bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The calcium binding protein S100A9 is essential for pancreatic leukocyte infiltration and induces disruption of cell–cell contacts
Authors: Schnekenburger Jürgen , Schick Verena , Krüger Burkhard , Manitz Marie Pierre , Sorg Clemens , Nacken Wolfgang , Kerkhoff Claus , Kahlert Andreas , Mayerle Julia , Domschke Wolfram , Lerch Markus M. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractLeukocyte infiltration is an early and critical event in the development of acute pancreatitis. However, the mechanism of leukocyte transmigration into the pancreas and the function of leukocytes in initiating acute pancreatitis are still poorly understood. Here, we studied the role of S100A9 (MRP14), a calcium binding protein specifically released by polymorph nuclear leukocytes (PMN), in the course of acute experimental pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis was induced by repeated supramaximal caerulein injections in S100A9 deficient or S100A9 wild‐type mice. We then determined S100A9 expression, trypsinogen activation peptide (TAP) levels, serum amylase and lipase activities, and tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Cell–cell contact dissociation was analyzed in vitro with biovolume measurements of isolated acini after incubation with purified S100A8/A9 heterodimers, and in vivo as measurement of Evans Blue extravasation after intravenous application of S100A8/A9. Pancreatitis induced increased levels of S100A9 in the pancreas. However, infiltration of leukocytes and MPO activity in the lungs and pancreas during acute pancreatitis was decreased in S100A9‐deficient mice and associated with significantly lower serum amylase and lipase activities as well as reduced intrapancreatic TAP‐levels. Incubation of isolated pancreatic acini with purified S100A8/A9‐heterodimers resulted in a rapid dissociation of acinar cell–cell contacts which was highly calcium‐dependent. Consistent with these findings, in vivo application of S100A8/A9 in mice was in itself sufficient to induce pancreatic cell–cell contract dissociation as indicated by Evans Blue extravasation. These data show that the degree of intrapancreatic trypsinogen activation is influenced by the extent of leukocyte infiltration into the pancreas which, in turn, depends on the presence of S100A9 that is secreted from PMN. S100A9 directly affects leukocyte tissue invasion and mediates cell contact dissociation via its calcium binding properties. J. Cell. Physiol. 216: 558–567, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
RAGE recycles at the plasma membrane in S100B secretory vesicles and promotes Schwann cells morphological changes
Authors: Perrone Lorena , Peluso Gianfranco , Melone Mariarosa AB 
Published: May 2008

AbstractRAGE is a multiligand receptor of the immunoglobulin superfamily involved in regeneration of injured peripheral nerve and cell motility. RAGE is implicated in the development of various chronic diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders, inflammatory responses, and diabetic complications. The correlation between RAGE endocytic trafficking and RAGE function is still uninvestigated. S100B is one of the ligands of RAGE. The molecular mechanisms responsible of S100B translocation in exocytic vesicles are still poorly investigated. In the present study we elucidate the role of RAGE endocytic trafficking in promoting S100B secretion in Schwann cells. Here we show that RAGE‐induced secretion of S100B requires phosphorylated caveolin1‐dependent endocytosis of RAGE. Endocytosis of RAGE in response to ligand binding promotes the fusion of endosomes with S100B‐positive secretory vesicles. Src promotes the fusion of endosomes with S100B‐secretory vesicles. Inhibition of src induces RAGE degradation. RAGE‐mediated src activation induces cav1 phosphorylation and relocalization in the perinuclear compartment. RAGE signaling and recycling are required for S100‐induced Schwann cells morphological changes and are inhibited by high‐glucose, suggesting a possible link between diabetes and peripheral nerve injury. Indeed, high glucose inhibits RAGE‐mediated src activation. Src inhibition blocks RAGE recycling, S100B secretion, and morphological changes. In summary, we identified a novel pathway of vesicular trafficking required for the amplification of RAGE signaling and cytoskeleton dynamics that is potentially involved in the regeneration of injured peripheral nerve. J. Cell. Physiol. 217: 60–71, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New insights into the morphology of Trypanosoma cruzi reservosome
Authors: Sant'Anna Celso , Pereira Miria G. , Lemgruber Leandro , de Souza Wanderley , Cunha e Silva Narcisa L. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractReservosomes are late endosomes present only in members of the Schizotrypanum subgenus of the Trypanosoma genus and are defined as the site of storage of endocytosed macromolecules and lysosomal enzymes. They have been extensively described in Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigote: are bounded by a membrane unit, present an electron‐dense protein matrix with electron‐lucent lipid inclusions, being devoid of inner membranes. Here we performed a detailed ultrastructural analysis of these organelles using a variety of electron microscopy techniques, including ultrathin sectioning, uranyl acetate stained preparations, and freeze fracture, either in intact epimastigotes or in isolated reservosomes. New informations were obtained. First, both isolated and in situ reservosomes presented small profiles of inner membranes that are morphologically similar to the membrane surrounding the organelle. In uranyl acetate stained preparations, internal membrane profiles turned out to be longer than they appeared in ultrathin section images and traversed the organelle diameter. Internal vesicles were also found. Second, endocytosed cargo are not associated with internal vesicles and reach reservosomes on board of vesicles that fuse with the boundary membrane, delivering cargo directly into reservosome lumen. Third, electron‐lucent bodies with saturated lipid core surrounded by a membrane monolayer and with unusual rectangular shape were also observed. Fourth, it was possible to demonstrate the presence of intramembranous particles on the E face of both internal vesicles and the surrounding membrane. Collectively, these results indicate that reservosomes have a complex internal structure, which may correlate with their multiple functions. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of industrial tasks as a tool for the inclusion of people with disabilities in the work market
Authors: Simonelli Angela Paula , Camarotto João Alberto 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThis article describes the application of a model for analyzing industrial tasks that was developed to identify jobs that could potentially be filled by people with disabilities (DP) and to serve as a guideline for a company hiring policy. In Brazil, Law No. 8213/91 makes it obligatory to hire DP based on quotas that are established according to the number of employees in a public and private company. Using a set of methods and techniques based on ergonomic work analysis and on occupational therapy, we sought to build a model to indicate the skills required to perform industrial tasks. The model was applied at 19 workstations at a Brazilian aircraft manufacturer in 2002. The task supervisor and the operator performing the task were interviewed, the work activity was filmed, a kinesiological analysis was done, the task was observed and a checklist was applied to help recognize and systematize the skills involved in performing the job task. The last step consisted of correlating the skills required to perform the task to the potential skills of the various types of disability. It was found that 100% of the jobs could be filled by workers with low‐level paraplegia, 89% by workers with general paraplegia, 0% with low‐level tetraplegia, 47% with auditory impairment, 42% with hemiplegia, 68% with upper limb amputees wearing adequate prostheses, and 89% handicapped wheelchair users. The company hired 14 DP based on the results of this model. The model proved adequate for analyzing industrial tasks with a view to the inclusion of DP, and it can be applied to other sectors of industrial production. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of antidepressants on glycaemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Knol M. J. , Derijks H. J. , Geerlings M. I. , Heerdink E. R. , Souverein P. C. , Gorter K. J. , Grobbee D. E. , Egberts A. C. G. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractPurposeAnecdotal evidence suggests that antidepressants (ADs) may complicate glycaemic control. The objective of this longitudinal study was to investigate the influence of ADs on glycaemic control within diabetes patients.MethodsFrom the pharmacy registry database PHARMO, we selected insulin users who did not use oral antidiabetics. The study population comprised: 133 patients with at least 12 months insulin use before and 6 months during an AD episode, including 56 patients with an additional 6 months of insulin use after the AD episode; 180 patients with 24 months insulin use without an AD episode. Glycaemic control was measured as the amount of insulin used, which was calculated intra‐individually in 3‐month periods. We stratified for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs).ResultsMean age (s.d.) of the subjects was 53.9 (19) years; 46.9% were men. Overall, the amount of insulin used did not change during or after AD use. No‐AD users showed an increase of 16% in amount of insulin used over a period of 2 years (p < 0.001). SSRI users showed a decrease of 13% in amount of insulin used during the AD episode (p = 0.029), while no change was seen in TCA users. Notable was the large intra‐ and interindividual variation in amount of insulin used across all groups.ConclusionsOverall, AD use did not influence glycaemic control in diabetes patients. The tendency for a difference between SSRIs and TCAs is suggestive for a pharmacologic effect of ADs rather than a general effect of depression on glycaemic control. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐XL protein in complex with BH3 peptides of pro‐apoptotic Bak, Bad, and Bim proteins: Comparative molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Lama Dilraj , Sankararamakrishnan Ramasubbu 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe Bcl‐2 family of proteins plays a central role in the regulation of mitochondrial outer‐membrane permeabilization, a critical step in apoptosis. Heterodimerization between the pro‐ and anti‐apoptotic members of Bcl‐2 family is a key event in this process. Anti‐apoptotic proteins have high levels of expression in many cancers and they have different affinities for different pro‐apoptotic proteins. Experimentally determined structures of all members of Bcl‐2 proteins have remarkably similar helical fold despite poor amino acid sequence identity. Peptides representing BH3 region of pro‐apoptotic proteins have been shown to bind the hydrophobic cleft of anti‐apoptotic proteins and this segment is responsible in modulating the apoptotic pathways in living cells. Understanding the molecular basis of protein–protein recognition is required to develop inhibitors specific to a particular anti‐apoptotic protein. We have carried out molecular dynamics simulations on the anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐XL protein in complex with three different BH3 peptides derived from pro‐apoptotic Bak, Bad and Bim proteins. Each complex structure was simulated for a period of 50 ns after 2.5 ns equilibration. Analysis of the simulation results showed that in the Bcl‐XL protein, the helix containing the BH3 region is more flexible than other helices in all three simulations. A network of strong hydrophobic interactions exists between four of the six helices and they contribute significantly to the stability of this helix bundle protein. Analysis of Bcl‐XL‐BH3 peptide interactions reveals the role of loop residues in the protein–peptide interactions in all three simulations. Bad and Bim peptides maintain strong hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions with the helix preceding the central hydrophobic helix. Residues from this helix interact with an Arg residue in Bad and Bim peptides. This Arg residue is next to the conserved Leu residue and is replaced by Ala in Bak. Absence of these interactions and the helix propensity are likely to be the cause for Bak peptide's weaker binding affinity with the Bcl‐XL protein. The results of this study have implications in the design of Bcl‐XL‐specific inhibitors. Proteins 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Usefulness and Application of the Liver Hanging Maneuver for Anatomical Liver Resections
Authors: Nanashima Atsushi , Sumida Yorihisa , Abo Takafumi , Nagayasu Takeshi , Sawai Terumitsu 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackgroundTo achieve complete anatomic hepatectomy, hepatic transection by an anterior approach is useful. The liver hanging maneuver is a useful procedure for transection of adequate cut plane in anatomical liver resections and may reduce intraoperative bleeding and transection time.MethodsWe examined the records of 71 patients who underwent anatomic hepatic resection with (n = 24, between 2001 and September 2007) or without liver hanging maneuver (LHM) (n = 47, between 2000 and 2003). Groups were historically compared in terms of patient demographics, preoperative hepatic function, surgical records, and outcome. LHM was conducted according to the Belghiti’s original method.ResultsLHM could be performed not only in hemihepatectomy but also in right and left trisectionectomy. Demographics and preoperative hepatic function tests were not significantly different between the LHM and non‐LHM groups. Although intraoperative bleeding, blood transfusion, and operating time were not significantly different between groups, the time required for liver parenchymal transection was significantly shorter in the LHM group (36.5 ± 9.9 vs. 48.1 ± 12.7 min, P = 0.004). Postoperative liver function, morbidity, and mortality were not significantly different between the groups. In other hepatectomy with cut plane along the right hepatic vein, the transection time tended to be shorter in the LHM group (n = 5, 32.4 ± 6.1 min) than in the non‐LHM group (n = 5, 44.4 ± 8.3 min), albeit insignificantly (P = 0.06).ConclusionLHM can reduce the transection time at the cut plane in hepatic resections. Our results emphasized the advantages and usefulness of LHM in anatomical liver resections.
Deviations from Hardy–Weinberg proportions for multiple alleles under viability selection
Authors: ALVAREZ GONZALO 
Published: May 2008

SummaryDepartures of genotype frequencies from Hardy–Weinberg proportions (HWP) for a single autosomal locus due to viability selection in a random mating population have been studied only for the two-allele case. In this article, the analysis of deviations from HWP due to constant viability selection is extended to multiple alleles. The deviations for an autosomal locus withkalleles are measured by means ofk fiifixation indices for homozygotes andk(k−1)/2fijfixation indices for heterozygotes, and expressions are obtained for these indices (FISstatistics) under the multiallele viability model. Furthermore, expressions forfiiandfijwhen the multiallele polymorphism is at stable equilibrium are also derived and it is demonstrated that the pattern of multiallele Hardy–Weinberg deviations at equilibrium is characterized by a global heterozygote excess and a deficiency of each of the homozygotes. This pattern may be useful for detecting whether a given multiallelic polymorphism is at stable equilibrium in the population due to viability selection. An analysis of Hardy–Weinberg deviations from published data for the three-allele polymorphism at the β-globin locus in human populations from West Africa is presented for illustration.
Understanding the population genetic structure of coastal species (Cakile maritima): seed dispersal and the role of sea currents in determining population structure
Authors: GANDOUR MHEMMED , HESSINI KAMEL , ABDELLY CHEDLY 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe nature and extent of long-distance seed dispersal are currently poorly understood, largely due to the inherent difficulty in detecting such a phenomenon. Genetic methods provide one of the few general approaches that offer the potential to accurately address this issue. Phenotypic and allozymic approaches were applied to characterize inter-population seed dispersal of the sea rocket (Cakile maritima, Brassicaceae), a glabrous and succulent annual herb. Genetic variation was assessed on 360 individuals sampled from nine populations. Genetic diversity across populations was high, 37% of which was represented by Qst and 16% by Fst. When genetic distances were used to construct the UPGMA dendrogram, populations were clustered into three groups at the 90% similarity level. The pattern of clustering can be explained by examining the direction of sea currents around Tunisian coasts. We have shown in this study thatC. maritimaseeds can survive up to 4 months immersion in sea water and up to 1 year of floating in sea water; therefore, seed dispersal between populations is possible both in terms of seed survival and current patterns.
Validation of multi-channel auditory steady-state response in adults with sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Lin Y-H , Chen P-R , Hsu C-J , Wu H-P 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjective:For various medico-legal and financial reasons, some patients may clinically demonstrate an exaggerated hearing loss that varies in degree, nature and laterality. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether multi-channel auditory steady-state response measurement can be used as an objective test of auditory thresholds in adults with sensorineural hearing loss.Study design and setting:This was a prospective, comparative, experimental research design study conducted in an academic medical centre. From January to June 2007, 142 subjects (284 ears) with varying degrees of sensorineural hearing loss were included. Four commonly used frequencies (500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz) were evaluated. Both pure tone thresholds and multi-channel auditory steady-state response thresholds were obtained for each ear in all subjects. The correlation of auditory steady-state response thresholds and pure tone thresholds was assessed. The time taken for multi-channel auditory steady-state response testing was also recorded.Results:Results for multi-channel auditory steady-state response thresholds and pure tone thresholds were compared for each test frequency. A difference of less than 15 dB was found in 71 per cent of patients, while a difference of less than 20 dB was found in 83 per cent. Correlation between auditory steady-state response thresholds and pure tone thresholds, expressed as the correlation coefficient (r), was 0.89, 0.95, 0.96 and 0.97 at 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz, respectively. The strength of the relationship between auditory steady-state response thresholds and pure tone thresholds increased with increasing frequency and increasing degree of hearing loss. The recorded auditory steady-state response thresholds were used to calculate regression lines predicting pure tone threshold results. The mean estimated pure tone thresholds calculated from these regression lines were all within 10 dB of the actual recorded pure tone thresholds. The average multi-channel auditory steady-state response test duration was 42 minutes per patient.Conclusion:Measurement of multi-channel auditory steady-state response could be a powerful, convenient electro-physiological examination with which to objectively certify clinical hearing impairment in adults.
Transmastoid repair of superior semicircular canal dehiscence
Authors: Kirtane M V , Sharma A , Satwalekar D 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjective:The aim of this study was to describe the successful operative management of a patient with superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome, using the transmastoid approach under local anaesthesia.Methods:The transmastoid approach was used to plug the superior semicircular canal.Results:Post-operatively, the patient experienced significant improvement in his symptoms of sound- and pressure-induced dysequilibrium, autophony and imbalance.Conclusion:Successful operative management of superior semicircular canal dehiscence can be achieved via the transmastoid approach under local anaesthesia.
Autologous ossiculoplasty following temporal bone fracture
Authors: Wu K-C , Shu M-T , Yang C-C 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjective:This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of autologous ossiculoplasty following temporal bone fracture.Methods:We analysed 10 patients who underwent autologous ossiculoplasty following temporal bone fracture from 1993 to 2006. Average results for air conduction, bone conduction and air–bone gap were calculated, using both a three- and a four-frequency average, in order to evaluate the effect of the operation.Results:The average follow-up time was 24.4 months. Dislocation of the incus was the most common operative finding. The average three- and four-frequency post-operative air–bone gaps were 12.0 dB (standard deviation 8.3) and 13.8 dB (standard deviation 7.7), respectively. The average air–bone gap improvements were 24.5 dB (standard deviation 13.8) and 24.4 dB (standard deviation 12.1), respectively. Eighty per cent (eight of 10) of the patients had socially acceptable hearing in the operated ear. However, only 50 per cent achieved closure of the air–bone gap to within 10 dB.Conclusion:Methods of maximising the stability of the reconstructed ossicular chain should be further studied.
Evaluation of irradiated salivary gland function in patients with head and neck tumours treated with radiotherapy
Authors: Baharudin A , Khairuddin A , Nizam A , Samsuddin A R 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIntroduction:Radiotherapy is an important treatment modality for head and neck tumours. One of its major drawbacks is post-treatment salivary gland hypofunction. This study was performed to objectively evaluate the salivary gland function in post-irradiated head and neck tumour patients.Methods:We performed a cross-sectional study of 30 patients with head and neck tumours who had received radiotherapy. Unstimulated and stimulated whole salivary flow rates were assessed in these 30 patients, and compared with those of 30 normal subjects. Unstimulated whole saliva was measured by the draining method, while the spitting method was used to collect stimulated whole saliva.Results:Both unstimulated and stimulated whole salivary flow rates were significantly reduced in the irradiated patients, compared with the normal subjects. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.0001).Conclusion:Salivary function in post-irradiated head and neck tumour patients (assessed as salivary flow rates) was significantly reduced compared with normal controls, suggesting marked salivary gland hypofunction.
Wildlife conservation payments to address habitat fragmentation and disease risks
Authors: HORAN RICHARD D. , SHOGREN JASON F. , GRAMIG BENJAMIN M. 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTWe develop a bioeconomic model to gain insight into the challenges of Payments for Environmental Services (PES) as applied to protect endangered species given wildlife-livestock disease risks and habitat fragmentation. We show how greater connectivity of habitat creates an endogenous trade-off. More connectedness both (i) ups the chance that populations of endangered species will grow more rapidly, while (ii) simultaneously increasing the likelihood diseases will spread more quickly. We examine subsidies for habitat connectedness, livestock vaccination, and reduced movement of infected livestock. We find the cost-effective policy is to first subsidize habitat connectivity rather than vaccinations – this serves to increase habitat contiguousness. Once habitat is sufficiently connected, disease risks increase to a level to make disease-related subsidies worthwhile. Highly connected habitat requires nearly all the government budget be devoted to disease prevention and control. The result of the conservation payments is significantly increased wildlife abundance, increased livestock health and abundance, and increased development opportunities.