bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcriptome analysis of the venom gland of the Mexican scorpion Hadrurus gertschi (Arachnida: Scorpiones)
Authors: Schwartz Elisabeth F , Diego-Garcia Elia , Rodríguez de la Vega Ricardo C , Possani Lourival D 
Published: May 2007

Abstract

Background
Scorpions like other venomous animals posses a highly specialized organ that produces, secretes and disposes the venom components. In these animals, the last postabdominal segment, named telson, contains a pair of venomous glands connected to the stinger. The isolation of numerous scorpion toxins, along with cDNA-based gene cloning and, more recently, proteomic analyses have provided us with a large collection of venom components sequences. However, all of them are secreted, or at least are predicted to be secretable gene products. Therefore very little is known about the cellular processes that normally take place inside the glands for production of the venom mixture. To gain insights into the scorpion venom gland biology, we have decided to perform a transcriptomic analysis by constructing a cDNA library and conducting a random sequencing screening of the transcripts.

Results
From the cDNA library prepared from a single venom gland of the scorpion Hadrurus gertschi, 160 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were analyzed. These transcripts were further clustered into 68 unique sequences (20 contigs and 48 singlets), with an average length of 919 bp. Half of the ESTs can be confidentially assigned as homologues of annotated gene products. Annotation of these ESTs, with the aid of Gene Ontology terms and homology to eukaryotic orthologous groups, reveals some cellular processes important for venom gland function; including high protein synthesis, tuned posttranslational processing and trafficking. Nonetheless, the main group of the identified gene products includes ESTs similar to known scorpion toxins or other previously characterized scorpion venom components, which account for nearly 60% of the identified proteins.

Conclusion
To the best of our knowledge this report contains the first transcriptome analysis of genes transcribed by the venomous gland of a scorpion. The data were obtained for the species Hadrurus gertschi, belonging to the family Caraboctonidae. One hundred and sixty ESTs were analyzed, showing enrichment in genes that encode for products similar to known venom components, but also provides the first sketch of cellular components, molecular functions, biological processes and some unique sequences of the scorpion venom gland.
Characterization of hypothetical proteins Cpn0146, 0147, 0284 & 0285 that are predicted to be in the Chlamydia pneumoniae inclusion membrane
Authors: Luo Jianhua , Liu Guangchao , Zhong Youmin , Jia Tianjun , Liu Kaiyang , Chen Ding , Zhong Guangming 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackgroundAlthough more than 100Chlamydia pneumoniaehypothetical proteins have been predicted to be inclusion membrane proteins, only a few have been experimentally demonstrated to be in the inclusion membrane. Using antibodies raised with fusion proteins, we characterized four such hypothetical proteins encoded by two gene clusters (Cpn0146-147andCpn0284-285) in theC. pneumoniaegenome.ResultsCpn0146 and 0147 were detected in the inclusion membrane while Cpn0284 and 0285 inside inclusion and mainly associated with reticulate bodies although all four proteins contain an N-terminal bi-lobed hydrophobic region, a signature motif assigned to inclusion membrane proteins. These four hypothetical proteins were only detected in cells infected withC. pneumoniaebut not other chlamydial species, with Cpn0147 at 6 hours and Cpn0146, 0284 & 0285 at 24 hours after infection. Cpn0146 & 147 but not Cpn0284 and 285 co-localized with a host cell endoplasmic reticulum marker, a property known to be possessed by some chlamydial inclusion membrane proteins, when expressed in the host cell cytosol via transgenes. However, the endoplasmic reticulum localization of theC. pneumoniaeinclusion membrane proteins did not result in inhibition of the subsequentC. pneumoniaeinfection.ConclusionThe hypothetical proteins Cpn0146 & 0147 were localized in theC. pneumoniaeinclusion membrane while Cpn0284 & 0285 within the inclusion although all four were predicted to be Inc proteins, suggesting the need to experimentally characterize the predicted Inc proteins.
The crystal structure of Escherichia coli TdcF, a member of the highly conserved YjgF/YER057c/UK114 family
Authors: Burman Julia D , Stevenson Clare EM , Sawers R Gary , Lawson David M 
Published: May 2007

Abstract

Background
The YjgF/YER057c/UK114 family of proteins is widespread in nature, but has as yet no clearly defined biological role. Members of the family exist as homotrimers and are characterised by intersubunit clefts that are delineated by well-conserved residues; these sites are likely to be of functional significance, yet catalytic activity has never been detected for any member of this family. The gene encoding the TdcF protein of E. coli, a YjgF/YER057c/UK114 family member, resides in an operon that strongly suggests a role in the metabolism of 2-ketobutyrate for this protein.

Results
We have determined the crystal structure of E. coli TdcF by molecular replacement to a maximum resolution of 1.6 Å. Structures are also presented of TdcF complexed with a variety of ligands.

Conclusion
The TdcF structure closely resembles those of all YjgF/YER057c/UK114 family members determined thus far. It has the trimeric quaternary structure and intersubunit cavities characteristic of this family of proteins. We show that TdcF is capable of binding several low molecular weight metabolites bearing a carboxylate group, although the interaction with 2-ketobutyrate appears to be the most well defined. These observations may be indicative of a role for TdcF in sensing this potentially toxic metabolite.
Experimental and analytical validation of a modular acetabular prosthesis in total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Romero Francisco , Amirouche Farid , Aram Luke , Gonzalez Mark H 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
A finite element model has been developed to predict in vivo micro motion between a modular acetabular cup and liner after cement less total hip arthroplasty. The purpose of this study is to experimentally validate the model. Six LVDT sensors were used to monitor the micromotion of the liner when subjected to loading conditions ranging from 250 N to 5000 N. Deformations at points of interest for both the experiment and FEM were compared. Results of the FEM with different coefficient of friction between the liner and the cup were investigated to correlate with the experimental results.
Induction of a distinct CD8 Tnc17 subset by transforming growth factor-β and interleukin-6
Authors: Liu Shih-Jen , Tsai Jy-Ping , Shen Chia-Rui , Sher Yuh-Pyng , Hsieh Chia-Ling , Yeh Yu-Ching , Chou Ai-Hsiang , Chang Shu-Rung , Hsiao Kuang-Nan , Yu Feng-Wei , Chen Hsin-Wei 
Published: May 2007

AbstractCross-talk between TGF-β and IL-6 has been shown to direct the differentiation of CD4+ cells into special IL-17-secreting cells, which are termed Th17 cells. In this study, we demonstrated that TGF-β and IL-6 could stimulate CD8+ cells to differentiate into noncytotoxic, IL-17-producing cells in MLC. These IL-17-producing CD8+ cells exhibit a unique granzyme B−IFN-γ−IL-10− phenotype. The mRNA level of Th2/T cytotoxic 2 (Tc2) transcription factors GATA3 and Th1/Tc1 transcription factors T-box expressed in T cell (T-bet) as well as its target H2·O-like homeobox (Hlx) is decreased in CD8+ cells from TGF-β- and IL-6-treated MLC. In addition, these CD8+ cells display a marked up-regulation of retinoic acid-related orphan receptor-γt, a key IL-17 transcription factor. These results demonstrate that the existence of an IL-17-producing CD8+ subset belongs to neither the Tc1 nor the Tc2 subset and can be categorized as a T noncytotoxic 17 (Tnc17) subset.
Progressive Reduction in Body Weight after Treatment with the Amylin Analog Pramlintide in Obese Subjects: A Phase 2, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Dose-Escalation Study
Authors: Aronne Louis , Fujioka Ken , Aroda Vanita , Chen Kim , Halseth Amy , Kesty Nicole C. , Burns Colleen , Lush Cameron W. , Weyer Christian 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
Context: In previous 1-yr trials, treatment with pramlintide (120 μg), an analog of the β-cell hormone amylin, induced sustained reductions in A1C and body weight in insulin-using subjects with type 2 diabetes.
Objective: To assess the potential of pramlintide as an antiobesity agent, we assessed the weight effect, safety, and tolerability of pramlintide in non-insulin-treated obese subjects with and without type 2 diabetes at doses greater than previously studied.
Design/Setting: We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study.
Patients: A total of 204 obese subjects [80/20% female/male, age 48 ± 10 yr, and body mass index 37.8 ± 5.6 kg/m2 (mean ± sd)] participated in the study.
Intervention: For 16 wk, without concomitant lifestyle intervention, subjects self-administered pramlintide (nonforced dose escalation ≤ 240 μg) or placebo via sc injection three times a day before meals.
Main Outcome Measures: Weight, waist circumference, tolerability, and safety were the main outcome measures.
Results: Pramlintide was generally well tolerated, with 88% of subjects able to escalate to the maximum dose of 240 μg. Withdrawal rates were similar between placebo (25%) and pramlintide-treated subjects (29%). Subjects completing 16 wk of pramlintide treatment experienced placebo-corrected reductions in body weight of 3.7 ± 0.5% (3.6 ± 0.6 kg; P &lt; 0.001) and waist circumference (3.6 ± 1.1 cm; P &lt; 0.01). Approximately 31% of pramlintide-treated subjects achieved ≥5% weight loss (vs. 2% placebo; P &lt; 0.001). More pramlintide than placebo-treated subjects reported improvements in appetite control (72% vs. 31%), weight control (63% vs. 24%), and overall well-being (52% vs. 17%). No unexpected safety signals were observed. The most common adverse event reported was mild, transient nausea. Pramlintide-treated subjects not reporting nausea experienced weight loss similar to those who did (3.6 ± 0.5% and 3.9 ± 0.5%, respectively).
Conclusion: These results support continued evaluation of pramlintide as a potential treatment for obesity.
11p15 Imprinting Center Region 1 Loss of Methylation Is a Common and Specific Cause of Typical Russell-Silver Syndrome: Clinical Scoring System and Epigenetic-Phenotypic Correlations
Authors: Netchine Irène , Rossignol Sylvie , Dufourg Marie-Noëlle , Azzi Salah , Rousseau Alexandra , Perin Laurence , Houang Muriel , Steunou Virginie , Esteva Blandine , Thibaud Nathalie , Raux Demay Marie-Charles , Danton Fabienne , Petriczko Elzbieta , Bertrand Anne-Marie , Heinrichs Claudine , Carel Jean-Claude , Loeuille Guy-André , Pinto Graziella , Jacquemont Marie-Line , Gicquel Christine , Cabrol Sylvie , Le Bouc Yves 
Published: May 2007

AbstractContext: Russell-Silver syndrome (RSS), characterized by intrauterine and postnatal growth retardation, dysmorphic features, and frequent body asymmetry, spares cranial growth. Maternal uniparental disomy for chromosome 7 (mUPD7) is found in 5–10% of cases. We identified loss of methylation (LOM) of 11p15 Imprinting Center Region 1 (ICR1) domain (including IGF-II) as a mechanism leading to RSS.Objective: The aim was to screen for 11p15 epimutation and mUPD7 in RSS and non-RSS small-for-gestational-age (SGA) patients and identify epigenetic-phenotypic correlations.Studied Population and Methods: A total of 127 SGA patients were analyzed. Clinical diagnosis of RSS was established when the criterion of being SGA was associated with at least three of five criteria: postnatal growth retardation, relative macrocephaly, prominent forehead, body asymmetry, and feeding difficulties. Serum IGF-II was evaluated for 82 patients.Results: Of the 127 SGA patients, 58 were diagnosed with RSS; 37 of these (63.8%) displayed partial LOM of the 11p15 ICR1 domain, and three (5.2%) had mUPD7. No molecular abnormalities were found in the non-RSS SGA group (n = 69). Birth weight, birth length, and postnatal body mass index (BMI) were lower in the abnormal 11p15 RSS group (ab-ICR1-RSS) than in the normal 11p15 RSS group [−3.4 vs.−2.6 sd score (SDS), −4.4 vs.−3.4 SDS, and −2.5 vs.−1.6 SDS, respectively; P &lt; 0.05]. Among RSS patients, prominent forehead, relative macrocephaly, body asymmetry, and low BMI were significantly associated with ICR1 LOM. All ab-ICR1-RSS patients had at least four of five criteria of the scoring system. Postnatal IGF-II levels were within normal values.Conclusion: The 11p15 ICR1 epimutation is a major, specific cause of RSS exhibiting failure to thrive. We propose a clinical scoring system (including a BMI &lt; −2 SDS), highly predictive of 11p15 ICR1 LOM, for the diagnosis of RSS.
The Type II Iodothyronine Deiodinase Is Up-Regulated in Skeletal Muscle during Prolonged Critical Illness
Authors: Mebis Liese , Langouche Lies , Visser Theo J. , Van den Berghe Greet 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
Context: Critical illness is associated with the low T3 syndrome. It remains unclear whether altered type II deiodinase activity (D2) in skeletal muscle contributes to this syndrome.
Objective: Our objective was to study D2 expression and activity in skeletal muscle of acute and prolonged critically ill patients.
Design and Setting: We conducted a clinical observational study in acute and prolonged critical illness with comparison with healthy controls at a university hospital surgical intensive care unit.
Patients: Subjects included 63 prolonged critically ill patients who died in the intensive care unit, 21 acutely ill patients, and 38 controls matched for age, gender, and body mass index.
Results: Elevated expression of the D2 gene and D2 activity in skeletal muscle of prolonged, but not acute, critically ill patients were observed in the face of low circulating thyroid hormone levels.
Conclusions: Reduced D2 activity does not appear to play a role in the pathogenesis of the low T3 syndrome of critical illness.
Prazosin Treatment of Nightmares Related to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Dierks Matthew R , Jordan Joseph K , Sheehan Amy Heck 
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVE: To describe current data evaluating the use of prazosin in adults with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who are experiencing nightmares. DATA SOURCES: A literature search using MEDLINE (1966–March 2007) and the Published International Literature on Traumatic Stress database (1982–March 2007) was conducted using the search terms α-antagonist, α-blocker, prazosin, and posttraumatic stress disorder. References of identified articles were reviewed for additional citations. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: All English-language articles regarding the use of prazosin in adults with nightmares related to PTSD were reviewed. DATA SYNTHESIS: PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that develops in some people after exposure to trauma. Sleep disturbances occur in up to 70% of patients with PTSD. Several neurotransmitters have been implicated in the pathophysiology of sleep disturbances in PTSD. Adrenergic agents that inhibit norepinephrine, such as prazosin, may decrease the arousal produced by norepinephrine in response to a stressor. Four open-label studies, 1 retrospective chart review, and 2 placebo-controlled trials reporting the use of prazosin for nightmares related to PTSD were reviewed. All studies included a small number of patients (4–59) and evaluated prazosin dosages ranging from 1 to 20 mg/day. Despite various limitations, all of the studies showed significant improvements in the sleep-related symptoms of PTSD following the addition of prazosin therapy, based on the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale recurrent distressing dreams item and the Clinical Global Impression of Change scale. CONCLUSIONS: Prazosin appears to be a promising and fairly well tolerated agent for the management of PTSD-related nightmares and sleep disturbances. Further well designed trials are warranted to establish its place in therapy.
Coping Strategies and Problem Gambling
Authors: Farrelly Simone , Ffrench Christine , Ogeil Rowan P. , Phillips James G. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractIn DSM-IV, problem gambling is associated with symptoms such as escape, denial, and chasing. However, these symptoms could actually be underlying coping strategies that contribute to the problems associated with gambling behaviour. To address relationships between coping strategies and gambling problems, 65 participants (37 males and 28 females) with a mean age of 37 completed the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS), and questionnaires addressing coping strategies, mood states, and dissociative experiences. Specific subscales addressing coping strategies relevant to DSM-IV symptoms were examined, namely Distancing, Escape-Avoidance and Confrontative Coping. Although fantasy and denial feature in the behaviours of problem gamblers, dissociative tendencies were only indirectly linked to problem gambling status. Instead, problem gambling status was related to depression and greater tendencies towards Confrontative Coping and Distancing. The present data demonstrates several distinct factors associated with gambling problems and suggests confrontation could have a role in problem gambling.
Considering Pramlintide Therapy for Postprandial Blood Glucose Control
Authors: Childs Belinda P. , Kesty Nicole C. , Klein Eric , Rubin Richard , Wick Allison 
Published: May 2007

Diabetes is a chronic disease affecting &gt; 20 million Americans, and its incidence, especially in the form of type 2 diabetes, is increasing. Multiple therapeutics are available that address the dysregulation of the multiple hormones responsible for glucose homeostasis. Despite the various options,tight glycemic control is often elusive. Additionally, the pursuit of tight glycemic control is generally accompanied by various clinical challenges, such as hypoglycemia, weight gain, and glucose fluctuations, in particular,postprandial fluctuations.Several therapeutic options are currently available to address postprandial glucose fluctuations, including rapid-acting insulin analogs, incretin mimetics, dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors, α-glucosidase inhibitors,meglitinides, and amylinomimetics. This article presents the experiences of three patients for whom pramlintide, an amylinomimetic, was identified as an appropriate therapeutic option. Practical considerations for clinicians,patient lifestyle factors, and perceptions of pramlintide therapy are also presented.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Pregnancy: Is Metformin the Magic Bullet?
Authors: Zisser Howard Craig 
Published: May 2007

In Brief
This article reviews the literature regarding the effects of metformin therapy in pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome on weight loss,fertility, early pregnancy loss, malformations, gestational diabetes mellitus,perinatal mortality, placental clearance, lactation, and early childhood development. The pharmacology of metformin is also presented. Preliminary data suggest that metformin for this population may be both safe and effective. Large blinded, randomized clinical trials are underway to confirm the preliminary safety data.
Achillea ligustica: composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oils from the leaves, flowers and some pure constituents
Authors: Bader Ammar , Panizzi Lirio , Cioni Pier , Flamini Guido 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe composition of the essential oils obtained from the leaves and the flowers of Achillea ligustica (Asteraceae) growing in Sicily has been studied. The main constituents of the leaves were 4-terpineol (19.3%), carvone (8.9%), γ-terpinene (7.2%) and β-phellandrene (6.8%). 4-terpineol (12.0%), carvone (10.0%), and β-phellandrene (5.4%), along with linalool (20.4%) and cedrol (4.3%) were detected in the flower’s oil. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity of the essential oils and of some of the main constituents were assayed on bacteria and fungi.
Proposing 6 Dimensions Within the Construct of Movement in the Movement Continuum Theory
Authors: Allen Diane D 
Published: May 2007

Background and Purpose
The Movement Continuum Theory (MCT) provides a potential basis for movement assessment and intervention, but “movement” lacks specificity. The purposes of this study were to propose and evaluate a subdivision of movement into multiple dimensions.

Subjects
A convenience sample of 318 adults completed a 24-item self-report measure of movement ability.

Methods
A multimethod approach was used to identify, operationalize, and test a multidimensional model of movement. Data analysis included a comparison of the fit of unidimensional and multidimensional models using item response theory methods and inspection of response patterns.

Results
A model specifying 6 dimensions—flexibility, strength, accuracy, speed, adaptability, and endurance—fit respondent data significantly better than the unidimensional model, even with high pair-wise correlations between dimensions. Response patterns showed large differences rather than uniform scores across dimensions for over half of the respondents.

Discussion and Conclusion
Subdividing movement into the proposed dimensions fits the data and potentially strengthens the usefulness of the MCT as a theoretical foundation for managing movement effectively.
A Health Profile of Community-Living Nonagenarians in Canada
Authors: Wister Andrew V. , Wanless Deanna 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTDue to increasing life expectancy over time, persons who live into their nineties, known as nonagenarians, are an important and growing segment of the Canadian population. In 2001, there were 130,325 nonagenarians (compared to 3,795 centenarians), and it is estimated that they will top 400,000 by 2026. This paper provides a health profile and an exploratory analysis of selected social determinants of health for community-living nonagenarians, using the 2001 Canadian Community Health Survey (Statistics Canada, 2003). Perceived health, a selection of prevalent chronic illnesses, and several health behaviours are examined. One dominant pattern is the tendency for male nonagenarians to be in better health than their female counterparts. This finding is consistent with research on centenarians and is discussed in terms of a mortality selection effect. Other key findings include the strength of sense of belonging, income, and physical activity as potential social determinants of health, connected to particular dimensions of health status.
Effect of compatibilizer on micromehanical deformations and morphology of dispersion in PP/PDMS blend
Authors: Prakashan K. , Gupta A. K. , Maiti S. N. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractRole of maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PP‐g‐MAH) in interface modification in polypropylene (PP)/poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) elastomer blend has been investigated in this article through its effects on morphology of dispersion, micromechanical deformations such as voiding, crazing, shear yielding, fibrillation, and tensile behavior. During tensile deformation, PP/PDMS blend without the compatibilizer showed debonding at the elastomer‐matrix interface and it induced shear yielding and subsequently fibrillation in the matrix. The compatibilizer improved the interfacial adhesion between the PDMS domains and PP matrix, which prevented the debonding at elastomer‐matrix interface and the resulting shear yielding, and fibrillation was absent and rather caused extensive crazing in the matrix. Addition of PP‐g‐MAH reduced the size of dispersed PDMS domains, and narrowed the domain size distribution, which is attributed as an effect of interfacial adhesion produced by PP‐g‐MAH. Stress–strain curve and fibrillation also show similar effect of the interfacial adhesion caused by the compatibilizer. All these observations consistently lead to conclude that PP‐g‐MAH acts as a good compatibilizer for PP/PDMS blend. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007