bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Calcitriol blunts pro‐atherosclerotic parameters through NFκB and p38 in vitro
Authors: Talmor Y. , Bernheim J. , Klein O. , Green J. , Rashid G. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground  Disturbances in vitamin D3 metabolism are associated with an increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of calcitriol, the active metabolite of vitamin D3, on pro‐atherosclerotic parameters in human umbilical vein cord endothelial cells (HUVEC).Materials and methods  Calcitriol at 10−10 and/or 10−9 mol L−1 was given to cultured HUVEC which were either non‐stimulated or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated. Inter cellular adhesion molecule‐1 and platelet‐endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1, were determined by flow cytometry analysis. The receptor of advanced glycation end product (RAGE) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) mRNA expressions by RT‐PCR and IL‐6 secretion by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Nuclear p65 DNA‐binding activity was measured by transcription factor assay kit and the inhibitor‐κBα (IκBα), phosphorylated‐IκBα (P‐IκBα) and phosphorylated‐p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) protein levels were determined by Western blot.Results  Calcitriol decreased the adhesion molecules expression, as well as the LPS‐induced mRNA expressions of RAGE and IL‐6 and LPS induced IL‐6 secretion. Furthermore, the LPS induced nuclear factor κB (NFκB)‐p65 DNA‐binding activity was also decreased by calcitriol. IκBα levels were increased and p‐IκBα levels decreased after calcitriol treatment. The increased levels of activated p38 MAPK after LPS treatment were also decreased due to pre‐incubation with calcitriol.Conclusions  The decreased NFκB and p38 activities followed by calcitriol treatment may explain the anti‐inflammatory/atherosclerotic properties of calcitriol that were observed previously and were emphasized in this study, demonstrating the inhibitory effect of calcitriol on the pro‐inflammatory parameters: adhesion molecules, RAGE and IL‐6.
Cardiac and kidney hormones cure up to 86% of human small‐cell lung cancers in mice
Authors: Eichelbaum E.J. , Sun Y. , Alli A.A. , Gower W.R. , Vesely D.L. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground  Four cardiac hormones synthesized by the same gene, i.e. atrial natriuretic peptide, vessel dilator, long acting natriuretic peptide and kaliuretic peptide, and the kidney hormone urodilatin have anticancer effects in vitro.Materials and Methods  These cardiac hormones and urodilatin were infused subcutaneously for 28 days with weekly fresh hormones since they lose biological effects at body temperature for more than a week at 0·3 nm kg−1 body weight in athymic mice bearing human small‐cell lung carcinomas.Results  Long acting natriuretic peptide, vessel dilator, kaliuretic peptide, atrial natriuretic peptide and urodilatin eliminated 86%, 71%, 57%, 43% (P < 0·001 for the cardiac hormones) and 25% (P < 0·05; urodilatin) of the human small‐cell lung carcinomas. The treated small‐cell lung carcinomas that were not cured grew rapidly, similar to the untreated controls, whose volume was 7 fold larger in 1 week, 18‐fold increased in 2 weeks, 39‐fold increased in 3 weeks, 63‐fold increased in 1 month and 97‐fold increased in volume in 6 weeks. One vessel dilator treated small‐cell lung carcinoma animal developed a large tumour (8428 mm3 volume) on treatment and this tumour was eliminated with utilizing atrial natriuretic peptide and then long acting natriuretic peptide sequentially.Conclusions  Four cardiac hormones eliminate up to 86% of human small‐cell lung carcinomas in athymic mice. Urodilatin can also eliminate small‐cell lung carcinomas but at a lower cure rate of 25%. Unresponsive lesions can be eliminated by utilizing different hormones synthesized by the atrial natriuretic peptide gene in a sequential manner.
Dasatinib inhibits progenitor cell proliferation from polycythaemia vera
Authors: Wappl M. , Jaeger E. , Streubel B. , Gisslinger H. , Schwarzinger I. , Valent P. , Oehler L. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground  A mutation of Janus kinase 2 V617F is present in most patients with polycythaemia vera (PV). However, it is generally believed that JAK2V617F is not the sole molecular abnormality in PV. Since dasatinib is currently evaluated in patients with PV, it is of interest to study the effects of dasatinib on the growth of clonal progenitor cells in vitro.Design and methods  Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with PV, chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) and controls were exposed to dasatinib (0·1 to 500 nm mL−1). Colony growth was stimulated by interleukin‐3, granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor and erythropoietin. Endogenous erythroid colony (EEC) growth was investigated without exogenous cytokines. Real‐time PCR was performed to assess the percentage of JAK2V617F cells.Results  10 nm of dasatinib suppressed EEC growth from PV by 89% (P = 0·002). This inhibition was dose dependent and occurred at pharmacological concentrations. Erythroid and myeloid colony growth was also significantly suppressed in the presence of exogenous cytokines. When compared to PV the inhibition of stimulated colony growth was significantly less pronounced in controls but tended to be more vigorous in CML. Interestingly, despite the potent inhibition of PV cells real‐time PCR revealed that the numbers of JAK2V617F transcripts did not decrease upon exposure to dasatinib.Conclusion  This study shows a marked inhibition of the proliferative capacity of progenitor cells from PV. Although JAK2V617F transcript levels did not decrease upon exposure to dasatinib, the drug might suppress PV progenitors through inhibition of a yet undefined molecular target.
Physical forces constrain the depth distribution of the abundant native mussel Elliptio complanata in lakes
Authors: CYR HÉLÈNE 
Published: July 2008

Summary1. Unionid mussels often account for a large portion of benthic biomass and contribute to nutrient cycling and sediment processes, but are thought to be limited to shallow areas (<2–3 m).2. The depth distribution and body size of Elliptio complanata were compared in seven Canadian Shield lake basins of different sizes to test what factors determine the upper and lower limit of their depth range. Specifically, I tested whether (i) the upper range of their distribution is limited by exposure to winds and wave action and (ii) the lower range of their distribution is limited by the depth of the thermocline or by the boundary of mud deposition.3. The average depth distribution of E. complanata shifted to greater depths in larger lake basins. When comparing individual transects, maximum mussel density was found deeper at more exposed sites. Mussel size decreased with increasing depth and was larger, on average, in larger lake basins. These results suggest that physical forces limit the upper range of mussel distribution in lakes.4. The maximum depth at which mussels were found in different lakes was closely related to thermocline depth. However, mussels were commonly observed below the predicted depth of the mud deposition boundary. The thermocline limits the lower range of mussel distribution in lakes, probably by limiting food availability and by determining water temperature. Substratum type does not limit the lower distribution of mussels.5. These results suggest that unionid mussels are present in the deeper parts of the littoral zone, especially in large lakes. Therefore, comparisons of mussel populations between sites and between lakes would be biased unless the full depth distribution of these mussels is considered. These results also suggest that long‐term changes in the thermal structure of lakes could affect the range of unionid mussel populations and their functional role in littoral ecosystems.
Role of hyperglycaemia in the pathogenesis of hypotension observed in type‐1 diabetic rats
Authors: Liu I‐Min , Chang Cheng Kuei , Juang Shiow‐Wen , Kou Dai‐Huang , Tong Yat‐Ching , Cheng Kai‐Chun , Cheng Juei‐Tang 
Published: July 2008

SummaryThe role of hyperglycaemia in the pathogenesis of hypotension in diabetic disorders was investigated using the changes in cardiac M2‐muscarinic receptor (M2‐mAChR) gene expression in type‐1‐like diabetic rats and cultured cardiomyocytes. Blood pressure was markedly decreased in diabetic rats following the intravenous injection of streptozotocin (STZ) for 8 weeks. Also, the baroreflex sensitivity (ΔHR/ΔBP), as measured by the changes in heart rate (ΔHR) and mean blood pressure (ΔBP) 1 min after the intravenous injection of phenylephrine (10 μg/kg), was significantly increased. Arecaidine propargyl ester (APE), a M2‐mAChR agonist produced a marked reduction in heart rate in these diabetic rats. Normalization of plasma glucose in diabetic rats using insulin (0.5 IU) or phlorizin (1 mg/kg) injection attenuated the blood pressure reduction and reversed the mRNA and protein levels of cardiac M2‐mAChR. A high concentration of glucose (20 mmol/l) directly influenced the increase in gene expression of M2‐mAChR in the H9c2 cardiac cell line. Hyperglycaemia induced an increase in cardiac M2‐mAChR gene expression, suggesting a role in the pathogenesis of hypotension in diabetic disorders.
The influence of multiple dispersal mechanisms and landscape structure on population clustering and connectivity in fragmented artesian spring snail populations
Authors: WORTHINGTON WILMER J. , ELKIN C. , WILCOX C. , MURRAY L. , NIEJALKE D. , POSSINGHAM H. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractMany organisms occupy heterogeneous landscapes that contain both barriers to movement as well as corridors that facilitate dispersal. The extent to which such features determine population connectivity will depend on the mechanisms utilized by organisms to disperse. Here we examined the interaction between landscape structure and dispersal in the endemic aquatic snail,Fonscochlea accepta, in the fragmented artesian spring ecosystem of arid central Australia. We used frequentist and Bayesian analyses of microsatellite data to identify population structure and immigration for 1130 snails sampled from 50 springs across an entire spring complex. We introduce a modified isolation‐by‐distance analysis to test hypotheses about how populations are clustered and to distinguish the most likely dispersal pathways within and between those clusters. Highly significant differences inFSTvalues and significant isolation‐by‐distance patterns were detected among springs across the entire complex, while Bayesian assignment tests revealed the presence of two hierarchical levels of spring clustering. Clusters were defined by the spatial aggregation of springs, dynamic aquatic habitat connections between springs and the ecology of the snails. Bayesian immigrant identification and our modified isolation‐by‐distance analysis revealed that dispersal occurs at two geographical scales via two very different mechanisms. Short range dispersal (usually ≤ 300 m) occurs via active movement facilitated by aquatic connections among springs while long‐range dispersal (≥ 3 km) is likely facilitated by an animal vector (phoresy). These results underline the importance of both dispersal mode and landscape structure in influencing connectivity rates and patterns among populations.
Population genetic structure and diversity of the Apennine endemic stream frog, Rana italica– insights on the Pleistocene evolutionary history of the Italian peninsular biota
Authors: CANESTRELLI DANIELE , CIMMARUTA ROBERTA , NASCETTI GIUSEPPE 
Published: July 2008

AbstractFor most species in the Western Palaearctic region, southern Mediterranean peninsulas have been identified as major Quaternary refugia and hotspots of intraspecific diversity, and thus, as areas of particular relevance for the conservation of the evolutionary potential. We analysed the patterns of geographical variation among 26 populations of the Italian stream frog, using both nuclear (allozymes) and mitochondrial (partial cytochrome b sequences) markers. Phylogenetic, phylogeographical and population genetic analyses suggested that the species survived the last glacial–interglacial cycles in two distinct refugia, one restricted to the tip of the Calabrian peninsula, at the extreme south of the species’ range, the other spanning from central Calabria to central Apennines and showing evidences for further population subdivision therein. Historical demographic tests suggested a significant population expansion from the latter, which most likely began around the last pleniglacial. This expansion would have led to the rapid colonization of the northern Apennines to the north, and to a secondary contact and population admixture with the population from the southern refugium in southern central Calabria. A comparison of the evolutionary history inferred for the Italian stream frog with the data emerging for other codistributed species suggests: (i) the generality of a multiple‐refugia scenario for the Italian peninsula, (ii) the possible occurrence of at least one suture zone in southern Italy, and (iii) that for most species, this Pleistocene refugium is not only a hotspot, but also a melting pot of intraspecific genetic diversity. Finally, the conservation implications of these results are also briefly highlighted.
Mitochondrial phylogeography of the European sprat (Sprattus sprattus L., Clupeidae) reveals isolated climatically vulnerable populations in the Mediterranean Sea and range expansion in the northeast Atlantic
Authors: DEBES P. V. , ZACHOS F. E. , HANEL R. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractWe examined the genetic structure of the European sprat (Sprattus sprattus) by means of a 530‐bp sequence of the mitochondrial control region from 210 fish originating from seven sampling localities of its distributional range. Phylogeographical analysis of 128 haplotypes showed a phylogenetic separation into two major clades with the Strait of Sicily acting as a barrier to gene flow between them. While no population differentiation was observed based on analysis of molecular variance and net nucleotide differences between samples of the Baltic Sea, the North Sea and the Bay of Biscay nor between the Black Sea and the Bosporus, a strong population differentiation between these samples and two samples from the Mediterranean Sea was found. Further, the biggest genetic distance was observed within the Mediterranean Sea between the populations of the Gulf of Lyon and the Adriatic Sea, indicating genetic isolation of these regions. Low genetic diversities and star‐like haplotype networks of both Mediterranean Sea populations point towards recent demographic expansion scenarios after low population size, which is further supported by negative FS values and unimodal mismatch distributions with a low mean. Along the northeast Atlantic coast, a northwards range expansion of a large and stable population can be assumed. The history of a diverse but differentiated Black Sea population remains unknown due to uncertainties in the palaeo‐oceanography of this sea. Our genetic data did not confirm the presently used classification into subspecies but are only preliminary in the absence of nuclear genetic analyses.
Light controls shoot meristem organogenic activity and leaf primordia growth during bud burst in Rosa sp.
Authors: GIRAULT TIFFANIE , BERGOUGNOUX VERONIQUE , COMBES DIDIER , VIEMONT JEAN‐DANIEL , LEDUC NATHALIE 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTLight controls bud burst in many plants, which subsequently affects their architecture. Nevertheless, very little is known about this photomorphogenic process. This study ascertains the effects of light on bud burst and on two of its components, i.e. growth of preformed leaves and meristem organogenesis in six cultivars from three Rosa species (R. hybrida L., R. chinensis L., R. wichurana L.). Defoliated plants were severed above the third basal bud and exposed, either to darkness or to different intensities of white light, to blue, red or to FR, at constant temperature. Bud bursting was inhibited in darkness in the six cultivars of Rosa, but not in Arabidopsis, tomato and poplar plants under the same condition. In all Rosa cultivars, bud burst, growth of preformed leaves and meristem organogenesis were triggered by blue and red lights, and extended by increasing light intensities. FR was inhibitory of bud burst. Partial shading experiments demonstrated that bud and not stem was the active site for light perception in bud burst.
Spatial aggregation in Fusarium pseudograminearum populations from the Australian grain belt
Authors: Bentley A. R. , Milgroom M. G. , Leslie J. F. , Summerell B. A. , Burgess L. W. 
Published: July 2008

Previous studies have evaluated the overall structure of populations of Fusarium pseudograminearum (teleomorph, Gibberella coronicola), causal agent of cereal crown rot, but there is no information available on spatial relationships of genetic variation in field populations. Three 1‐m‐row sections in crown‐rot‐affected wheat fields in the Australian grain belt were intensively sampled to estimate population genetic parameters and the spatial aggregation, or clustering, of disease aggregates and genotypes. Estimates of population genetic parameters based on amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) indicated that the genetic diversity in isolates from the 1‐m‐row populations described a significant portion of the diversity recorded for corresponding field and regional populations. In point pattern analysis, there was physical clustering and aggregation of F. pseudograminearum isolates from two of the three sites. Analysis of the spatial distribution of clonal haplotypes (DICE similarity ≥ 97%) indicated significant aggregation of clones in all three 1‐m‐row populations. Based on matrix comparison tests, both mating types and genetic distances had significant spatial aggregation for at least two of the three 1‐m‐row populations. This is consistent with the presence of non‐random spatial genetic structure due to clonal aggregation. High levels of genetic diversity and spatial structuring of disease and genotypes in at least two of the three 1‐m‐row populations is consistent with the hypothesis that stubble is a primary inoculum source in no‐tillage farming systems, resulting in aggregated patterns of disease and allowing for haplotypes to be maintained in the field over a number of annual cropping cycles.
Carbamazepine‐induced drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome: report of four cases and brief review
Authors: Ganeva Maria , Gancheva Tanya , Lazarova Roumiana , Troeva Jeni , Baldaranov Ivan , Vassilev Ivan , Hristakieva Evgenya , Tzaneva Valentina 
Published: July 2008

AbstractDrug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a rare but severe drug reaction, most commonly to aromatic anticonvulsants with a delayed onset, variable clinical presentation and protracted course. The exact incidence of DRESS syndrome is not known because of the variability in clinical presentation, lack of strict diagnostic criteria and universally accepted nomenclature.We report four cases of DRESS syndrome associated with the use of carbamazepine. The clinical manifestation was similar: a maculopapular eruption progressing to exfoliative erythroderma, fever, and lymphadenopathy. Leukocytosis, atypical lymphocytes and liver injury (in 2 patients) were also observed. Assessment of causality using the Naranjo algorithm established a “probable” relationship with carbamazepine in three of the cases and a “possible” relationship in one case.Detection of DRESS syndrome is dependent on the exclusion of a variety of diseases with similar manifestations and may be delayed in time. DRESS syndrome is a potentially life‐threatening multisystem adverse drug reaction, and accidental reexposure or drug provocation tests must be avoided.
Surgical pearl: a simple means of disarming the “locked and loaded” needle
Authors: Kunishige Joy , Wanitphakdeedecha Rungsima , Nguyen Tri H. , Chen T. Minsue 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground  Surgery, in any setting, has several inherent risks not only to the patient, but the physician and his assistants as well. Safe handling and management of the sharps to prevent inoculation injuries is one of these risks, in particular: 1) instrument hand‐off of the needle and needle driver between the physician and his assistants; 2) retrieval of instruments from the surgical tray.Objective  The authors’ review a simple means of disarming the needle loaded in the needle driver to reduce sharps injury.Methods  Before the needle and needle driver are either handed off to the assistant or returned to the surgical tray, pivot the needle 90 degrees toward the instrument joint. The needle's point should be directed toward and touching the needle driver, and thereby, disarming the needle. To avoid dulling the needle, the point should not be grasped by the needle driver.Conclusions  Disarming the loaded needle may reduce the chance of sharps injury during instrument hand off and retrieving instruments from the surgical tray.
Main pigmentary features and melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene polymorphisms in the population of the Canary Islands
Authors: F.‐de‐Misa Ricardo , Pérez‐Méndez Lina I. , Hernández‐Jiménez José G. , Del Cristo Rodríguez María , Vilar María Concepción , Suárez José , Claveríe‐Martín Félix 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground  Sun exposure, light skin pigmentation, and melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene variants are independent risk factors for skin cancer. The Canary Islands have a sunny and temperate climate, but data regarding the phenotypic and genotypic risk factors among the population are lacking.Methods  The main phenotypic features (skin color, hair color, eye color, and freckling) of 5116 healthy individuals are described. The genotypic findings of six MC1R gene variants (V60L, D84E, R150C, R160W, R163Q, and T314T) in 116 healthy individuals from a population‐based cohort with at least three generations of Canary Islands’ ancestry are evaluated. The variants were analyzed by SNaPshot.Results  Fifty per cent of the population showed at least one phenotypic risk factor (fair skin, 34.3%; freckling, 17.4%; green or blue eyes, 16.8%; red or blonde hair, 7.8%), although brown skin (65.7%), dark eyes (83.2%), and dark hair (92.2%) prevailed. Forty‐three per cent of the individuals showed at least one of the MC1R variants studied. Allelic frequencies for V60L, D84E, R150C, R160W, R163Q, and T314T were 9.1%, 1.7%, 3.0%, 0.8%, 3.0%, and 8.2%, respectively.Conclusion  A significant proportion of the population showed risk factors for skin cancer. The inhabitants of the Canary Islands are phenotypically and genotypically close to Mediterranean populations.
Cutaneous blastomycosis: a diagnostic challenge
Authors: Mason Ashley R. , Cortes Gil Y. , Cook Joel , Maize John C. , Thiers Bruce H. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractPrimary cutaneous inoculation blastomycosis occurs less commonly than secondary blastomycosis, in which cutaneous lesions most often originate from a primary pulmonary infection which disseminates through the blood or lymphatics to involve the skin. In secondary cutaneous blastomycosis, the primary pulmonary infection is frequently subclinical at the time cutaneous lesions manifest. Here we report two cases that illustrate the difficulty in distinguishing between primary and secondary cutaneous involvement. We also review the expanding literature on blastomycosis since its identification over a century ago.