bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CLV3/ESR‐related (CLE) peptides as intercellular signaling molecules in plants
Authors: Sawa Shinichiro , Kinoshita Atsuko , Nakanomyo Ikuko , Fukuda Hiroo 
Published: February 2007

AbstractFor many years, the plant hormones auxin, cytokinin, ethylene, gibberellin, abscisic acid, brassinosteroid, jasmonic acid, and salicylic acid have been extensively studied as key regulators of plant growth and development. However, recent biochemical and genetic analyses have revealed that secretory peptides are also responsible for intercellular signaling in plants and regulate various events including wound response, cell division control, and pollen self‐incompatibility. We discovered two natural CLAVATA3 (CLV3)/ESR‐related (CLE) peptides: tracheary elements differentiation inhibitory factor (TDIF) and CLV3, which are dodecapeptides with two hydroxyproline residues that regulate vascular development and meristem formation, respectively. This discovery enabled us to predict the chemical form of CLE gene products. In the Arabidopsis genome, there are 31 CLE genes that correspond to 26 CLE peptides. The application of all 26 chemically synthesized peptides to plants revealed the existence of distinctive functional groups. From these results, we discuss the functions of CLE peptides in plant development and plant–parasite interactions. © 2007 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 6: 303–310; 2006: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.20091
Mechanism regulating cell surface expression and activation of Toll‐like receptor 4
Authors: Saitoh Shin‐Ichiroh , Miyake Kensuke 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe Toll family of receptors senses microbial invasion and activates defense responses. Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a member of the Toll family that senses lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a principal membrane component from Gram‐negative bacteria. LPS is known as an endotoxin that strongly activates immune cells such as macrophages and dendritic cells. LPS recognition by TLR4 requires an additional accessory molecule, MD‐2. MD‐2 is associated with the extracellular portion of TLR4, directly binds to LPS, and regulates subsequent LPS‐induced TLR4 clustering. LPS recognition occurs on the cell surface. The subcellular distribution of TLR was shown to influence TLR responses. An endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone, glycoprotein 96, is required for the stability of TLR4 and the formation of a TLR4/MD‐2 complex in ER. MD‐2 facilitates TLR4 glycosylation and its trafficking to the cell surface. Recently, another molecule, a protein associated with Toll‐like receptor 4 (PRAT4A), was shown to play a critical role in cell surface expression of TLR4. These molecules control LPS responsiveness by regulating the subcellular distribution of TLR4. © 2007 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 6: 311–319; 2006: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.20093
Interaction of amphotericin B and its selected derivatives with membranes: molecular modeling studies
Authors: Baginski Maciej , Czub Jacek , Sternal Kamil 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAmphotericin B (AmB) is a well‐known antifungal antibiotic that has been used in the clinic for about five decades. Despite its chemotherapeutic importance, AmB is quite toxic and many efforts have been made to improve its pharmacological properties, e.g., by chemical modifications. The lipid membrane is a molecular target for AmB, however, due to heterogeneity of its components, the molecular mechanism of AmB action is still unclear. The lack of this knowledge hinders rational designing of new and less toxic AmB derivatives. Our review is a critical presentation of the current understanding of AmB molecular mechanism of action at the membrane level. Except the experimental approach, the extensive overview of molecular modeling studies, performed mostly in our lab, is presented. The results of interactions between AmB or some of its derivatives and lipid model membranes are discussed. In our studies, different biomembrane models and different associate states of the antibiotic were included. Presented molecular modeling approach is especially valuable with regard to a new paradigm of the structure of lipid membrane containing liquid‐ordered domains. Hopefully, all these complementary experimental/computational approaches are going to reach the point at which a new hypothesis about molecular mechanism of AmB activity and selectivity will be put forward. © 2007 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 6: 320–332; 2006: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.20096
Synthesis of endotoxic principle of bacterial lipopolysaccharide and its recognition by the innate immune systems of hosts
Authors: Kusumoto Shoichi , Fukase Koichi 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA new stage of endotoxin research was brought about by structure elucidation and chemical synthesis of lipid A, the lipophilic partial structure of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Gram‐negative bacteria. Synthetic lipid A exhibited full endotoxic activity, which gave unequivocal evidence for the concept that lipid A is the active entity of endotoxin. Various lipid A analogues, as well as their radiolabeled derivatives and more complex partial structures of LPS, were also synthesized. By the use of these synthetic homogeneous preparations, not only simple studies on structure–activity relationships but precise and detailed analyses became possible on how this typical bacterial component is recognized by the innate immune receptor complex of mammalian cells. © 2007 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 6: 333–343; 2006: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.20098
Bioorganic studies on plant movement, from natural products to its receptor
Authors: Shoji Mitsuru , Kato Eisuke , Nakamura Yoko , Fujii Tomohiko , Manabe Yoshiyuki , Ueda Minoru 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe chemical aspects of the circadian leaf movement known as “nyctinasty” are discussed in this paper. Each of the nyctinastic plants of five different genera so far examined contained a pair of factors, one of which induced leaf closure and another induced leaf opening. The relative contents of the closing and opening factors changed correlating with the nyctinastic leaf movement. The use of fluorescence‐labeled and photoaffinity‐labeled factors revealed that the factors bind to specific cells, the motor cells, present in the pulvini, and that the membrane fraction of the motor cells contained two proteins of 210 and 180 kDa, which can bind to the factors. © 2007 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 6: 344–355; 2006: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.20102
Effects of rubberized flooring on Asian elephant behavior in captivity
Authors: Meller Camie L. , Croney Candace C. , Shepherdson David 
Published: February 2007

AbstractSix Asian elephants at the Oregon Zoo were observed to determine the effects of a poured rubber flooring substrate on captive Asian elephant behavior. Room utilization also was evaluated in seven rooms used for indoor housing, including Front and Back observation areas. Data were collected in three phases. Phase I (Baseline Phase) examined elephant behavior on old concrete floors. In Phase II (Choice Phase), elephant behavior was observed in the Back observation area where room sizes were comparable and when a choice of flooring substrates was available. Phase III (Final Phase) examined elephant behavior when all rooms in both observation areas, Front and Back, were converted to rubberized flooring. Room use in both observation areas remained stable throughout the study, suggesting that flooring substrate did not affect room use choice. However, there was a clear pattern of decreased discomfort behaviors on the new rubber flooring. Normal locomotion as well as stereotypic locomotion increased on the new rubber flooring. In addition, resting behavior changed to more closely reflect the resting behavior of wild elephants, which typically sleep standing up, and spend very little time in lateral recumbence. Overall, these findings suggest that the rubber flooring may have provided a more comfortable surface for locomotion as well as standing resting behavior. It is suggested that poured rubber flooring may be a beneficial addition to similar animal facilities. Zoo Biol 0:1–11, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Packing for Control of Hemorrhage in Major Liver Trauma
Authors: Nicol A. J. , Hommes M. , Primrose R. , Navsaria P. H. , Krige J. E. J. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackgroundPacking for complex liver injuries has been associated with an increased risk of abdominal sepsis and bile leaks. The aim of the present study was to determine the optimum timing of pack removal and to assess whether the total duration of packing increases the incidence of these complications.MethodsThe study was based on a retrospective review of all patients requiring liver packing over an 8‐year period in a level 1 trauma center.ResultsNinety‐three (17%) of 534 liver injuries identified at laparotomy required perihepatic packing. Penetrating and blunt trauma occurred in 72 (77%) and 21 (23%), respectively. The mean total duration of packing was 2.4 days (range: 0.5–6.0 days). There was no association between the total duration of packing and the development of liver‐related complications (P = 0.284) or septic complications (P = 0.155). Early removal of packs at 24 h was associated with a higher rate of re‐bleeding than removal of packs at 48 h (P = 0.006).ConclusionsThe total duration of liver packing does not result in an increase in septic complications or bile leaks. The first re‐look laparotomy should only be performed after 48 h. An early re‐look at 24 h is associated with re‐bleeding and does not lead to early removal of liver packs.
Factors Predicting Postoperative Infectious Complications and Early Induction of Inflammatory Mediators in Ulcerative Colitis Patients
Authors: Miki Chikao , Ohmori Yukinari , Yoshiyama Shigeyuki , Toiyama Yuji , Araki Toshimitsu , Uchida Keiichi , Kusunoki Masato 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackgroundPositive outcomes after restorative proctocolectomy are compromised by a number of specific septic complications. However, there is no useful perioperative marker predicting postoperative infectious complications (PICs) in steroid overdosed patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).MethodsTo determine factors associated with PICs and their relation to circulating levels of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines and neutrophil elastase (NE), we obtained perioperative blood samples from 60 UC patients.ResultsPostoperative infectious complications were identified in 47% of cases. Patients who developed PICs had significantly longer disease duration, had been administered a greater total preoperative dosage of prednisolone, and had a higher body mass index. Logistic regression analysis showed that the total preoperative dosage of prednisolone was independently associated with the development of PICs. These patients showed suppressed systemic inflammation and pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokine induction. An early increase in the NE level was found to be predictive of PICs in the high‐dose group, whereas there was no significant difference in neutrophil counts between the high‐ and low‐dose groups.ConclusionsCirculating NE levels in the early postoperative period might be a useful predictor of PICs in immune‐controlled UC patients who received high doses of steroids.
Recurrence after Total Thyroidectomy for Benign Multinodular Goiter
Authors: Snook Kylie L. , Stalberg Peter L. H. , Sidhu Stan B. , Sywak Mark S. , Edhouse Pamela , Delbridge Leigh 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackgroundTotal thyroidectomy is now the preferred option for the management of benign multinodular goiter (BMNG), and it ought not be associated with recurrent disease. The aim of the present study was to examine the efficacy of total thyroidectomy for BMNG and to review reasons for recurrence.Material and methodsThe study group comprised all patients from January 1980 to December 2005 who underwent a definitive procedure to remove all thyroid tissue for BMNG, and who were subsequently identified as having developed a recurrence. Included were patients who underwent primary total thyroidectomy at our unit, or a two or more stage procedure where a definitive secondary total thyroidectomy was performed at our unit.ResultsThere were 3,044 total or secondary total thyroidectomies performed for BMNG during the study period. Ten patients were identified as having developed recurrent BMNG requiring reoperation despite previous complete “total” thyroidectomy. There were 11 sites of recurrence in 10 patients. Only one was a true local recurrence in the thyroid bed. Another 9 recurrences related to the embryology of the thyroid gland, 4 in the pyramidal tract and 5 in the thyrothymic tract. There was one recurrence at another site (submandibular) in a patient with presumed metastatic thyroid cancer despite benign histology. There were no complications in any of the 10 patients.ConclusionsTotal thyroidectomy for BMNG is not only a safe procedure but is efficacious in preventing recurrent disease. Failure to remove embryological remnants such as thyrothymic residue or pyramidal remnants during total thyroidectomy is the major cause of recurrence.
Outcomes of Hepatectomy for Hepatolithiasis
Authors: Lee Tung‐Yen , Chen Yao‐Li , Chang Hung‐Chi , Chan Chien‐Pin , Kuo Shou‐Jen 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAimSurgical and nonsurgical procedures for management of hepatolithiasis have been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate immediate and long‐term results of hepatectomy as treatment for hepatolithiasis.Materials and MethodsImmediate and long‐term outcomes of 123 consecutive patients who underwent hepatectomy for hepatolithiasis at our institution from 2000 to 2005 were analyzed retrospectively. Acute cholangitis was the major presenting symptom (in 106 out of 123, 86.2% of cases).ResultsThe immediate stone clearance rate was 92.7% (114 out of 123) and final stone clearance rate was 96% (118 out of 123) after subsequent T‐tube route or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Residual stones were identified in 5 patients (4%). The surgical morbidity and mortality rates were 33.3% (41 out of 123) and 1.6% (2 out of 123) respectively. Of the 123 patients, 3 (2.4%) had associated cholangiocarcinoma at the time of hepatectomy. With a median follow‐up of 40.3 months (range 5–58), a recurrent stone developed in 7 patients (5.7%) and cholangiocarcinoma in 2 (1.6%). Ten patients died during the follow‐up period, with 4 of them (out of 123, 3.2%) due to recurrent stone with sepsis.ConclusionHepatectomy is a safe and effective treatment for hepatolithiasis, with a high stone clearance rate and fair rate of surgical complications. Recurrent stone‐induced sepsis and cholangiocarcinoma are the major factors compromising long‐term survival in these patients.
Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Using a New Bilateral Axillo‐Breast Approach
Authors: Choe Jun‐Ho , Kim Seok Won , Chung Ki‐Wook , Park Kyoung Sik , Han Wonshik , Noh Dong‐Young , Oh Seung Keun , Youn Yeo‐Kyu 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIntroductionEndoscopic techniques have recently been applied in thyroid surgery using cervical, axillary, and breast approaches. We modified the axillo‐bilateral breast approach (ABBA) and developed the bilateral axillo‐breast approach (BABA) to obtain optimal visualization for total thyroidectomy.MethodsWe used two 12‐mm ports through bilateral circumareolar incisions for flexible videoscopy and Harmonic scalpel and two 5‐mm ports through both axillae for graspers and dissectors. Thyroidectomy was performed under full visualization of the superior and inferior thyroidal arteries, parathyroid glands, and recurrent laryngeal nerves.ResultsAfter performing 25 ABBA endoscopic thyroid surgeries, we developed BABA and performed 110 operations using this method. The BABA operations included 52 total thyroidectomies, 2 near‐total thyroidectomies, 8 subtotal thyroidectomies, 43 lobectomies, and 3 subtotal lobectomies. Pathology revealed 41 benign lesions and 69 cancers. Mean operation time was 165.3 ± 43.5 minutes. There were 2 cases of conversion to open surgery, 1 due to cancer with capsular invasion and the other due to tracheal injury. Nine postoperative complications developed: transient unilateral vocal cord palsy in 4 cases, transient hypocalcemia in 4 cases, and postoperative infection in 1 case. The 2‐month postoperative thyroglobulin level was less than 1 ng/ml in all examined cases of total thyroidectomy. Cosmetic results were excellent.ConclusionsThe BABA technique for endoscopic thyroid surgery is a feasible method of total thyroidectomy with a low rate of postoperative complications and, additionally, excellent cosmetic results. Therefore, in selected cases of thyroid cancer, the BABA endoscopic total thyroidectomy should be considered as a valid surgical option.
Role of Biomarkers in Developing New Therapies for Vascular Disease
Authors: Nambi Vijay , Ballantyne Christie M. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackgroundThe use of biomarkers has been among the advances that have helped in the better medical management of patients. Biomarkers such as total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and hemoglobin A1c are used routinely. Advances in technologies, proteomics, and genomics and the resultant improved understanding of the pathophysiology of vascular diseases have led to the identification of several promising biomarkers. These biomarkers may be used to identify specific populations that may benefit from therapies, as surrogate markers of clinical efficacy, or as targets of therapy.
Surgical Options in Undifferentiated Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Lang Brian Hung‐Hin , Lo Chung‐Yau 
Published: February 2007

AbstractUndifferentiated or anaplastic carcinoma is an uncommon histologic type of thyroid cancer. It is one of the most aggressive malignancies associated with a poor prognosis. Most patients are elderly presenting as locally advanced disease with nodal and distant metastases. Complete surgical resection is frequently not possible and there is no effective systemic therapy. Aggressive multimodal therapy including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy is recommended for management. However, because of the rarity of the disease, its aggressiveness and the lack of prospective treatment protocols, nearly all evidence in the literature comes from retrospective case series or cohort studies for selected patients’ subgroups treated over a relatively long study period. Evidence of therapeutic benefit of one treatment option over another is lacking. Prognosis remains dismal with a median survival of 2–12 months Surgery remains an important component of the multimodal therapy and is commonly adopted as primary treatment. Although radical resection should be discouraged, resection without inducing significant morbidity can be considered for good risk patients with resectable tumors. It provides an effective form of palliation with potential cure when combined with postoperative radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. Patients selected for surgical resection was frequently identified to have improved survival. A regime of preoperative hyperfractionated radiotherapy and doxorubicin followed by surgery when feasible has been documented to achieve local control and avoid tracheostomy for ATC patients. Because of the ineffectiveness of all conventional treatment modalities, novel molecular targeted therapies are being developed to tackling this uniformly fatal disease with promising results.
African American adolescent mothers and grandmothers: A multigenerational approach to parenting
Authors: Oberlander Sarah E. , Black Maureen M. , Starr Raymond H. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis study is an adaptation and extension of Apfel and Seitz's (Family Relations, 40(4), 421–429, 1991) models of adolescent parenting and adolescent‐grandmother relationships to a sample of 148 African American, first‐time adolescent mothers and their 6‐month‐old infants. The Parental Supplemental model, in which adolescent mothers and grandmothers shared caregiving, described 63% of Apfel and Seitz's (1991) sample and 66% of the current sample. Shared caregiving was not associated with conflict in the adolescent mother–grandmother relationship. Adolescent mothers who had caregiving responsibilities and a supportive adolescent‐grandmother relationship also reported competence in their parenting role. Findings provide support for Apfel and Seitz's Parental Apprentice model, in which young mothers gain competence through direct caregiving experience in the context of a supportive relationship.
Community‐driven learning activities, creating futures: 30,000 people can't be wrong—Can they?
Authors: Dowrick Peter W. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA major vehicle for the practice of community psychology is through the organization of community‐based activities. My colleagues and I have developed many programs for community learning centers, in‐school and after school programs, and community technology centers. In the last 10 years, 30,000 people (mostly children) have participated in activities designed for enjoyment and learning, with a view to adding protective factors and reducing negative factors in at‐risk communities. Development of these programs for literacy, education, life and work skills, has increasingly followed a community responsive model. Within each program, we created explicit images of future success. That is, people could see themselves being successful where they normally fail: self modeling with feedforward. Data reports show that individuals generalized and maintained their new skills and attitudes, but the sustainability of programs has been variable. Analysis of the variations indicates the importance of program level feedforward that brings the future into the present. The discussion includes consideration of how individual‐level and community‐level practices can inform each other.
Exploring the Complexities of Familism and Acculturation: Central Constructs for People of Mexican Origin
Authors: Rodriguez Norma , Mira Consuelo Bingham , Paez Nancy Denise , Myers Hector F. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe examined the relationships between three dimensions of familism: importance of family, family support, and family conflict with acculturation, assessed orthogonally (Mexican and American cultural contributions assessed independently), and the relative contribution these factors make to psychological adjustment among 248 (124 women, 124 men) adults of Mexican origin. After controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, positive associations were found between importance of family and the biculturalism of Mexican and American cultural identity; family support and Mexican cultural identity; but no associations between family conflict and level of acculturation. Psychological well‐being was positively associated with Mexican cultural identity and family support, whereas psychological distress was associated with greater family conflict and lower family support. The greater relative contribution of Mexican cultural identity to familism and well‐being, and the importance of assessing acculturation orthogonally are discussed.