bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular and functional interactions among monocytes, platelets, and endothelial cells and their relevance for cardiovascular diseases
Authors: van Gils Janine M , Zwaginga Jaap Jan , Hordijk Peter L 
Published: October 2008

AbstractPlatelets, monocytes, and endothelial cells are instrumental in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. Inflammation, a key process underlying cardiovascular disorders, is accompanied and amplified by activation of platelets and consequent binding of such platelets to the endothelium. There, platelet-derived chemokines, in conjunction with increased expression of adhesion molecules, promote the recruitment of circulating monocytes that will eventually migrate across the endothelial lining of the vessel into the tissues. Additionally, platelets may already become activated in the circulation and may form platelet-monocyte complexes, which show increased adhesive and migratory capacities themselves but also facilitate recruitment of noncomplexed leukocytes. They should therefore be considered as important mediators of inflammation. In molecular terms, these events are additionally governed by chemokines released and presented by the endothelium as well as the different classes of endothelial adhesion molecules that regulate the interactions among the various cell types. Most important in this respect are the selectins and their ligands, such as P-selectin glycoprotein (GP) ligand 1, and the integrins binding to Ig-like cell adhesion molecules as well as to GP, such as von Willebrand factor, present in the extracellular matrix or on activated endothelium. This review aims to provide an overview of these complex interactions and of their functional implications for inflammation and development of cardiovascular disease.
Transport of Thyroxine and 3,3′,5-Triiodothyronine in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
Authors: Visser W. Edward , Friesema Edith C. H. , Visser Theo J. 
Published: October 2008

The prerequisite for the uptake of thyroid hormone (TH) in peripheral tissues is the exit of TH from the bloodstream. The first step in this process is transport across the endothelium. Little is known about this important step in TH physiology. Therefore, we aimed to characterize the TH transport processes across the endothelium using human umbilical vein endothelial cells as a model. Transport studies showed rapid uptake of 1 nm [125I]T3 and [125I]T4 in these cells. The apparent Michaelis constant value for [125I]T3 uptake was about 1 μm, and the IC50 for T4 inhibition of T3 uptake was about 3 μm. The aromatic amino acids phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan and the L-type amino acid transporter-specific ligand 2-aminobicyclo-(2, 2, 1)-heptane-2-carboxylic acid did not inhibit [125I]T3 or [125I]T4 uptake. Verapamil was capable of reversibly reducing transport of [125I]T3 and [125I]T4. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells incubated with the affinity label BrAcT3 resulted in a labeling of multiple proteins, which are probably protein disulfide isomerase related. Extrapolating our findings to the endothelial lining of blood vessels suggests that T3 and T4 uptake is mediated by the same transport system. Because TH transport characteristics do not correspond to known TH transporters, further studies are required to identify the TH transporter protein(s) at the molecular level. Possible candidates may be widely expressed Na+-independent transporter proteins.The endothelium is the first barrier in the transport of thyroid hormone from plasma into tissues. Involvement of transporters is shown in this process.
Regulation of Myogenic Differentiation by Androgens: Cross Talk between Androgen Receptor/ β-Catenin and Follistatin/Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling Pathways
Authors: Singh Rajan , Bhasin Shalender , Braga Melissa , Artaza Jorge N. , Pervin Shehla , Taylor Wayne E. , Krishnan Venkatesh , Sinha Satyesh K. , Rajavashisth Tripathi B. , Jasuja Ravi 
Published: October 2008

Androgens are important regulators of body composition and promote myogenic differentiation and inhibit adipogenesis of mesenchymal, multipotent cells. Here, we investigated the mechanisms by which androgens induce myogenic differentiation of mesenchymal multipotent cells. Incubation of mesenchymal multipotent C3H 10T1/2 cells with testosterone and dihydrotestosterone promoted nuclear translocation of androgen receptor (AR)/β-catenin complex and physical interaction of AR, β-catenin, and T-cell factor-4 (TCF-4). Inhibition of β-catenin by small inhibitory RNAs significantly decreased testosterone-induced stimulation of myogenic differentiation. Overexpression of TCF-4, a molecule downstream of β-catenin in Wnt signaling cascade, in C3H 10T1/2 cells significantly up-regulated expression of myoD and myosin heavy chain II proteins and of follistatin (Fst), which binds and antagonizes native ligands of the TGF-β/Smad pathway. Gene array analysis of C3H 10T1/2 cells treated with testosterone revealed that testosterone up-regulated the expression of Fst and modified the expression of several signaling molecules involved in the TGF-β/Smad pathway, including Smad7. Lowering of testosterone levels in mice by orchidectomy led to a significant decrease in Fst and Smad7 expression; conversely, testosterone supplementation in castrated mice up-regulated Fst and Smad7 mRNA expression in androgen-responsive levator ani muscle. Testosterone-induced up-regulation of MyoD and myosin heavy chain II proteins in C3H 10T1/2 cells was abolished in cells simultaneously treated with anti-Fst antibody, suggesting an essential role of Fst during testosterone regulation of myogenic differentiation. In conclusion, our data suggest the involvement of AR, β-catenin, and TCF-4 pathway during androgen action to activate a number of Wnt target genes, including Fst, and cross communication with the Smad signaling pathway.Androgen-induced myogenic differentiation in mouse multipotent C3H 10T1/2 cells is mediated through androgen receptor/β-catenin signaling pathway to upregulate follistatin and cross-communication with TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.
Kisspeptin-10 Facilitates a Plasma Membrane-Driven Calcium Oscillator in Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone-1 Neurons
Authors: Constantin Stephanie , Caligioni Claudia Simone , Stojilkovic Stanko , Wray Susan 
Published: October 2008

Kisspeptins, the natural ligands of the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPR)-54, are the most potent stimulators of GnRH-1 secretion and as such are critical to reproductive function. However, the mechanism by which kisspeptins enhance calcium-regulated neuropeptide secretion is not clear. In the present study, we used GnRH-1 neurons maintained in mice nasal explants to examine the expression and signaling of GPR54. Under basal conditions, GnRH-1 cells exhibited spontaneous baseline oscillations in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), which were critically dependent on the operation of voltage-gated, tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive sodium channels and were not coupled to calcium release from intracellular pools. Activation of native GPR54 by kisspeptin-10 initiated [Ca2+]i oscillations in quiescent GnRH-1 cells, increased the frequency of calcium spiking in oscillating cells that led to summation of individual spikes into plateau-bursting type of calcium signals in a subset of active cells. These changes predominantly reflected the stimulatory effect of GPR54 activation on the plasma membrane oscillator activity via coupling of this receptor to phospholipase C signaling pathways. Both components of this pathway, inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate and protein kinase C, contributed to the receptor-mediated modulation of baseline [Ca2+]i oscillations. TTX and 2-aminoethyl diphenylborinate together abolished agonist-induced elevation in [Ca2+]i in almost all cells, whereas flufenamic acid was less effective. Together these results indicate that a plasma membrane calcium oscillator is spontaneously operative in the majority of prenatal GnRH-1 neurons and is facilitated by kisspeptin-10 through phosphatidyl inositol diphosphate hydrolysis and depolarization of neurons by activating TTX-sensitive sodium channels and nonselective cationic channels.
GnRH-1 neurons exhibit a spontaneously active calcium oscillator, dependent on tetrodotoxin-sensitive sodium conductance. Kisspeptin-10/GPR54, via phosphatidyl inositol diphosphate 2 hydrolysis, utilizes these channels and non-selective cationic channels.
Membrane Estrogen Receptor-α Interacts with Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Type 1a to Mobilize Intracellular Calcium in Hypothalamic Astrocytes
Authors: Kuo John , Hariri Omid R. , Bondar Galyna , Ogi Julie , Micevych Paul 
Published: October 2008

Estradiol, acting on a membrane-associated estrogen receptor-α (mERα), induces an increase in free cytoplasmic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) needed for progesterone synthesis in hypothalamic astrocytes. To determine whether rapid estradiol signaling involves an interaction of mERα with metabotropic glutamate receptor type 1a (mGluR1a), changes in [Ca2+]i were monitored with the calcium indicator, Fluo-4 AM, in primary cultures of female postpubertal hypothalamic astrocytes. 17β-Estradiol over a range of 1 nm to 100 nm induced a maximal increase in [Ca2+]i flux measured as a change in relative fluorescence [ΔF Ca2+ = 615 ± 36 to 641 ± 47 relative fluorescent units (RFU)], whereas 0.1 nm of estradiol stimulated a moderate [Ca2+]i increase (275 ± 16 RFU). The rapid estradiol-induced [Ca2+]i flux was blocked with 1 μm of the estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182,780 (635 ± 24 vs. 102 ± 11 RFU, P &lt; 0.001) and 20 nmof the mGluR1a antagonist LY 367385 (617 ± 35 vs. 133 ± 20 RFU, P &lt; 0.001). Whereas the mGluR1a receptor agonist (RS)-3,5-dihydroxyphenyl-glycine (50 μm) also stimulated a robust [Ca2+]i flux (626 ± 23 RFU), combined treatment of estradiol (1 nm) plus (RS)-3,5-dihydroxyphenyl-glycine (50 μm) augmented the [Ca2+]i response (762 ± 17 RFU) compared with either compound alone (P &lt; 0.001). Coimmunoprecipitation demonstrated a direct physical interaction between mERα and mGluR1a in the plasma membrane of hypothalamic astrocytes. These results indicate that mERα acts through mGluR1a, and mGluR1a activation facilitates the estradiol response, suggesting that neural activity can modify estradiol-induced membrane signaling in astrocytes.For rapid 17β-estradiol-induced membrane signaling in hypothalamic astrocytes, mER-α must interact with mGluR1a resulting in a dramatic increase in free cytoplasmic calcium concentration within seconds.
Facilitative Glucose Transporter Type 1 Is Differentially Regulated by Progesterone and Estrogen in Murine and Human Endometrial Stromal Cells
Authors: Frolova Antonina , Flessner Lauren , Chi Maggie , Kim Sung Tae , Foyouzi-Yousefi Nastaran , Moley Kelle H. 
Published: October 2008

Embryo implantation is a highly synchronized event between an activated blastocyst and a receptive endometrium. The success of this process relies on the dynamic interplay of estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4), however, the details of this interaction are not entirely clear. Recent data implicate E2 and P4 in the regulation of glucose utilization by affecting facilitative glucose transporter (GLUT) expression. In this study we examine GLUT1 expression in murine and human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) using a primary culture system. We show that expression of GLUT1 is increased during ESC decidualization in vitro. P4 up-regulates, whereas E2 down-regulates, GLUT1 expression. In addition, P4 increases and E2 decreases glucose uptake in ESCs, suggesting that GLUT1 may be a major player in glucose utilization in these cells. Moreover, GLUT1 expression is increased in human ESCs when decidualized in vitro with P4 and dibutyryl cAMP, suggesting a similar role for P4 in human endometrium. In conclusion, an imbalance between P4 and E2 seen in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, luteal phase defect, and recurrent pregnancy loss may have a critical impact on glucose utilization in the endometrial stroma, and, thus, may be responsible for endometrial dysfunction and failure of embryo implantation in these patient populations.GLUT1 expression increases during decidualization of endometrial stromal cells in vitro. Progesterone upregulates and estrogen downregulates GLUT1 expression and glucose uptake in these cells.
Dynamic Changes in Gene Expression that Occur during the Period of Spontaneous Functional Regression in the Rhesus Macaque Corpus Luteum
Authors: Bogan Randy L. , Murphy Melinda J. , Hennebold Jon D. 
Published: October 2008

Luteolysis of the corpus luteum (CL) during nonfertile cycles involves a cessation of progesterone (P4) synthesis (functional regression) and subsequent structural remodeling. The molecular processes responsible for initiation of luteal regression in the primate CL are poorly defined. Therefore, a genomic approach was used to systematically identify differentially expressed genes in the rhesus macaque CL during spontaneous luteolysis. CL were collected before [d 10–11 after LH surge, mid-late (ML) stage] or during (d 14–16, late stage) functional regression. Based on P4 levels, late-stage CL were subdivided into functional-late (serum P4 &gt; 1.5 ng/ml) and functionally regressed late (FRL) (serum P4 &lt; 0.5 ng/ml) groups (n = 4 CL per group). Total RNA was isolated, labeled, and hybridized to Affymetrix genome microarrays that contain elements representing the entire rhesus macaque transcriptome. With the ML stage serving as the baseline, there were 681 differentially expressed transcripts (&gt;2-fold change; P &lt; 0.05) that could be categorized into three primary patterns of expression: 1) increasing from ML through FRL; 2) decreasing from ML through FRL; and 3) increasing ML to functional late, followed by a decrease in FRL. Ontology analysis revealed potential mechanisms and pathways associated with functional and/or structural regression of the macaque CL. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to validate microarray expression patterns of 13 genes with the results being consistent between the two methodologies. Protein levels were found to parallel mRNA profiles in four of five differentially expressed genes analyzed by Western blot. Thus, this database will facilitate the identification of mechanisms involved in primate luteal regression.Genes differentially expressed during spontaneous functional regression in the rhesus macaque corpus luteum are identified, which in turn will further our understanding of primate luteolysis.
General practitioner engagement: the key to repeat dispensing?
Authors: Elvey Rebecca , Ashcroft Darren M , Noyce Peter 
Published: October 2008

Abstract

Objective
To identify and explore general practitioners' (GPs') experiences of, and views about, repeat dispensing by community pharmacists.

Background
Repeat dispensing by community pharmacists is now an essential service in the new contract for community pharmacy. However, the service relies on referrals of patients by prescribers and little is known about GPs' perceptions of the process and their role within it.

Setting
GP practices in England.

Methods
A series of semi-structured interviews were conducted at 15 general practices distributed across England. The interviews were undertaken with GPs and other practice staff to explore their views regarding their reasons for using or not using repeat dispensing, their experiences of using it and views about the benefits and problems of the scheme.

Key findings
Fourteen GPs and four non-medical practice staff participated in the study. The operation of repeat dispensing varied between practices in terms of recruitment approaches and inclusion criteria, and at some sites there were a mixture of active and non-active GPs in the same practice. There were some reports of the workload associated with printing prescriptions being reduced, although difficulties with the initiation process and software system were viewed to have constrained uptake of repeat dispensing. GPs generally agreed that repeat dispensing had the potential to improve patient care. Reports on working relationships with community pharmacists were generally positive, although some GPs expressed concerns about patients using pharmacies staffed by locums.

Conclusion
Repeat dispensing is a pharmacy-based service that relies on GP referral and involvement. While GPs seem receptive to the scheme in principle, uptake has remained variable. Strategies for wider implementation could include incorporating repeat dispensing into prescribing incentive schemes, and promoting increased collaboration between GPs and community pharmacists.
Integrating into family practice: the experiences of pharmacists in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Farrell Barbara , Pottie Kevin , Haydt Susan , Kennie Natalie , Sellors Connie , Dolovich&gt; Lisa 
Published: October 2008

Abstract

Aims and objectives
This research examines the experiences of pharmacists as they integrated and adapted to meet the drug-related needs of family practice settings.

Setting
This research took place in physician-led group family medicine practices in Ontario, Canada. Each practice was in the process of integrating an on-site pharmacist.

Methods
Qualitative design using monthly pharmacist narrative reports (over the first 4months of pharmacist integration) and N-VIVO qualitative analysis software. Four independent researchers with varied professional backgrounds used descriptive thematic editing analysis to determine process and content themes. The analysis team created a draft of themes and received written feedback from each pharmacist.

Key findings
Four key themes emerged describing how pharmacists experienced the first several months working in family practice: (1) feelings: emotional challenges and victories; (2) establishing and building relationships: positive and negative experiences with physicians and staff; (3) learning new skills to contribute effectively and efficiently to patient care; and (4) strategies for integration: including practical demonstration of potential value to physicians to facilitate integration process. In addition, they identified a number of supports and constraints for integration.

Conclusion
The pharmacists' narratives demonstrate the challenges and rewards of the integration process. Adaptability and practical demonstration of potential utilization and benefit were crucial in physician acceptance of the pharmacist program. This description of the pharmacists' journey will be helpful for pharmacists, managers, policy-makers, researchers and educators as more pharmacists enter this type of primary care practice.
A space of inclusiveness: The case of the art music of Iraq
Authors: Hassan Scheherazade 
Published: October 2008

The traditional art music of Iraq, the Iraqi maqam (IM), which is part of other core Islamic maqam traditions, has been historically designed to fulfil two purposes: a supranational frame and a diversity of local contents. Both of these underscore the idea of bringing together multi-ethnic
and multi-social differences articulating them on a common ground of musical content, social contexts and performers.
By bringing together the study of the social and the musical, this article proposes to draw an insight into the question of Iraqi identity as expressed in the tradition
of this musical genre. I argue that what structures the identity is above all the cultural marker and that IM is a strong cultural marker in that it represents what really forms the relation between the ethnic and the social groups in the country. The interaction appears in sacred and religious
ceremonies, secular meetings and all social gatherings as it clearly appears in transmitted moral and aesthetic values.
Aspects of synchrony in animation
Authors: Deutsch Stephen 
Published: October 2008

This article examines aspects of how sound (especially music) integrates with animated images and, especially, how synchrony between sound and image offers the viewer focal points of attention within the animation. It examines synchronic gestures in two animations one abstract, the
other representational and compares the use of synchronous sound in both. It places these two works in the context of animation generally and offers reflections on aspects of the relationship between sound and image in animated film.
Links to the audio and video material described are offered
in the body of the text.
Bilirubin measurement – an updated survey1
Authors: Thaler Markus , Luppa Peter B. , Schlebusch Harald 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
The goal of precise, accurate and specific measurement of bilirubin and its subfractions in serum has not yet been achieved, despite many different methods being available. In addition to the traditional photometric diazo procedures, drychemistry methods, direct spectro-photometry in serum and whole blood and for scientific purposes separations by HPLC were established. For point-of-care diagnostics several test procedures are available. This article reviews the most notable methods and describes advantages and disadvantages of the different bilirubin analyses.
Fatigue Crack Growth in Open and Nut-Loaded Bolts with and without Pretension Loading
Authors: Prakash Raghu V , Bagla Akash 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Results of an experimental study to understand crack growth in open threaded bolts and nut-loaded bolts with and without pretension are presented in this paper. Experimental crack growth rates are compared with predicted solutions obtained from known stress intensity factor solutions. For the experiment, a specially designed fixture was used for loading the bolt and the level of pretension was varied by controlling the displacement on the arm of the C section of the fixture. Programmed Hi–Lo fatigue load sequence was applied on a bolt to ensure that decodable marker bands are left behind on the fracture surface, to study the crack growth characteristics. Fatigue crack growth rate was estimated using a scanning electron microscope by identifying crack increment during high stress ratio cycles. This has been compared with predicted crack growth rates using available stress intensity factor solutions. Crack growth at the center of the bolt correlates well with Toribio’s (Int. J. Fract., Vol. 53, 1992, pp. 367–385) finite element based predictions for open threaded bolts. Crack growth rate is much higher at the surface than at the center. In case of nut-loaded bolts, available K solutions are found to be inadequate to provide an accurate estimate of crack growth rates at the center of the bolt. Further study is required to characterize the effect of friction, pitch angle, and thread geometry to understand crack growth in bolts.
Study of the island morphology at the early stages of Fe/Mo(110) MBE growth
Authors: Goykolov Dmytro , Kotrla Miroslav 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
We present theoretical study of morphology of Fe islands grown at Mo(110) surface in submonolayer MBE mode. We utilize atomistic SOS model with bond counting, and interactions of Fe adatom up to third nearest neighbors. We performed KMC simulations for different values of adatom interactions and varying temperatures. We have found that, while for the low temperature islands are fat fractals, for the temperature 500 K islands have faceted rhombic-like shape. For the higher temperature, islands acquire a rounded shape. In order to evaluate qualitatively morphological changes, we measured average aspect ratio of islands. We calculated dependence of the average aspect ratio on the temperature, and on the strength of interactions of an adatom with neighbors.