bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A chemical-genetic strategy reveals distinct temporal requirements for SAD-1 kinase in neuronal polarization and synapse formation
Authors: Kim Joanne SM , Lilley Brendan N , Zhang Chao , Shokat Kevan M , Sanes Joshua R , Zhen Mei 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Background
Neurons assemble into a functional network through a sequence of developmental processes including neuronal polarization and synapse formation. In Caenorhabditis elegans, the serine/threonine SAD-1 kinase is essential for proper neuronal polarity and synaptic organization. To determine if SAD-1 activity regulates the establishment or maintenance of these neuronal structures, we examined its temporal requirements using a chemical-genetic method that allows for selective and reversible inactivation of its kinase activity in vivo.

Results
We generated a PP1 analog-sensitive variant of SAD-1. Through temporal inhibition of SAD-1 kinase activity we show that its activity is required for the establishment of both neuronal polarity and synaptic organization. However, while SAD-1 activity is needed strictly when neurons are polarizing, the temporal requirement for SAD-1 is less stringent in synaptic organization, which can also be re-established during maintenance.

Conclusion
This study reports the first temporal analysis of a neural kinase activity using the chemical-genetic system. It reveals that neuronal polarity and synaptic organization have distinct temporal requirements for SAD-1.
Salvaging Affymetrix probes after probe-level re-annotation
Authors: de Leeuw Wim C , Rauwerda Han , Jonker Martijs J , Breit Timo M 
Published: September 2008

Abstract

Background
Affymetrix GeneChips can be re-annotated at the probe-level by breaking up the original probe-sets and recomposing new probe-sets based on up-to-date genomic knowledge, such as available in Entrez Gene. This results in custom Chip Description Files (CDF). Using these custom CDFs improves the quality of the data and thus the results of related gene expression studies. However, 44–71% of the probes on a GeneChip are lost in this re-annotation process. Although generally aimed at less known genes, losing these probes obviously means a substantial loss of expensive experiment data. Biologists are therefore very reluctant to adopt this approach.

Findings
We aimed to re-introduce the non-affected Affymetrix probe-sets after these re-annotation procedures. For this, we developed an algorithm (CDF-Merger) and applied it to standard Affymetrix CDFs and custom Brainarray CDFs to obtain Hybrid CDFs. Thus, salvaging lost Affymetrix probes with our CDF-Merger restored probe content up to 94%. Because the salvaged probes (up to 54% of the probe content on the arrays) represent less-reliable probe-sets, we made the origin of all probe-set definitions traceable, so biologists can choose at any time in their analyses, which subset of probe-sets they want to use.

Conclusion
The availability of up-to-date Hybrid CDFs plus R environment allows for easy implementation of our approach.
Localisation of laminin within Plasmodium berghei oocysts and the midgut epithelial cells of Anopheles stephensi
Authors: Nacer Adéla , Walker Karen , Hurd Hilary 
Published: September 2008

Abstract

Background
Oocysts of the malaria parasite form and develop in close proximity to the mosquito midgut basal lamina and it has been proposed that components of this structure play a crucial role in the development and maturation of oocysts that produce infective sporozoites. It is further suggested that oocysts incorporate basal lamina proteins into their capsule and that this provides them with a means to evade recognition by the mosquito's immune system. The site of production of basal lamina proteins in insects is controversial and it is still unclear whether haemocytes or midgut epithelial cells are the main source of components of the mosquito midgut basal lamina. Of the multiple molecules that compose the basal lamina, laminin is known to interact with a number of Plasmodium proteins. In this study, the localisation of mosquito laminin within the capsule and cytoplasm of Plasmodium berghei oocysts and in the midgut epithelial cells of Anopheles stephensi was investigated.

Results
An ultrastructural examination of midgut sections from infected and uninfected An. stephensi was performed. Post-embedded immunogold labelling demonstrated the presence of laminin within the mosquito basal lamina. Laminin was also detected on the outer surface of the oocyst capsule, incorporated within the capsule and associated with sporozoites forming within the oocysts. Laminin was also found within cells of the midgut epithelium, providing support for the hypothesis that these cells contribute towards the formation of the midgut basal lamina.

Conclusion
We suggest that ookinetes may become coated in laminin as they pass through the midgut epithelium. Thereafter, laminin secreted by midgut epithelial cells and/or haemocytes, binds to the outer surface of the oocyst capsule and that some passes through and is incorporated into the developing oocysts. The localisation of laminin on sporozoites was unexpected and the importance of this observation is less clear.
Benefits of an educational program for journalists on media coverage of HIV/AIDS in developing countries
Authors: Martinez‐Cajas Jorge L , Invernizzi Cédric F , Ntemgwa Michel , Schader Susan M , Wainberg Mark A 
Published: September 2008

Objectivea) To assess the suitability of the curriculum content and didactical quality of information delivered to educate journalists in the J2J program in HIV/AIDS (process evaluation) and b) to explore the effects of such programs on journalists' reporting of HIV/AIDS related information (outcome evaluation).DesignDescriptive study.MethodsFor the process evaluation, each J2J program curriculum was evaluated for accuracy and pertinence by individuals with high familiarity with HIV/AIDS research. For the outcome evaluation, a survey of J2J attendees and evaluations of the program lectures by attendees were performed in chronological order to determine their perception on usefulness of the program.ResultsOverall, the J2J curriculum is successful in providing journalists with a clear understanding of the current HIV/AIDS medical research objectives and issues with most journalists reporting an increased ability to better investigate and disseminate accurate information on this subject. Furthermore, the journalists surveyed reported positive community responses directly as a result of the J2J training.ConclusionThe J2J program helps to increase global awareness of pertinent HIV/AIDS concepts. Through this professional development strategy, journalists from around the world may help to amplify efforts to prevent new HIV infections and quench the dissemination of inaccurate information and folklore.
Gastrin-Releasing Peptide Messenger Ribonucleic Acid Expression in the Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus Is Altered by Melanocortin Receptor Stimulation and Food Deprivation
Authors: Ladenheim Ellen E. , Behles Robert R. , Bi Sheng , Moran Timothy H. 
Published: September 2008

Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) is a bombesin-like peptide widely distributed in the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system. In the brain, GRP mRNA is located in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), a region that receives neural input from the arcuate nucleus and plays a critical role in food intake and energy balance. Because GRP neurons are localized in the vicinity of projection sites in the PVN for peptides that participate in energy homeostasis, we investigated whether GRP mRNA expression in the PVN may be sensitive to challenges imposed by either 38 h food deprivation or stimulation of the melanocortin system by the melanocortin 3/4 receptor agonist, melanotan II (MTII). We found that food deprivation significantly decreased GRP mRNA expression, whereas lateral ventricular MTII administration increased GRP mRNA expression in ad libitum-fed rats 4 h after administration. Furthermore, administration of MTII at a dose that reduces 24 h food intake and body weight prevented the decrease in GRP mRNA expression observed in animals that were pair fed to the amount of food consumed by those injected with MTII. These results demonstrate that food deprivation and stimulation of the melanocortin system produce opposing changes in GRP gene expression in the PVN, suggesting that GRP-containing neurons in the PVN may be part of the hypothalamic signaling pathway controlling food intake and energy balance.
Gastrin-releasing peptide gene expression in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus is responsive to signals related to energy balance.
A Select Combination of Clinically Relevant Phytoestrogens Enhances Estrogen Receptor β-Binding Selectivity and Neuroprotective Activities in Vitro and in Vivo
Authors: Zhao Liqin , Mao Zisu , Brinton Roberta Diaz 
Published: September 2008

We have previously shown that a number of naturally occurring phytoestrogens and derivatives were effective to induce some measures of neuroprotective responses but at a much lower magnitude than those induced by the female gonadal estrogen 17β-estradiol. In the present study, we sought to investigate whether a combination of select phytoestrogens could enhance neural responses without affecting the reproductive system. We performed a range of comparative analyses of the estrogen receptor (ER) α/β binding profile, and in vitro to in vivo estrogenic activities in neural and uterine tissues induced by clinically relevant phytoestrogens: genistein, daidzein, equol, and IBSO03569, when used alone or in combination. Our analyses revealed that both the ERα/β binding profile and neural activities associated with individual phytoestrogens are modifiable when used in combination. Specifically, the combination of genistein plus daidzein plus equol resulted in the greatest binding selectivity for ERβ and an overall improved efficacy/safety profile when compared with single or other combined formulations, including: 1) an approximate 30% increase in ERβ-binding selectivity (83-fold over ERα); 2) a greater effect on neuronal survival against toxic insults in primary neurons; 3) an enhanced activity in promoting neural proactive defense mechanisms against neurodegeneration, including mitochondrial function and β-amyloid degradation; and 4) no effect on uterine growth. These observations suggest that select phytoestrogens in combination have the therapeutic potential of an alternative approach to conventional estrogen therapy for long-term safe use to reduce the increased risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disease associated with menopause in women.
A combination of genistein, daidzein, and equol enhances estrogen receptor β-binding selectivity and estrogenic activities in promoting neuronal survival and brain defense mechanisms without impact on uterine growth.
Insulin Regulates Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Secretion from the Enteroendocrine L Cell
Authors: Lim Gareth E. , Huang Guan J. , Flora Nina , LeRoith Derek , Rhodes Christopher J. , Brubaker Patricia L. 
Published: September 2008

Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus are associated with impaired postprandial secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a potent insulinotropic hormone. The direct effects of insulin and insulin resistance on the L cell are unknown. We therefore hypothesized that the L cell is responsive to insulin and that insulin resistance impairs GLP-1 secretion. The effects of insulin and insulin resistance were examined in well-characterized L cell models: murine GLUTag, human NCI-H716, and fetal rat intestinal cells. MKR mice, a model of chronic hyperinsulinemia, were used to assess the function of the L cell in vivo. In all cells, insulin activated the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase-Akt and MAPK kinase (MEK)-ERK1/2 pathways and stimulated GLP-1 secretion by up to 275 ± 58%. Insulin resistance was induced by 24 h pretreatment with 10−7m insulin, causing a marked reduction in activation of Akt and ERK1/2. Furthermore, both insulin-induced GLP-1 release and secretion in response to glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide and phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate were significantly attenuated. Whereas inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase with LY294002 potentiated insulin-induced GLP-1 release, secretion was abrogated by inhibiting the MEK-ERK1/2 pathway with PD98059 or by overexpression of a kinase-dead MEK1-ERK2 fusion protein. Compared with controls, MKR mice were insulin resistant and displayed significantly higher fasting plasma insulin levels. Furthermore, they had significantly higher basal GLP-1 levels but displayed impaired GLP-1 secretion after an oral glucose challenge. These findings indicate that the intestinal L cell is responsive to insulin and that insulin resistance in vitro and in vivo is associated with impaired GLP-1 secretion.
Insulin is a novel secretagogue of the incretin hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and L cell insulin resistance impairs heterologous secretagogue-induced GLP-1 secretion in vitro and in vivo.
Evidence of Diminished Glucose Stimulation and Endoplasmic Reticulum Function in Nonoscillatory Pancreatic Islets
Authors: Jahanshahi Pooya , Wu Runpei , Carter Jeffrey D. , Nunemaker Craig S. 
Published: September 2008

Pulsatility is a fundamental feature of pancreatic islets and a hallmark of hormone secretion. Isolated pancreatic islets endogenously generate rhythms in secretion, metabolic activity, and intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) that are important to normal physiological function. Few studies have directly compared oscillatory and nonoscillatory islets to identify possible differences in function. We investigated the hypothesis that the loss of these oscillations is a leading indicator of islet dysfunction by comparing oscillatory and nonoscillatory mouse islets for multiple parameters of function. Nonoscillatory islets displayed elevated basal [Ca2+]i and diminished [Ca2+]i response and insulin secretory response to 3–28 mm glucose stimulation compared with oscillatory islets, suggesting diminished glucose sensitivity. We investigated several possible mechanisms to explain these differences. No differences were observed in mitochondrial membrane potential, estimated ATP-sensitive potassium channel and L-type calcium channel activity, or cell death rates. Nonoscillatory islets, however, showed a reduced response to the sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum calcium ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin, suggesting a disruption in calcium homeostasis in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) compared with oscillatory islets. The diminished ER calcium homeostasis among nonoscillatory islets was also consistent with the higher cytosolic calcium levels observed in 3 mm glucose. Inducing mild damage with low-dose proinflammatory cytokines reduced islet oscillatory capacity and produced similar effects on glucose-stimulated [Ca2+]i, basal [Ca2+]i, and thapsigargin response observed among untreated nonoscillatory islets. Our data suggest the loss of oscillatory capacity may be an early indicator of diminished islet glucose sensitivity and ER dysfunction, suggesting targets to improve islet assessment.The loss of islet calcium oscillations correlates with impaired calcium regulation and reduced insulin secretion, suggesting oscillatory capacity is important to islet health and function.
Role of Adenosine 5′-Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase in Interleukin-6 Release from Isolated Mouse Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Glund Stephan , Treebak Jonas T. , Long Yun Chau , Barres Romain , Viollet Benoit , Wojtaszewski Jorgen F. , Zierath Juleen R. 
Published: September 2008

IL-6 is released from skeletal muscle during exercise and has consequently been implicated to mediate beneficial effects on whole-body metabolism. Using 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-4-ribofuranoside (AICAR), a pharmacological activator of 5′-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), we tested the hypothesis that AMPK modulates IL-6 release from isolated muscle. Skeletal muscle from AMPKα2 kinase-dead transgenic, AMPKα1 knockout (KO) and AMPKγ3 KO mice and respective wild-type littermates was incubated in vitro, in the absence or presence of 2 mmol/liter AICAR. Skeletal muscle from wild-type mice was also incubated with the AMPK activator A-769662. Incubation of mouse glycolytic extensor digitorum longus and oxidative soleus muscle for 2 h was associated with profound IL-6 mRNA production and protein release, which was suppressed by AICAR (P &lt; 0.001). Basal IL-6 release from soleus was increased between AMPKα2 kinase-dead and AMPKα1 KO and their respective wild-type littermates (P &lt; 0.05), suggesting AMPK participates in the regulation of IL-6 release from oxidative muscle. The effect of AICAR on muscle IL-6 release was similar between AMPKα2 KD, AMPKα1 KO, and AMPKγ3 KO mice and their respective wild-type littermates (P &lt; 0.001), indicating AICAR-mediated suppression of IL-6 mRNA expression and protein release is independent of AMPK function. However, IL-6 release from soleus, but not extensor digitorum longus, was reduced 45% by A-769662. Our results on basal and A-769662-mediated IL-6 release provide evidence for a role of AMPK in the regulation of IL-6 release from oxidative skeletal muscle. Furthermore, in addition to activating AMPK, AICAR suppresses IL-6 release by an unknown, AMPK-independent mechanism.
Using transgenic and knockout mouse models to perturb AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling, we provide evidence that AMPK-dependent pathways regulate IL-6 release from isolated oxidative skeletal muscle.
Research Resource: Gene Expression Profile for Ectopic Versus Eutopic Endometrium Provides New Insights into Endometriosis Oncogenic Potential
Authors: Borghese Bruno , Mondon Françoise , Noël Jean-Christophe , Fayt Isabelle , Mignot Thérèse-Marie , Vaiman Daniel , Chapron Charles 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Endometriosis is a common gynecological disorder characterized by pain and infertility, where the lesions disseminate everywhere in the body with a preference for the pelvis. In that, it could be regarded as a benign metastatic disease, because its issue is not fatal. However, the molecular bases of this intriguing clinical condition are not well known. The objective of this study is to characterize the transcriptome differences between eutopic vs. ectopic endometrium with a special interest in pathways involved in cancerogenesis. We performed two hybridizations in technical replicate on highly specific long oligonucleotides microarrays (NimbleGen), with cDNA prepared from six-patients pools, where the same patient provided both eutopic and ectopic endometrium (endometriomas). To confirm the expression microarrays data, quantitative RT-PCR validation was performed on 12 individuals for 20 genes. Over 8000 transcripts were significantly modified (more than twice) in the lesions corresponding to 5600 down- or up-regulated genes. These were clustered through DAVID Bioinformatics Resources into 55 functional groups. The data are presented in a detailed and visual way on 24 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways implemented with induction ratios for each differentially expressed gene. An outstanding control of the cell cycle and a very specific modulation of the HOX genes were observed and provide some new evidence on why endometriosis only very rarely degenerates into cancer. The study constitutes a noteworthy update of gene profiling in endometriosis, by delivering the most complete and reliable list of dysregulated genes to date.
An Audit of Concomitant Dental Anomalies with Maxillary Talon Cusps in a Group of Children from Hong Kong
Authors: Cho Shiu-Yin , Ki Yung , Chu Vanessa , Lee Chun-Kei 
Published: September 2008

Aim To investigate the prevalence of various concomitant dental anomalies in Hong Kong children with true talon cusps on the permanent maxillary incisors. Methods Dental records and radiographs of a group of Hong Kong Chinese primary schoolchildren with true talon cusps (half crown height or more) on one or more permanent maxillary incisors were selected and studied retrospectively. The prevalence of various dental anomalies in this group of children was compared with that of the general population of Hong Kong Chinese children of similar age. Results A total of 11,537 records were reviewed and 58 children with true talon cusps on one or more permanent maxillary incisors were identified. A total of 69 permanent maxillary incisors were affected, of which all except one were lateral incisors. Dens evaginatus on premolars, supernumerary teeth in the anterior maxilla, and hypodontia were found in 5 (8.6%), 5 (8.6%), and 5 (8.6%) cases respectively. The prevalence of supernumerary teeth was significantly higher in children with true talon cusps as compared with the results of two previous general studies of Chinese children of similar age ( P<0.05, Fisher's exact test). Conclusion Children with true talon cusps on the permanent maxillary incisors were more frequently affected by supernumerary teeth in the anterior maxilla. Further studies with a larger sample are needed to confirm a true association.
Fluorescence Quenching of Meso-Tetrakis(p-Sulfonatophenyl)Porphyrin (TSPP) by certain Organic Dyes
Authors: Kathiravan A. , Renganathan R. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
The fluorescence quenching of meso-tetrakis (p-sulfonatophenyl) porphyrin (TSPP) by certain anthraquinone and azo dyes has been investigated using steady state fluorescence technique. The dyes used were Uniblue-A, Acid blue 129, Alizarin, Alizarin red S, Erichrome Black T, Tartrazine, Methyl orange, Methyl red, Acid orange 63 and Congo red. The quenching was found to obey Stern-Volmer equation and the corresponding Stern-Volmer plots were linear. The quenching rate constant (k

q
) is in the order of 0.19–6.08×1012 M−
1s−
1. This study reveals effective quenching of TSPP by organic dyes.
Nonlinear Dynamics in the Uncatalyzed Bromate–Pyrocatechol Reaction
Authors: Harati Mohammad , Wang Jichang 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Spontaneous chemical oscillations are uncovered in the uncatalyzed bromate–pyrocatechol reaction conducted in a stirred batch reactor. Phase diagrams show that the oscillatory behavior is more sensitive to the ratio of [bromate]/[pyrocatechol] than their actual concentrations. The long induction time observed in the system is insensitive to the initial presence of brominated pyrocatechol species. Quenching experiments illustrate that the studied chemical oscillator is both bromide and radical controlled. In addition, this new uncatalyzed bromate oscillator exhibits both light-induced and light-quenched oscillatory behaviors. Preliminary mechanistic characterization with UV/vis absorption method and mass spectrometry suggests the formation of bromo-1,2-benzoquinone through the reaction between pyrocatechol and bromine.