bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Suppressing the activity of ERRα in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes reduces mitochondrial biogenesis but enhances glycolysis and basal glucose uptake
Authors: Nie Yaohui , Wong Chiwai 
Published: June 2008

AbstractEstrogen‐related receptor α (ERRα) is thought to primarily regulate lipid oxidation and control the transcription of genes in the oxidative phosphorylation pathway in skeletal and cardiac muscles. However, its role in white adipose tissue is not well studied. In this study, we aimed to establish a role for ERRα in adipocytes by down‐regulating its activity through its inverse agonist XCT‐790 in differentiated 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. We found that XCT‐790 differentially reduced the expression of ERRα target genes. Specifically, XCT‐790 reduced the expressions of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ co‐activator‐1β (PGC‐1β), resulting in reductions of mitochondrial biogenesis, adiogenesis and lipogeneis. Through suppressing the expression of another ERRα target gene pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 2 (PDK2), we found that XCT‐790 not only enhanced the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl‐CoA and hyper‐activated the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, but also led to higher levels of mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxidant species (ROS) production. Additionally, XCT‐790 treatment also resulted in enhanced rates of glycolysis and basal glucose uptake. Therefore, ERRα stands at the crossroad of glucose and fatty acid utilization and acts as a homeostatic switch to regulate the flux of TCA cycle, mitochondrial membrane potential and glycolysis to maintain a steady level of ATP production, particularly, when mitochondrial biogenesis is reduced.
Invasive differences among Porphyromonas gingivalis strains from healthy and diseased periodontal sites
Authors: Jandik K. A. , Bélanger M. , Low S. L. , Dorn B. R. , Yang M. C. K. , Progulske‐Fox A. 
Published: June 2008

Background and Objective:  The purpose of this study was to determine any difference between Porphyromonas gingivalis isolates from periodontally healthy sites as compared to those from diseased sites with respect to the ability to invade host cells.Material and Methods:  Subgingival plaque samples were obtained from periodontally healthy and diseased sites using paper points. P. gingivalis colonies were isolated and tested, using an antibiotic protection assay, for their ability to invade KB cells. P. gingivalis 381 and Escherichia coli MC1061 were used as controls.Results:  Mean values of 16.79 ± 0.86 × 103 colony‐forming units/mL and 26.14 ± 2.11 × 103 colony‐forming units/mL were observed in invasion assays for isolates from periodontally healthy and diseased sites, respectively. P. gingivalis present in diseased sites had significantly greater invasive abilities than strains isolated from healthy sites. No statistical difference was noted between male or female subjects concerning the degree of invasion; isolates from diseased sites from both genders had significantly greater invasion abilities than those from healthy sites. A significant correlation was found between the increased invasive capabilities of P. gingivalis isolates vs. an increased probing depth.Conclusion:  The increased invasion noted with P. gingivalis isolates from diseased sites vs. healthy sites, and the increased invasive capabilities with increasing probing depth, indicate that P. gingivalis isolates have a varying ability to invade host cells in the periodontal pocket.
Clinical outcome of diabetic foot ulcers treated with negative pressure wound therapy and the transition from acute care to home care
Authors: Wu Stephanie C , Armstrong David G 
Published: June 2008

AbstractDiabetic foot ulcers affect millions of people in the United States of America and impose tremendous medical, psychosocial and financial loss or burden. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is generally well tolerated and appears to stimulate a robust granulation tissue response compared with other wound healing modalities. This device may be a cost‐effective adjunctive wound healing therapy. This literature review will focus on the clinical outcome of diabetic foot ulcers treated with NPWT, its implication in the transition from acute care to home care, factors that might influence clinical outcomes in home care as well as quality‐of‐life aspects in these patients. Patient care for diabetic foot ulceration is complex and necessitates multiprofessional collaboration to provide comprehensive wound care. It is clear that when we strive for limb preservation in this most high‐risk population, it is important to have an available versatile, efficacious wound healing modality. There is a need for an easy transition from acute care to home care. Resources need to be combined in a collaborative and synergistic fashion to allow patient to perform many daily living activities while receiving the potential benefits of an advanced wound healing modality.
The safety of negative pressure wound therapy using vacuum‐assisted closure in diabetic foot ulcers treated in the outpatient setting
Authors: Fife Caroline E , Walker David , Thomson Brett , Otto Gordon 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe purpose of this project was to evaluate the safety of negative pressure wound therapy using the vacuum‐assisted closure (V.A.C.®) Therapy System (KCI, San Antonio, TX) in diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) among wound centre outpatients. We defined events that could represent complications or adverse events (AEs) as a result of treatment with the V.A.C., including symptoms of infection, pain, bleeding and periwound skin breakdown. The frequency of these AEs among V.A.C. patients with DFUs was compared with those among similar non V.A.C. patients. This project prospectively queried data collected during routine clinical care from 16 outpatient wound centres using the Intellicure electronic medical record system. The electronic recordswere de‐identified according to HIPAA requirements and pooled to create a data repository dedicated to research (the Intellicure Research Consortium). Analysis was performed on 1331 DFUs representing 16 438 outpatient visits. A total of 1299 non V.A.C. and 72 V.A.C. DFUs were available for analysis. There was either no statistical difference between the AEs of V.A.C. versus non V.A.C. patients or the V.A.C. exerted a protective effect. We conclude that the V.A.C. is safe in outpatient use.
Effects of Pregnancy on Female Sexual Function and Body Image: A Prospective Study
Authors: Pauls Rachel N. , Occhino John A. , Dryfhout Vicki L. 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Sexual function through pregnancy and the postpartum period is an important aspect of quality of life. Despite this, prospective studies are limited, and the impact of body image on sexual function has not been explored.

Aim
To prospectively assess the effects of pregnancy on sexual function, and explore causative factors for sexual function alterations such as body image and pelvic floor symptoms.

Materials and Methods
Pregnant women completed the questionnaires in the first and third trimester and at 6 months postpartum. These included general information, questions regarding sexual activity and practices, and five validated indices: the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Body Exposure during Sexual Activities Questionnaire, short forms of Urogenital Distress Inventory and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, and the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale.

Main Outcome Measures
An assessment of the FSFI domains through the 6 months postpartum and relationships between sexual function, body image, and pelvic floor symptoms.

Results
One hundred seven women were enrolled, 63 completed the final questionnaire. Sexual function declined through pregnancy and was not recovered by postpartum (P = 0.017); sexual frequency was highest prior to becoming pregnant (P &lt; 0.0005). Sexual practices changed during pregnancy but returned to early pregnancy levels in the postpartum period. Although body image during sexual functioning did not significantly change during pregnancy, it worsened in the postpartum period (P = 0.01). In early pregnancy, low sexual function was associated with impaired body image, while in the postpartum period, worse urinary symptoms correlated with poor FSFI.

Conclusion
Sexual function worsens during pregnancy and is not recovered by the 6 months postpartum; poor scores may be attributable to low body image and urinary complaints.
Penile Epidermal Inclusion Cyst: A Late Complication of Penile Girth Enhancement Surgery
Authors: Park Hyun Jun , Park Nam Cheol , Park Sung Woo , Jern Tae Kyung , Choi Kyung-Un 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Epidermal inclusion cysts are benign lesions that can develop in any part of the body. However, the finding of an epidermal inclusion cyst in the penis is rare.

Aim
The aim of this article was to present the management of a case of a penile epidermal inclusion cyst that occurred because of late complications of a penile girth enhancement surgery.

Methods
A 52-year-old man presented with a painless, slowly growing mass in the penis, which was first noted after a penile girth enhancement surgery 20 years ago. A cystic mobile mass about 2 cm in depth was found surrounding the coronal sulcus. Excision of the mass was performed for diagnosis and treatment.

Results
There was no communication with the urethra. The pathological diagnosis was an epidermal inclusion cyst of the penis.

Conclusions
A penile epidermal inclusion cyst in adult men is rare. It can develop after an inadequate procedure for penile girth enhancement, and should be treated by complete resection.
Guilt by Association: A Historical Perspective on Huggins, Testosterone Therapy, and Prostate Cancer
Authors: Morgentaler Abraham 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
A long-standing belief is that higher testosterone (T) will increase the risk of prostate cancer (PCa), yet recent studies do not support this view.

Aim
To identify the key historical and scientific events leading to the establishment and persistence of the belief in a T-dependent model of PCa growth, despite evidence to the contrary.

Methods
Review of key historical scientific articles regarding T and PCa.

Results
The T-dependent model of PCa growth arose from the work of Huggins and coworkers, who in 1941 demonstrated dramatic responses to castration among men with advanced PCa. These authors and others also reported a rapid clinical progression with T administration. This led to the concept that T was like “food for a hungry tumor” for men with PCa. Fowler and Whitmore recognized in 1981 that the negative effect of T administration did not occur unless men had been previously castrated. However, this critical observation was either forgotten or dismissed amid major changes in PCa diagnosis and management during the 1980s. More recent studies have failed to provide clinical evidence supporting the belief that higher T represents a risk for PCa. Factors contributing to the persistence of the T-dependent model included dramatic effects of castration, continued use of androgen deprivation for treatment of PCa, an influential spokesperson (Huggins), groupthink (failure to acknowledge evidence inconsistent with the prevalent ideology), and an imprecise formulation of the model (“more T, more cancer growth”), making refutation difficult.

Conclusion
The fear that higher T will increase PCa growth stems from a theory of T-dependent PCa growth that originated with observations in a special population (castrated men) that is not particularly relevant to T therapy in hypogonadal men. The negative view of T with regard to PCa should be recognized for what it is—guilt by association.
Establishing a Gene Trap System Mediated by T‐DNA(GUS) in Rice
Authors: Chen Shi‐Yan , Wang Ai‐Min , Li Wei , Wang Zong‐Yang , Cai Xiu‐Ling 
Published: June 2008

Abstract Two plasmids, p13GUS and p13GUS2, were constructed to create a gene trap system containing the promoterless β‐glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene in the T‐DNA region. Transformation of these two plasmids into the rice variety Zhonghua 11 (Oryza sativa ssp. japonica cv.), mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens, resulted in 942 independent transgenic lines. Histochemical GUS assays revealed that 31 T0 plants had various patterns of the reporter gene expression, including expression in only one tissue, and simultaneously in two or more tissues. Hygromycin‐resistant (hygr) homozygotes were screened and the copy number of the T‐DNA inserts was determined in the GUS‐positive transgenic plants. The flanking sequences of the T‐DNA were isolated by inverse‐polymerase chain reaction and the insert positions on the rice genome of T‐DNA were determined by a basic local alignment search tool in the GUS‐positive transgenic plants transformed with plasmid p13GUS. Moreover, calli induced from the seeds of the T1 generation of 911 GUS‐negative transgenic lines were subjected to stress and hormone treatments. Histochemical GUS assays were carried out on the calli before and after treatment. The results revealed that calli from 21 lines displayed differential GUS expression after treatment. All of these data demonstrated that this trap system is suitable for identifying rice genes, including those that are sensitive to induction.
Steroids from the Roots of Asparagus officinalis and Their Cytotoxic Activity
Authors: Huang Xue‐Feng , Lin Yu‐Ying , Kong Ling‐Yi 
Published: June 2008

Abstract One new (Sarsasapogenin O) and seven known steroids were isolated from the roots of Asparagus officinalis L. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, including various 2D‐NMR techniques, hydrolysis, and by comparison of spectral data of known compounds. These compounds together with nine steroids which were previously isolated from this plant, were tested for cytotoxic activity. Among them, eight compounds displayed significant cytotoxicities against human A2780, HO‐8910, Eca‐109, MGC‐803, CNE, LTEP‐a‐2, KB and mouse L1210 tumor cells.
A Confocal Technique Applicable to Studies of Cellular pH‐related Signaling in Plants
Authors: Li Bing‐Bing , Gao Zhi‐Hui , Zhou Xiao‐Yan , Ren Hui‐Bo , Xie Min , Fan Yi‐Juan , Hu Jian‐Fang , Jia Wen‐Suo 
Published: June 2008

Abstract pH may act as a crucial signal in both animal and plant cells. It is very difficult to monitor pH signals and this has largely hindered progress in the investigation of pH signaling, particularly systematic pH signaling. Here, we report the development of a confocal technique to monitor leaf apoplastic pH in intact plants, which is particularly suitable for the studies on root to shoot signaling. A variety of different pH indicators and plant species were tested. It was found that different pH indicators, for example, 2′,7′‐Bis‐(2‐carboxyethyl)‐5‐(and‐6)‐carboxyfluoresce (BCECF), SNARF‐4F 5‐(and‐6)‐carboxylic acid (SNARF) and DM‐NERF (NERF), were of different properties, and to successfully monitor pH at a sub‐cellular level, the comparability between the pH indicator and plant species must be involved according to their suitable pH range and loading characteristics. The loading characteristics of different pH indicators differ with different plant species, cell types and their developing stages. No matter what methods were adopted, BCECF and SNARF could not be loaded specifically in the leaf apoplast in sunflower, tomato, and Comelina communis L. In contrast, regardless of the methods adopted, NERF could be loaded efficiently and specifically in the leaf apoplast in C. communis, but not in other plants. In C. communis, the determination coefficient for in vitro and in situ calibration of NERF was very high, which was respectively 0.995 1 and 0.991 6, and therefore, the adoption of NERF together with C. communis could construct an ideal experimental system that is suitable for the investigation of pH systematic signaling. Ratio image analysis demonstrated that the leaf apoplastic pH was about 5.5 in non‐stressed conditions, and water deficit could trigger an increase in pH by about half a pH unit, which is the first evidence to directly indicate that pH is able to act as a systematic signal under water deficit conditions.
Assembly of the Protoplasm of Codium fragile (Bryopsidales, Chlorophyta) into New Protoplasts
Authors: Li Demao , Lü Fang , Wang Guangce , Zhou Baicheng 
Published: June 2008

Abstract The cell organelles of the coenocytic alga Codium fragile (Sur.) Hariot aggregated rapidly and protoplasts were formed when its protoplasm was extruded out in seawater. Continuous observation showed that there were long and gelatinous threads connecting the cell organelles. The threads contracted, and thus the cell organelles aggregated into protoplasmic masses. The enzyme digestion experiments and Coomassie Brilliant Blue and Anthrone stainings showed that the long and gelatinous threads involved in the formation of the protoplasts might include protein and saccharides as structure components. Nile Red staining indicated that the protoplast primary envelope was non‐lipid at first, and then lipid materials integrated into its surface gradually. The fluorescent brightener staining indicated that the cell wall did not regenerate in the newly formed protoplasts and they all disintegrated within 72 h after formation. Transmission electron microscopy of the cell wall of wild C. fragile showed electron‐dense material embedded in the whole cell wall at regular intervals. The experiments indicated that C. fragile would be a suitable model alga for studying the formation of protoplasts.
Two New neo‐Clerodane Diterpenoids from Scutellaria barbata
Authors: Dai Sheng‐Jun , Shen Li , Ren Yan 
Published: June 2008

Abstract Two new neo‐clerodane diterpenoids, 6,7‐dibenzoyloxybarbatin C (1, named barbatin D) and 6‐(2‐acetoxy‐3‐methylbutanoloxy)‐7‐(2‐carbonyl‐3‐methylbutanoyloxy) barbatin C (2, named barbatin E) were isolated from the whole plant of Scutellaria barbata D. Don. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including extensive 1D and 2D NMR analyses. In vitro, compounds 1–2 showed cytotoxic activities against three human cancer lines, namely, HONE‐1 nasopharyngeal, KB oral epidermoid carcinoma, and HT29 colorectal carcinoma cells, and with IC50 values in the range of 3.5–6.7 μM.
Intraspecific Variations of Phosphorus Absorption and Remobilization, P Forms, and Their Internal Buffering in Brassica Cultivars Exposed to a P‐Stressed Environment
Authors: Akhtar M. Shahbaz , Oki Yoko , Adachi Tadashi 
Published: June 2008

Abstract Translocation of absorbed phosphorus (P) from metabolically inactive sites to active sites in plants growing under P deprivation may increase its P utilization efficiency (PUE). Acclimation to phosphate (Pi) starvation may be caused by a differential storage pool of vacuolar P, its release, and the intensity of re‐translocation of absorbed P as P starvation inducible environmental cues (PSIEC) from ambient environment. Biomass assay and three P forms, namely inorganic (Pi), organic (Po), and acid‐soluble total (Ptas) were estimated in Brassica cultivars exposed to 10 d P deprivation in the culture media. Considering that −δPi/δt denotes the rate of Pi release, Pi release velocity (RSPi) was determined as the tangent to the equations obtained for Pi f(t) at the mean point in the period of greatest Pi decrease, whereas the inverse of the RSPi was an estimate of the internal Pi buffering capacity (IBCPi). Inter cultivar variations in size of the non‐metabolic Pi pool, RSPi, re‐translocation of Pi from less to more active metabolic sites, and preferential Pi source and sink compartments were evaluated under P starvation. The cultivar ‘Brown Raya’ showed the highest Pi storage ability under adequate external P supply, and a more intensive release than ‘Rain Bow’ and ‘Dunkled’ under P stress. Cultivar ‘B.S.A’ was inferior to ‘Con‐1’ in its ability to store and use Pi. Roots and upper leaves were the main sink of Pi stored in the lower and middle leaves of all cultivars and showed lower IBCPi and larger RSPi values than lower and middle leaves. In another trial, six cultivars were exposed to P‐free nutrition for 29 d after initial feeding on optimum nutrition for 15 d. With variable magnitude, all of the cultivars re‐translocated P from the above ground parts to their roots under P starvation, and [P] at 44 d after transplanting was higher in developing leaves compared with developed leaves. Under P deprivation, translocation of absorbed P from metabolically inactive to active sites may have helped the tolerant cultivars to establish a better rooting system, which provided a basis for tolerance against P starvation and increased PUE. A better understanding of the extent to which changes in the flux of P absorption and re‐translocation under PSIEC will help to scavenge Pi from bound P reserves and will bring more sparingly soluble P into cropping systems and obtain capitalization of P reserves.
Decreased oxygen saturation as a result of haemoglobin Titusville
Authors: Avellan‐Hietanen H. , Aittomaki J. , Ekroos H. , Aittomäki K. , Turpeinen U. , Kalkkinen N. , Sovijärvi A. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractIntroduction:  Our patient was admitted to the hospital due to shortness of breath. Although partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood was normal, oxygen saturation measured with pulse oximetry (SpO2) was markedly decreased. SpO2 and oxygen saturation of arterial blood (SaO2) stayed low during monitoring even with an increased fraction of oxygen in inspired air.Methods:  Report of a case.Results:  After extensive investigations, a rare haemoglobin variant, haemoglobin Titusville, with decreased oxygen binding capacity was discovered. This is the first haemoglobin Titusville case reported in Scandinavian countries.Please cite this paper as: Avellan‐Hietanen H, Aittomaki J, Ekroos H, Aittomäki K, Turpeinen U, Kalkkinen N and Sovijärvi A. Decreased oxygen saturation as a result of haemoglobin Titusville. The Clinical Respiratory Journal 2008; 2: 242–244.
Variable Structure Decentralized Control and Estimation for Highway Traffic Systems
Authors: Becerril-Arreola Rafael , Aghdam Amir G. , Kohan Rashid R. 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
This work is concerned with the decentralized control of traffic flow in highways using on-ramp metering and variable structure techniques. Both the estimation and the robust control problem are studied. Sliding mode observers are first proposed to estimate the state of neighboring highway segments in a two-highway-link model. Two independent variable structure controllers use the resulting estimates to locally stabilize the traffic flow around a desired set point, even if accurate estimation is not always possible.