bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pharmacological properties of nociceptin/orphanin FQ‐induced stimulation and inhibition of cyclic AMP formation in distinct layers of rat olfactory bulb
Authors: Olianas Maria C , Onali Pierluigi 
Published: June 2006

We recently reported that nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) inhibited forskolin‐stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity and increased basal enzyme activity in membranes of the external plexiform layer (EPL) and granule cell layer (GRL), respectively, of the rat main olfactory bulb. In the present study we have characterized the pharmacological profile of the inhibitory and stimulatory responses by examining the effects of various N/OFQ receptor agonists and antagonists.N/OFQ(1 – 13)NH2fully mimicked the inhibitory and stimulatory effects of N/OFQ with EC50values of 0.9 and 6.5 nM, respectively. N/OFQ(1 – 7) was inactive at concentrations up to 1 μM, whereas Ac‐RYYRIK‐NH2and [Phe1Ψ(CH2NH)Gly2]N/OFQ(1 – 13)‐NH2behaved as partial agonists in eliciting both responses.The nonpeptidyl N/OFQ receptor antagonist J‐113397 competitively counteracted the inhibitory and stimulatory effects of N/OFQ with pA2values of 8.63 and 8.70, respectively. Similarly, the peptidyl antagonist [Nphe1]N/OFQ(1 – 13)NH2potently antagonized the two effects with pA2values of 8.03 and 8.45, respectively. None of the antagonistsper seaffected adenylyl cyclase activity.These data show that in distinct layers of rat olfactory bulb both the inhibitory and stimulatory effects of N/OFQ on cyclic AMP formation display pharmacological properties consistent with the involvement of N/OFQ receptors.British Journal of Pharmacology(2002)135, 233–238; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0704477
Modulation of Kv2.1 channel gating and TEA sensitivity by distinct domains of SNAP-25
Authors: He Yan , Kang Youhou , Leung Yuk-Man , Xia Fuzhen , Gao Xiaodong , Xie Huanli , Gaisano Herbert Y. , Tsushima Robert G. 
Published: June 2006

Distinct domains within the SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein attachment protein receptor) proteins, STX1A (syntaxin 1A) and SNAP-25 (synaptosome-associated protein-25 kDa), regulate hormone secretion by their actions on the cell's exocytotic machinery, as well as voltage-gated Ca2+ and K+ channels. We examined the action of distinct domains within SNAP-25 on Kv2.1 (voltage gated K+ 2.1) channel gating. Dialysis of N-terminal SNAP-25 domains, S197 (SNAP-251–197) and S180 (SNAP-251–180), but not S206 (full-length SNAP-251–206) increased the rate of Kv2.1 channel activation and slowed channel inactivation. Remarkably, these N-terminal SNAP-25 domains, acting on the Kv2.1 cytoplasmic N-terminus, potentiated the external TEA (tetraethylammonium)-mediated block of Kv2.1. To further examine whether these are effects of the channel pore domain, internal K+ was replaced with Na+ and external K+ was decreased from 4 to 1 mM, which decreased the IC50 of the TEA block from 6.8±0.9 mM to &gt;100 mM. Under these conditions S180 completely restored TEA sensitivity (7.9±1.5 mM). SNAP-25 C-terminal domains, SNAP-25198–206 and SNAP-25181–197, had no effect on Kv2.1 gating kinetics. We conclude that different domains within SNAP-25 can form distinct complexes with Kv2.1 to execute a fine allosteric regulation of channel gating and the architecture of the outer pore structure in order to modulate cell excitability.
Recombinant human hyaluronan synthase 3 is phosphorylated in mammalian cells
Authors: Goentzel Brian J. , Weigel Paul H. , Steinberg Robert A. 
Published: June 2006

Hyaluronan is a ubiquitous component of vertebrate extracellular and cell-associated matrices that serves as a key structural component of skin, cartilage, eyes and joints, and plays important roles in dynamic cellular processes, including embryogenesis, inflammation, wound healing and metastasis. Hyaluronan is synthesized by three homologous hyaluronan synthases designated HAS1, HAS2 and HAS3 that differ in their tissue distribution, regulation and enzymatic characteristics. Some progress has been made in characterizing regulation of HAS transcripts and in distinguishing the enzymatic properties of the various HAS isoforms, but essentially nothing is known about their possible regulation by posttranslational modification. Using [32P]Pi radiolabelling of a recombinant FLAG (DYKDDDDK) epitope-tagged version of human HAS3 expressed in COS-7 cells, we show that HAS3 is serine-phosphorylated and that this phosphorylation can be enhanced by a number of effectors – most significantly by a membrane-permeable analogue of cAMP. By employing a novel FLAG-tagged phosphorylated reference protein derived from EGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein), we were able to estimate the stoichiometry of FLAG–HAS3 phosphorylation. It was approx. 0.11 in unstimulated cells and increased to as much as 0.32 in cells stimulated with 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-cAMP.
Calcium-dependent and -independent interactions of the S100 protein family
Authors: Santamaria-Kisiel Liliana , Rintala-Dempsey Anne C. , Shaw Gary S. 
Published: June 2006

The S100 proteins comprise at least 25 members, forming the largest group of EF-hand signalling proteins in humans. Although the proteins are expressed in many tissues, each S100 protein has generally been shown to have a preference for expression in one particular tissue or cell type. Three-dimensional structures of several S100 family members have shown that the proteins assume a dimeric structure consisting of two EF-hand motifs per monomer. Calcium binding to these S100 proteins, with the exception of S100A10, results in an approx. 40° alteration in the position of helix III, exposing a broad hydrophobic surface that enables the S100 proteins to interact with a variety of target proteins. More than 90 potential target proteins have been documented for the S100 proteins, including the cytoskeletal proteins tubulin, glial fibrillary acidic protein and F-actin, which have been identified mostly from in vitro experiments. In the last 5 years, efforts have concentrated on quantifying the protein interactions of the S100 proteins, identifying in vivo protein partners and understanding the molecular specificity for target protein interactions. Furthermore, the S100 proteins are the only EF-hand proteins that are known to form both homo- and hetero-dimers, and efforts are underway to determine the stabilities of these complexes and structural rationales for their formation and potential differences in their biological roles. This review highlights both the calcium-dependent and -independent interactions of the S100 proteins, with a focus on the structures of the complexes, differences and similarities in the strengths of the interactions, and preferences for homo- compared with hetero-dimeric S100 protein assembly.
Two-dimensional kinematics of the flat-walking Tennessee Walking Horse yearling
Authors: Nicodemus MC , Holt HM 
Published: June 2006

AbstractGaited horse research is limited, with the majority of the research focusing on the measurement of the temporal variables of adult-gaited horses. The objective was to measure the fore and hind limb kinematics of the flat-walking Tennessee Walking Horse (TWH) yearling. Four TWH yearlings were filmed at 60 Hz being led at a consistent flat walk that followed breed standards. Reflective markers attached along palpation points of the joint centres of the fore and hind limbs were tracked for five strides for each yearling. During stance, the elbow (154±3°), carpal (185±3°), fore (222±9 and 221±9°) and hind fetlocks (216±11°), hip (111±3°), stifle (157±4°) and tarsal (167±9°) joints demonstrated peak extension with the forelimb fetlock joint having double peaks of extension. During swing, the same joints demonstrated peak flexion with the elbow (109±3°) and hip (88±6°) peak flexion occurring later in the swing phase. The carpal (54±4°) joint demonstrated a greater range of motion than the tarsus (40±9°) with less vertical displacement. The hind fetlock (60±10°) had greater range of joint motion compared with the forelimb fetlock (45±8°), but lacked the double peak of extension during swing. Kinematic measurements will assist in objectively defining the gait for both clinical and performance applications.
Risk Factors for Candidemia in Pediatric Patients With Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Miguel Lucía García-San , Cobo Javier , Martos Isabel , Otheo Enrique , Muriel Alfonso , Pintado Vicente , Moreno Santiago 
Published: June 2006

Objective.To identify the main risk factors for the acquisition of candidemia in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) in order to improve the clinical management of these patients.Design.A case-control study.Setting.A large tertiary-care referral center in Spain with a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) to which more than 500 children with CHD are admitted annually.Patients.All patients had CHD and were admitted to the PICU during 1995-2000. Case patients were defined as patients with candidemia, and control patients were defined as patients without candidemia.Results.Twenty-eight case patients and 47 control subjects were included in the study. Case patients were younger (mean age [ ± SD], 12.5 ± 32.0 vs 38.0 ± 48.0 months;P< .01) and had a longer median PICU stay (19 vs 4 days;P< .01), and a greater percentage of case patients previously hadCandidaspecies isolated from specimens other than blood (eg, bronchial aspirates, urine, or skin specimens) (39% vs 4%;P<.01). Severity of clinical condition, as measured by the Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System (TISS) 1 week after PICU admission (odds ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-1.26;P<.01), and receipt of antibiotic treatment for more than 5 days (odds ratio, 13.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.31-137.13;P= .03) were independently associated with the development of candidemia.Conclusions.Patients with CHD who have a high TISS score 1 week after PICU admission and patients who have received prolonged antibiotic therapy should be considered at high risk for candidemia. Our results suggest that shorter courses of antibiotic therapy, routine surveillance culture forCandidaspecies, and initiation of preemptive or empirical antifungal treatment could help in the clinical management of these patients.
Resistance and Responsibility
Authors: Cudd Ann E. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThis chapter discusses strategies to resist oppression. It argues that resistance to oppression is possible and morally required, and demonstrates that for virtually all different forms of oppression there exist potentially successful means of resistance. All resistance begins with the recognition that there are serious injustices that can be addressed, and then must proceed to mitigate or at least protest the material and psychological harms. How legal theory might take a greater account of oppression within a liberal legal system is also discussed.
Localized cutaneous polyvinylpyrrolidone storage disease mimicking cheilitis granulomatosa
Authors: Chi Ching‐Chi , Wang Shu‐Hui , Kuo Tseng‐tong 
Published: June 2006

Abstract:Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), a polymer of the monomer N‐vinylpyrrolidone with various molecular weights, was originally developed as a plasma expander. Currently, it is widely used in hair sprays, skin care products, fruit juices, and as a retarding agent in drugs such as procaine and hormones. PVP polymers with a molecular weight greater than 20,000 cannot be excreted by the kidneys and therefore are phagocytosed and permanently stored in the reticular endothelial system, leading to the so‐called PVP storage disease. We report a case of localized cutaneous PVP storage disease presenting with persistent upper lip swelling and mimicking cheilitis granulomatosa, which has never been reported before.
The protean spectrum of non‐Hodgkin lymphomas with prominent involvement of subcutaneous fat
Authors: Massone Cesare , Lozzi Gian Piero , Egberts Friederike , Fink‐Puches Regina , Cota Carlo , Kerl Helmut , Cerroni Lorenzo 
Published: June 2006

Background:  Subcutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (STCL) represents a controversial entity and a confused concept in the field of cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas (CTCLs). Recently, α/β+/CD8+ STCL has been recognized by the new World Health Organization (WHO)–European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) classification of primary cutaneous lymphomas as a distinct entity in the group of CTCLs.Observations:  We reviewed a series of 53 biopsies from 26 patients (F : M = 19:7; median age: 48; range 18–87) of cutaneous B‐ and T‐cell lymphomas characterized by prominent involvement of the subcutaneous tissue. We could classify our cases according to the following seven categories – (i) STCL: n = 16; (ii) extranodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma, nasal type: n = 2; (iii) cutaneous γ/δ T‐cell lymphoma: n = 2; (iv) anaplastic CD30+ large T‐cell lymphoma: n = 1; (v) diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma, secondary cutaneous: n = 3; (vi) lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, secondary cutaneous: n = 1; (vii) specific cutaneous manifestations of myelogenous leukemia: n = 1.Conclusions:  We demonstrated the protean nature of lymphomas with prominent involvement of the subcutaneous fat tissues. The term STCL should be restricted to a homogeneous group of cases characterized morphologically by an exclusive involvement of subcutaneous tissues, immunohistochemically by a T‐cytotoxic α/β phenotype, and biologically by a relatively good prognosis.
ZIRCONIUM OXIDE AND THORIUM OXIDE IN CERAMICS*
Authors: Kreidl Norbert J. 
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACTThe properties of the most important zirconium compounds are correlated to the main ceramic applications of these compounds, namely, refractories, ceramic bodies, binders, cements, glazes, glasses, and enamels. A brief survey of the information available on the systems MgO‐ZrO2, TiO2‐ZrO2, SiO2‐Na2O‐ZrO2, and several other systems is included. The more specific ceramic properties are summarized in short descriptions of the applications to each single ceramic field. The ceramic uses of thorium oxide are listed.
VARIABLE FACTORS IN ACCELERATED AUTOCLAVE CHEMICAL DURABILITY TESTS*
Authors: OWENS J. S. , EMANUEL E. C. 
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACTAn investigation was conducted of certain factors which influence the reproducibility of autoclave chemical durability tests. These factors include the method of preparation and the purity of the water used, the rinsing procedure, the volume of solution used, and variations in the test temperature and in the duration of the different periods of the heat cycle. The effect of the internal area of the container on the test results was determined, and suggestions are presented for increasing the reliability of the tests.
Increased neutrophil membrane expression and plasma level of proteinase 3 in systemic vasculitis are not a consequence of the − 564 A/G promotor polymorphism
Authors: Abdgawad M , Hellmark T , Gunnarsson L , Westman K W A , Segelmark M 
Published: June 2006

Summary
Several findings link proteinase 3 (PR3) to small vessel vasculitis. Besides being a major target of anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibodies (ANCA), previous findings have shown increased circulating levels of PR3 in vasculitis patients, increased levels of neutrophil membrane-PR3 (mPR3) expression and a skewed distribution of the − 564 A/G polymorphism in the promotor region of the PR3 gene. In this study we elucidate how these three findings relate to each other. The plasma concentration of PR3 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), mPR3 expression by fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS) and the gene polymorphism by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We compared results from 63 patients with ANCA-associated systemic vasculitis (AASV) with 107 healthy blood donors. In accordance with previous reports, AASV patients had increased plasma concentrations of PR3 compared to healthy controls (mean 224 µg/l versus 155 µg/l, P &lt; 0.0001). They also showed an increased number of mPR3-positive neutrophils (60%versus 42%, P &lt; 0.001). However, contrary to a previous report, we found no skewed distribution of the polymorphism in PR3 gene. There was a weak correlation between mPR3 mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) and plasma PR3 among healthy controls and myeloperoxidase–ANCA (MPO–ANCA)-positive patients (r = 0.24, P = 0.015 and r = 0.52, P = 0.011, respectively). In conclusion, increased plasma PR3 and high expression of mPR3 are associated with small vessel vasculitis, but neither of them is a consequence of the − 564 A/G polymorphism of the PR3 gene promotor.
Experimental habitat fragmentation increases linkage disequilibrium but does not affect genetic diversity or population structure in the Amazonian liverwort Radula flaccida
Authors: ZARTMAN CHARLES E. , MCDANIEL STUART F. , SHAW A. JONATHAN 
Published: June 2006

AbstractHabitat fragmentation increases the migration distances among remnant populations, and is predicted to play a significant role in altering both demographic and genetic processes. Nevertheless, few studies have evaluated the genetic consequences of habitat fragmentation in light of information about population dynamics in the same set of organisms. In a 10 000‐km2 experimentally fragmented landscape of rainforest reserves in central Amazonia, we examine patterns of genetic variation (amplified fragment length polymorphisms, AFLPs) in the epiphyllous (e.g. leaf‐inhabiting) liverwort Radula flaccida Gott. Previous demographic work indicates that colonization rates in this species are significantly reduced in small forest reserves. We scored 113 polymorphic loci in 86 individuals representing five fragmented and five experimentally unmanipulated populations. Most of the variation (82%) in all populations was harboured at the smallest (400 m2) sampling unit. The mean (± SD) within‐population genetic diversity (Nei's), of forest remnants (0.412 ± 0.2) was indistinguishable from continuous (0.413 ± 0.2) forests. Similarly, FST was identical among small (1‐ and 10‐ha) and large (≥ 100‐ha) reserves (0.19 and 0.18, respectively), but linkage disequilibrium between pairs of loci was significantly elevated in fragmented populations relative to those in continuous forests. These results illustrate that inferences regarding the long‐term viability of fragmented populations based on neutral marker data alone must be viewed with caution, and underscore the importance of jointly evaluating information on both genetic structure and demography. Second, multilocus analyses may be more sensitive to the effects of fragmentation in the short term, although the effects of increasing linkage disequilibrium on population viability remain uncertain.
The disease resistance gene Dm3 is infrequent in natural populations of Lactuca serriola due to deletions and frequent gene conversions at the RGC2 locus
Authors: Kuang Hanhui , Ochoa Oswaldo E. , Nevo Eviatar , Michelmore Richard W. 
Published: June 2006

SummaryResistance genes can exhibit heterogeneous patterns of variation. However, there are few data on their frequency and variation in natural populations. We analysed the frequency and variation of the resistance gene Dm3, which confers resistance to Bremia lactucae (downy mildew) in 1033 accessions of Lactuca serriola (prickly lettuce) from 49 natural populations. Inoculations with an isolate of Bremia lactucae carrying avirulence gene Avr3 indicated that the frequency of Dm3 in natural populations of L. serriola was very low. Molecular analysis demonstrated that Dm3 was present in only one of the 1033 wild accessions analysed. The sequence of the 5′ region of Dm3 was either highly conserved among accessions, or absent. In contrast, frequent chimeras were detected in the 3′ leucine‐rich repeat‐encoding region. Therefore low frequency of the Dm3 specificity in natural populations was due to either the recent evolution of Dm3 specificity, or deletions of the whole gene as well as variation in 3′ region caused by frequent gene conversions. This is the most extensive analysis of the prevalence of a known disease resistance gene to date, and indicates that the total number of resistance genes in a species may be very high. This has implications for the scales of germplasm conservation and exploitation of sources of resistance.
Automated red cell collection – quality and value
Authors: Harrison J. F. 
Published: June 2006

summary.  Automated red cell collection was initially used largely for therapeutic purposes. New technology has rendered the procedure safer for donors and easier for machine operators. Optimal additive solution can be automatically added and the red cells filtered to provide a leucodepleted product. Two units of red cells may be collected during a single procedure from individuals who have a high enough red cell mass, whilst a single unit of red cells plus platelets or plasma can be collected from smaller donors. In vitro studies suggested that red cells collected by automated methods would be of better quality than those collected by gravity. This was not confirmed in vivo, but red cells collected by automated methods have the major advantage of consistency in terms of haemoglobin content, volume and haematocrit, compared with red cells collected by gravity. This standardised product is of particular value for transfusion dependent patients as the patient's haemoglobin can be maintained within narrow limits. The use of a double dose red cell product for transfusion to a single patient also confers benefit in terms of reduction in donor exposure.
Platelets do not adsorb HLA class I molecules during storage of pooled platelet concentrates
Authors: Zeiler T. , Heim M. , Dempfle A. , Kretschmer V. 
Published: June 2006

summary.  The origin of HLA class I molecules on platelets is still under discussion. Adsorption of HLA molecules on platelets using specific experimental conditions has been described. The study presented investigates whether there is a significant elution and adsorption of HLA class I molecules on platelets during storage of pooled random platelet concentrates (PRPC) under routine conditions.Platelet concentrates (PCs) from whole blood were prepared from HLA‐A2‐positive and HLA‐A2‐negative donors, pooled and stored under routine conditions. In addition, platelets from HLA‐A2‐negative donors were pelleted and resuspended in cell‐free plasma from HLA‐A2‐positive donors. HLA‐A2‐positive PCs (positive control), HLA‐A2‐negative PCs (negative control) and HLA‐A2‐negative platelets in plasma from HLA‐A2‐negative donors were stored simultaneously. Binding of FITC‐conjugated monoclonal murine antihuman HLA‐A2 antibodies (anti‐HLA‐A2‐mab) was measured during 5‐day storage by flow cytometry.An increased binding of anti‐HLA‐A2‐mab during storage was found on HLA‐A2‐negative platelets (P < 0·005) independently whether they were incubated with cell‐free plasma or platelets from HLA‐A2‐positive donors or autologous HLA‐A2‐negative cell‐free plasma. However, non‐specific binding of IgG controls increased equally, whereas anti‐HLA‐A2‐mab binding to platelets from HLA‐A2‐positive donors did not decrease during storage.This study suggests that there is no significant elution and adsorption of HLA class I antigens of platelets in pooled PCs during storage under the usual conditions for platelet storage. Increased anti‐HLA‐A2‐mab signal was due to non‐specific binding. Therefore, HLA class I compatible platelets should maintain their compatibility for an immunized patient when stored in a pool with HLA incompatible platelets and shortened survival after transfusion should not be expected.