = +0.85), while that between LE-P
content and phosphatase activity was negative (r = -0.69). The most important
stimulating effect was attributable to the lower available phosphorus content,
resulting from the heavy metal (Pb, Zn) content of polluted soil.
Both measured biological parameters therefore were
suitable for indicating soil pollution, but the change was adverse, the biomass
decreased, while phosphatase activity increased. Microbial biomass and phosphatase
activity were not correlated, indicating the different account
of ecological factors that alter the biological properties of a soil.
Species Composition of Indigenous Trichoderma Fungi Affected by Cd, Ni and Zn Heavy Metals in Calcareous Chernozem Soil
Authors: Naár Zoltán , Biró B. 
Published: June 2007

Cadmium, nickel or zinc contaminated soils
originating from a long-term heavy metal field experiment were used to assess
the influence of those particular treatments on the coexistence of various
Trichoderma

species. The abundance of six indigenous
Trichoderma
spp. -
T
.
atroviride
,

T
.
harzianum
,
T
.
pubescens
,
T
.
tomentosum
,

T
.
virens
and
T
.
viride
- were studied 12 years
after the application of Cd, Zn and Ni salts on four levels (0, 30, 90 and 270
mg·kg
-1
) in a calcareous chernozem soil.
Trichoderma
fungal
colonies from the soil particles were estimated on selective media. The
isolated strains were taxonomically characterized by microscopic
visualization. A reduced
Trichoderma

fungal colonization was found at the lower ratio of the studied metals. No
colonization could be recorded in the case of Cd, and a slightly increased
abundance at Ni and Zn metal salts at the highest 270 mg·kg
-1
doses.
The species composition of the fungi varied considerably in the contaminated
samples as a function of the metals and the applied doses. Correlation analysis
revealed that the population density of
T
.
atroviride
,
T
.
harzianum
,

T
.
pubescens
,
T
.
viride
was negatively affected by
the available Cd concentration. The nickel content of the soil, however,
correlated positively with the abundance of
T
.
harzianum
(r =
0.955) and
T
.
virens
(r = 0.964). In addition to this finding,
the frequency of
T
.
viride
and
T
.
tomentosum
showed
significant positive and negative correlation with the Zn treatment (r = 0.955;
r = -0.965, respectively). Great differences between the correlation and
partial correlation coefficients suggested that the heavy metals may alter not
only the abundance of the fungi, but the interspecific relationships among the
indigenous
Trichoderma
population, as well. This fact is considered to
have further influence on some other biotic parameters and the soil functioning
in heavy-metal-affected soils.
Quantitative Analyses of Soil Algae in the Balaton Upland National Park (Hungary)
Authors: Lepossa Anita , Ördög V. 
Published: June 2007

Monthly variations of the algal abundance in
different soils of the Balaton Upland National Park were measured by a direct
cell counting method in a one year long investigation. Variance and regression
analyses were used to evaluate the effects of environmental factors on the
quantitative changes in algae. Results underlined the basic role of soil depth
and cultivation, while soil type had a significant effect on cyanobacteria and
diatoms. The seasonal effect in the abundance of eukaryotic algae was registered
by summer maximum cell numbers. Taking
all three investigated algal groups into consideration, the humus content of
soil seemed to be the most important factor, being in negative correlation with
their abundance, while the actual water content of soil had a slight positive
effect on cell numbers. A negative correlation was found between the nitrogen
content of soil and cyanobacterial abundance. The carbonate content of soils
had a positive effect, while plasticity, zinc concentration and the actual pH
of soil were in negative correlation with diatomal abundance. The actual pH of
soils was the most important factor in the negative correlation with other
eukaryotic algal abundance. Coefficients
of determination showed that only 16.1%, 14.6% and 8% of the total variance in
the abundance of cyanobacteria, diatoms and other eukaryotic algae,
respectively, can be explained by measured soil and meteorological parameters.