bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transient decrease in F‐actin may be necessary for translocation of proteins into dendritic spines
Authors: Ouyang Yannan , Wong Michael , Capani Francisco , Rensing Nick , Lee Chul‐Sang , Liu Qun , Neusch Clemens , Martone Maryann E. , Wu Jane Y. , Yamada Kelvin , Ellisman Mark H. , Choi Dennis W. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractIt remains poorly understood as to how newly synthesized proteins that are required to act at specific synapses are translocated into only selected subsets of potentiated dendritic spines. Here, we report that F‐actin, a major component of the skeletal structure of dendritic spines, may contribute to the regulation of synaptic specificity of protein translocation. We found that the stabilization of F‐actin blocked the translocation of GFP‐CaMKII and inhibited the diffusion of 3‐kDa dextran into spines (in 2–3 weeks cultures). Neuronal activation in hippocampal slices and cultured neurons led to an increase in the activation (decrease in the phosphorylation) of the actin depolymerization factor, cofilin, and a decrease in F‐actin. Furthermore, the induction of long‐term potentiation by tetanic stimulation induced local transient depolymerization of F‐actin both in vivo and in hippocampal slices (8–10 weeks), and this local F‐actin depolymerization was blocked by APV, a N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist. These results suggest that F‐actin may play a role in synaptic specificity by allowing protein translocation into only potentiated spines, gated through its depolymerization, which is probably triggered by the activation of NMDA receptors.
Molecular analysis of deep subsurface Cretaceous rock indicates abundant Fe(III)‐ and S°‐reducing bacteria in a sulfate‐rich environment
Authors: Kovacik William P. , Takai Ken , Mormile Melanie R. , McKinley James P. , Brockman Fred J. , Fredrickson James K. , Holben William E. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryA multilevel sampler (MLS) was emplaced in a borehole straddling anaerobic, sulfate‐rich Cretaceous‐era shale and sandstone rock formations ∼200 m below ground surface at Cerro Negro, New Mexico. Sterile quartzite sand contained in chambers in the sampler allowed in situ colonization and recovery of nucleic acids for molecular analyses. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and 16S rRNA gene cloning results indicated a homogeneously distributed bacterial community across the shale–sandstone interface. δ‐Proteobacteria sequences were common at all depths, and were dominated by members of the Geobacteraceae family (Pelobacter, Desulphuromonas and Geobacter). Other members of this group are capable of dissimilatory Fe(III) and/or S° reduction, but not sulfate reduction. RNA hybridization data also suggested that Fe(III)‐/S°‐reducing bacteria were predominant. These findings are striking considering the lack of significant concentrations of these electron acceptors in this environment. The next most abundant bacterial group indicated was the sulfate reducers, including Desulfobacterium, Desulfocapsa and Desulfobulbus. Sequences related to fermenters, denitrifiers and acetogens were also recovered. The presence of a phylogenetically and functionally diverse microbial community in this deep subsurface environment likely reflects the complex nature of the primary energy and carbon sources, kerogen associated with the shale.
IRS1, KCNJ11, PPARγ2 and HNF‐1α: do amino acid polymorphisms in these candidate genes support a shared aetiology between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
Authors: Johansen A. , Jensen D. P. , Bergholdt R. , Mortensen H. B. , Pociot F. , Nerup J. , Hansen T. , Pedersen O. ,   The Danish Society of Childhood Diabetes
Published: December 2005

Aims:  Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic disorder primarily triggered by environmental and immunological factors in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite the fact that there are indications of common aetiological features of T1DM and type 2 diabetes (T2DM), variation in genes involved in insulin secretion and insulin signalling has to a large extent been ignored as potential modifiers in the pathogenesis of T1DM. Recent studies suggest, however, that proven T2DM susceptibility gene variants may be involved in the pathogenesis of T1DM. The objective of this study was to estimate the impact of four selected amino acid polymorphisms –IRS‐1 Gly972Arg, Kir6.2 Glu23Lys, HNF‐1α Ala98Val and PPARγ2 Pro12Ala in a Danish population of T1DM families.Methods:  All variants were genotyped in 490 simplex‐ and multiplex‐T1DM families applying polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism, and results were evaluated by means of a transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) analysis.Results:  TDT analysis revealed that the Arg972 IRS‐1, the Lys23 Kir6.2 and the Val98 HNF‐1α variants were transmitted from heterozygous parents to affected probands at frequencies of 49.1%, 47.0% and 54.1%, respectively (p > 0.05 for all). This was similar to the rate of transmission to unaffected siblings. The transmission rate of the Ala12 PPARγ2 variant to affected probands was 46.5% (p > 0.05) which differed significantly from the transmission to unaffected offspring (p = 0.024). A combined analysis of the present and published pertinent data of 1691 transmissions showed a significantly decreased transmission of the PPARγ2 Ala12 allele to affected probands (p = 0.0045).Conclusions:  The Pro12Ala variant of PPARγ2 is associated with T1DM, the minor Ala allele conferring a reduced risk. This same finding has been reported in patients with T2DM.
Prediction of cardiovascular and total mortality in Chinese type 2 diabetic patients by the WHO definition for the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Ko G. T.‐C. , So W.‐Y. , Chan N. N. , Chan W.‐B. , Tong P. C.‐Y. , Li J. , Yeung V. , Chow C.‐C. , Ozaki R. , Ma R. C.‐W. , Cockram C. S. , Chan J. C.‐N. 
Published: December 2005

Aim:  The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MES) in type 2 diabetic patients and the predictive values of the World Health Organization (WHO) and National Cholesterol Education Programme (NCEP) definitions and the individual components of the MES on total and cardiovascular mortality.Methods:  A prospective analysis of a consecutive cohort of 5202 Chinese type 2 diabetic patients recruited between July 1994 and April 2001.Results:  The prevalence of the MES was 49.2–58.1% depending on the use of various criteria. There were 189 deaths (men: 100 and women: 89) in these 5205 patients during a median (interquartile range) follow‐up period of 2.1 (0.3–3.6 years). Of these, 164 (87%) were classified as cardiovascular deaths. Using the NCEP criterion, patients with MES had a death rate similar to those without (3.51 vs. 3.85%). By contrast, based on the WHO criteria, patients with MES had a higher mortality rate than those without (4.3 vs. 2.4%, p = 0.002). Compared to patients with neither NCEP‐ nor WHO‐defined MES, only the group with MES defined by the WHO, but not NCEP, criterion had significantly higher mortality rate (2.6 vs. 6.8%, p < 0.001). Using Cox regression analysis, only age, duration of diabetes and smoking were identified as independent factors for cardiovascular or total death. Among the various components of MES, hypertension, low BMI and albuminuria were the key predictors for these adverse events.Conclusions:  In Chinese type 2 diabetic patients, the WHO criterion has a better discriminative power over the NCEP criterion for predicting death. Among the various components of the MES defined either by WHO or NCEP, hypertension, albuminuria and low BMI were the main predictors of cardiovascular and total mortality.
Effects of metformin and oleic acid on adipocyte expression of resistin
Authors: Rea R , Donnelly R 
Published: December 2005

Aim:  The adipocyte‐secreted hormone resistin has been implicated in obesity‐induced insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, but pharmacological and dietary factors that regulate resistin gene expression and the effects of resistin on cellular glucose uptake in muscle have not been clearly defined.Methods:  Expression of resistin mRNA was studied in differentiated 3T3‐L1 adipocytes by using real‐time semiquantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. The effects of resistin on insulin‐stimulated and insulin‐independent 2‐deoxyglucose uptake were evaluated in L6 muscle cells.Results:  Insulin 1 µm and rosiglitazone 10 µm markedly reduced resistin mRNA expression (relative to the control gene TF2D) by 4.7‐fold (p < 0.05) and 5.3‐fold (p < 0.02), respectively. Similar reductions in resistin mRNA were demonstrated with metformin 100 µm (6.2‐fold reduction, p < 0.02) and oleic acid 100 µm (3.9‐fold reduction, p < 0.03). Resistin 1 µm significantly reduced maximum insulin‐stimulated 2‐deoxyglucose uptake in L6 cells from 634 to 383% (relative to 100% for control, p < 0.001), and co‐administration of rosiglitazone had no effect on resistin‐induced insulin resistance. In the absence of insulin, however, resistin increased glucose uptake dose‐dependently (e.g., 1.75‐fold at 5 µm, p < 0.001) via a mitogen‐activated protein kinase‐dependent pathway.Conclusions:  These results demonstrate that various glucose‐lowering therapies and oleic acid reduce resistin gene expression in isolated adipocytes, and that resistin impairs insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake in skeletal muscle‐derived cells.
Vasculogenic erectile dysfunction: beyond the haemodynamic changes
Authors: AZADZOI KAZEM M. 
Published: December 2005

The first two mini‐reviews relate to erectile dysfunction, but of different causes. The first of these, from Boston, will update the reader on vasculogenic erectile dysfunction, and the second from Melbourne will describe the neurophysiology of nerve injury and regeneration after radical prostatectomy, and review the work which has been carried out on the use of cutaneous nerves to help this process.The other two mini‐reviews come from Dublin and London, respectively. The first describes the side‐effects of treatment for locally advanced prostate cancer and the second describes the structural characterisation of myofibroblasts in the bladder.
Surgical treatment of varicocele by a subinguinal approach combined with antegrade intraoperative sclerotherapy of venous vessels
Authors: COLPI GIOVANNI MARIA , CARMIGNANI LUCA , NERVA FRANCO , PIEDIFERRO GUIDO , CASTIGLIONI FABRIZIO , GRUGNETTI CRISTINA , GALASSO GIACOMO 
Published: December 2005

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy, in terms of recurrences, complications and operative duration, of a new technique for treating varicocele.PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween September 1999 and December 2002 we evaluated 307 men aged 17–51 years with varicocele. In all of the men the clinical diagnosis was confirmed by ultrasonography. The men were treated by a variant of the microsurgical technique described in 1994. A 2–3 cm distal subinguinal incision was made at the level of the superficial inguinal ring and the spermatic cord was exposed. The largest vein in the spermatic cord fat was cannulated. A 7–9 cm segment of the spermatic cord was clamped for 8–10 min; at the start of the ischaemia time, 1.5–3 mL of 3% atoxysclerol was injected into the cannulated vein. After sclerotherapy, the vein was ligated at the injection site, and the blood flow to the cord was restored.RESULTSThe mean operative duration was 25 min. Follow‐up at 3 and 6 months after surgery, with objective examination and scrotal ultrasonography, revealed one case of clinical recurrence/persistence. The most common complication was penile lymphangitis (nine men) that regressed spontaneously; three men had temporary orchialgia. There were no cases of secondary hydrocele or testicular atrophy.CONCLUSIONSThe modified technique appears to be relatively easy and safe, and to of low cost. Given the promising results in terms of complications and persistence, the treatment appears to be a suitable first‐line approach for the surgical treatment of varicocele.
NG2: a component of the glial scar that inhibits axon growth
Authors: Tan Andrew M. , Zhang Weibing , Levine Joel M. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractNG2 is a high‐molecular‐weight chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan found on the surfaces of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). Here we review the history and biology of OPCs with an emphasis on their functions after experimentally induced CNS injury. Injury to brain or spinal cord results in the rapid accumulation of NG2‐expressing OPCs in the glial scar that forms at the injury site. The glial scar is considered a biochemical and physical barrier to successful axon regeneration and the functional properties of NG2 suggest that it, along with other macromolecules, participates in the creation of this growth‐inhibitory environment. NG2 is an important target for therapies designed to promote successful axon regrowth.
Characterization of the rhesus monkey superior olivary complex by calcium binding proteins and synaptophysin
Authors: Bazwinsky Ivonne , Bidmon Hans‐Jürgen , Zilles Karl , Hilbig Heidegard 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThis study was performed in order to characterize the main nuclei of the rhesus monkey superior olivary complex by means of antibodies against the calcium binding proteins parvalbumin, calbindin and calretinin and the synaptic vesicle protein synaptophysin. These markers revealed the neuronal morphology and organization of nuclei located within the rhesus monkey superior olivary complex. The architectural details included the distribution of axonal terminals on neurons. The medial superior olivary nucleus was present as a column of neurons. No clear segregation of calretinin‐positive terminals was noticed on the medial and lateral dendritic fields of these neurons. The lateral superior olivary nucleus was characterized by a distinct nuclear shape. Calretinin‐, parvalbumin‐ or calbindin‐positive terminals contacted somata and dendrites. The medial nucleus of trapezoid body could be clearly differentiated as a distinct region in the rhesus monkey superior olivary complex. Somata of that nucleus showed calbindin‐ and parvalbumin‐labelling whereas somatic calyces of Held were reavealed by calretinin and synaptophysin labelling. The results are discussed with respect to the processing of acoustic information in primate species and their ability to hear high and low frequencies, which is reflected by anatomical correlates.
A stereological study of the renal glomerular vasculature in the db/db mouse model of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Guo Min , Ricardo Sharon D. , Deane James A. , Shi Ming , Cullen‐McEwen Luise , Bertram John F. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractIn diabetic nephropathy, glomerular hypertrophy is evident early in response to hyperglycaemia. Alterations of capillary length and vascular remodelling that may contribute to glomerular hypertrophy and the subsequent development of glomerulosclerosis remain unclear. The present study used the db/db mouse model of Type 2 diabetes to examine the glomerular microvascular changes apparent with long‐term diabetic complications. Unbiased stereological methods and high‐resolution light microscopy were used to estimate glomerular volume, and glomerular capillary dimensions including length and surface area in 7‐month‐old db/db diabetic mice and age‐matched db/m control mice. The db/db diabetic mice showed significant glomerular hypertrophy, corresponding with elevated blood glucose levels, and increased body weight and kidney weight, compared with db/m control mice. Glomerular enlargement in db/db mice was associated with increases in the surface area (5.387 ± 0.466 × 104 µm2 vs. 2.610 ± 0.287 × 104 µm2; P < 0.0005) and length (0.3343 ± 0.022 × 104 µm vs. 0.1549 ± 0.017 × 104 µm; P < 0.0001) of capillaries per glomerulus, compared with non‐diabetic mice. Stereological assessment at the electron microscopic level revealed increased glomerular volume density of mesangial cells and mesangial matrix, and thickening of the glomerular basement membrane in db/db mice. These results demonstrate that glomerular hypertrophy evident in advanced diabetic nephropathy in this model is associated with increased length and surface area of glomerular capillaries. The contribution of angiogenesis and vasculogenesis to the glomerular microvascular alterations in response to hyperglycaemia remain to be determined.
Fertility and assisted reproduction: The costs to the NHS of multiple births after IVF treatment in the UK
Authors: Ledger William L , Anumba Dilly , Marlow Neil , Thomas Christine M , Wilson Edward CF ,   the Cost of Multiple Births Study Group (COMBS Group)
Published: December 2005

Objectives  To determine the cost to the NHS resulting from multiple pregnancies arising from IVF treatment in the UK, and to compare those costs with the cost to the NHS due to singleton pregnancies resulting from IVF treatment.Design  A modelling study using data from published literature and cost data from national sources in the public domain, calculating direct costs from the diagnosis of a clinical pregnancy until the end of the first year after birth.Setting  Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine.Population  Theoretic core modelling study using data from published literature.Methods  The analysis was based on the total annual number of births resulting from an IVF treatment in the UK. Main outcome measures total direct costs to the NHS per IVF singleton, twin or triplet family.Main outcome measures  Cost of singleton, twin and triplet IVF pregnancies in the UK.Results  Total direct costs to the NHS per IVF twin or triplet family (maternal + infant costs) are substantially higher than per IVF singleton family (singleton: £3313; twin: £9122; and triplet: £32,354). Multiple pregnancies after IVF are associated with 56% of the direct cost of IVF pregnancies, although they represent less than 1/3 of the total annual number of maternities in the UK.Conclusions  Multiple pregnancies after IVF are associated with high direct costs to the NHS. Redirection of money saved by implementation of a mandatory ‘two embryo transfer’ policy into increased provision of IVF treatment could double the number of NHS‐funded IVF treatment cycles at no extra cost. Further savings could be made if a selective ‘single embryo transfer’ policy were to be adopted.
Basic science: Chronic fetal hypoxia increases activin A concentrations in the late‐pregnant sheep
Authors: Supramaniam VG , Jenkin G , Loose J , Wallace EM , Miller SL 
Published: December 2005

Objective  To determine whether activin A concentrations are altered in chronic fetal hypoxemia and intrauterine fetal growth restriction (IUGR).Design  In vivo animal experimental model.Setting  Department of Physiology, Monash University.Population  Chronically catherised fetal sheep in late pregnancy.Methods  Chronic fetal hypoxia and IUGR were experimentally induced by single umbilical artery ligation (SUAL) in catheterised fetal sheep. Maternal and fetal blood samples and amniotic fluid (AF) samples were collected during surgery and thereafter on alternate days, until the time of delivery for analyte measurement. Fetal blood gas parameters were measured daily.Main outcome measures  Plasma and AF was used to analyse activin A, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and cortisol and fetal blood gas analysis was undertaken in whole blood.Results  SUAL produced asymmetric IUGR and non‐acidaemic chronic fetal hypoxia and resulted in preterm labour (129 [3] days). AF activin A concentrations were 10‐fold higher in the SUAL group than in controls whereas levels in the fetal and maternal circulations were similar between groups.Conclusions  SUAL‐induced IUGR and fetal hypoxaemia increases AF activin A. This may be an important adaptive or protective response to IUGR.
Fertility control: Oral versus self‐administered vaginal misoprostol at home before surgical termination of pregnancy: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Oppegaard Kevin Sunde , Qvigstad Erik , Nesheim Britt‐Ingjerd 
Published: December 2005

Objective  To compare the impact of 400 μg oral versus self‐administered vaginal misoprostol at home on pre‐operative cervical priming in both primigravid and multigravid women prior to first trimester surgical abortion.Design  Randomised controlled trial.Setting  Norwegian University Teaching Hospital.Sample  Three hundred and thirty‐eight women undergoing surgical abortion between 7 and 12 weeks of gestation.Methods  The women were randomised to either 400 μg of oral misoprostol the evening before or 400‐μg of self‐administered vaginal misoprostol at home the same day as vacuum aspiration.Main outcome measures  Pre‐operative cervical dilatation, complications and acceptability.Results  The median cervical dilatation was 6.2 mm (range 0–11 mm) for the women in the 400 μg oral misoprostol and 6.5 mm (range 0–11 mm) in the 400‐μg vaginal misoprostol groups. The median pre‐operative dilatation was larger in multigravidae (6.4 and 6.7 mm for the oral and vaginal routes, respectively) than in primigravidae (5.8 and 6.0 mm, respectively). In primigravidae, 19% achieved a pre‐operative dilatation of ≥7 mm, with no significant difference between oral and vaginal dosage. In multigravidae, 52% achieved a pre‐operative dilatation of ≥7 mm with vaginal dosage, compared with 36% with oral dosage (P= 0.03). There was no difference between non‐immigrant versus immigrant women in pre‐operative cervical dilatation. The 400‐μg oral dosage group had a higher risk of bleeding, compared with the group receiving 400‐μg vaginal misoprostol [odds ratio (OR) = 10.4; confidence interval (CI) 5.2–20.8]. There was no difference between non‐immigrant and immigrant women in acceptability of self‐administered vaginal misoprostol; almost all women found this administration route acceptable. Complications were minor and were distributed equally between the two dosage groups.Conclusions  The vaginal route will result in a satisfactory dilatation in about half of multigravidae but is much less effective in primigravidae. The oral route does not lead to satisfactory dilatation in either group and is associated with a higher occurrence of pre‐operative bleeding. Self‐administered vaginal misoprostol at home is highly acceptable.
General gynaecology: Effect of uterotonics on intra‐operative blood loss during laparoscopy‐assisted vaginal hysterectomy: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Chang Fung‐Wei , Yu Mu‐Hsien , Ku Chih‐Hung , Chen Chi‐Huang , Wu Gwo‐Jang , Liu Jah‐Yao 
Published: December 2005

Objective  To investigate the effectiveness of uterotonics misoprostol and oxytocin on reducing blood loss during laparoscopy‐assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH).Design  Randomised, double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial.Setting  University hospital.Population  One hundred and seventy‐three women underwent LAVH for symptomatic uterine myomas and were randomly allocated to uterotonics (n= 91) or placebo (n= 82).Methods  Women underwent LAVH for symptomatic uterine myomas and were randomly assigned to receive either rectal misoprostol (400 μg) and intravenous oxytocin (10 IU/hour) or placebo during LAVH. Parameters related to surgical outcome were compared.Main outcome measures  The main outcome measure was intra‐operative blood loss.Results  Patient characteristics and indications for LAVH were similar in both groups. Mean [SD] for all continuous data estimated weight of blood loss (198.1 [123.2] vs 396 [337.6] g; P < 0.0001), mean operation time (106.2 [39.4] vs 116.6 [34.6] minutes; P= 0.02), mean change in haemoglobin (1.5 [1.0] vs 1.9 [1.2] g/dL; P= 0.02) and haematocrit levels (4.8 [2.9]% vs 5.8 [3.6]%; P= 0.04) and mean hospitalisation period (3.3 [0.8] vs 3.9 [1.1] days; P < 0.0001), which were significantly less in the group given rectal misoprostol and intravenous oxytocin than in the placebo group, respectively. There was no significant difference in complications and side effects between the two groups (P > 0.05).Conclusion  Combined rectal misoprostol and intravenous oxytocin is a feasible and effective method of reducing blood loss and operation time in LAVH.