bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First helminthological data on Iberian vipers: Helminth communities and host-parasite relationships
Authors: Santos Xavier , Martínez-Freiría Fernando , Pleguezuelos Juan , Roca Vicente 
Published: June 2006

AbstractEuropean vipers are ambush predators with sporadic feeding events, thereby maintaining the digestive tract empty for long periods. According to previous studies relating lizards’ dietary habits and their helminth faunas, we predict poor gastrointestinal helminth communities in vipers. To test this hypothesis, we have examined the digestive tract of 86 specimens of Vipera aspis (L., 1758) and V. latastei Boscá, 1878, from several localities of the Iberian Peninsula. We found adults of only two nematode species Kalicephalus viperae (Rud., 1819) and Ophidascaris sp. and cysts adhering to the external wall on the stomach in case of two other nematode species Ascarops strongylina (Rud., 1819) and Spirurida gen. sp. All these nematodes are common parasite species in snakes, although Ophidascaris sp. has never before been recorded in Vipera sp. The low prevalence and small number of parasite species in Iberian vipers matched their low feeding rates. However, our results contrast with studies in Poland and Belarus of V. berus species, in which nematodes, as well as trematodes, are common and abundant. Rainfall rates are lower in the Iberian Peninsula than in eastern Central Europe, where amphibians are more available and consumed by V. berus. Amphibians, intermediate hosts for these helminths, have been recorded only sporadically as prey for V. aspis and V. latastei, thus supporting the absence of trematodes in both Iberian viper species. Among populations of Iberian vipers, the prevalence of parasites correlates with the feeding rate (i.e. percentage of vipers with prey), suggesting a linkage between the two parameters. In conclusion, our results suggest that several factors, including climatic characteristics of localities, feeding rates of predators, and type of prey consumed, influence the number and type of parasites in Iberian vipers.
Distribution of acetylcholinesterase activity during the development of cysticercoids of Hymenolepis diminuta (Cestoda)
Authors: Moczoń Tadeusz , Świetlikowska Agnieszka 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe distribution of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in oncospheres and developing cysticercoids of Hymenolepis diminuta was examined. The enzyme was localized in the nervous system and in some non-nerve cells of these larvae. In oncospheres AChE was detected in hook muscles and in the binucleated medullar center that is known to enclose two neurons. At early developmental stages of the cysticercoids the enzyme was localized in the post-oncospheral hook muscles and in subtegumental muscle fibers of the cercomer. At medium and late stages of development the activity of AChE was detected in the developing nervous system and in two and, subsequently, in four populations of cells, which gradually spread over the whole internal wall of the cyst, thus forming a thin multilayer AChE-positive lining of the cyst cavity. Following withdrawal of the scolex the lining separates the parenchyma of the turned neck from the cyst tissues and remains AChE-positive during the whole life of the parasite, i.e. up to the death of the infected host. The role played by non-neural AChE associated with the cyst cavity lining is unknown, but seems to regulate both the transport of nutrients and minerals into the scolex and waste substances in the opposite direction.
Accumulation and utilization of lipids during the development of Hymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids
Authors: Moczoń Tadeusz 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe accumulation of neutral lipids in the cells predetermined to evolve into the cyst cavity lining in Hymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids is presented. The differentiation of these cells from the mesenchyma cells and the accompanying systhesis of lipids began in very young, blastula-shaped larvae. Both the number of the cells and the amount of their lipids increased gradually during further development of the parasites. In the pre-encystment stage of the cysticercoids the cells concentrated around the cavity of the prospective cyst. Following encystment, the scolex and the inverted neck became surrounded by a compact mass of the cells, which started using the stored lipids as a source of energy indispensable for the formation of the cyst tissues and of the definitive multilayer lining of the cyst cavity. No neutral lipids were detected in the mature 23-day-old cysticercoids as well as in the experimentally excysted scoleces. Beside a low level of uniformly distributed phospholipids apparently associated with cell membranes, no local accumulations of these substances were observed at any step of the development of the larvae. The utilization of neutral lipids proves both the presence of a lipase-type enzyme(s) and an operative β-oxidation pathway in the cells of the cysticercoids, the latter feature being highly indicative of oxidative metabolism of these larvae.
A study of familial stuttering
Authors: Canhetti‐Oliveira Cristiane Moço , Richieri‐Costa A. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractHere we study 13 families with stuttering. Of the 13 families, 9 were persistent stutterers and 4 were recovered stutterers. In the 9 families with persistent stuttering, 24 were male and 10 were females. Of the 4 families with recovered stutterers, 17 were male and 3 were female. Of the 17 males, 12 were persistent stutterers and 5 recovered after adolescence. All females were recovered stutterers. We conclude with a short discussion of recent molecular studies. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical and genetic uniqueness in an individual with MELAS
Authors: Vanniarajan Ayyasamy , Nayak Dinesh , Reddy Alla G. , Singh Lalji , Thangaraj Kumarasamy 
Published: June 2006

AbstractMitochondrial encephalopathy lactic acidosis stroke like episodes (MELAS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with varying age of onset. It is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous disease. Molecular etiology of MELAS is not known in several cases. We have identified a unique individual with late onset MELAS at the age of 55 years. We have analyzed the complete mitochondrial genome of the tissue and blood samples of the patient. One novel heteroplasmic mutation (C13565A) in NADH dehydrogenase 5 subunit (ND5) gene was found only in the tissue sample but not in the blood. This mutation is missense causing a change of amino acid serine to tyrosine at position 410. This mutation was found neither in controls nor in world populations. This study has also confirmed ND5 as a hotspot for the mitochondrial diseases. This will be of great help for the clinicians in the diagnosis of MELAS. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Three major haplotypes of the β2 adrenergic receptor define psychological profile, blood pressure, and the risk for development of a common musculoskeletal pain disorder
Authors: Diatchenko Luda , Anderson Amy D. , Slade Gary D. , Fillingim Roger B. , Shabalina Svetlana A. , Higgins Tomas J. , Sama Swetha , Belfer Inna , Goldman David , Max Mitchell B. , Weir Bruce S. , Maixner William 
Published: June 2006

AbstractAdrenergic receptor β2 (ADRB2) is a primary target for epinephrine. It plays a critical role in mediating physiological and psychological responses to environmental stressors. Thus, functional genetic variants of ADRB2 will be associated with a complex array of psychological and physiological phenotypes. These genetic variants should also interact with environmental factors such as physical or emotional stress to produce a phenotype vulnerable to pathological states. In this study, we determined whether common genetic variants of ADRB2 contribute to the development of a common chronic pain condition that is associated with increased levels of psychological distress and low blood pressure, factors which are strongly influenced by the adrenergic system. We genotyped 202 female subjects and examined the relationships between three major ADRB2 haplotypes and psychological factors, resting blood pressure, and the risk of developing a chronic musculoskeletal pain condition—Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD). We propose that the first haplotype codes for lower levels of ADRB2 expression, the second haplotype codes for higher ADRB2 expression, and the third haplotype codes for higher receptor expression and rapid agonist‐induced internalization. Individuals who carried one haplotype coding for high and one coding for low ADRB2 expression displayed the highest positive psychological traits, had higher levels of resting arterial pressure, and were about 10 times less likely to develop TMD. Thus, our data suggest that either positive or negative imbalances in ADRB2 function increase the vulnerability to chronic pain conditions such as TMD through different etiological pathways that imply the need for tailored treatment options. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of interfacial attraction on intercalation in polymer/clay nanocomposites
Authors: Lee Sang‐Soo , Hur Myung Hyun , Yang Hoichang , Lim Soonho , Kim Junkyung 
Published: June 2006

AbstractIn order to examine the adhesive behavior of a polar polymer between hydrophilic clay layers, the so‐called glue effect, a clay intercalation by an ethylene–vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer, which was capable of strong hydrogen bonding with the silicate surface of clay, was prepared by the melt intercalation technique and compared with a clay nanocomposite containing styrene–acrylonitrile (SAN) copolymer of less polar interaction energy in terms of the morphology and mechanical properties. Although initial penetration of the guest polymer into the gallery of the host clay occurred more rapidly for EVOH because of its strong hydrophilic nature, the dissociation of clay nanoplatelets was better developed for SAN with less polar interaction with clay, well evidencing the fact that the glue effect effectively affects the intercalation behavior of polymer/clay nanocomposites. However, the mechanical properties of the EVOH/clay nanocomposite were superior to those of SAN/clay nanocomposites. Although dissociation of respective silicate layers was poor for EVOH/clay nanocomposites, strong attractive energy stabilizes the interface between inorganic nanoparticles and the polymer matrix much more effectively, resulting in higher mechanical properties. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 2749–2753, 2006
Ground‐penetrating radar profile spacing and orientation for subsurface resolution of linear features
Authors: Pomfret James 
Published: June 2006

AbstractGround Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveys have become an increasingly used technique to aid in evaluating archaeological sites for cultural resource management purposes. As time is often an important factor in these surveys, a test was conducted that examined the benefits received from increasing data collection density. At Ceylon Plantation GPR grids were collected in both the X and Y direction at 50 cm intervals and in the Y direction at 25 cm intervals. The composite X‐Y amplitude map and the 25 cm interval map both produced the highest resolution images. The X‐Y composite collection method was able to resolve thin, linear features not visible in maps produced from only one transect orientation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling regulatory mechanisms in IL‐6 signal transduction in hepatocytes
Authors: Singh Abhay , Jayaraman Arul , Hahn Juergen 
Published: June 2006

AbstractCytokines like interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) play an important role in triggering the acute phase response of the body to injury or inflammation. Signaling by IL‐6 involves two pathways: Janus‐associated kinases (JAK) and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT 3) are activated in the first pathway while the second pathway involves the activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK). While it is recognized that both pathways play a major role in IL‐6 signal transduction, a majority of studies have focused on signaling through either one of the pathways. However, simultaneous signaling through both JAK/STAT and MAPK pathways is still poorly understood. In this work, a mathematical model has been developed that integrates signaling through both the JAK/STAT and the MAPK pathway. The presented model is used to analyze the effect of three molecules that are involved in the regulation of IL‐6 signaling—SHP‐2 (domain containing tyrosine phosphatase 2), SOCS3 (suppressor of cytokine signaling 3), and a STAT3 nuclear phosphatase (PP2)—on the dynamics of IL‐6 signal transduction in hepatocytes. The obtained results suggest that interactions between SHP‐2 and SOCS3 influence signaling through the JAK/STAT and the MAPK pathways. It is shown that SHP‐2 and SOCS3 do not just regulate the pathway that they are known to be associated with, (SHP‐2 with MAPK and SOCS3 with JAK/STAT), but also have a strong effect on the other pathway. Several simulations with SOCS3, SHP‐2, and PP2 knockout cells, that is, where the signaling pathway is unable to produce these proteins, have been performed to characterize the effect of these regulatory proteins on IL‐6 signal transduction in hepatocytes. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Aberrant methylation of Reprimo correlates with genetic instability and predicts poor prognosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Sato Norihiro , Fukushima Noriyoshi , Matsubayashi Hiroyuki , Iacobuzio‐Donahue Christine A. , Yeo Charles J. , Goggins Michael 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe p53‐dependent G2/M checkpoint plays a key role in the maintenance of genomic integrity, thereby protecting cells from neoplastic progression. Reprimo, a gene involved in the p53‐induced G2 cell cycle arrest, has been recently identified as a novel target for aberrant methylation in pancreatic and other cancers. The biological and clinical relevance of Reprimo methylation in pancreatic cancer was investigated.METHODSThe methylation status of Reprimo CpG island was analyzed by methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction in a large series of pancreatic cancers and was correlated with p53 mutation status, genetic instability (as measured by the fractional allelic loss), and clinicopathologic features.RESULTSAberrant methylation of Reprimo was identified in 60% (75 of 125) of pancreatic cancer xenografts and primary pancreatic adenocarcinomas. Reprimo methylation was also detectable in 30% (19 of 63) of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias (PanIN), known precursors to infiltrating carcinoma. Reprimo methylation was unrelated to the p53 mutation status and associated with the increased degree of genetic instability (P = .04). Furthermore, we found that patients with Reprimo methylation in their primary pancreatic cancers have significantly worse prognosis than those without Reprimo methylation (P = .007). In contrast, other methylation targets in pancreatic cancers (SPARC and CXCR4) did not correlate with prognosis.CONCLUSIONSThese results suggest that aberrant methylation of Reprimo is a common event in pancreatic carcinogenesis and is associated with genetic instability and unfavorable outcome after surgical resection. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Cancer proteomics and its application to discovery of therapy response markers in human cancer
Authors: Smith Laura , Lind Michael J. , Welham Kevin J. , Cawkwell Lynn ,   Cancer Biology Proteomics Group
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe administration of chemotherapy either alone or in combination with radiotherapy is an important factor in reducing the mortality and morbidity of cancer patients. Resistance to both chemotherapy and radiotherapy represents a major obstacle to a successful outcome. The identification of novel biomarkers that can be used to predict treatment response would allow therapy to be tailored on an individual patient basis. Although the mechanisms are unclear, it is accepted that development of therapy resistance is a multifactorial phenomenon involving alterations in several cellular pathways. Proteome analysis methods are powerful tools for identifying factors associated with resistance to anticancer therapy because they facilitate the simultaneous analysis of whole proteomes. The current review describes the plethora of existing proteomic approaches and details the studies that have identified biomarkers that may be useful in the prediction of clinical response to anticancer therapy. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Actin polymerization regulates clathrin coat maturation during early stages of synaptic vesicle recycling at lamprey synapses
Authors: Bourne Jennifer , Morgan Jennifer R. , Pieribone Vincent A. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractAlthough it is established that presynaptic actin participates in synaptic vesicle recycling at several synapses, the earliest stages at which actin polymerization is employed during this process are still unclear. To address this, we prevented actin polymerization at lamprey synapses by applying latrunculin B or swinholide A. Latrunculin and swinholide depolymerize actin by sequestering actin monomers and, in addition, swinholide can sever existing actin filaments. When injected into individual presynaptic axons of the intact spinal cord, fluorescently labeled monomeric actin rapidly incorporated in a calcium‐dependent manner into a stable, filamentous actin network concentrated at endocytic zones. This pool of actin was disrupted completely by latrunculin. At stimulated synapses, specific disruption of actin polymerization with latrunculin and swinholide induced a selective increase in unconstricted clathrin‐coated pits and, in the case of swinholide, an additional increase in the size of plasma membrane evaginations. These results indicate that actin polymerization participates initially in the maturation of clathrin‐coated pits during early stages of synaptic vesicle recycling. J. Comp. Neurol. 497:600–609, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Zonal organization of the mouse flocculus: Physiology, input, and output
Authors: Schonewille Martijn , Luo Chongde , Ruigrok Tom J. H. , Voogd Jan , Schmolesky Matthew T. , Rutteman Mandy , Hoebeek Freek E. , De Jeu Marcel T. G. , De Zeeuw Chris I. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe zones of the flocculus have been mapped in many species with a noticeable exception, the mouse. Here, the functional map of the mouse was constructed via extracellular recordings followed by tracer injections of biotinylated‐dextran‐amine and immunohistochemistry for heat‐shock protein‐25. Zones were identified based on the Purkinje cell complex spike modulation occurring in response to optokinetic stimulation. In zones 1 and 3 Purkinje cells responded best to rotation about a horizontal axis oriented at 135° ipsilateral azimuth, whereas in zones 2 and 4 they responded best to rotation about the vertical axis. The tracing experiments showed that Purkinje cells of zone 1 projected to the parvicellular part of lateral cerebellar nucleus and superior vestibular nucleus, while Purkinje cells of zone 3 projected to group Y and the superior vestibular nucleus. Purkinje cells of zones 2 and 4 projected to the magnocellular and parvicellular parts of the medial vestibular nucleus, while some also innervated the lateral vestibular nucleus or nucleus prepositus hypoglossi. The climbing fiber inputs to Purkinje cells in zones 1 and 3 were derived from neurons in the ventrolateral outgrowth of the contralateral inferior olive, whereas those in zones 2 and 4 were derived from the contralateral caudal dorsal cap. Purkinje cells in zones 1 and 2, but not in zones 3 and 4, were positively labeled for heat‐shock protein‐25. The present study illustrates that Purkinje cells in the murine flocculus are organized in discrete zones with specific functions, specific input — output relations, and a specific histochemical signature. J. Comp. Neurol. 497:670–682, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functional proteometrics for cell migration
Authors: Shen Feimo , Hodgson Louis , Rabinovich Andrew , Pertz Olivier , Hahn Klaus , Price Jeffrey H. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackground:Advances in living cellular fluorescence biosensors and computerized microscopy enable a vision of fully automated high‐resolution measurements of the detailed intracellular molecular dynamics directly linked to cellular behaviors. Given the heterogeneity of cell populations, a statistically relevant study of molecular‐cellular dynamics is a key motivation for improved automation.Methods:We explored automating computerized, microscope‐based data extraction and analyses that monitor cell locomotion, rates of mitoses, and spatiotemporal activities of intracellular proteins via ratiometric fluorescent biosensors in mouse fibroblasts. Novel image processing methods included K‐means clustering segmentation preprocessing followed by modified discrete, normalized cross‐correlational alignment of two‐color images; ratiometric processing for fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) measurements; and intracellular spatial distribution measurements of RhoA GTPase activity.Results:The interdivision time was 19.4 h (mean) ± 6.0 h (SD) (n = 7) for the GFP‐histone cells in the two‐by‐two field that was scanned for 72 h. After registration and ratioing of the cells with the RhoA biosensor, increases in both cell protrusion and retraction were coincident with to increases in RhoA activity.Conclusions:These advances lay the foundation for extracting and correlating measurements characterizing the functional relationships of spatial localization and protein activation with features of cell migration such as velocity, polarization, protrusion, retraction, and mitosis. © 2006 International Society for Analytical Cytology
Cholesterol homeostasis in development: The role of Xenopus 7‐dehydrocholesterol reductase (Xdhcr7) in neural development
Authors: Tadjuidje Emmanuel , Hollemann Thomas 
Published: June 2006

Abstract7‐dehydrocholesterol reductase (7‐Dhcr) catalyses the final step in the pathway of cholesterol biosynthesis. Human patients with inborn errors of 7‐Dhcr (Smith‐Lemli‐Opitz‐Syndrome) have elevated serum levels of 7‐dehydrocholesterol but low levels of cholesterol, which in phenotypical terms can result in growth retardation, craniofacial abnormalities including cleft palate, and reduced metal abilities. This study reports the isolation and molecular characterisation of 7‐dehydrocholesterol reductase (Xdhcr7) from Xenopus laevis. During early embryonic development, the expression of Xdhcr7 is first of all spatially restricted to the Spemann's organizer and later to the notochord. In both tissues, Xdhcr7 is coexpressed with Sonic hedgehog (Shh), which itself is cholesterol‐modified during autoproteolytic cleavage. Data from Xdhcr7 overexpression and knockdown experiments reveals that a tight control of cholesterol synthesis is particularly important for proper development of the central and peripheral nervous system. Developmental Dynamics 235:2095–2110, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tetrahedra, Super‐Tetrahedra, Bipyramids, Boxes and More: Polymetallic Clusters of Benzotriazole
Authors: Collison David , McInnes Eric J. L. , Brechin Euan K. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe syntheses, structures and magnetic properties of a host of polymetallic 3d transition‐metal clusters made with the pro‐ligand benzotriazole (BtaH) and its analogues are reported. These range from a family of tetradecametallic clusters with spin ground states as large as S ≈ 25, to decametallic vanadium “boxes”, to iron and manganese tetra‐ and super‐tetrahedra, to hexaicosametallic manganese single‐molecule magnets. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)