bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Id1 induces apoptosis through inhibition of RORgammat expression
Authors: Yang Yuanzheng , Wang Hong-Cheng , Sun Xiao-Hong 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackgroundBasic helix-loop-helix E proteins are transcription factors that play crucial roles in T cell development by controlling thymocyte proliferation, differentiation and survival. E protein functions can be repressed by their naturally occurring inhibitors, Id proteins (Id1-4). Transgenic expression of Id1 blocks T cell development and causes massive apoptosis of developing thymocytes. However, the underlying mechanisms are not entirely understood due to relatively little knowledge of the target genes regulated by E proteins.ResultsWe designed a unique strategy to search for genes directly controlled by E proteins and found RORγt to be a top candidate. Using microarray analyses and reverse-transcriptase PCR assays, we showed that Id1 expression diminished RORγt mRNA levels in T cell lines and primary thymocytes while induction of E protein activity restored RORγt expression. E proteins were found to specifically bind to the promoter region of RORγt, suggesting their role in activating transcription of the gene. Functional significance of E protein-controlled RORγt expression was established based on the finding that RORγt rescued apoptosis caused by Id1 overexpression. Furthermore, expression of RORγt prevented Id1-induced p38 MAP kinase hyper-activation.ConclusionThese results suggest that E protein-dependent RORγt gene expression aids the survival of developing thymocytes, which provides a possible explanation for the massive apoptosis found in Id1 transgenic mice.
Characterisation of the tryptophan synthase alpha subunit in maize
Authors: Kriechbaumer Verena , Weigang Linda , Fießelmann Andreas , Letzel Thomas , Frey Monika , Gierl Alfons , Glawischnig Erich 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackgroundIn bacteria, such asSalmonella typhimurium, tryptophan is synthesized from indole-3-glycerole phosphate (IGP) by a tryptophan synthase αββα heterotetramer. Plants have evolved multiple α (TSA) and β (TSB) homologs, which have probably diverged in biological function and their ability of subunit interaction. There is some evidence for a tryptophan synthase (TS) complex in Arabidopsis. On the other hand maize (Zea mays) expresses the TSA-homologs BX1 and IGL that efficiently cleave IGP, independent of interaction with TSB.ResultsIn order to clarify, how tryptophan is synthesized in maize, two TSA homologs, hitherto uncharacterizedZmTSA andZmTSAlike, were functionally analyzed.ZmTSA is localized in plastids, the major site of tryptophan biosynthesis in plants. It catalyzes the tryptophan synthase α-reaction (cleavage of IGP), and forms a tryptophan synthase complex withZmTSB1in vitro. The catalytic efficiency of the α-reaction is strongly enhanced upon complex formation. A 160 kD tryptophan synthase complex was partially purified from maize leaves andZmTSA was identified as native α-subunit of this complex by mass spectrometry.ZmTSAlike, for which noin vitroactivity was detected, is localized in the cytosol.ZmTSAlike, BX1, and IGL were not detectable in the native tryptophan synthase complex in leaves.ConclusionIt was demonstratedin vivoandin vitrothat maize forms a tryptophan synthase complex andZmTSA functions as α-subunit in this complex.
Immunological profile in a family with nephrogenic diabetes insipidus with a novel 11 kb deletion in AVPR2 and ARHGAP4 genes
Authors: Fujimoto Masaya , Imai Kohsuke , Hirata Kenji , Kashiwagi Reiichi , Morinishi Yoichi , Kitazawa Katsuhiko , Sasaki Sei , Arinami Tadao , Nonoyama Shigeaki , Noguchi Emiko 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackgroundCongenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) is characterised by an inability to concentrate urine despite normal or elevated plasma levels of the antidiuretic hormone arginine vasopressin. We report a Japanese extended family with NDI caused by an 11.2-kb deletion that includes the entireAVPR2locus and approximately half of theRho GTPase-activating protein 4(ARHGAP4) locus. ARHGAP4 belongs to the RhoGAP family, Rho GTPases are critical regulators of many cellular activities, such as motility and proliferation which enhances intrinsic GTPase activity.ARHGAP4 is expressed at high levels in hematopoietic cells, and it has been reported that an NDI patient lackingAVPR2and all ofARHGAP4showed immunodeficiency characterised by a marked reduction in the number of circulating CD3+ cells and almost complete absence of CD8+ cells.MethodsPCR and sequencing were performed to identify the deleted region in the Japanese NDI patients. Immunological profiles of the NDI patients were analysed by flow cytometry. We also investigated the gene expression profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from NDI patients and healthy controls in microarray technique.ResultsWe evaluated subjects (one child and two adults) with 11.2-kb deletion that includes the entireAVPR2locus and approximately half of theARHGAP4. Hematologic tests showed a reduction of CD4+ cells in one adult patient, a reduction in CD8+ cells in the paediatric patient, and a slight reduction in the serum IgG levels in the adult patients, but none of them showed susceptibility to infection. Gene expression profiling of PBMC lackingARHGAP4revealed that expression of RhoGAP family genes was not influenced greatly by the lack ofARHGAP4.ConclusionThese results suggest that loss ofARHGAP4expression is not compensated for by other family members. ARHGAP4 may play some role in lymphocyte differentiation but partial loss ofARHGAP4does not result in clinical immunodeficiency.
Secular trends in height and weight among children and adolescents of the Seychelles, 1956–2006
Authors: Marques-Vidal Pedro , Madeleine George , Romain Sarah , Gabriel Anne , Bovet Pascal 
Published: May 2008

Abstract

Background
Height of individuals has long been considered as a significant index of nutrition and health of a population; still, there is little information regarding the trends of height and weight among developing or transitional countries. We assessed the secular trends in height and weight in children of the Seychelles, a rapidly developing island state in the Indian Ocean (African region).

Methods
Height and weight were measured in all students of all schools in four selected school grades (kindergarten, 4th, 7th and 10th grades) for the periods 1998–9 (6391 children) and 2005–6 (8582 children). Data for 1956–7 was extracted from a previously published report.

Results
At age 15.5 years, boys/girls were on average 10/13 cm taller and 15/9 kg heavier in 2005–6 than in 1956–7. Height increased in boys/girls by 1.62/0.93 cm/decade between 1956–7 and 1998–9 and by 1.14/1.82 cm/decade between 1998–9 and 2005–6. For weight, the linear increase in boys/girls was 1.38/1.10 kg/decade between 1956–7 and 1998–9 and 2.21/2.50 kg/decade between 1998–9 and 2005–6. Overall, the relative increase in weight between 1956–7 and 2005–6 was 5-fold higher than the relative increase in height.

Conclusion
Height and weight increased markedly over time in children aged <16 years in the Seychelles, consistent with large changes in socio-economic and nutritional indicators in the considered 50-year interval. The markedly steeper increase in weight than height over time is consistent with an epidemic of overweight and obesity.
Public engagement on global health challenges
Authors: Cohen Emma RM , Masum Hassan , Berndtson Kathryn , Saunders Vicki , Hadfield Tom , Panjwani Dilzayn , Persad Deepa L , Minhas Gunjeet S , Daar Abdallah S , Singh Jerome A , Singer Peter A 
Published: May 2008

Abstract

Background
Experience with public engagement activities regarding the risks and benefits of science and technology (S&T) is growing, especially in the industrialized world. However, public engagement in the developing world regarding S&T risks and benefits to explore health issues has not been widely explored.

Methods
This paper gives an overview about public engagement and related concepts, with a particular focus on challenges and benefits in the developing world. We then describe an Internet-based platform, which seeks to both inform and engage youth and the broader public on global water issues and their health impacts. Finally, we outline a possible course for future action to scale up this and similar online public engagement platforms.

Results
The benefits of public engagement include creating an informed citizenry, generating new ideas from the public, increasing the chances of research being adopted, increasing public trust, and answering ethical research questions. Public engagement also fosters global communication, enables shared experiences and methodology, standardizes strategy, and generates global viewpoints. This is especially pertinent to the developing world, as it encourages previously marginalized populations to participate on a global stage. One of the core issues at stake in public engagement is global governance of science and technology. Also, beyond benefiting society at large, public engagement in science offers benefits to the scientific enterprise itself.

Conclusion
Successful public engagement with developing world stakeholders will be a critical part of implementing new services and technologies. Interactive engagement platforms, such as the Internet, have the potential to unite people globally around relevant health issues.
Plasma IP-10, apoptotic and angiogenic factors associated with fatal cerebral malaria in India
Authors: Jain Vidhan , Armah Henry B , Tongren Jon E , Ned Renée M , Wilson Nana O , Crawford Sara , Joel Pradeep K , Singh Mrigendra P , Nagpal Avinash C , Dash AP , Udhayakumar Venkatachalam , Singh Neeru , Stiles Jonathan K 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackgroundPlasmodium falciparumin a subset of patients can lead to cerebral malaria (CM), a major contributor to malaria-associated mortality. Despite treatment, CM mortality can be as high as 30%, while 10% of survivors of the disease may experience short- and long-term neurological complications. The pathogenesis of CM is mediated by alterations in cytokine and chemokine homeostasis, inflammation as well as vascular injury and repair processes although their roles are not fully understood. The hypothesis for this study is that CM-induced changes in inflammatory, apoptotic and angiogenic factors mediate severity of CM and that their identification will enable development of new prognostic markers and adjunctive therapies for preventing CM mortalities.MethodsPlasma samples (133) were obtained from healthy controls (HC, 25), mild malaria (MM, 48), cerebral malaria survivors (CMS, 48), and cerebral malaria non-survivors (CMNS, 12) at admission to the hospital in Jabalpur, India. Plasma levels of 30 biomarkers ((IL-1β, IL-1ra, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12 (p70), IL-13, IL-15, IL-17, Eotaxin, FGF basic protein, G-CSF, GM-CSF, IFN-γ, IP-10, MCP-1 (MCAF), MIP-1α, MIP-1β, RANTES, TNF-α, Fas-ligand (Fas-L), soluble Fas (sFas), soluble TNF receptor 1 (sTNF-R1) and soluble TNF receptor 2 (sTNFR-2), PDGF bb and VEGF)) were simultaneously measured in an initial subset of ten samples from each group. Only those biomarkers which showed significant differences in the pilot analysis were chosen for testing on all remaining samples. The results were then compared between the four groups to determine their role in CM severity.ResultsIP-10, sTNF-R2 and sFas were independently associated with increased risk of CM associated mortality. CMNS patients had a significantly lower level of the neuroprotective factor VEGF when compared to other groups (P < 0.0045). The ratios of VEGF to IP-10, sTNF-R2, and sFas distinguished CM survivors from non survivors (P < 0.0001).ConclusionThe results suggest that plasma levels of IP-10, sTNF-R2 and sFas may be potential biomarkers of CM severity and mortality. VEGF was found to be protective against CM associated mortality and may be considered for adjunctive therapy to improve the treatment outcome in CM patients.
A new adhesive technique for internal fixation in midfacial surgery
Authors: Endres Kira , Marx Rudolf , Tinschert Joachim , Wirtz Dieter Christian , Stoll Christian , Riediger Dieter , Smeets Ralf 
Published: May 2008

Abstract

Background
The current surgical therapy of midfacial fractures involves internal fixation in which bone fragments are fixed in their anatomical positions with osteosynthesis plates and corresponding screws until bone healing is complete. This often causes new fractures to fragile bones while drilling pilot holes or trying to insert screws. The adhesive fixation of osteosynthesis plates using PMMA bone cement could offer a viable alternative for fixing the plates without screws. In order to achieve the adhesive bonding of bone cement to cortical bone in the viscerocranium, an amphiphilic bone bonding agent was created, analogous to the dentin bonding agents currently on the market.

Methods
The adhesive bonding strengths were measured using tension tests. For this, metal plates with 2.0 mm diameter screw holes were cemented with PMMA bone cement to cortical bovine bone samples from the femur diaphysis. The bone was conditioned with an amphiphilic bone bonding agent prior to cementing. The samples were stored for 1 to 42 days at 37 degrees C, either moist or completely submerged in an isotonic NaCl-solution, and then subjected to the tension tests.

Results
Without the bone bonding agent, the bonding strength was close to zero (0.2 MPa). Primary stability with bone bonding agent is considered to be at ca. 8 MPa. Moist storage over 42 days resulted in decreased adhesion forces of ca. 6 MPa. Wet storage resulted in relatively constant bonding strengths of ca. 8 MPa.

Conclusion
A new amphiphilic bone bonding agent was developed, which builds an optimizied interlayer between the hydrophilic bone surface and the hydrophobic PMMA bone cement and thus leads to adhesive bonding between them. Our in vitro investigations demonstrated the adhesive bonding of PMMA bone cement to cortical bone, which was also stable against hydrolysis. The newly developed adhesive fixing technique could be applied clinically when the fixation of osteosynthesis plates with screws is impossible. With the detected adhesion forces of ca. 6 to 8 MPa, it is assumed that the adhesive fixation system is able to secure bone fragments from the non-load bearing midfacial regions in their orthotopic positions until fracture consolidation is complete.
Severe asthma and the omalizumab option
Authors: Miller Christopher WT , Krishnaswamy Narayanaswamy , Johnston Chambless , Krishnaswamy Guha 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAtopic diseases and asthma are increasing at a remarkable rate on a global scale. It is now well recognized that asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. The inflammatory process in many patients is driven by an immunoglobulin E (IgE)-dependent process. Mast cell activation and release of mediators, in response to allergen and IgE, results in a cascade response, culminating in B lymphocyte, T lymphocyte, eosinophil, fibroblast, smooth muscle cell and endothelial activation. This complex cellular interaction, release of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors and inflammatory remodeling of the airways leads to chronic asthma.A subset of patients develops severe airway disease which can be extremely morbid and even fatal. While many treatments are available for asthma, it is still a chronic and incurable disease, characterized by exacerbation, hospitalizations and associated adverse effects of medications. Omalizumab is a new option for chronic asthma that acts by binding to and inhibiting the effects of IgE, thereby interfering with one aspect of the asthma cascade reviewed earlier.This is a humanized monoclonal antibody against IgE that has been shown to have many beneficial effects in asthma. Use of omalizumab may be influenced by the cost of the medication and some reported adverse effects including the rare possibility of anaphylaxis. When used in selected cases and carefully, omalizumab provides a very important tool in disease management. It has been shown to have additional effects in urticaria, angioedema, latex allergy and food allergy, but the data is limited and the indications far from clear.In addition to decreasing exacerbations, it has a steroid sparing role and hence may decrease adverse effects in some patients on high-dose glucocorticoids. Studies have shown improvement in quality of life measures in asthma following the administration of omalizumab, but the effects on pulmonary function are surprisingly small, suggesting a disconnect between pulmonary function, exacerbations and quality of life. Anaphylaxis may occur rarely with this agent and appropriate precautions have been recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As currently practiced and as suggested by the new asthma guidelines, this biological agent is indicated in moderate or severe persistent allergic asthma (steps 5 and 6).
The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ (PedsQL™) family impact module: reliability and validity of the Brazilian version
Authors: Scarpelli Ana C , Paiva Saul M , Pordeus Isabela A , Varni James W , Viegas Cláudia M , Allison Paul J 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackgroundPediatric health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has emerged as an important health outcome in clinical trials and healthcare research, for which HRQOL assessment instruments have played an important role. However, these instruments are not available in all countries or all languages. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ (PedsQL™) Family Impact Module is a multidimensional instrument developed to assess the impact of chronic medical conditions on the HRQOL of parents and family functioning. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the PedsQL™ Family Impact Module cross-culturally adapted for use in Brazil.MethodsThe PedsQL™ Family Impact Module was administered to 95 parents/guardians of children with cancer in active therapy from 2 to 18 years of age of both genders. Subjects were recruited by means of convenience samples from the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Centers at two public hospitals. The 'in-patient' sample was defined as individuals who were hospitalized for the administration of chemotherapy. The 'out-patient' sample was defined as individuals who were receiving chemotherapy and were not hospitalized.ResultsTest-retest reliability exhibited correlation values ranging from 0.81 to 0.96 for all subscales. Internal consistency reliability was demonstrated for the PedsQL™ Family Impact Module: Total Scale Score (α = 0.89), Parent Health-Related Quality of Life Summary Score (α = 0.83) and Family Summary Score (α = 0.73). The Total Impact Score for the in-patient and out-patient samples was 67.60 and 56.43, respectively (p < 0.01). The construct validity demonstrated that the PedsQL™ Family Impact Module proved capable of distinguishing between families whose children/adolescents were hospitalized and families of children/adolescents who are being taken care of at home.ConclusionThe Brazilian version of the PedsQL™ Family Impact Module was considered reliable and valid for assessing the impact of a chronic pediatric health condition on the HRQOL of parents and family functioning. The instrument should be field tested on other chronic pediatric illnesses.
Plasma 11-deoxycorticosterone (DOC) and mineralocorticoid receptor testicular expression during rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss spermiation: implication with 17alpha, 20beta-dihydroxyprogesterone on the milt fluidity?
Authors: Milla Sylvain , Terrien Xavier , Sturm Armin , Ibrahim Fidaa , Giton Franck , Fiet Jean , Prunet Patrick , Le Gac Florence 
Published: May 2008

Abstract

Background
In rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), the endocrine control of spermiation is not fully understood. Besides 11ketotestosterone (11KT) and 17alpha, 20beta-dihydroxyprogesterone (MIS), the potential physiological ligand of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) 11-deoxycorticosterone (DOC), is a credible candidate in O. mykiss spermiation regulation as spermiation is accompanied with changes in aqueous and ionic flows.

Methods
In this study, we investigated potential roles of DOC during spermiation 1) by describing changes in blood plasma DOC level, MR mRNA abundance during the reproductive cycle and MR localization in the reproductive tract 2) by investigating and comparing the effects of DOC (10 mg/kg) and MIS (5 mg/kg) supplementations on sperm parameters 3) by measuring the in vitro effect of DOC on testis MIS production.

Results
The plasma concentration of DOC increased rapidly at the end of the reproductive cycle to reach levels that were 10–50 fold higher in mature males than in immature fish. MR mRNA relative abundance was lower in maturing testes when compared to immature testes, but increased rapidly during the spermiation period, immediately after the plasma rise in DOC. At this stage, immunohistochemistry localized MR protein to cells situated at the periphery of the seminiferous tubules and in the efferent ducts. Neither DOC nor MIS had significant effects on the mean sperm volume, although MIS treatment significantly increased the percentage of males producing milt. However, a significant reduction in the spermatocrit was observed when DOC and MIS were administrated together. Finally, we detected an inhibitory effect of DOC on testis MIS production in vitro.

Conclusion
These results are in agreement with potential roles of DOC and MR during spermiation and support the hypothesis that DOC and MIS mechanisms of action are linked during this reproductive stage, maybe controlling milt fluidity. They also confirm that in O. mykiss MIS is involved in spermiation induction.
Down regulation by a low-zinc diet in gene expression of rat prostatic thymidylate synthase and thymidine kinase
Authors: Ishikawa Yuko , Kudo Hideki , Suzuki Satoe , Nemoto Nahoko , Sassa Shuji , Sakamoto Shinobu 
Published: May 2008

Abstract

Background
Zinc has a wide spectrum of biological activities and its deficiency is related to various abnormalities of cell metabolism.

Methods
Wistar male rats, at age of 4 weeks, were fed a low-zinc diet for six weeks. The levels of bromodeoxyuridine incorporated into the prostatic DNA and the mRNA expression levels of prostate thymidylate synthase and thymidine kinase were examined.

Result
The low-zinc diet caused a marked reduction in the body growth and organ weights, resulted in a low hematopoiesis, hypo-albuminemia and hypocholesterolemia. Although there were few differences in plasma biochemical markers, plasma levels of luteinizing hormone and testosterone were reduced by the low-zinc diet. Bromodeoxyuridine-immunoreactive (S-phase) cells and mRNA expression levels of thymidylate synthase and thymidine kinase in the prostate cells were markedly affected by the low-zinc diet.

Conclusion
A low-zinc diet appears to reduce the body growth and organ weights including prostate, causing low plasma levels of luteinizing hormone and testosterone and reduction in prostate DNA replication in growing-rats.