bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kringle 5 of human plasminogen, an angiogenesis inhibitor, induces both autophagy and apoptotic death in endothelial cells
Authors: Nguyen Tri Minh Bui , Subramanian Indira V. , Kelekar Ameeta , Ramakrishnan Sundaram 
Published: February 2007

AbstractInhibition of endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis is emerging as an important strategy in cancer therapeutics. Kringle 5 (K5) of human plasminogen is a potent angiogenesis inhibitor. Previous studies have shown K5 exposure promotes caspase activity and apoptosis in endothelial cells. Here we report that K5 treatment evokes an autophagic response in endothelial cells that is specific and initiated even in the absence of nutritional stress. Endothelial cells exposed to K5 up-regulated Beclin 1 levels within a few hours. Furthermore, progressively increasing amounts of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 were found to be complexed with Beclin 1, although total levels of Bcl-2 remained unchanged. Prolonged exposure to K5 ultimately led to apoptosis via mitochondrial membrane depolarization and caspase activation in endothelial cells. Knocking down Beclin 1 levels by RNA interference decreased K5 induced autophagy but accelerated K5-induced apoptosis. These studies suggest that interfering with the autophagic survival response can potentiate the antiangiogenic effects of Kringle 5 in endothelial cells.
How I treat patients with polycythemia vera
Authors: Finazzi Guido , Barbui Tiziano 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe clinical course of polycythemia vera (PV) is marked by a high incidence of thrombotic complications; fibrotic and leukemic disease transformations are additional causes of morbidity and mortality. Major predictors of vascular events are increasing age and previous thrombosis; leukocytosis and high JAK2 V617F allele burden are currently being investigated for additional prognostic value in this regard. Myelosuppressive drugs can reduce the rate of thrombosis, but there is concern that their use raises the risk of transformation into acute leukemia. To tackle this dilemma, a risk-oriented management strategy is recommended. Low-risk patients should be treated with phlebotomy and low-dose aspirin. Cytotoxic therapy is indicated in high-risk patients, and the drug of choice is hydroxyurea because of its efficacy in preventing thrombosis and low leukemogenicity. Interferon-alpha should be reserved for selected categories of patients due to high cost and toxicity. The demonstration of JAK2 V617F mutation in the vast majority of PV patients opens the avenue for the development of promising new molecularly targeted drugs.
A mobile element-based evolutionary history of guenons (tribe Cercopithecini)
Authors: Xing Jinchuan , Wang Hui , Zhang Yuhua , Ray David A , Tosi Anthony J , Disotell Todd R , Batzer Mark A 
Published: February 2007

Abstract

Background

Guenons (tribe Cercopithecini) are a species-rich group of primates that have attracted considerable attention from both primatologists and evolutionary biologists. The complex speciation pattern has made the elucidation of their relationships a challenging task, and many questions remain unanswered. SINEs are a class of non-autonomous mobile elements and are essentially homoplasy-free characters with known ancestral states, making them useful genetic markers for phylogenetic studies.

Results

We identified 151 novel Alu insertion loci from 11 species of tribe Cercopithecini, and used these insertions and 17 previously reported loci to infer a phylogenetic tree of the tribe Cercopithecini. Our results robustly supported the following relationships: (i) Allenopithecus is the basal lineage within the tribe; (ii) Cercopithecus lhoesti (L'Hoest's monkey) forms a clade with Chlorocebus aethiops (African green monkey) and Erythrocebus patas (patas monkey), supporting a single arboreal to terrestrial transition within the tribe; (iii) all of the Cercopithecus except C. lhoesti form a monophyletic group; and (iv) contrary to the common belief that Miopithecus is one of the most basal lineages in the tribe, M. talapoin (talapoin) forms a clade with arboreal members of Cercopithecus, and the terrestrial group (C. lhoesti, Chlorocebus aethiops and E. patas) diverged from this clade after the divergence of Allenopithecus. Some incongruent loci were found among the relationships within the arboreal Cercopithecus group. Several factors, including incomplete lineage sorting, concurrent polymorphism and hybridization between species may have contributed to the incongruence.

Conclusion

This study presents one of the most robust phylogenetic hypotheses for the tribe Cercopithecini and demonstrates the advantages of SINE insertions for phylogenetic studies.
Lipids and essential fatty acids in patients presenting with self-harm
Authors: Garland Malcolm R. , Hallahan Brian , McNamara Mairead , Carney Philip A. , Grimes Helen , Hibbeln Joseph R. , Harkin Andrew , Conroy Ronan M. 
Published: February 2007

BackgroundLow cholesterol has been reliably demonstrated in people who self-harm.AimsTo determine whether people who self-harm also have low levels of essential fatty acids (EFAs) and to examine associations between the EFAs and serotonergic function.MethodDepression, impulsivity and suicidal intent were measured in patients with self-harm (n=40) and matched controls, together with plasma lipids and EFAs. Platelet serotonergic studies were carried out in a subgroup (n=27).ResultsPatients with self-harm had significantly more pathology on all psychometric measures, lower mean total cholesterol levels (418 (s.d. =0.93)v.4.87 (s.d.=0.83) mmol/l,P=0.003) and lower mean total EFA levels (89. 5 (15.6)v.103.7 (17.1) μg/ml,P=0.0001) than controls after adjustment for confounding variables. Total n-3 and n-6 EFA levels were also significantly lower. Impulsivity and depression scores were significantly inversely correlated with both n-6 EFAs and n-3 EFAs, but were not associated with total or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Platelet serotonergic measures did not differ between groups, and were not related to psychobiological measures.ConclusionsLower plasma EFA levels combined with low cholesterol concentrations were associated with self-harm as well as impulsivity and affect. This was not related to platelet serotonergic measures.
Exception from Informed Consent Enrollment in Emergency Medical Research: Attitudes and Awareness
Authors: Triner Wayne , Jacoby Liva , Shelton Wayne , Burk Mathew , Imarenakhue Samual , Watt James , Larkin Gregory , McGee Glenn 
Published: February 2007

ObjectivesTo explore attitudes surrounding exception from informed consent enrollment into research studies. In addition, the authors sought to determine the level of awareness of such an ongoing study among potential subjects, as defined by their presence in an emergency department (ED).MethodsA convenience sample of urban academic ED patients and visitors was surveyed during a visit regarding their attitudes and awareness of an emergency exception from informed consent, blood‐substitute trial ongoing in the community.ResultsThere was a 13% refusal rate, and 32% of those approached had characteristics that met exclusion criteria. There were 497 surveys analyzed. There was a predominance of women, Caucasians, and persons with at least some college education. Only 39 (8%) of respondents reported awareness of the ongoing blood substitute trial, and only 19 (4%) were able to list a risk or benefit of participation. Education, income, and age were not associated with reported awareness. Male gender, younger age, awareness of the existing exception from informed consent study, and being married were associated with greater acceptability for such enrollment practices.ConclusionsThe overall awareness of an ongoing exception from informed consent trial after community consultation and notification was low. A population with potential for enrollment in such a study did not demonstrate a high degree of acceptance of such practices. There were differences among certain demographic groups in the degree of acceptance. These differences may guide institutional review boards and investigators in community‐consultation strategies for future waiver of or exception from informed consent studies.
Extremely high-power tongue projection in plethodontid salamanders
Authors: Deban Stephen M. , O'Reilly James C. , Dicke Ursula , van Leeuwen Johan L. 
Published: February 2007

SUMMARYMany plethodontid salamanders project their tongues ballistically at high speed and for relatively great distances. Capturing evasive prey relies on the tongue reaching the target in minimum time, therefore it is expected that power production, or the rate of energy release, is maximized during tongue launch. We examined the dynamics of tongue projection in three genera of plethodontids (Bolitoglossa, Hydromantes and Eurycea), representing three independent evolutionary transitions to ballistic tongue projection, by using a combination of high speed imaging,kinematic and inverse dynamics analyses and electromyographic recordings from the tongue projector muscle. All three taxa require high-power output of the paired tongue projector muscles to produce the observed kinematics. Required power output peaks in Bolitoglossa at values that exceed the greatest maximum instantaneous power output of vertebrate muscle that has been reported by more than an order of magnitude. The high-power requirements are likely produced through the elastic storage and recovery of muscular kinetic energy. Tongue projector muscle activity precedes the departure of the tongue from the mouth by an average of 117 ms in Bolitoglossa, sufficient time to load the collagenous aponeuroses within the projector muscle with potential energy that is subsequently released at a faster rate during tongue launch.
Adhesive recruitment by the viscous capture threads of araneoid orb-weaving spiders
Authors: Opell Brent D. , Hendricks Mary L. 
Published: February 2007

SUMMARYThe sticky prey capture threads of orb-webs are critical to web performance. By retaining insects that strike the web, these spirally arrayed threads allow a spider time to locate and subdue prey. The viscous capture threads spun by modern orb-weaving spiders of the Araneoidea clade replaced the dry, fuzzy cribellar capture threads of the Deinopoidea and feature regularly spaced moist, adhesive droplets. The stickiness of a cribellar thread is limited by its tendency to peel from a surface after the adhesion generated at the edges of contact is exceeded. In this study we test the hypothesis that viscous thread overcomes this limitation by implementing a suspension bridge mechanism (SBM) that recruits the adhesion of multiple thread droplets. We do so by using contact plates of four widths to measure the stickiness of six species' viscous threads whose profiles range from small, closely spaced droplets to large, widely spaced droplets. The increased stickiness registered by an increased number of thread droplets supports the operation of a SBM. However, the accompanying decrease in mean per droplet adhesion shows that droplets interior to the edges of thread contact contribute successively less adhesion. Models developed from these data suggest that the suspension bridge mechanism is limited to a span of approximately 12 droplets.
Pushing the limit: masticatory stress and adaptive plasticity in mammalian craniomandibular joints
Authors: Ravosa Matthew J. , Kunwar Ravinder , Stock Stuart R. , Stack M. Sharon 
Published: February 2007

SUMMARYExcessive, repetitive and altered loading have been implicated in the initiation of a series of soft- and hard-tissue responses or `functional adaptations' of masticatory and locomotor elements. Such adaptive plasticity in tissue types appears designed to maintain a sufficient safety factor, and thus the integrity of given element or system, for a predominant loading environment(s). Employing a mammalian species for which considerable in vivo data on masticatory behaviors are available, genetically similar domestic white rabbits were raised on diets of different mechanical properties so as to develop an experimental model of joint function in a normal range of physiological loads. These integrative experiments are used to unravel the dynamic inter-relationships among mechanical loading, tissue adaptive plasticity, norms of reaction and performance in two cranial joint systems:the mandibular symphysis and temporomandibular joint (TMJ).Here, we argue that a critical component of current and future research on adaptive plasticity in the skull, and especially cranial joints, should employ a multifaceted characterization of a functional system, one that incorporates data on myriad tissues so as to evaluate the role of altered load versus differential tissue response on the anatomical, cellular and molecular processes that contribute to the strength of such composite structures. Our study also suggests that the short-term duration of earlier analyses of cranial joint tissues may offer a limited notion of the complex process of developmental plasticity, especially as it relates to the effects of long-term variation in mechanical loads, when a joint is increasingly characterized by adaptive and degradative changes in tissue structure and composition. Indeed, it is likely that a component of the adaptive increases in rabbit TMJ and symphyseal proportions and biomineralization represent a compensatory mechanism to cartilage degradation that serves to maintain the overall functional integrity of each joint system. Therefore, while variation in cranial joint anatomy and performance among sister taxa is, in part, an epiphenomenon of interspecific differences in diet-induced masticatory stresses characterizing the individual ontogenies of the members of a species,this behavioral signal may be increasingly mitigated in over-loaded and perhaps older organisms by the interplay between adaptive and degradative tissue responses.
Oxygen in egg masses: interactive effects of temperature, age, and egg-mass morphology on oxygen supply to embryos
Authors: Moran Amy L. , Woods H. Arthur 
Published: February 2007

SUMMARYEmbryos of many marine invertebrates are encased in gelatinous masses for part or all of development. Because gel and intervening embryos retard oxygen flux, such a life-history mode profoundly affects partial pressures of metabolic gases surrounding embryos. However, little is known about relationships between egg-mass structure and the opportunities and constraints imposed on structure by metabolic gas transport. We examined the effects of four factors (temperature, embryo age, embryo density and egg-mass size) on the metabolism of egg masses using both natural egg masses of a nudibranch and artificial egg masses made from sand dollar embryos and low-melting point agarose. Both temperature and embryo age strongly affected metabolic rates of nudibranch embryos. For embryos of a given age (stage), rates of oxygen consumption roughly doubled between 12 and 21°C; from early cleavage to the veliger stage, consumption rose two- to fourfold, depending on temperature. Oxygen profiles in egg masses showed that advanced embryonic age,and to a lesser extent high temperature, both led to steeper oxygen gradients into egg masses. Egg masses containing advanced embryos at 21°C had very low central oxygen levels. Small-diameter artificial masses (2 mm diameter)had virtually no internal oxygen gradients regardless of embryo density or temperature, while medium (4 mm) and large diameter (10 mm) artificial masses had oxygen profiles that depended strongly and interactively on embryo density and temperature. Together, our data on natural and artificial egg masses suggest that (i) multiple factors have strong effects on metabolic rate; (ii)rates of oxygen transport are relatively invariant with temperature in simple,artificial systems but may vary more strongly with temperature in natural egg masses; and (iii) the four factors – temperature, embryo age, embryo density and egg-mass size – interact in important ways bearing on egg mass design.A simple mathematical model is developed to provide a quantitative means of estimating primary and interactive effects of the different factors. We also show that in T. diomedea the gel itself is the main barrier to oxygen transport into egg masses, and that the metabolic activity of embryos increases substantially when embryos are artificially released from the capsules that contain them within the gel mass.
Enantioenriched cyanohydrin O-phosphates: Synthesis and applications as chiral building blocks
Authors: Baeza Alejandro , Sansano José M. , Saá José M. , Nájera Carmen 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Aluminum complexes of the chiral (R)- or (S)-3,3'-bis(diethylaminomethyl)-1,1'-bi-2,2'-naphthol (BINOLAM) ligand behave as efficient catalysts for the enantioselective cyanation-O-functionalization of aldehydes, thereby leading to enantiomerically enriched O-silyl, O-methoxycarbonyl, or O-phosphate derivatives of cyanohydrins. The enantioenriched cyanohydrin-O-phosphates are useful for the synthesis of several enantioenriched compounds such as α-hydroxy esters, β-amino alcohols, and γ-substituted α,β-unsaturated nitriles. Natural products such as (-)-aegeline and (-)-tembamide have been prepared in this manner.
Asymmetric catalysis in aqueous media
Authors: Kobayashi Shū 
Published: February 2007

AbstractLewis acid catalysis has attracted much attention in organic synthesis because of unique reactivity and selectivity attained under mild conditions. Although various kinds of Lewis acids have been developed and applied in industry, these Lewis acids must be generally used under strictly anhydrous conditions. The presence of even a small amount of water handles the reactions owing to preferential reactions of the Lewis acids with water rather than the substrates. In contrast, rare earth and other metal complexes have been found to be water-compatible. Several catalytic asymmetric reactions in aqueous media, including hydroxymethylation of silicon enolates with an aqueous solution of formaldehyde in the presence of Sc(OTf)3-chiral bipyridine ligand or Bi(OTf)3-chiral bipyridine ligand, Sc- or Bi-catalyzed asymmetricmeso-epoxide ring-opening reactions with amines, and asymmetric Mannich-type reactions of silicon enolates withN-acylhydrazones in the presence of a chiral Zn catalyst have been developed. Water plays key roles in these asymmetric reactions.
Endogenous TNFα Lowers Maximum Peak Bone Mass and Inhibits Osteoblastic Smad Activation Through NF-κB
Authors: Li Yan , Li Aimin , Strait Karen , Zhang Hongying , Nanes Mark S , Weitzmann M Neale 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Endogenous TNFα prevents the attainment of maximum achievable peak bone mass in vivo. In vitro, TNFα suppresses BMP-2– and TGFβ-mediated Smad activation through induction of NF-κB. Consistently, pharmacological suppression of NF-κB augments osteoblast differentiation and mineralization in vitro.
Introduction: Osteoporosis is a major health threat. Traditional therapeutic strategies have centered on anti-catabolic drugs that block bone resorption. Recently focus has shifted to anabolic agents that actively rebuild lost bone mass. Future strategies may involve elevating peak bone mass to delay osteoporosis development. Recent in vitro studies show that TNFα represses osteoblast differentiation and mineralization; however, the mechanisms are poorly understood and the impact of basal TNFα concentrations on the acquisition of peak bone mass in vivo is unknown.
Materials and Methods: We examined peak BMD, bone volume, and bone turnover makers in mice deficient in TNFα or its receptors. We further examined the effect of TNFα on Smad-induced signaling by TGFβ and BMP-2 in vitro using a Smad responsive reporter. The effect of TNFα-induced NF-κB signaling on Smad signaling and on in vitro osteoblast mineralization was examined using specific NF-κB inhibitors and activators, and effects of TNFα-induced NF-κB signaling on BMP-2–induced Runx2 mRNA were examined using RT-PCR.
Results: Mice null for TNFα or its p55 receptor had significantly increased peak bone mass, resulting exclusively from elevated bone formation. In vitro, TNFα potently suppressed Smad signaling induced by TGFβ and BMP-2, downregulated BMP-2–mediated Runx2 expression, and inhibited mineralization of osteoblasts. These effects were mimicked by overexpression of NF-κB and prevented by pharmacological NF-κB suppression.
Conclusions: Our data suggest that TNFα and NF-κB antagonists may represent novel anabolic agents for the maximization of peak basal bone mass and/or the amelioration of pathological bone loss.
Putative Susceptibility Locus on Chromosome 21q for Lumbar Disc Disease (LDD) in the Finnish Population
Authors: Virtanen Iita M , Noponen Noora , Barral Sandra , Karppinen Jaro , Li Hong , Vuoristo Mirka , Niinimäki Jaakko , Ott Jürg , Ala-Kokko Leena , Männikkö Minna 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn the first linkage study on LDD, a common musculoskeletal disorder, a genome-wide scan was performed on 14 Finnish families. The analysis resulted in identification of a putative susceptibility locus for the disease on chromosome 21.Introduction: Lumbar disc disease (LDD) is a common musculoskeletal disorder that affects ∼5% of the adult population. Several predisposing genetic and environmental risk factors have been identified for symptomatic LDD (i.e., symptomatic disc herniation and/or sciatic pain), but thus far, no common cause has been identified.Materials and Methods: Medical history data were collected from 186 members of 14 Finnish families with LDD.Results: A genome-wide scan resulted in 10 chromosomal regions providing LOD scores &gt;1, and in fine mapping, maximum two-point LOD scores of 2.71, 2.36, and 2.04 were obtained for chromosomes 21 (D21S1257), 4 (D4S399), and 6 (D6S294), respectively. A second fine mapping confirmed the susceptibility of chromosome 21 with a two-point LOD score of 2.06 (D21S1922). In addition, a significant association between LDD and SNP rs716195 was observed (p &lt; 0.001), and case-control analysis revealed pointwise significant differences with several markers. Interestingly, the locus for another spinal disorder, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL), has been mapped to chromosome 21q, partially overlapping with our candidate region. Two candidate genes with aggrecanase activity, ADAMTS-1 and ADAMTS-5, were analyzed in the region, suggesting linkage, leading to the identification of 13 sequence variations. None of the variations were disease-causing, however, because they were observed equally in affected and healthy individuals.Conclusions: We report here on the first putative susceptibility locus for LDD in the Finnish population. The candidate region on chromosome 21q spans &gt;5.5 cM and contains several interesting genes for further analysis.