bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regulation of stearoyl‐CoA desaturase expression
Authors: Ntambi James M. , Miyazaki Makoto , Dobrzyn Agnieszka 
Published: December 2006

AbstractStearoyl‐CoA desaturase (SCD) is a regulatory enzyme in lipogenesis, catalyzing the rate‐limiting step in the overall de novo synthesis of monousaturated FA, mainly oleate and palmitoleate from stearoyl‐ and palmitoyl‐CoA, respectively. Oleate and palmitoleate are the major monounsaturated FA of membrane phospholipids, TG, wax esters, cholesterol esters, and alkyldiacylglycerol. Several SCD gene isoforms (SCD1, SCD2, SCD3, and SCD4) exist in mice, and two have been characterized in humans. SCD1 gene expression in liver cells is regulated by numerous stimuli including diet and hormones. We are interested in why SCD is such a highly regulated enzyme even though oleate, the major product of this enzyme, is one of the most abundant FA in the diet and is therefore readily available. Dietary oleate is also well known for its TG‐lowering effects and, as a major component of olive oil, is expected to have beneficial effects. However, high SCD activity has been implicated in diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis, and cancer in several animal models; therefore, the role that de novo oleate plays in these disease states has to be carefully evaluated. By using SCD1‐/‐mice, which are deficient in tissue oleate, we begin to learn more about the physiological role of SCD gene expression and oleate in normal and disease states.
Resolvins, docosatrienes, and neuroprotectins, novel omega‐3‐derived mediators, and their endogenous aspirin‐triggered epimers
Authors: Serhan Charles N. , Arita Makoto , Hong Song , Gotlinger Katherine 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe molecular basis for the beneficial impact of essential omega‐3 (n−3) FA remains of interest. Recently, we identified novel mediators generated from eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) that displayed potent bioactions identified first in resolving inflammatory exudates and in tissues enriched with DHA. The trivial names resolvin (resolution phase interaction products) and docosatrienes were introduced for the bioactive compounds from these novel series since they possess potent anti‐inflammatory and immunoregulatory actions. Compounds derived from EPA carrying potent biological actions (i.e., 1–10 nM range) are designated E series and denoted resolvins of the E series (resolvin E1 or RvE1), and those biosynthesized from the precursor DHA are denoted resolvins of the D series (resolvin D1 or RvD1). The number 1 designates the bioactive compounds in this family (e.g., 1–4). Bioactive members from DHA‐containing conjugated triene structures or docosatrienes (DT) that possess immunoregulatory and neuroprotective actions were termed neuroprotectins. Aspirin treatment initiates a related epimeric series by triggering endogenous formation of the 17R‐D series resolvins and docosatrienes. These epimers are denoted as aspirin‐triggered (AT)‐RvD and DT, and possess potent anti‐in‐flammatory actions in vivo essentially equivalent to their 17S series pathway products. These include five distinct series: (i) 18R resolvins from EPA (i.e., RvE1); (ii) 17R series (AT) resolvins from DHA (RvD1 through RvD4); (iii) 17S series resolvins from DHA (RvD1 through RvD4), (iv) DT from DHA; and (v) their AT form 17R series DT. In this article, we provide an overview of the formation and actions of these newly uncovered pathways and products.
Biological Activities and Syntheses of Steroidal Saponins: the Shark‐Repelling Pavoninins
Authors: Williams John R. , Gong Hua 
Published: December 2006

AbstractSteroidal saponins are complex compounds that have a steroid attached to a carbohydrate moiety. They are natural surfactants and detergents and exhibit a number of biological effects. Steroidal saponins have shown membrane‐permeabilizing, hypocholesterolemic, immunostimulant, and anticancer properties. They have also been found to affect the growth, food intake and reproductive capabilities of animals. Furthermore, they have been shown to act as antiviral and antifungal agents. They have been isolated from many plants and some animals, especially sea cucumbers and starfish. Fish belonging to the species Pardachirus pavoninus excrete a mixture of six steroidal N‐acetylglucosaminides, pavoninins 1–6, with shark‐repelling properties. We report syntheses of the C‐15α pavoninin‐4 by both direct synthesis from diosgenin and by remote functionalization. A general solution for the glycosylation of hindered alcohols was developed using glycosyl fluorides as good glycosyl donors. The syntheses of two C‐16β structural analogs of OSW‐1 are described.
Preseptal cellulitis due to Mycobacterium marinum
Authors: Benton J , Karkanevatos A 
Published: December 2006

Mycobacterium marinum is an atypical mycobacterium found in both salt and fresh water. It occasionally causes soft tissue infections after minor trauma, principally affecting the limbs.A 17-year-old male aquarium worker presented with preseptal cellulitis of his right eye, after attempting to lance a hordeolum some days previously. The condition failed to respond to antibiotics and a necrotic area developed, which subsequently required debridement. Histology of the debrided area demonstrated granulomatous inflammation which when considered with his occupation led to the diagnosis of Mycobacterium marinum – ‘fish-tank granuloma’.A Medline search did not demonstrate any previous cases of Mycobacterium marinum infection occurring peri-orbitally. The current literature regarding diagnosis and management is reviewed. Although infection with Mycobacterium marinum is rare in the general population, this case demonstrates the importance of considering the diagnosis when dealing with patients frequently exposed to fresh or salt water.
Phylogeny of diplozoids in five genera of the subfamily Diplozoinae Palombi, 1949 as inferred from ITS-2 rDNA sequences
Authors: GAO Q. , X. CHEN M. , YAO W. J. , GAO Y. , SONG Y. , WANG G. T. , WANG M. X. , NIE P. 
Published: December 2006

SUMMARYThe phylogenetic relationship of 5 genera, i.e. Diplozoon Nordmann, 1832, ParadiplozoonAchmerov, 1974, InustiatusKhotenovsky, 1978, SindiplozoonKhotenovsky, 1981, and EudiplozoonKhotenovsky, 1985 in the subfamily Diplozoinae Palombi, 1949 (Monogenea, Polyopisthocotylea) was inferred from rDNA ITS-2 region using neighbour-joining (NJ), maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian methods. The phylogenetic trees produced by using NJ, ML and Bayesian methods exhibit essentially the same topology. Surprisingly, freshwater species of Paradiplozoon from Europe clustered together with species of Diplozoon, but separated from Chinese Paradiplozoon species. The results of molecular phylogeny and lower level of divergence (4·1–15·7%) in ITS-2 rDNA among Paradiplozoon from Europe and Diplozoon and, on the other hand, high level of divergence (45·3–53·7%) among Paradiplozoon species from Europe and China might indicate the non-monophyletic origin of the genus Paradiplozoon. Also, the generic status of European Paradiplozoon needs to be revised. The species of Paradiplozoon in China is a basal group in Diplozoinae as revealed by NJ and Bayesian methods, and Sindiplozoon appears to be closely related to European Paradiplozoon and Diplozoon with their relationship to Eudiplozoon and Inustiatus being unresolved.
n‐3 (omega‐3) polyunsaturated fatty acids prevent acute atrial electrophysiological remodeling
Authors: da Cunha D N Q , Hamlin R L , Billman G E , Carnes C A 
Published: December 2006

Background and Purpose:Recent reports suggest that n‐3 (omega‐3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may reduce atrial fibrillation (AF). Reduction of the atrial effective refractory period (ERP) is believed to be an important early remodeling event that favors the development and perpetuation of AF. We hypothesized that n‐3 PUFAs would attenuate early atrial electrophysiolgical remodeling in a canine model of acute atrial tachypacing.Experimental Approach:Adult dogs of either sex received n‐3 PUFAs (n=6), n‐6 PUFAs (n=6), or saline (n=6) infused over 1 h. After a stable ERP was established, treatment was initiated concurrently with 6 h of rapid atrial pacing (400 b.p.m.). Serial right atrial ERPs were measured during rapid atrial pacing, and induction of atrial tachyarrhythmias was attempted at the conclusion of each study.Key results:There was no change in P wave duration or in the PQ, QRS, QT or QTc intervals in any of the treatment groups. N‐3 PUFA treatment significantly reduced the shortening of atrial ERP, compared to both control groups (P<0.05). In separate experiments, the same n‐3 PUFA infusion was given to dogs remaining in normal sinus rhythm. During sinus rhythm, n‐3 PUFA infusion did not alter any electrocardiogram (ECG) parameter or the atrial ERP.Conclusions and Implications:We conclude that acute n‐3 PUFA treatment prevents acute atrial electrophysiological remodeling during high rate activity, which may minimize the self‐perpetuation of AF.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 150, 281–285. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706977
Erythropoiesis and Myocardial Energy Requirements Contribute to the Hypermetabolism of Childhood Sickle Cell Anemia
Authors: Hibbert Jacqueline M , Creary Melissa S , Gee Beatrice E , Buchanan Iris D , Quarshie Alexander , Hsu Lewis L 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACTObjectives:We hypothesized that an elevated hemoglobin synthesis rate (SynHb) and myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2) contribute to the excess protein and energy metabolism reported in children with sickle cell anemia.Patients and Methods:Twelve children (6–12 years old) with asymptomatic sickle cell and 9 healthy children matched for age and sex were studied. Measurements were whole‐body protein turnover by [1‐13C]leucine, SynHb by [15N]glycine, resting energy expenditure by indirect calorimetry and the systolic blood pressure–heart rate product used as an index of MVO2. Protein energy cost was calculated from protein turnover. Statistical analysis included Spearman correlations and partial correlation analyses.Results:Although body mass index was significantly lower for sickle cell versus controls (P < 0.02), children with asymptomatic sickle cell had 52% higher protein turnover (P < 0.0005). Proportional reticulocyte count, SynHb, MVO2 and resting energy expenditure were also significantly higher in children with sickle cell (P < 0.01). Protein turnover correlated significantly with both SynHb (r = 0.63, P < 0.01) and reticulocyte percentage (r = 0.83, P < 0.0001). Partial correlation of these 3 variables showed reticulocyte percentage as the only variable to be significantly associated with protein turnover, even after adjusting for sickle cell anemia (P = 0.03). Partial correlation of log resting energy expenditure on MVO2 was significant, controlling for protein energy cost, sex and age (P = 0.03).Conclusion:These results indicate that metabolic demands of increased erythropoiesis and cardiac energy consumption account for much of the excess protein and energy metabolism in children with sickle cell anemia.
Epithelial Electrical Resistance as a Measure of Permeability Changes in Pediatric Duodenal Biopsies
Authors: Reims Annika , Strandvik Birgitta , Sjövall Henrik 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACTObjectives:Intestinal permeability measured with medium‐sized oral probes is increased in cystic fibrosis (CF) and celiac disease (CD), probably reflecting reduced tight junction resistance. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether square‐pulse analysis of duodenal biopsies from children can be used to determine electrical tight junction resistance.Methods:Intestinal biopsies from children with different stages of CD and from patients with CF were studied in a modified Ussing chamber. The epithelium was assumed to act as an electrical circuit consisting of a current generator parallel with a resistance and a capacitance. Subepithelial and epithelial resistances were determined by square‐pulse analysis, and the generated current was calculated.Results:Confirming data using permeability probes, reduced epithelial electrical resistance was found both in patients with CF and CD. Only the CF patients had reduced resting current as well. The secretagogues prostaglandin E2, cyclic adenosine monophosphate and acetylcholine increased the current in both control biopsies and biopsies with villous atrophy but had no significant effect on epithelial resistance.Conclusions:Measurement of electrical resistance in duodenal biopsies can be used as an alternative method of quantifying permeability in pediatric biopsies.
A New Indirect Chemiluminescent Immunoassay to Measure Anti–tissue Transglutaminase Antibodies
Authors: Basso Daniela , Guariso Graziella , Fasolo Michela , Pittoni Marina , Schiavon Stefania , Fogar Paola , Greco Eliana , Navaglia Filippo , Zambon Carlo‐Federico , Plebani Mario 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACTObjectives:Anti–tissue transglutaminase antibody (anti‐tTG) determination using second‐generation (human antigen) enzyme‐linked immunoassays (ELISAs) is a very accurate test to diagnose celiac disease (CD). In this study, we compared 2 second‐generation ELISAs (Celikey tTG; Pharmacia Diagnostics GmbH & Co, Freiburg, Germany, and QuantaLite; Inova Diagnostics, San Diego, CA) and antiendomysial antibodies (EMAs) with a new indirect chemiluminescence immunoassay (LIAISON tTG; DiaSorin S.p.A., Saluggia, Italy) in diagnosing and monitoring CD in children.Patients and Methods:Antiendomysial antibodies, anti‐tTGs and total immunoglobulin A were measured in the sera of 103 control children, 101 children with histologically proven CD and 31 CD children on gluten‐free diet (GFD).Results:Anti–tissue transglutaminase antibody mean levels were significantly higher in CD with respect to control or GFD children. The sensitivity value of EMAs, LIAISON tTG, Celikey tTG and QuantaLite in diagnosing CD was 97.7%, 97.0%, 94.1% and 98.0%, respectively, and the corresponding specificity values were 91.1%, 98.1%, 97.1% and 96.1%, respectively. The degree of mucosal destruction (Marsh criteria) was correlated with EMA semiquantification (P < 0.01) and with the circulating levels of anti‐tTGs measured using LIAISON (P < 0.05) or QuantaLite (P < 0.01). Twenty‐six CD children were followed up from 5 to 25 months after GFD. The circulating levels of anti‐tTGs measured with any of the 3 assays significantly dropped after GFD.Conclusions:Anti–tissue transglutaminase antibody determination with second‐generation ELISAs is as effective as EMAs for CD diagnosis. The novel chemiluminescent method described in the present paper for the detection of anti‐tTGs in the diagnosis of CD had the highest sensitivity and specificity values. The anti‐tTG test correlates with the degree of mucosal destruction and is suitable for verifying patient compliance to dietary treatment.
Controlled study of brief personalized assessment‐feedback for drinkers interested in self‐help
Authors: Wild T. Cameron , Cunningham John A. , Roberts Amanda B. 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACTAims  Brief alcohol interventions typically have been directed to heavy‐drinking patients seeking primary health care and college students. This study examined the efficacy of mailing brief personalized assessment‐feedback to interested drinkers recruited from the general public. We hypothesized that problem drinkers would benefit more from the intervention than individuals who were not problem drinkers.Design  A two‐arm, double‐blinded, community‐based randomized controlled trial with 6‐month follow‐up.Setting and participants  A screening interview was administered to a stratified random sample of 10 014 Canadians 18 years of age and older (5621 women and 4393 men; M age = 43.3 years, SD = 15.99; response rate = 65.4%).Intervention  Current drinkers interested in receiving alcohol self‐help materials (n = 1727) were assigned randomly to receive brief personalized assessment‐feedback on male and female population drinking norms by mail, or to a delayed‐treatment control group, and were contacted 6 months later (76% retention rate).Measurements  Problem drinking status at baseline [using sex‐specific Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) cut scores], and frequency and quantity of alcohol use at follow‐up.Findings  Analysis of covariance identified the hypothesized interaction of baseline problem drinking status and treatment condition (P < 0.01). Among problem drinkers identified at baseline the intervention caused a 10.1% reduction in per‐occasion binge drinking compared to controls, whereas there was no difference in binge drinking across conditions for non‐problem drinkers.Conclusions  The continuum of care for alcohol problems can be broadened by providing brief interventions to interested drinkers in the general population.
Staff attitudes towards working with drug users: development of the Drug Problems Perceptions Questionnaire
Authors: Watson Hazel , Maclaren William , Kerr Susan 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACTAim To evaluate the psychometric properties of an adaptation of the Alcohol and Alcohol Problems Perceptions Questionnaire to measure the attitudes of staff to working with drug users (the DDPPQ).Design Postal survey: a questionnaire was mailed to participants on two occasions.Setting A large urban National Health Service (NHS) mental health service.Participants A stratified random sample of medical staff, clinical psychologists, occupational therapists and nurses (n = 672) who work within generic mental health, adolescent psychiatry, forensic psychiatry and alcohol and drug services. Response rate at Time 1 was 56% and 68% at Time 2.Measurements A structured demographic questionnaire; individual item and total scores for the DDPPQ administered on two occasions 4 weeks apart; data relating to the content validity of the instrument.Findings A principal component analysis confirmed the DDPPQ's construct validity and participants confirmed its content validity. Following analysis of the instrument's test–retest reliability and its principal component structure it was reduced to a 20‐item scale. Its five subscales related to role adequacy, role support, job satisfaction, role‐specific self‐esteem and role legitimacy.Conclusion The refined DDPPQ was shown to be a valid and reliable tool which can be used to measure attitudes of people in relation to working with drug users.
Do alcohol restrictions reduce suicide mortality?
Authors: Värnik Airi , Kõlves Kairi , Väli Marika , Tooding Liina‐Mai , Wasserman Danuta 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACTAim  Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of suicide was examined in relation to the marked falls in suicide rates and per capita alcohol consumption in Estonia during the major Soviet anti‐alcohol campaign from 1 June 1985.Design and participants  In all, 5054 suicide cases (76% males, 24% females) were examined with respect to the official autopsy reports of the Estonian Bureau of Forensic Medicine (autopsy rates: 95% of males, 88% of females) before (1981–84), during (1986–88) and after (1989–92) the campaign. Cases were divided by gender and BAC level (0.5–1.49, 1.5–2.49 and > 2.5‰).Findings  During the campaign, annual per capita alcohol consumption in Estonia fell from 10.9 to 6.6 l. Alcohol in blood was found in 47.9% before, 35.1% during and 40.9% after the campaign. During the intervention, BAC‐positive, i.e. alcohol‐positive, suicides decreased by 39.2% for males and 41.4% for females, with the largest fall occurring at the BAC 2.5‰ + level for both sexes. Changes in BAC‐negative suicides were modest. When the campaign ended suicide rates started to rise.Conclusions  Investigation on an individual level showed that alcohol consumption was a common precursor to suicide and that rigorous alcohol restrictions were accompanied particularly by a decrease in BAC‐positive suicide mortality among both sexes. However, the ‘natural experiment’ does not, in terms of study design, demonstrate convincingly that the fall in the suicide rate was due specifically to the decrease in alcohol use as such.
Patterns of scavenger arrival at cheetah kills in Serengeti National Park Tanzania
Authors: Hunter J. S. , Durant S. M. , Caro T. M. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractScavenging by large‐bodied vertebrates is observed in many ecosystems but has rarely been quantified. Here we document the timing and order of scavenger arrival at 639 cheetah kills in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, focusing on ecological and heterospecific factors that may impact detectability of carcasses. We found that small‐, medium‐ and large‐sized vultures, jackals, spotted hyaenas and lions were more likely to be present at the carcasses of large‐bodied than small‐bodied prey. Lions and spotted hyaenas were less likely to locate kills in tall grass; medium‐sized vultures were likely to arrive before both large‐ and small‐sized vultures. Spotted hyaenas and vultures were likely to be present at kills simultaneously. Despite numerous anecdotal accounts, we did not find that hyaenas use alighting vultures as a means of locating food. Our findings show that environmental variables and other scavenger species strongly influence scavenger arrival at carcasses in this ecosystem.
Refinement of two female fertility QTL using alternative phenotypes in French Holstein dairy cattle
Authors: Guillaume F. , Gautier M. , Ben Jemaa S. , Fritz S. , Eggen A. , Boichard D. , Druet T. 
Published: December 2006

SummaryTwo quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting female fertility were mapped in French dairy cattle. Phenotypes were non‐return rates at 28, 56, 90 and 282 days after insemination. On chromosome 3, a QTL was significant at 1% for non‐return rate at 90 days, suggesting that it affects early fertility events. An analysis of SLC35A3, which causes complex vertebral malformation, excluded this gene from the QTL interval. On chromosome 7, a QTL was almost significant (P = 0.05) for non‐return rate at 282 days. This QTL was associated with abortion and stillbirth problems. Use of appropriate phenotypes appeared important for fine‐mapping QTL associated with fertility.
Transformation of follicular lymphoma to diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma proceeds by distinct oncogenic mechanisms
Authors: Davies Andrew J. , Rosenwald Andreas , Wright George , Lee Abigail , Last Kim W. , Weisenburger Dennis D. , Chan Wing C. , Delabie Jan , Braziel Rita M. , Campo Elias , Gascoyne Randy D. , Jaffe Elaine S. , Konrad Muller‐Hermelink H. , Ott German , Calaminici Maria , Norton Andrew J. , Goff Lindsey K. , Fitzgibbon Jude , Staudt Louis M. , Andrew Lister T. 
Published: December 2006

SummaryThis study was undertaken to further elucidate the biological mechanisms underlying the frequent event of transformation of follicular lymphoma (FL) to diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (t‐FL). The gene expression profiles of 20 paired lymph node biopsies, derived from the same patient pre‐ and post‐transformation, were analysed using the Lymphochip cDNA microarray. TP53 mutation analysis was performed and copy number alterations at the c‐REL and CDNK2A examined. Immunohistochemistry was performed on an independent panel of paired transformation paraffin‐embedded samples. Transformed follicular lymphoma was predominantly of the germinal centre B‐like phenotype both at the mRNA and protein level. Despite this homogeneity, transformation proceeded by at least two pathways. One mechanism was characterised by high proliferation, as assessed by the co‐ordinately expressed genes of the proliferation signature. This group was associated with the presence of recurrent oncogenic abnormalities. In the remaining cases, proliferation was not increased and transformation proceeded by alternative routes as yet undetermined. Genes involved in cellular proliferation prevailed amongst those that were significantly increased upon transformation and T cell and follicular dendritic‐associated genes predominated amongst those that decreased. t‐FL is a germinal centre B (GCB)‐like malignancy that evolves by two pathways, one that is similar in proliferation rate to the antecedent FL and the other that has a higher proliferation rate and is characterised by the presence of recognised oncogenic abnormalities.