bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Smoking is associated with an age-related decline in exhaled nitric oxide
Authors: Sundy J. S. , Hauswirth D. W. , Mervin-Blake S. , Fernandez C. A. , Patch K. B. , Alexander K. M. , Allgood S. , McNair P. D. , Levesque M. C. 
Published: October 2007

Age-related declines in forced expiratory volume in one second are accelerated in smokers. Smoking is associated with decreased exhaled nitric oxide fraction (FeNO). The aim of the present study was to determine the impact of age onFeNOin otherwise healthy smokers and nonsmokers.FeNOand serum cotinine levels were measured in 994 healthy subjects aged 18–40 yrs. American Thoracic Society questionnaire data on smoking habits was used to validate serum cotinine levels as a surrogate marker for categorisation of smokers and nonsmokers in the cohort.Serum cotinine levels were a good discriminator of smokers (n = 99) and nonsmokers (n = 895).FeNOlevels were significantly lower in otherwise healthy smokers compared with nonsmokers. There was an inverse correlation of serum cotinine levels withFeNO. No correlation of age withFeNOwas found in nonsmokers but an inverse correlation ofFeNOwith age in smokers was found.FeNOwas significantly lower in smokers aged 21–40 yrs compared with nonsmokers aged 21–40 yrs, but was not lower in smokers aged 18–20 yrs compared with nonsmokers of the same age.Smoking was associated with decreased exhaled nitric oxide. The greatest smoking-related declines in exhaled nitric oxide occurred in older subjects. This suggests that smoking is associated with age-related declines in exhaled nitric oxide and justifies future mechanistic studies that address the impact of exhaled nitric oxide decline on lung function.
Airway responsiveness: associated features in infants with recurrent respiratory symptoms
Authors: Kotaniemi-Syrjänen A. , Malmberg L. P. , Pelkonen A. S. , Malmström K. , Mäkelä M. J. 
Published: October 2007

Increased airway responsiveness (AR) is one of the main pathophysiological manifestations of asthma. The present study aimed to define the clinical features associated with increased AR in infants with recurrent lower respiratory tract symptoms.AR was evaluated by performing a novel dosimetric methacholine challenge test.Increased AR to methacholine, defined as a methacholine dose of ≤0.90 mg producing a 40% fall (PD40) in the maximal flow at functional residual capacity (V′max,FRC), was associated with atopy (odds ratio (OR) 4.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3–13.3), a history of physician-confirmed wheezing with respiratory syncytial virus (OR 32.9; 95% CI 2.5–428.8) or of a nonspecified aetiology (OR 4.9; 95% CI 1.1–22.5), functional residual capacity z-score ≥2 (OR 36.8; 95% CI 2.9–472.6), andV′max,FRCz-score (OR 0.5; 95% CI 0.2–0.9) at baseline, when compared with infants with only mild or no responsiveness to methacholine (PD40V′max,FRC>0.90 mg).In conclusion, in recurrently symptomatic infants, increased airway responsiveness is associated with reduced baseline lung function, an atopic trait of the child, a history of physician-confirmed wheeze and viral aetiology of wheeze. Future intervention studies are needed to confirm the role of airway responsiveness in respiratory morbidity during infancy.
A method for generating uniform size-segregated pyrite particle fractions
Authors: Wolfe Amy L , Liu Ran , Stewart Brian W , Capo Rosemary C , Dzombak David A 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
Background
Standardized sample preparation techniques allow comparison of pyrite dissolution experiments under diverse conditions. Our objective was to assess dry and wet sieving preparation methodologies, and to develop a reproducible technique that yields uniformly size-distributed material within a limited size range of interest.

Results
Here, we describe a wet sieving preparation method that successfully concentrates pyrite particles within a 44–75 μm diameter range. In addition, this technique does not require a post-processing cleanup step to remove adhering particles, as those particles are removed during the procedure. We show that sample preparation methods not only affect the pyrite size distribution, but also apparent dissolution rates.

Conclusion
The presented methodology is non-destructive to the sample, uses readily available chemical equipment within the laboratory, and could be applied to minerals other than pyrite.
EST analysis on pig mitochondria reveal novel expression differences between developmental and adult tissues
Authors: Scheibye-Alsing Karsten , Cirera Susanna , Gilchrist Michael J , Fredholm Merete , Gorodkin Jan 
Published: October 2007

Abstract

Background
The mitochondria are involved in many basic functions in cells of vertebrates, and can be considered the power generator of the cell. Though the mitochondria have been extensively studied there appear to be only few expression studies of mitochondrial genes involving a large number of tissues and developmental stages. Here, we conduct an analysis using the PigEST resource [1] which contains expression information from 35 tissues distributed on one normalized and 97 non-normalized cDNA libraries of which 24 are from developmental stages. The mitochondrial PigEST resource contains 41,499 mitochondrial sequences.

Results
The mitochondrial EST (Expressed Sequence Tag) sequences were assembled into contigs which covers more than 94 percent of the porcine mitochondrial genome, with an average of 976 EST sequences per nucleotide. This data was converted into expression values for the individual genes in each cDNA library revealing differential expression between genes expressed in cDNA libraries from developmental and adult stages. For the 13 protein coding genes (and several RNA genes), we find one set of six genes, containing all cytochrome oxidases, that are upregulated in developmental tissues, whereas the remaining set of seven genes, containing all ATPases, that are upregulated in adult muscle and brain tissues. Further, the COX I (Cytochrome oxidase subunit one) expression profile differs from that of the remaining genes, which could be explained by a tissue specific cleavage event or degradation pattern, and is especially pronounced in developmental tissues. Finally, as expected cDNA libraries from muscle tissues contain by far the largest amount (up to 20%) of expressed mitochondrial genes.

Conclusion
Our results present novel insight into differences in mitochondrial gene expression, emphasizing differences between adult and developmental tissues. Our work indicates that there are presently unknown mechanisms which work to customize mitochondrial processes to the specific needs of the cell, illustrated by the different patterns between adult and developmental tissues. Furthermore, our results also provide novel insight into how in-depth sequencing can provide significant information about expression patterns.
Quantity of ethanol absorption after excessive hand disinfection using three commercially available hand rubs is minimal and below toxic levels for humans
Authors: Kramer Axel , Below Harald , Bieber Nora , Kampf Guenter , Toma Cyril D , Huebner Nils-Olaf , Assadian Ojan 
Published: October 2007

Abstract

Background
Despite the increasing promotion of alcohol-based hand rubs and the worldwide use of ethanol-based hand rubs in hospitals only few studies have specifically addressed the issue of ethanol absorption when repeatedly applied to human skin. The aim of this study was to assess if ethanol absorption occurs during hygienic and surgical hand disinfection using three different alcohol-based hand-rubs, and to quantify absorption levels in humans.

Methods
Twelve volunteers applied three hand-rubs containing 95% (hand-rub A), 85% (hand-rub B) and 55% ethanol (hand-rub C; all w/w). For hygienic hand disinfection, 4 mL were applied 20 times for 30 s, with 1 minute break between applications. For surgical hand disinfection, 20 mL of each hand rub was applied to hands and arms up to the level of the elbow 10 times for 3 minutes, with a break of 5 minutes between applications. Blood concentrations of ethanol and acetaldehyde were determined immediately prior and up to 90 minutes after application using head space gas chromatography.

Results
The median of absorbed ethanol after hygienic hand disinfection was 1365 mg (A), 630 mg (B), and 358 mg (C). The proportion of absorbed ethanol was 2.3% (A), 1.1% (B), and 0.9% (C). After surgical hand disinfection, the median of absorbed ethanol was 1067 mg (A), 1542 mg (B), and 477 mg (C). The proportion of absorbed ethanol was 0.7% (A), 1.1% (B), and 0.5% (C). The highest median acetaldehyde concentration after 20 hygienic hand disinfections was 0.57 mg/L (hand-rub C, after 30 min), after 10 surgical hand disinfections 3.99 mg/L (hand-rub A, after 20 minutes).

Conclusion
The overall dermal and pulmonary absorption of ethanol was below toxic levels in humans and allows the conclusion that the use of the evaluated ethanol-based hand-rubs is safe.
Proteome analysis of human gastric cardia adenocarcinoma by laser capture microdissection
Authors: Cheng Yan , Zhang Jun , Li Yang , Wang Yan , Gong Jun 
Published: October 2007

Abstract

Background
The incidence of gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma (GCA) has been increasing in the past two decades in China, but the molecular changes relating to carcinogenesis have not been well characterised.

Methods
In this study, we used a comparative proteomic approach to analyse the malignant and nonmalignant gastric cardia epithelial cells isolated by navigated laser capture microdissection (LCM) from paired surgical specimens of human GCA.

Results
Twenty-seven spots corresponding to 23 proteins were consistently differentially regulated. Fifteen proteins were shown to be up-regulated, while eight proteins were shown to be down-regulated in malignant cells compared with nonmalignant columnar epithelial cells. The identified proteins appeared to be involved in metabolism, chaperone, antioxidation, signal transduction, apoptosis, cell proliferation, and differentiation. In addition, expressions of HSP27, 60, and Prx-2 in GCA specimens were further confirmed by immunohistochemical and western blot analyses.

Conclusion
These data indicate that the combination of navigated LCM with 2-DE provides an effective strategy for discovering proteins that are differentially expressed in GCA. Such proteins may contribute in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of GCA carcinogenesis. Furthermore, the combination provides potential clinical biomarkers that aid in early detection and provide potential therapeutic targets.
The odor of origin: kinship and geographical distance are reflected in the marking pheromone of male beewolves (Philanthus triangulum F., Hymenoptera, Crabronidae)
Authors: Kaltenpoth Martin , Kroiss Johannes , Strohm Erhard 
Published: October 2007

Abstract

Background
Pheromones play an important role for mate finding and courtship in many insects. In species where males are the signaling sex, females are expected to choose among potential mates with regard to the emitter's quality and/or genetic compatibility. One important aspect is the balance between negative and positive effects of in- vs. outbreeding. In the present study, we aimed to assess the potential of the territory marking pheromone of European beewolves as an indicator for genetic compatibility in the context of female choice.

Results
We analyzed the sex pheromone composition of male European beewolves (Philanthus triangulum F., Hymenoptera, Crabronidae) from eight different locations across Central Europe (six in Germany, one in England, and one in Italy). The pheromone constitutes a complex blend of various long-chain hydrocarbons (alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, ketones, and a carbon acid). We demonstrate that pheromone composition differs significantly among distant populations (regional scale), among subpopulations (local scale) and between families within subpopulations. The differences in the pheromone blend are positively correlated with geographical distances as might be expected according to an isolation-by-distance model. On a local scale, family membership has a larger effect on pheromone composition than subpopulation affiliation, while the reverse is true for the regional scale.

Conclusion
Our results show that male pheromones can contain information on both kinship and geographical origin that may be used by females to choose adaptively among potential mates on the basis of their genetic distance.
Responses of cancer cells with wild-type or tyrosine kinase domain-mutated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) to EGFR-targeted therapy are linked to downregulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α
Authors: Lu Yang , Liang Ke , Li Xinqun , Fan Zhen 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBackgroundSearching for novel molecular markers that dependably predict or indicate responses of human cancer cells to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted therapy is strongly warranted. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) as a novel response marker compared with previously explored markers following treatment with an EGFR-blocking monoclonal antibody (cetuximab) and a small-molecule EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (gefitinib) in a group of cancer cell lines containing wild-type or tyrosine kinase domain-mutated EGFR.ResultsWe found that, compared with previously studied response markers, including EGFRper seand three EGFR downstream signal molecules (ERK, Akt, and STAT3), which showed variable post-treatment changes in levels of phosphorylation and no consistent link of the changes to therapeutic responses, HIF-1α showed a selective decrease in protein levels only in responsive cell lines. To demonstrate a critical role of HIF-1α downregulation by EGFR-targeted treatment, we introduced a constitutively expressed HIF-1α mutant (HIF-1α/ΔODD) that is resistant to cetuximab-induced downregulation in a cetuximab-responsive cell line (A431); we found that the HIF-1α/ΔODD-transfected cells remained sensitive to cetuximab-induced inhibition of Akt and ERK phosphorylation but were remarkably less responsive to cetuximab-induced growth inhibition compared with corresponding control cells.ConclusionOur data indicates that downregulation of HIF-1α is associated with positive therapeutic responses of cancer cells to EGFR-targeted therapy and suggest further investigation using HIF-1α as an indicator of tumor response to EGFR-targeted therapy in preclinical studies and in the clinical setting.
Primary presacral neuroendocrine tumor associated with imperforate anus
Authors: Kim Tad , Grobmyer Stephen R , Liu Chen , Hochwald Steven N 
Published: October 2007

Abstract

Background
Presacral masses are unusual growths that have a limited differential diagnosis, typically not including neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Classically, NETs are well-differentiated gastroenteropancreatic tumors of probable benign behavior. These tumors are associated with a typical morphologic pattern and involve the distal colon, rectum, and genitourinary tract; they are considered less aggressive, frequently asymptomatic, and rarely cause carcinoid syndrome, even when metastatic. Neuroendocrine tumors of the presacral region are extremely rare and few have been described in the literature. They have not been previously reported as being associated with imperforate anus.

Case presentation
We present an interesting case of a woman with a history of imperforate anus that was found to have a primary neuroendocrine tumor of the presacral region with no rectal wall involvement.

Conclusion
We argue that this is a primary gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumor which likely originated from cells of hindgut origin that underwent an abnormal migration during embryonic development.
Efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy according to hormone receptor status in young patients with breast cancer: a pooled analysis
Authors: van der Hage Jos A , Mieog J Sven D , van de Vijver Marc J , van de Velde Cornelis JH ,   cooperating investigators of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer
Published: October 2007

Abstract
Introduction
Breast cancer at a young age is associated with an unfavorable prognosis. Very young patients with breast cancer therefore are advised to undergo adjuvant chemotherapy irrespective of tumor stage or grade. However, chemotherapy alone may not be adequate in young patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Therefore, we studied the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy in young patients with breast cancer in relation to hormone receptor status.

Methods
Paraffin-embedded tumor material was collected from 480 early-stage breast cancer patients younger than 41 years who participated in one of four European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer trials. Using immunohistochemistry on the whole series of tumors, we assessed estrogen receptor (ER) status and progesterone receptor (PgR) status in a standardized way. Endpoints in this study were overall survival (OS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS). The median follow-up period was 7.3 years.

Results
Overall, patients with ER-positive tumors had better OS rates (hazard ratio [HR] 0.63; P = 0.02) compared with those with ER-negative tumors. However, in the subgroup of patients who received chemotherapy, no significant difference in OS (HR 0.87; P = 0.63) and DMFS (HR 1.36; P = 0.23) was found between patients with ER-positive tumors or those with ER-negative tumors. These differences were similar for PgR status.

Conclusion
Young patients with hormone receptor-positive tumors benefit less from adjuvant systemic chemotherapy than patients with hormone receptor-negative tumors. These results confirm that chemotherapy alone cannot be considered optimal adjuvant systemic treatment in breast cancer patients 40 years old or younger with hormone receptor-positive tumors.
Identification of the scavenger receptors SREC-I, Cla-1 (SR-BI), and SR-AI as cellular receptors for Tamm-Horsfall protein
Authors: Pfistershammer Katharina , Klauser Christoph , Leitner Judith , Stöckl Johannes , Majdic Otto , Weichhart Thomas , Sobanov Yuri , Bochkov Valery , Säemann Marcus , Zlabinger Gerhard , Steinberger Peter 
Published: October 2007

AbstractTamm-Horsfall protein (THP) is expressed exclusively in the kidney and constitutes the most abundant protein in urine. An important role for THP in antibacterial host defense but also in inflammatory disorders of the urogenital tract has been suggested. In line with this, THP has been shown recently to potently activate macrophages and dendritic cells (DC) via the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathway. We show here that THP interacts specifically with surface structures on DC and provides evidence that they are distinct from TLR4. Using retroviral expression cloning, we have identified one such receptor as the scavenger receptor (SR) expressed by endothelial cells I (SREC-I). In addition, we found that two other receptors for acetylated low-density lipoprotein (AcLDL), namely scavenger receptors AI (SR-AI) and Cla-1 (SR-BI), also serve as receptors for THP. SREC-I/THP interaction is of high affinity (16.8±6.8 nM), whereas Cla-1 and SR-AI have lower affinities for THP (396 nM±114 nM and 802 nM±157 nM, respectively). The interaction of THP with these molecules is fully blocked by AcLDL. However, AcLDL only partially blocks binding of THP to DC, and a series of experiments did not support a role in DC activation for SR interacting with THP and AcLDL. Thus, our data point to the existence of additional receptors for THP, which mediate TLR4-dependent DC activation. Interaction and up-take of THP by SR might play an important role in local host defense and could contribute to inflammatory kidney diseases associated with THP-specific antibody responses.
Differential expression of β2-integrins and cytokine production between γδ and αβ T cells in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Smith Sherry S , Barnum Scott R 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe expression of β2-integrins on γδ T cells in naïve mice or those with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) remains poorly characterized. We compared β2-integrin expression and cytokine production between γδ and αβ T cells over the acute course of EAE. We observed that unlike in αβ T cells, β2-integrin expression on γδ T cells increased significantly from baseline, peaked at Day 10, and remained unchanged in the draining lymph nodes or declined in the spleen and CNS by Day 15. In addition, IFN-γ- and TNF-α-producing γδ T cells infiltrated the CNS rapidly and produced significantly more of these cytokines than αβ T cells throughout the course of EAE. These results suggest unique roles for β2-integrins in the trafficking of γδ versus αβ T cells during EAE and that γδ T cells infiltrate the CNS rapidly, producing cytokines, which modulate acute disease.
Neutrophil adhesion to E-selectin under shear promotes the redistribution and co-clustering of ADAM17 and its proteolytic substrate L-selectin
Authors: Schaff Ulrich , Mattila Polly E , Simon Scott I , Walcheck Bruce 
Published: October 2007

AbstractE-selectin is expressed by the vascular endothelium and binds flowing neutrophils in the blood to facilitate their recruitment into the underlying tissue at sites of inflammation. L-selectin on neutrophils is engaged by E-selectin and undergoes rapid clustering and then coalescence in the trailing edge of polarizing cells. These processes are believed to increase the valency and capacity of L-selectin to signal CD18 integrin activity. Neutrophils, upon exiting the microvasculature, down-regulate their surface L-selectin through ectodomain shedding by a disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17). We reasoned that neutrophil tethering and rolling on E-selectin might initiate a coordinate change in the membrane distribution of ADAM17 as well. We found that ADAM17 indeed underwent a dramatic cell surface redistribution to the trailing edge of neutrophils rolling on purified E-selectin when activated by a chemoattractant under shear flow; however, its lateral migration occurred at a slower rate than L-selectin. ADAM17 and L-selectin also redistributed in the same manner in neutrophils attached to IL-1β-stimulated HUVEC under shear flow. In contrast, the coalescence of L-selectin on the surface of neutrophils by antibody cross-linking did not promote the redistribution of ADAM17, suggesting that these molecules do not constitutively associate in the plasma membrane. Together, our findings reveal that neutrophil activation upon E-selectin adhesion initiates active transport of ADAM17 and L-selectin to the cell uropod, thus providing additional insight into the molecular mechanisms that regulate L-selectin during leukocyte extravasation.