bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New STS molecular markers for assessment of genetic diversity and DNA fingerprinting in hop (Humulus lupulus L.)
Authors: Patzak Josef , Vrba Lukáš , Matoušek Jaroslav 
Published: May 2007

Molecular markers have been increasingly used in genetic studies of crop species for their applicability in breeding programs. In this work, we report on the development of new sequence-tagged site (STS) markers based on sequence information from several identified hop (Humulus lupulus L.) genes. We demonstrate the usefulness of these STS markers and compare them to SSRs for identifying hop genotypes and estimating genetic diversity in a collection of 68 hop cultivars from around the world. We found 3 individual gene variants (A, B, C) of the chs_H1 gene in this collection. The most frequent gene variant, B (AJ304877), was not detected in Mt. Hood, Glacier, and Horizon (US) cultivars. Gene variant A came from an American germplasm through wild hops. We found length polymorphism in intron 1 of the chs2 gene, and 4 different amplified markers were detected in PCRs. The chs3 gene was found in only one third of the cultivars. None of the variants of the studied CHS genes were found in Humulus japonicus . We detected 5 major gene variants of DNA-binding protein in the collection of H. lupulus cultivars and 2 others in H. japonicus. We also found 3 individual gene variants of an endochitinase gene. The distribution of gene variants did not correlate with any resistance. We proved that developed STS markers can be successfully used for the analysis of genetic diversity and can substitute and supplement SSR markers in hop.
Mosaicism due to myeloid lineage–restricted loss of heterozygosity as cause of spontaneous Rh phenotype splitting
Authors: Körmöczi Günther F. , Dauber Eva-Maria , Haas Oskar A. , Legler Tobias J. , Clausen Frederik B. , Fritsch Gerhard , Raderer Markus , Buchta Christoph , Petzer Andreas L. , Schönitzer Diether , Mayr Wolfgang R. , Gassner Christoph 
Published: May 2007

AbstractSpontaneous Rh phenotype alteration interferes with pretransfusion and prenatal blood group examinations and may potentially indicate hematologic disease. In this study, the molecular background of this biologic phenomenon was investigated. In 9 patients (3 with hematologic disease), routine RhD typing showed a mixture of D-positive and D-negative red cells not attributable to transfusion or hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. In all patients, congenital and acquired chimerism was excluded by microsatellite analysis. In contrast to D-positive red cells, D-negative subpopulations were also negative for C or E in patients genotyped CcDdee or ccDdEe, respectively, which suggested the presence of erythrocyte precursors with an apparent homozygous cde/cde or hemizygous cde/— genotype. Except for one patient with additional Fyb antigen anomaly, no other blood group systems were affected. RH genotyping of single erythropoietic burst-forming units, combined with microsatellite analysis of blood, different tissues, sorted blood cell subsets, and erythropoietic burst-forming units, indicated myeloid lineage–restricted loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of variable chromosome 1 stretches encompassing the RHD/RHCE gene loci. Fluorescent in situ hybridization studies indicated that LOH was caused by either somatic recombination or deletion. Therefore, most cases of spontaneous Rh phenotype splitting appear to be due to hematopoietic mosaicism based on LOH on chromosome 1.
Natural anticoagulants limit lipopolysaccharide-induced pulmonary coagulation but not inflammation
Authors: Choi G. , Vlaar A. P. J. , Schouten M. , van't Veer C. , van der Poll T. , Levi M. , Schultz M. J. 
Published: May 2007

Pulmonary coagulopathy and hyperinflammation may contribute to an adverse outcome in sepsis. The present study determines the effects of natural inhibitors of coagulation on bronchoalveolar haemostasis and inflammation in a rat model of endotoxaemia.Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomised to treatment with normal saline, recombinant human activated protein C (APC), plasma-derived antithrombin (AT), recombinant human tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), heparin or recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Rats were intravenously injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which induced a systemic inflammatory response and pulmonary inflammation. Blood and bronchoalveolar lavage were obtained at 4 and 16 h after LPS injection, and markers of coagulation and inflammation were measured.LPS injection caused an increase in the levels of thrombin–AT complexes, whereas plasminogen activator activity was attenuated, both systemically and within the bronchoalveolar compartment. Administration of APC, AT and TFPI significantly limited LPS-induced generation of thrombin–AT complexes in the lungs, and tPA stimulated pulmonary fibrinolytic activity. However, none of the agents had significant effects on the production of pulmonary cytokines, chemokines, neutrophil influx and myeloperoxidase activity.Natural inhibitors of coagulation prevent bronchoalveolar activation of coagulation, but do not induce major alterations of the pulmonary inflammatory response in rat endotoxaemia.
Requirements and ontology for a G protein-coupled receptor oligomerization knowledge base
Authors: Skrabanek Lucy , Murcia Marta , Bouvier Michel , Devi Lakshmi , George Susan R , Lohse Martin J , Milligan Graeme , Neubig Richard , Palczewski Krzysztof , Parmentier Marc , Pin Jean-Philippe , Vriend Gerrit , Javitch Jonathan A , Campagne Fabien , Filizola Marta 
Published: May 2007

Abstract

Background
G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) are a large and diverse family of membrane proteins whose members participate in the regulation of most cellular and physiological processes and therefore represent key pharmacological targets. Although several bioinformatics resources support research on GPCRs, most of these have been designed based on the traditional assumption that monomeric GPCRs constitute the functional receptor unit. The increase in the frequency and number of reports about GPCR dimerization/oligomerization and the implication of oligomerization in receptor function makes necessary the ability to store and access information about GPCR dimers/oligomers electronically.

Results
We present here the requirements and ontology (the information scheme to describe oligomers and associated concepts and their relationships) for an information system that can manage the elements of information needed to describe comprehensively the phenomena of both homo- and hetero-oligomerization of GPCRs. The comprehensive information management scheme that we plan to use for the development of an intuitive and user-friendly GPCR-Oligomerization Knowledge Base (GPCR-OKB) is the result of a community dialog involving experimental and computational colleagues working on GPCRs.

Conclusion
Our long term goal is to disseminate to the scientific community organized, curated, and detailed information about GPCR dimerization/oligomerization and its related structural context. This information will be reported as close to the data as possible so the user can make his own judgment on the conclusions drawn for a particular study. The requirements and ontology described here will facilitate the development of future information systems for GPCR oligomers that contain both computational and experimental information about GPCR oligomerization. This information is freely accessible at http://www.gpcr-okb.org.
Validation of reference genes for quantitative RT-PCR studies in porcine oocytes and preimplantation embryos
Authors: Kuijk Ewart W , du Puy Leonie , van Tol Helena TA , Haagsman Henk P , Colenbrander Ben , Roelen Bernard AJ 
Published: May 2007

Abstract

Background
In the developing embryo, total RNA abundance fluctuates caused by functional RNA degradation and zygotic genome activation. These variations in the transcriptome in early development complicate the choice of good reference genes for gene expression studies by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction.

Results
In order to identify stably expressed genes for normalisation of quantitative data, within early stages of development, transcription levels were examined of 7 frequently used reference genes (B2M, BACT, GAPDH, H2A, PGK1, SI8, and UBC) at different stages of early porcine embryonic development (germinal vesicle, metaphase-2, 2-cell, 4-cell, early blastocyst, expanded blastocyst). Analysis of transcription profiling by geNorm software revealed that GAPDH, PGK1, S18, and UBC showed high stability in early porcine embryonic development, while transcription levels of B2M, BACT, and H2A were highly regulated.

Conclusion
Good reference genes that reflect total RNA content were identified in early embryonic development from oocyte to blastocyst. A selection of either GAPDH or PGK1, together with ribosomal protein S18 (S18), and UBC is proposed as reference genes, but the use of B2M, BACT, or H2A is discouraged.
Characterization of N-acetyltransferase 1 and 2 polymorphisms and haplotype analysis for inflammatory bowel disease and sporadic colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Mahid Suhal S , Colliver Daniel W , Crawford Nigel PS , Martini Benjamin D , Doll Mark A , Hein David W , Cobbs Gary A , Petras Robert E , Galandiuk Susan 
Published: May 2007

Abstract

Background
N-acetyltransferase 1 (NAT1) and 2 (NAT2) are polymorphic isoenzymes responsible for the metabolism of numerous drugs and carcinogens. Acetylation catalyzed by NAT1 and NAT2 are important in metabolic activation of arylamines to electrophilic intermediates that initiate carcinogenesis. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) consist of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), both are associated with increased colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. We hypothesized that NAT1 and/or NAT2 polymorphisms contribute to the increased cancer evident in IBD.

Methods
A case control study was performed with 729 Caucasian participants, 123 CRC, 201 CD, 167 UC, 15 IBD dysplasia/cancer and 223 controls. NAT1 and NAT2 genotyping were performed using Taqman based techniques. Eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were characterized for NAT1 and 7 SNPs for NAT2. Haplotype frequencies were estimated using an Expectation-Maximization (EM) method. Disease groups were compared to a control group for the frequencies at each individual SNP separately. The same groups were compared for the frequencies of NAT1 and NAT2 haplotypes and deduced NAT2 phenotypes.

Results
No statistically significant differences were found for any comparison. Strong linkage disequilibrium was present among both the NAT1 SNPs and the NAT2 SNPs.

Conclusion
This study did not demonstrate an association between NAT1 and NAT2 polymorphisms and IBD or sporadic CRC, although power calculations indicate this study had sufficient sample size to detect differences in frequency as small as 0.05 to 0.15 depending on SNP or haplotype.
The functioning of the Cuban home hospitalization programme: a descriptive analysis
Authors: De Vos Pol , Barroso Isabel , Rodríguez Armando , Bonet Mariano , Van der Stuyft Patrick 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
Background
Over the last decades hospital at home (HaH) programmes have been set up in many, mainly European, countries. The Cuban HaH programme is not hospital driven, but the responsibility of the first line health services, and family doctors play a pivotal role.

Methods
We analyse the structure and functioning of the Cuban programme. In this descriptive study, information was prospectively collected on HaH patients admitted between July 1st 2001 and June 30th 2002.

Results
Admission rates varied between areas from 0.014 to 0.035 per person per year (ppy). The < 1y and 1–4y age groups had the highest admission rates. In one area the follow-up of pregnancy problems led to high 15–24y and 25–49y female admission rates (0,070 and 0,058 respectively). Respiratory affections were the most frequent reason for admission (32,6%), followed by early hospital discharge (16,0%) and gynaeco-obstetrical problems (10.8%). The median length of stay varied from 5 to 7 days between regions and from 5 days (early discharge) to 7 days (gynaeco-obstetrical problems) in function of the reason for admission. On average an HaH episode entailed 1.4 and 1.6 contacts per patient-day with the family doctor and nurse respectively.

Conclusion
Difference in admission criteria in function of geography, distance to the hospital, transport facilities, and staff factors, as well as differences in hospital policy on early discharge explain the observed variability. The programme plays an important role in the integrated approach to quality care in the Cuban health system, but could benefit from more uniform admission criteria.
Precursors and preinvasive lesions of the breast: the role of molecular prognostic markers in the diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma
Authors: Zagouri Flora , Sergentanis Theodoros N , Zografos George C 
Published: May 2007

AbstractPrecursors and preinvasive lesions of the breast include atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and lobular neoplasia (LN). There is a significant debate regarding the classification, diagnosis, prognosis and management of these lesions. This review article describes the current theories regarding the pathogenesis and molecular evolution of these lesions. It reviews the implication of a variety of molecules in the continuum of breast lesions: estrogen receptors (ER-alpha and ER-beta), c-erb-B2 (Her2/neu), p53, Ki-67, bcl-2, E-cadherin, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), p27 (Kip1), p16 (INK4a), p21 (Waf1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). With respect to the aforementioned molecules, this article reviews their pathophysiological importance, and puts the stress on whether they confer additional risk for invasive breast cancer or not. This knowledge has the potential to be of importance in the therapeutic decisions presenting in the common clinical practice.
Inactivation Properties of Sodium Channel Nav1.8 Maintain Action Potential Amplitude in Small DRG Neurons in the Context of Depolarization
Authors: Harty T Patrick , Waxman Stephen G 
Published: May 2007

Background: Small neurons of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) express five of the nine known voltage-gated sodium channels. Each channel has unique biophysical characteristics which determine how it contributes to the generation of action potentials (AP). To better understand how AP amplitude is maintained in nociceptive DRG neurons and their centrally projecting axons, which are subjected to depolarization within the dorsal horn, we investigated the dependence of AP amplitude on membrane potential, and how that dependence is altered by the presence or absence of sodium channel Nav1.8. Results: In small neurons cultured from wild type (WT) adult mouse DRG, AP amplitude decreases as the membrane potential is depolarized from −90 mV to −30 mV. The decrease in amplitude is best fit by two Boltzmann equations, having V1/2 values of −73 and −37 mV. These values are similar to the V1/2 values for steady-state fast inactivation of tetrodotoxin-sensitive (TTX-s) sodium channels, and the tetrodotoxin-resistant (TTX-r) Nav1.8 sodium channel, respectively. Addition of TTX eliminates the more hyperpolarized V1/2 component and leads to increasing AP amplitude for holding potentials of −90 to −60 mV. This increase is substantially reduced by the addition of potassium channel blockers. In neurons from Nav1.8(-/-) mice, the voltage-dependent decrease in AP amplitude is characterized by a single Boltzmann equation with a V1/2 value of −55 mV, suggesting a shift in the steady-state fast inactivation properties of TTX-s sodium channels. Transfection of Nav1.8(-/-) DRG neurons with DNA encoding Nav1.8 results in a membrane potential-dependent decrease in AP amplitude that recapitulates WT properties. Conclusion: We conclude that the presence of Nav1.8 allows AP amplitude to be maintained in DRG neurons and their centrally projecting axons even when depolarized within the dorsal horn.
Anti-inflammatory property of the cannabinoid receptor-2-selective agonist JWH-133 in a rodent model of autoimmune uveoretinitis
Authors: Xu Heping , Cheng Ching L , Chen Mei , Manivannan Ayyakkannu , Cabay Laurence , Pertwee Roger G , Coutts Angela , Forrester John V 
Published: May 2007

AbstractPrevious studies have shown that cannabinoids have anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects, but the precise mechanisms of action remain to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated the effect of JWH 133, a selective agonist for cannabinoid receptor 2, the main receptor expressed on immune cells, in a model of autoimmune disease, experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU). JWH 133 suppressed EAU in a dose-dependent manner (0.015–15 mg/kg), and the suppressive effect could be achieved in the disease-induction stage and the effector stage. Leukocytes from mice, which had been treated with JWH 133, had diminished responses to retinal peptide and mitogen Con A stimulation in vitro. In vivo JWH 133 treatment also abrogated leukocyte cytokine/chemokine production. Further in vitro studies indicated that JWH 133 down-regulated the TLR4 via Myd88 signal transduction, which may be responsible for its moderate, suppressive effect on antigen presentation. In vivo JWH 133 treatment (1 mg/kg) also suppressed leukocyte trafficking (rolling and infiltration) in inflamed retina as a result of an effect on reducing adhesion molecules CD162 (P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1) and CD11a (LFA-1) expression on T cells. In conclusion, the cannabinoid agonist JWH 133 has a high in vivo, anti-inflammatory property and may exert its effect via inhibiting the activation and function of autoreactive T cells and preventing leukocyte trafficking into the inflamed tissue.
Role of NF-κB in transcriptional regulation of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase by tumor necrosis factor-α
Authors: Gauss Katherine A , Nelson-Overton Laura K , Siemsen Daniel W , Gao Ying , DeLeo Frank R , Quinn Mark T 
Published: May 2007

AbstractMacrophages play an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory disease. Activation of these phagocytes induces the production of proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1 and TNF-α and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as superoxide anion (O2•–). Recently, we found that TNF-α treatment of human monocytic cells (MonoMac1) and isolated human monocytes resulted in up-regulation of the NADPH oxidase gene, neutrophil cytosolic factor 2 (NCF2). These results suggested that TNF-α, produced by activated macrophages, could serve as an autocrine/paracrine regulator of the oxidase, resulting in increased and/or prolonged production of O2•–. To gain a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in NADPH oxidase regulation by TNF-α, we evaluated transcriptional regulation of oxidase genes in MonoMac1 cells and human monocytes. We show that TNF-α-treated cells have increased levels of mRNA and up-regulated expression of NADPH oxidase subunits p47phox, p67phox, and gp91phox, as well as increased oxidase activity. Pharmacological inhibitors of NF-κB activation blocked TNF-α-induced up-regulation of NCF1, NCF2, and CYBB message, which correlated with a reduction in expression of the corresponding oxidase proteins and decreased O2•– production. These data demonstrate that the increase in and/or maintenance of O2•– production in TNF-α-treated MonoMac1 cells and monocytes are a result, in part, of transcriptional up-regulation of three essential NADPH oxidase genes via the NF-κB pathway. This novel finding supports a model, whereby TNF-α-dependent activation of NF-κB up-regulates phagocyte NADPH oxidase activity, leading to enhanced ROS production and further NF-κB activation, potentially contributing to sustained oxidant production in chronic inflammation.
Genetic, environmental and gender influences on attachment disorder behaviours
Authors: Minnis Helen , Reekie Joanne , Young David , O'Connor Tom , Ronald Angelica , Gray Alison , Plomin Robert 
Published: May 2007

BackgroundDespite current interest in attachment disorder, there is concern about its discrimination from other disorders and an unproven assumption of an environmental aetiology.AimsTo test whether behaviours suggestive of attachment disorder are distinct from other childhood behavioural and emotional problems and are solely environmentally determined.MethodIn a community sample of 13472 twins, we carried out factor analysis of questionnaire items encompassing behaviours indicative of attachment disorder, conduct problems, hyperactivity and emotional difficulties. We used behavioural genetic model-fitting analysis to explore the contribution of genes and environment.ResultsFactor analysis showed clear discrimination between behaviours suggestive of attachment disorder, conduct problems, hyperactivity and emotional problems. Behavioural genetics analysis suggested a strong genetic influence to attachment disorder behaviour, with males showing higher heritability.ConclusionsBehaviours suggestive of attachment disorder can be differentiated from common childhood emotional and behavioural problems and appear to be strongly genetically influenced, particularly in boys.
Anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression in Korean War veterans 50 years after the war
Authors: Ikin Jillian F. , Sim Malcolm R. , McKenzie Dean P. , Horsley Keith W A. , Wilson Eileen J. , Moore Michael R. , Jelfs Paul , Harrex Warren K. , Henderson Scott 
Published: May 2007

BackgroundThere has been no comprehensive investigation of psychological health in Australia's Korean War veteran population, and few researchers are investigating the health of coalition Korean War veterans into old age.AimsTo investigate the association between war service, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression in Australia's 7525 surviving male Korean War veterans and a community comparison group.MethodA survey was conducted using a self-report postal questionnaire which included the PTSD Checklist, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale and the Combat Exposure Scale.ResultsPost-traumatic stress disorder (OR 6.63, P <0.001), anxiety (OR 5.74, P <0.001) and depression (OR 5.45, P <0.001) were more prevalent in veterans than in the comparison group. These disorders were strongly associated with heavy combat and low rank.ConclusionsEffective intervention is necessary to reduce the considerable psychological morbidity experienced by Korean War veterans. Attention to risk factors and early intervention will be necessary to prevent similar long-term psychological morbidity in veterans of more recent conflicts.
Psychiatric disorders in Mexico: Lifetime prevalence in a nationally representative sample
Authors: Medina-Mora Maria Elena , Borges Guilherme , Benjet Corina , Lara Carmen , Berglund Patricia 
Published: May 2007

BackgroundNo national data on lifetime prevalence and risk factors for DSM–IV psychiatric disorders are available in Mexico.AimsTo present data on lifetime prevalence and projected lifetime risk, age at onset and demographic correlates of DSM–IV psychiatric disorders assessed in the Mexican National Comorbidity Survey.MethodThe survey was based on a multistage area probability sample of non-institutionalised people aged 18–65 years in urban Mexico. The World Mental Health Survey version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview was administered by lay interviewers.ResultsOf those surveyed, 26.1% had experienced at least one psychiatric disorder in their life and 36.4% of Mexicans will eventually experience one of these disorders. Half of the population who present with a psychiatric disorder do so by the age of 21 and younger cohorts are at greater risk for most disorders.ConclusionsOur results suggest an urgent need to re-evaluate the resources allocated for the detection and treatment of psychiatric illnesses in Mexico.