bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anatomy of the sural nerve in a computer-assisted model: implications for surgical minimal-invasive Achilles tendon repair
Authors: Citak Musa , Knobloch Karsten , Albrecht Knut , Krettek Christian , Hufner Tobias 
Published: March 2007

Background:Sural nerve injuries are an evident risk especially of minimal-invasive surgical Achilles tendon repair. However, detailed anatomical studies focusing on the relationship of the sural nerve with the Achilles tendon at various levels are scarce, even pending in two planes.Aim:To determine the position and course of the sural nerve in relation to the Achilles tendon in two planes after trans-section and computer-assisted determination.Methods:The exact course of the sural nerve was determined in 10 cadavers (55.3 years, 19–89 years), using a computer-assisted method in two planes (transversal/sagittal).Results:The sural nerve crossed the Achilles tendon at 11 (8.7–12.4) cm proximal to the tuber calcanei. The distance between the lateral crossing and the proximal musculotendineus junction was 35 (20–58) mm. Starting from the tuber calcanei, the distance was 2/2 mm (transversal/sagittal plane) at 11 cm proximal to the tuber calcanei, 4/4 mm at 10 cm proximal, 5/6 mm at 9 cm, 8/10 mm at 5 cm and 11/18 mm at the tuber calcanei.Conclusion:In the lateral crossing region of the sural nerve and the lateral proximal Achilles tendon 9–12 cm proximal to the tuber calcanei, a close relationship of both anatomical structures can be visualised using computer-assisted measurements; caution is suggested to prevent sural nerve entrapment in either open or percutaneous Achilles tendon repair.
Interspecific competition in a pecan–cotton alleycropping system in the southern United States: Production physiology
Authors: Zamora Diomides S. , Jose Shibu , Nair P.K.R. , Ramsey Craig L. 
Published: March 2007

A study was conducted on a Red Bay sandy loam soil (Rhodic Paleudult) in Jay, Florida, USA, to investigate how interspecific interactions between pecan ( Carya illinoensis K. Koch) and cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) would affect cotton leaf morphology and gas exchange and thereby biomass and lint yield. We quantified specific leaf area (SLA), specific leaf nitrogen (SLN), net photosynthesis (A), transpiration, stomatal conductance, and net canopy photosynthetic index (CNPI) from cotton with and without aboveground and belowground interactions. To separate roots of cotton and pecan, polyethylene-lined trenches were installed (barrier treatment) parallel to tree rows in half the number of plots. Results showed that SLA for barrier and nonbarrier plants was 61% and 47% higher, respectively, compared with the monoculture cotton. Monoculture plants exhibited higher CNPI (70.7 μmol·m–2·s–1) compared with the barrier (52.7 μmol·m–2·s–1) and nonbarrier plants (18.3 μmol·m–2·s–1). SLN was similar for both the barrier and nonbarrier plants; however, it was lower than the monoculture. A positive curvilinear relationship between A and SLN was observed, with peak A (28 μmol·m–2·s–1) observed between 2.2 and 2.4 mg N·m–2. Significant curvilinear relationships between CNPI and aboveground biomass and lint yield were also observed for all treatments. These findings indicate that competitive interactions in alleycropping regulate leaf level traits such as SLA and SLN by altering water and light availability, which in turn exert a profound influence on aboveground biomass and lint yield for cotton plants.
Sexual differences in shoot and leaf dynamics in the dioecious tree Salix sachalinensis
Authors: Ueno Naoto , Kanno Hiroshi , Seiwa Kenji 
Published: March 2007

In the dioecious tree Salix sachalinensis Fr. Schm., females invested a greater amount of biomass to reproductive organs compared with males, indicating a greater reproductive cost in females. To elucidate mechanisms for the compensation of reproductive costs in females, we examined differences between the sexes in resource allocation, leaf and shoot dynamics, and leaf photosynthetic ability. In individual 1-year-old shoots, greater vegetative shoot biomass was observed in females than in males, although the mean mass of individual vegetative shoots was lower in females than in males. In both sexes, vegetative shoots at the proximal end of 1-year-old shoots completed their annual leaf production earliest and began shedding leaves earliest, although the light conditions did not differ from those at the terminal end. The leaf and shoot structure and dynamics in S. sachalinensis suggest effective carbon gain for both sexes by always placing new leaves with high photosynthetic rates at terminal shoot positions. In females, in particular, the net carbon gain would be increased by reducing construction and respiration costs and tissue loss by placing inexpensive small shoots in proximal shoot positions. To investigate to what extent the photosynthetic capacity of short-lived shoots compensated for reproductive costs in females, 80% of the vegetative-shoot buds were removed from 1-year-old shoots in females and males to simulate natural shoot shedding. In the current year, shoot removal did not reduce reproductive investment, but strongly reduced the diameter growth of 1-year-old shoots, in which the reduction was much greater in females than in males. In the following year, a reduction in reproductive investment was observed in females. Females of S. sachalinensis compensated for reproductive costs, not only by investing a greater amount of biomass in vegetative shoots, but also by using a more effective system of carbon acquisition (rapid leaf turnover on inexpensive shoots) than males.
Activation of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Type-1 Channel Prevents Adipogenesis and Obesity
Authors: Zhang Li Li , Yan Liu Dao , Ma Li Qun , Luo Zhi Dan , Cao Ting Bing , Zhong Jian , Yan Zhen Cheng , Wang Li Juan , Zhao Zhi Gang , Zhu Shan Jun , Schrader Mark , Thilo Florian , Zhu Zhi Ming , Tepel Martin 
Published: March 2007

We tested the hypothesis that activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid type-1 (TRPV1) by capsaicin prevents adipogenesis. TRPV1 channels in 3T3-L1-preadipocytes and visceral adipose tissue from mice and humans were detected by immunoblotting and quantitative real-time RT-PCR. The effect of TRPV1 on cytosolic calcium was determined fluorometrically in 3T3-L1-preadipocytes and in human visceral fat tissue. Adipogenesis in stimulated 3T3-L1-preadipocytes was determined by oil red O-staining of intracellular lipid droplets, triglyceride levels, expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, and expression of fatty acid synthase. Long-term feeding experiments were undertaken in wild-type mice and TRPV1 knockout mice.We detected TRPV1 channels in 3T3-L1-preadipocytes and visceral adipose tissue from mice and humans. In vitro, the TRPV1 agonist capsaicin dose-dependently induced calcium influx and prevented the adipogenesis in stimulated 3T3-L1-preadipocytes. RNA interference knockdown of TRPV1 in 3T3-L1-preadipocytes attenuated capsaicin-induced calcium influx, and adipogenesis in stimulated 3T3-L1-preadipocytes was no longer prevented. During regular adipogenesis TRPV1 channels were downregulated which was accompanied by a significant and time-dependent reduction of calcium influx. Compared with lean counterparts in visceral adipose tissue from obese db/db and ob/ob mice, and from obese human male subjects we observed a reduced TRVP1 expression. The reduced TRPV1 expression in visceral adipose tissue from obese humans was accompanied by reduced capsaicin-induced calcium influx. The oral administration of capsaicin for 120 days prevented obesity in male wild type mice but not in TRPV1 knockout mice assigned to high fat diet. We conclude that the activation of TRPV1 channels by capsaicin prevented adipogenesis and obesity.
Retrospective Analysis of Coagulation Factor II Receptor (F2R) Sequence Variation and Coronary Heart Disease in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Gigante Bruna , Bellis Alessandro , Visconti Roberta , Marino Marina , Morisco Carmine , Trimarco Valentina , Galasso Gennaro , Piscione Federico , De Luca Nicola , Prince Jonathan A. , de Faire Ulf , Trimarco Bruno 
Published: March 2007

Objectives—The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of genetic variants within the coagulation factor II receptor (F2R) in the occurrence of coronary heart disease (CHD).Methods and Results—Four SNPs (−1738 G/A, 2860 G/A, 2930 T/C, and 9113 C/A) and an ins/del polymorphism −506-/GGCCGCGGGAAGC (D/I), replicating a consensus sequence for Ets-1 transcription factor, and their related haplotypes were tested for association to CHD in 1600 hypertensive patients divided in 2 groups according to presence (cases, n=559) and absence (controls, n=1041) of CHD. Allele I at −506 locus was associated with increased risk of CHD under additive, dominant, and recessive models of inheritance (allP<0.01). Three haplotypes carrying I allele were consistently associated with an increased risk of CHD (allP<0.05). Patients homozygous for the C allele at the 2930 locus also showed an increased risk of CHD (P<0.05). To test the functionality of −506 locus, nuclear extracts were incubated with −506D and −506I sequences by EMSA and F2R promoter activity (F2R-A) were assessed in HUVECs transfected with vectors carrying −506D and −506I sequences and exposed to hypoxia. Presence of the −506I sequence was associated with a 26% reduction of affinity binding to nuclear proteins and to blunted F2R-A in response to hypoxia as compared with the −506D sequence (allP<0.05).Conclusions—F2R genetic variants may influence the natural history of CHD in patients at high risk of cardiovascular events.
Human platelets synthesize and express functional tissue factor
Authors: Panes Olga , Matus Valeria , Sáez Claudia G. , Quiroga Teresa , Pereira Jaime , Mezzano Diego 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe source and significance of bloodborne tissue factor (TF) are controversial. TF mRNA, protein, and TF-dependent procoagulant activity (PCA) have been detected in human platelets, but direct evidence of TF synthesis is missing. Nonstimulated monocyte-free platelets from most patients expressed TF mRNA, which was enhanced or induced in all of them after platelet activation. Immunoprecipitation assays revealed TF protein (mainly of a molecular weight [Mr] of approximately 47 kDa, with other bands of approximately 35 and approximately 60 kDa) in nonstimulated platelet membranes, which also increased after activation. This enhancement was concomitant with TF translocation to the plasma membrane, as demonstrated by immunofluorescence–confocal microscopy and biotinylation of membrane proteins. Platelet PCA, assessed by factor Xa (FXa) generation, was induced after activation and was inhibited by 48% and 76% with anti-TF and anti-FVIIa, respectively, but not by intrinsic pathway inhibitors. Platelets incorporated [35S]-methionine into TF proteins with Mr of approximately 47 kDa, approximately 35 kDa, and approximately 60 kDa, more intensely after activation. Puromycin but not actinomycin D or DRB (5,6-dichloro-1-beta-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole) inhibited TF neosynthesis. Thus, human platelets not only assemble the clotting reactions on their membrane, but also supply their own TF for thrombin generation in a timely and spatially circumscribed process. These observations simplify, unify, and provide a more coherent formulation of the current cell-based model of hemostasis.
Homeostatic expansion and repertoire regeneration of donor T cells during graft versus host disease is constrained by the host environment
Authors: Gorski Jack , Chen Xiao , Gendelman Mariya , Yassai Maryam , Krueger Ashley , Tivol Elizabeth , Logan Brent , Komorowski Richard , Vodanovic-Jankovic Sanja , Drobyski William R. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractGraft versus host disease (GVHD) typically results in impaired T-cell reconstitution characterized by lymphopenia and repertoire skewing. One of the major causes of inadequate T-cell reconstitution is that T-cell survival and expansion in the periphery are impaired. In this report, we have performed adoptive transfer studies to determine whether the quantitative reduction in T-cell numbers is due to an intrinsic T-cell defect or whether the environmental milieu deleteriously affects T-cell expansion. These studies demonstrate that T cells obtained from animals with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) are capable of significant expansion and renormalization of an inverted CD4/CD8 ratio when they are removed from this environment. Moreover, these cells can generate complex T-cell repertoires early after transplantation and are functionally competent to respond to third-party alloantigens. Our data indicate that T cells from mice undergoing GVHD can respond to homeostatic signals in the periphery and are not intrinsically compromised once they are removed from the GVHD environment. We thereby conclude that the host environment and not an intrinsic T-cell defect is primarily responsible for the lack of effective T-cell expansion and diversification of complex T-cell repertoires that occurs during GVHD.
Quantifying the metabolic capabilities of engineered Zymomonas mobilis using linear programming analysis
Authors: Tsantili Ivi C , Karim M Nazmul , Klapa Maria I 
Published: March 2007

Abstract

Background
The need for discovery of alternative, renewable, environmentally friendly energy sources and the development of cost-efficient, "clean" methods for their conversion into higher fuels becomes imperative. Ethanol, whose significance as fuel has dramatically increased in the last decade, can be produced from hexoses and pentoses through microbial fermentation. Importantly, plant biomass, if appropriately and effectively decomposed, is a potential inexpensive and highly renewable source of the hexose and pentose mixture. Recently, the engineered (to also catabolize pentoses) anaerobic bacterium Zymomonas mobilis has been widely discussed among the most promising microorganisms for the microbial production of ethanol fuel. However, Z. mobilis genome having been fully sequenced in 2005, there is still a small number of published studies of its in vivo physiology and limited use of the metabolic engineering experimental and computational toolboxes to understand its metabolic pathway interconnectivity and regulation towards the optimization of its hexose and pentose fermentation into ethanol.

Results
In this paper, we reconstructed the metabolic network of the engineered Z. mobilis to a level that it could be modelled using the metabolic engineering methodologies. We then used linear programming (LP) analysis and identified the Z. mobilis metabolic boundaries with respect to various biological objectives, these boundaries being determined only by Z. mobilis network's stoichiometric connectivity. This study revealed the essential for bacterial growth reactions and elucidated the association between the metabolic pathways, especially regarding main product and byproduct formation. More specifically, the study indicated that ethanol and biomass production depend directly on anaerobic respiration stoichiometry and activity. Thus, enhanced understanding and improved means for analyzing anaerobic respiration and redox potential in vivo are needed to yield further conclusions for potential genetic targets that may lead to optimized Z. mobilis strains.

Conclusion
Applying LP to study the Z. mobilis physiology enabled the identification of the main factors influencing the accomplishment of certain biological objectives due to metabolic network connectivity only. This first-level metabolic analysis model forms the basis for the incorporation of more complex regulatory mechanisms and the formation of more realistic models for the accurate simulation of the in vivo Z. mobilis physiology.
Island-wide diversity in single nucleotide polymorphisms of the Plasmodium vivax dihydrofolate reductase and dihydropteroate synthetase genes in Sri Lanka
Authors: Schousboe Mette L , Rajakaruna Rupika S , Salanti Ali , Hapuarachchi Hapuarachchige C , Galappaththy Gawrie NL , Bygbjerg Ib C , Amerasinghe Priyanie H , Konradsen Flemming , Alifrangis Michael 
Published: March 2007

Abstract

Background
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Plasmodium vivax dihydrofolate reductase (Pfdhfr) and dihydropteroate synthetase (Pvdhps) genes cause parasite resistance to the antifolate drug combination, sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine (SP). Monitoring these SNPs provide insights into the level of drug pressure caused by SP use and presumably other antifolate drugs. In Sri Lanka, chloroquine (CQ) with primaquine (PQ) and SP with PQ is used as first and second line treatment, respectively, against uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum and/or P. vivax infections. CQ/PQ is still efficacious against P. vivax infections, thus SP is rarely used and it is assumed that the prevalence of SNPs related to P. vivax SP resistance is low. However, this has not been assessed in Sri Lanka as in most other parts of Asia. This study describes the prevalence and distribution of SNPs related to P. vivax SP resistance across Sri Lanka.

Subjects and methods

P. vivax- positive samples were collected from subjects presenting at government health facilities across nine of the major malaria endemic districts on the island. The samples were analysed for SNPs/haplotypes at codon 57, 58, 61 and 117 of the Pvdhfr gene and 383, 553 and 585 of the Pvdhps gene by applying PCR followed by a hybridization step using sequence specific oligonucleotide probes (SSOPs) in an ELISA format.

Results
In the study period, the government of Sri Lanka recorded 2,149 P. vivax cases from the nine districts out of which, 454 (21.1%) blood samples were obtained. Pvdhfr haplotypes could be constructed for 373 of these. The FSTS wild-haplotype was represented in 257 samples (68.9%), the double mutant LRTS haplotype was the most frequently observed mutant (24.4%) while the triple mutation (LRTN) was only identified once. Except for two samples of the single mutated Pvdhps GAV haplotype, the remaining samples were wildtype. Geographical differences were apparent, notably a significantly higher frequency of mutant Pvdhfr haplotypes was observed in the Northern districts.

Conclusion
Since SP is rarely used in Sri Lanka, the high frequency and diversity of Pvdhfr mutations was unexpected indicating the emergence of drug resistant parasites despite a low level of SP drug pressure.
The role of MUC1 and MUC3 in the biology and prognosis of colorectal cancer
Authors: Duncan Timothy J , Watson Nicholas FS , Al-Attar Ahmad H , Scholefield John H , Durrant Lindy G 
Published: March 2007

Abstract

Background
MUC1 and MUC3 are from a large family of glycoproteins with an aberrant expression profile in various malignancies. Much interest has been focused on the role of these proteins in the development and progression of colorectal cancer; however, no previous studies have included the highly confounding variable of vascular invasion in their survival analysis. Using high throughput tissue microarray technology we assessed the prognostic value of MUC1 and MUC3 expression in the largest cohort of colorectal cancer patients to date. We propose that tumours lacking expression of MUC1 and MUC3 will be more likely to metastasise, due to previously observed loss of cell-cell adhesion, and this will therefore lead to more aggressive cancers with poorer prognosis.

Methods
A tissue micro-array was prepared from tumour samples of 462 consecutive patients undergoing resection of a primary colorectal cancer. A comprehensive prospectively recorded data base with mean follow up of 75 months was collected and included common clinicopathological variables and disease specific survival. Immunohistochemical analysis of MUC1 and MUC3 expression was performed using antibodies NCL-MUC1 and 1143/B7 respectively, results were correlated with the variables within the database.

Results
Positive expression of MUC1 and MUC3 was seen in 32% and 74% of tumours respectively. On univariate analysis no correlation was seen with either MUC1 or MUC3 and any of the clinicopathological variables including tumour grade and stage, vascular invasion and tumour type. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in disease specific survival with MUC1 positive tumours (p = 0.038), this was not seen with MUC3 (p = 0.552). On multivariate analysis, using Cox proportional hazards model, MUC1 expression was shown to be an independent marker of prognosis (HR 1.339, 95%CI 1.002–1.790, p = 0.048).

Conclusion
MUC1 expression in colorectal cancer is an independent marker of poor prognosis, even when vascular invasion is included in the analysis. These results support previous studies suggesting a role for MUC1 in colorectal cancer development possibly through its effects on cell adhesion.
The MAP kinase HwHog1 from the halophilic black yeast Hortaea werneckii: coping with stresses in solar salterns
Authors: Lenassi Metka , Vaupotic Tomaz , Gunde-Cimerman Nina , Plemenitas Ana 
Published: March 2007

Abstract

Background

Hortaea werneckii is one of the most salt-tolerant species among microorganisms. It has been isolated from hypersaline waters of salterns as one of the predominant species of a group of halophilic and halotolerant melanized yeast-like fungi, arbitrarily named as "black yeasts". It has previously been shown that H. werneckii has distinct mechanisms of adaptation to high salinity environments that are not seen in salt-sensitive and only moderately salt-tolerant fungi. In H. werneckii, the HOG pathway is important for sensing the changes in environmental osmolarity, as demonstrated by identification of three main pathway components: the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) HwHog1, the MAPK kinase HwPbs2, and the putative histidine kinase osmosensor HwHhk7.

Results
In this study, we show that the expression of HwHOG1 in salt-adapted cells depends on the environmental salinity and that HwHOG1 transcription responds rapidly but reciprocally to the acute hyper-saline or hypo-saline stress. Molecular modelling of HwHog1 reveals an overall structural homology with other MAPKs. HwHog1 complements the function of ScHog1 in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae multistress response. We also show that hyper-osmolar, oxidative and high-temperature stresses activate the HwHog1 kinase, although under high-temperature stress the signal is not transmitted via the MAPK kinase Pbs2. Identification of HOG1-like genes from other halotolerant fungi isolated from solar salterns demonstrates a high degree of similarity and excellent phylogenetic clustering with orthologues of fungal origin.

Conclusion
The HOG signalling pathway has an important role in sensing and responding to hyper-osmolar, oxidative and high-temperature stresses in the halophilic fungi H. werneckii. These findings are an important advance in our understanding of the HOG pathway response to stress in H. werneckii, a proposed model organism for studying the salt tolerance of halophilic and halotolerant eukaryotes.