bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Genetic and Environmental Factors on hsCRP Concentrations and Response to Therapeutic Agents
Authors: Shen Jian , Ordovas Jose M 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground: Inflammation plays an instrumental role in all stages of atherosclerosis. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), a systemic inflammatory marker, has been gaining recognition as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Both baseline hsCRP concentrations and drug-induced hsCRP changes are highly variable and potentially subject to genetic regulation.Content: This review summarizes the current studies examining the effect of genetic and environmental factors on baseline plasma hsCRP concentrations, with a main focus on C-reactive protein, pentraxin-related (CRP) genetic polymorphisms and various dietary components that affect hsCRP concentrations. We also address the association of CRP genetic variations with CVD risk, a relationship that may support or refute the causality of CRP in the atherosclerotic process. Moreover, we discuss the impact of CRP genetic polymorphisms on hsCRP changes in response to 3-week fenofibrate treatment in the genetic intervention of the Genetics of Lipid Lowering Drugs and Diet Network study.Summary: Genetic variants on the CRP locus and other loci and dietary and lifestyle factors are responsible for the interindividual variability of plasma hsCRP concentrations. CRP genetic variants further influence differing plasma hsCRP response after 3-week fenofibrate treatment in patients with metabolic syndrome. Future studies focusing on the influence and interaction of genetic variation on the hsCRP response to dietary and other behavior modification as well as drug treatment could have important implications for the development of more personalized preventive and therapeutic approaches to reduce CVD.
Prospective evaluation of the natural course of idiopathic subclinical hypothyroidism in childhood and adolescence
Authors: Wasniewska Malgorzata , Salerno Mariacarolina , Cassio Alessandra , Corrias Andrea , Aversa Tommaso , Zirilli Giuseppina , Capalbo Donatella , Bal Milva , Mussa Alessandro , De Luca Filippo 
Published: December 2008

ObjectiveTo prospectively evaluate the course of subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) in children and adolescents with no underlying diseases and no risk factors, which might interfere with the progression of SH.DesignClinical status, thyroid function, and autoimmunity were prospectively evaluated at entry and after 6, 12, and 24 months in 92 young patients (mean age 8.1±3.0 years) with idiopathic SH.ResultsDuring the study, mean TSH levels showed a trend toward a progressive decrease while FT4 levels remained unchanged. Overall, 38 patients normalized their TSH (group A): 16 patients between 6 and 12 months, and 22 patients between 12 and 24 months. Among the remaining 54 patients, the majority maintained TSH within the baseline values (group B), whereas 11 exhibited a further increase in TSH above 10 mU/l (group C). Baseline TSH and FT4 levels were similar in the patients who normalized TSH, compared with those with persistent hyperthyrotropinemia. Even in the patients of group C, both TSH and FT4 at entry were not different with respect to those of groups A and B. No patients showed any symptoms of hypothyroidism during follow-up and no changes in both height and body mass index were observed throughout the observation period.Conclusions(a) The natural course of TSH values in a pediatric population with idiopathic SH is characterized by a progressive decrease over time; (b) the majority of patients (88%) normalized or maintained unchanged their TSH; and (c) TSH changes were not associated with either FT4 values or clinical status or auxological parameters.
Low-activity (2.0 GBq; 54 mCi) radioiodine post-surgical remnant ablation in thyroid cancer: comparison between hormone withdrawal and use of rhTSH in low-risk patients
Authors: Chianelli M , Todino V , Graziano F M , Panunzi C , Pace D , Guglielmi R , Signore A , Papini E 
Published: December 2008

Objective(a) To compare the efficacy of low-activity (2 GBq; 54 mCi) 131I ablation using l-thyroxine withdrawal or rhTSH stimulation, and (b) to assess the influence of thyroid remnants volume on the ablation rate.DesignPatients underwent neck ultrasound, 131I neck scintigraphy and radioiodine uptake. Post-therapy whole body scan (WBS) was acquired after 4–6 days. Ablation was assessed after 6–12 months by WBS, Tg and TgAb following l-thyroxine withdrawal.MethodsGroup A: preparation by L-T4 withdrawal (37 days); 21 patients received 131I (2.02±0.22 GBq; 54.6±5.9 mCi) and on the day of treatment, TSH, Tg, TgAb were measured; Group B: stimulation by rhTSH; 21 patients received 131I (1.97±0.18 GBq; 53.2±4.9 mCi) 24 h after the second injection of rhTSH (0.9 mg) and TSH, Tg and TgAb were measured after 2 days.ResultsAt follow-up, 90.0% of patients from group A and 85.0% of patients from group B had Tg levels <1 ng/ml; no uptake was observed in 95.2% and in 90.5% of patients from group A or B respectively, with no statistical differences for both ablation criteria. Before 131I treatment, small thyroid remnants (<1 ml) were detected by US in <25% of all patients.ConclusionsThe use of rhTSH for the preparation of low-risk patients to ablation therapy with low activities of 131I (2 GBq; 54 mCi) is safe and effective and avoids hypothyroidism. The presence of thyroid remnants smaller than 1 ml at US evaluation had no effect on the ablation rate.
AFM Investigation of Mechanical Properties of Dentin
Authors: Cohen Sidney R. , Apter Nathan , Jesse Stephen , Kalinin Sergei , Barlam David , Peretz Adi Idit , Ziskind Daniel , Wagner H. Daniel 
Published: December 2008

AbstractMechanical properties of peritubular dentin were investigated using scanning probe microscopy techniques, namely Nanoindentation and Band Excitation. Particular attention was directed to the possible existence of a gradient in these properties moving outward from the tubular lumen to the junction with the intertubular dentin. Finite element analysis showed that the influence of the boundaries is small relative to the effects observed. Thus, these results strongly support the concept of a lowering of modulus and hardness from the tubular exterior to its periphery, which appear to correlate with graded changes in the mineral content.
Integrated Chemical Genomics Reveals Modifiers of Survival in Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Damoiseaux Robert , Sherman Sean P. , Alva Jackelyn A. , Peterson Cory , Pyle April D. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Understanding how survival is regulated in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) could improve expansion of stem cells for production of cells for regenerative therapy. There is great variability in comparing the differentiation potential of multiple hESC lines. One reason for this is poor survival upon dissociation, which limits selection of homogeneous populations of cells. Understanding the complexity of survival signals has been hindered by the lack of a reproducible system to identify modulators of survival in pluripotent cells. We therefore developed a high-content screening approach with small molecules to examine hESC survival. We have identified novel small molecules that improve survival by inhibiting either Rho-kinase or protein kinase C. Importantly, small molecule targets were verified using short hairpin RNA. Rescreening with stable hESCs that were genetically altered to have increased survival enabled us to identify groups of pathway targets that are important for modifying survival. Understanding how survival is regulated in hESCs could overcome severe technical difficulties in the field, namely expansion of stem cells to improve production of cells and tissues for regenerative therapy.
BAC Transgenesis in Human Embryonic Stem Cells as a Novel Tool to Define the Human Neural Lineage
Authors: Placantonakis Dimitris G. , Tomishima Mark J. , Lafaille Fabien , Desbordes Sabrina C. , Jia Fan , Socci Nicholas D. , Viale Agnes , Lee Hyojin , Harrison Neil , Tabar Viviane , Studer Lorenz 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) have enormous potential for applications in basic biology and regenerative medicine. However, harnessing the potential of hESCs toward generating homogeneous populations of specialized cells remains challenging. Here we describe a novel technology for the genetic identification of defined hESC-derived neural cell types using bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgenesis. We generated hESC lines stably expressing Hes5::GFP, Dll1::GFP, and HB9::GFP BACs that yield green fluorescent protein (GFP)+ neural stem cells, neuroblasts, and motor neurons, respectively. Faithful reporter expression was confirmed by cell fate analysis and appropriate transgene regulation. Prospective isolation of HB9::GFP+ cells yielded purified human motor neurons with proper marker expression and electrophysiological activity. Global mRNA and microRNA analyses of Hes5::GFP+ and HB9::GFP+ populations revealed highly specific expression signatures, suggesting that BAC transgenesis will be a powerful tool for establishing expression libraries that define the human neural lineage and for accessing defined cell types in applications of human disease.
Corruption and Openness
Authors: Neeman Zvika , Paserman M. Daniele , Simhon Avi 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
We report an intriguing empirical observation. The relationship between corruption and output depends on the economy's degree of openness: in open economies, corruption and GNP per capita are strongly negatively correlated, but closed economies display no relationship at all. This stylized fact is robust to a variety of different empirical specifications. In particular, the same basic pattern persists if we use alternative measures of openness, if we focus on different time periods, if we restrict the sample to include only highly corrupt countries, and if we restrict attention to specific geographic areas or to poor countries. We find that the degree of financial openness is primarily what determines whether corruption and output are correlated. Moreover, corruption is negatively related to capital accumulation in open economies, but not in closed economies. We present a model, consistent with these findings, in which the main channel through which corruption affects output is capital drain.
Lab-scale testing of a low-loaded activated sludge process with membrane filtration
Authors: Jakubčová Zuzana , Hlavínek Petr , Drtil Miloslav , Bodík Igor 
Published: December 2008

AbstractTwo membrane bioreactors (MBRs; volume = 300 L) equipped with different types of immersed membrane modules were operated simultaneously under the same laboratory conditions as a low-loaded activated sludge process without any membrane regeneration and excess sludge uptake (sludge retention time SRT up to 170 d; activated sludge concentration MLSS up to 11 g L−1). The aim was to verify the quality of treated water and to study the properties of "very old" activated sludge. Another aim was to compare different selected membrane types and choose the best one for further pilot-scale testing.
External Focus Instructions Reduce Postural Instability in Individuals With Parkinson Disease
Authors: Wulf Gabriele , Landers Merrill , Lewthwaite Rebecca , Toöllner Thomas 
Published: December 2008

BackgroundPostural instability while standing, walking, and interacting with objects or the environment places individuals with Parkinson disease (PD) at risk for falls, injuries, and self-imposed restrictions in activity. Recent research with motor skills, including those demanding postural stability, has demonstrated performance and learning advantages when performers are instructed to adopt an external rather than an internal focus of attention. Despite the potential benefits in stability-related risk reduction and enhanced movement effectiveness, attentional focus research in individuals challenged with postural instability is limited.ObjectiveThe present translational research study examined the generalizability of the attentional focus effect to balance in older adults with PD.DesignA within-participant design was used to account for potentially substantial individual variations in balancing capabilities.MethodsFourteen participants diagnosed with idiopathic PD (Hoehn and Yahr stages II and III) participated in the experiment. They were asked to balance on an unstable surface (inflated rubber disk). In counterbalanced orders, they were instructed to focus on reducing movements of their feet (internal focus) or the disk (external focus), or they were not given attentional focus instructions (control).ResultsThe adoption of an external focus resulted in less postural sway relative to both internal focus and control conditions. There was no difference between the internal focus and control conditions.LimitationsMental functioning was not formally assessed, and comprehensive clinical profiles of participants were not obtained.ConclusionsThe results are consistent with previous findings on attentional focus in samples of patients and people without disabilities. Subtle wording distinctions that direct attention to movement effects external to the mover reduce postural instability during standing for individuals with PD relative to an internal focus. The findings have potentially important implications for instructions given by clinicians and the reduction of fall risk.
Byrd Station drilling 1966–69
Authors: Ueda Herbert T. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAfter completion of the drilling by the US Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (USA-CRREL) at Camp Century, Greenland, in July 1966, the operation was moved to Byrd Station, Antarctica, during the 1966/67 austral summer. The drill employed was an electromechanical cable-suspended drill that used ethylene glycol to dissolve the chips formed, producing a core with an average diameter of 114 mm. A mixture of diesel oil and trichlorethylene was used as a borehole fluid. Ice-core drilling at Byrd Station occurred from 2 to 18 February 1967 and from 12 October 1967 to 2 February 1968 when the ice sheet was penetrated at a depth of 2164 m. During the ensuing 1968/69 season the drill was lost, and ultimately the cable was severed in early 1969/70 at a depth of 1545 m. This brief report reviews the drilling operation and some of the problems encountered primarily during the 1967/68 season, with a focus on the last few days of drilling.
NOEnet–Use of NOE networks for NMR resonance assignment of proteins with known 3D structure
Authors: Stratmann Dirk , van Heijenoort Carine , Guittet Eric 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Motivation: A prerequisite for any protein study by NMR is the assignment of the resonances from the 15N−1H HSQC spectrum to their corresponding atoms of the protein backbone. Usually, this assignment is obtained by analyzing triple resonance NMR experiments. An alternative assignment strategy exploits the information given by an already available 3D structure of the same or a homologous protein. Up to now, the algorithms that have been developed around the structure-based assignment strategy have the important drawbacks that they cannot guarantee a high assignment accuracy near to 100%.
Results: We propose here a new program, called NOEnet, implementing an efficient complete search algorithm that ensures the correctness of the assignment results. NOEnet exploits the network character of unambiguous NOE constraints to realize an exhaustive search of all matching possibilities of the NOE network onto the structural one. NOEnet has been successfully tested on EIN, a large protein of 28 kDa, using only NOE data. The complete search of NOEnet finds all possible assignments compatible with experimental data that can be defined as an assignment ensemble. We show that multiple assignment possibilities of large NOE networks are restricted to a small spatial assignment range (SAR), so that assignment ensembles, obtained from accessible experimental data, are precise enough to be used for functional proteins studies, like protein–ligand interaction or protein dynamics studies. We believe that NOEnet can become a major tool for the structure-based backbone resonance assignment strategy in NMR.
Availability: The NOEnet program will be available under: http://www.icsn.cnrs-gif.fr/download/nmr
Contact: carine@icsn.cnrs-gif.fr; eric.guittet@icsn.cnrs-gif.fr
Supplementary Information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Karrikins Discovered in Smoke Trigger Arabidopsis Seed Germination by a Mechanism Requiring Gibberellic Acid Synthesis and Light
Authors: Nelson David C. , Riseborough Julie-Anne , Flematti Gavin R. , Stevens Jason , Ghisalberti Emilio L. , Dixon Kingsley W. , Smith Steven M. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractDiscovery of the primary seed germination stimulant in smoke, 3-methyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one (KAR1), has resulted in identification of a family of structurally related plant growth regulators, karrikins. KAR1 acts as a key germination trigger for many species from fire-prone, Mediterranean climates, but a molecular mechanism for this response remains unknown. We demonstrate that Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), an ephemeral of the temperate northern hemisphere that has never, to our knowledge, been reported to be responsive to fire or smoke, rapidly and sensitively perceives karrikins. Thus, these signaling molecules may have greater significance among angiosperms than previously realized. Karrikins can trigger germination of primary dormant Arabidopsis seeds far more effectively than known phytohormones or the structurally related strigolactone GR-24. Natural variation and depth of seed dormancy affect the degree of KAR1 stimulation. Analysis of phytohormone mutant germination reveals suppression of KAR1 responses by abscisic acid and a requirement for gibberellin (GA) synthesis. The reduced germination of sleepy1 mutants is partially recovered by KAR1, which suggests that germination enhancement by karrikin is only partly DELLA dependent. While KAR1 has little effect on sensitivity to exogenous GA, it enhances expression of the GA biosynthetic genes GA3ox1 and GA3ox2 during seed imbibition. Neither abscisic acid nor GA levels in seed are appreciably affected by KAR1 treatment prior to radicle emergence, despite marked differences in germination outcome. KAR1 stimulation of Arabidopsis germination is light-dependent and reversible by far-red exposure, although limited induction of GA3ox1 still occurs in the dark. The observed requirements for light and GA biosynthesis provide the first insights into the karrikin mode of action.
FZR2/CCS52A1Expression Is a Determinant of Endoreduplication and Cell Expansion in Arabidopsis
Authors: Larson-Rabin Zachary , Li Ziyu , Masson Patrick H. , Day Christopher D. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractEndoreduplication, a modified cell cycle that allows cells to increase ploidy without subsequent cell division, is a key component of plant growth and development. In this work, we show that some, but not all, of the endoreduplication of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) is mediated by the expression of a WD40 gene, FIZZY-RELATED2 (FZR2). Loss-of-function alleles show reduced endoreduplication and reduced expansion in trichomes and other leaf cells. Misexpression of FZR2 is sufficient to drive ectopic or extra endoreduplication in leaves, roots, and flowers, leading to alteration of cell sizes and, sometimes, organ size and shape. Our data, which suggest that reduced cell size can be compensated by increased cell proliferation to allow normal leaf morphology, are discussed with respect to the so-called compensation mechanism of plant development.
Multiple protective activities of neuroglobin in cultured neuronal cells exposed to hypoxia re‐oxygenation injury
Authors: Duong Thi Thuy Hong , Witting Paul Kenneth , Antao Shane Tony , Parry Sarah Nicole , Kennerson Marina , Lai Barry , Vogt Stefan , Lay Peter Andrew , Harris Hugh Hamlyn 
Published: December 2008

AbstractOxidative stress is associated with the pathology of acute and chronic neurodegenerative disease. We have cloned a human neuroglobin (Nb) construct and over‐expressed this protein in cultured human neuronal cells to assess whether Nb ameliorates the cellular response to experimental hypoxia‐reoxygenation (H/R) injury. Parental cells transfected with a blank (pDEST40) vector responded to H/R injury with a significant decrease in cellular ATP at 5 and 24 h after insult. This was coupled with increases in the cytosolic Ca2+, and the transition metals iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) within the cell body, as monitored simultaneously using X‐ray fluorescence microprobe imaging. Parental cell viability decreased over the same time period with a ∼4 to 5‐fold increase in cell death (maximum ∼25%) matched by an increase in caspase 3/7 activation (peaking at a 15‐fold increase after 24 h) and condensation of β‐actin along axonal processes. Over‐expression of Nb inhibited ATP loss and except for significant decreases in the sulfur (S), chlorine (Cl), potassium (K) and Ca2+ contents, maintained cellular ion homeostasis after H/R insult. This resulted in increased cell viability, significantly diminished caspase activation and maintenance of the β‐actin cytoskeletal structure and receptor‐mediated endocytosis. These data indicate that bolstering the cellular content of Nb inhibits neuronal cell dysfunction promoted by H/R insult through multiple protective actions including: (i) maintenance of cellular bioenergetics; (ii) inhibition of Ca2+ influx; (iii) a reduction in cellular uptake of Fe, Cu and Zn at the expense of S, Cl and K; and (iv) an enhancement of cell viability through inhibiting necrosis and apoptosis.
HSP70 interacting protein prevents the accumulation of inclusions in polyglutamine disease1
Authors: Howarth Joanna L. , Glover Colin P. J. , Uney James B. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractHeat shock proteins (HSPs) are associated with the proteinaceous inclusions that characterise many neurodegenerative diseases. This suggests they may be associated with disease aetiology and/or represents an attempt to remove abnormal protein aggregates. In this study the adenoviral mediated over‐expression of HSP70 interacting protein (HIP) alone was shown to significantly reduce inclusion formation in both an in vitro model of Spinal Bulbar Muscular Atrophy and a primary neuronal model of polyglutamine disease. Experiments to determine the mechanism of action showed that: denatured luciferase activity (a measure of protein refolding) was not increased in the presence of HIP alone but was increased when HIP was co‐expressed with HSP70 or Heat Shock cognate protein 70 (HSC70); the expression of polyglutamine inclusions in cortical neurons mediated an increase in the levels of HSC70 but not HSP70. Our data suggest that HIP may prevent inclusion formation by facilitating the constitutive HSC70 refolding cycle and possibly by preventing aggregation. HIP expression is not increased following stress and its over‐expression may therefore reduce toxic polyglutamine aggregation events and contribute to an effective therapeutic strategy.