bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lymphocyte microvilli are dynamic, actin-dependent structures that do not require Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASp) for their morphology
Authors: Majstoravich Sonja , Zhang Jinyi , Nicholson-Dykstra Susan , Linder Stefan , Friedrich Wilhelm , Siminovitch Katherine A. , Higgs Henry N. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractShort microvilli cover the surfaces of circulating mammalian lymphocytes. The surfaces of monocytes and neutrophils are very different, containing ruffles as their predominant structure. In this study, we present the first quantitative characterization of lymphocyte microvilli. From analysis of scanning electron micrographs, we find that median microvillar length and surface density range from 0.3 to 0.4 μm and 2 to 4 microvilli/μm2, respectively, on lymphocytes from a variety of sources. As with similar structures from other cells, lymphocyte microvilli contain parallel bundles of actin filaments. Lymphocyte microvilli rapidly disassemble when exposed to the actin-sequestering molecule, Latrunculin A. This disassembly parallels cellular actin filament depolymerization and is complete within 2 minutes, suggesting that lymphocyte microvilli undergo continuous assembly and disassembly. In contrast to previous reports suggesting lymphocyte microvillar density to be reduced on lymphocytes from Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) patient, we find no such deficiency in either mouse or human WAS protein (WASp)–deficient lymphocytes. These results suggest that WASp is either not involved in or is redundant in the rapid dynamics of lymphocyte microvilli.
International variations in the outcome of schizophrenia and the prevalence of depression in relation to national dietary practices: An ecological analysis
Authors: Peet Malcolm 
Published: May 2004

BackgroundDietary variations are known to predict the prevalence of physical illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease but the possible influence of diet on mental health has been neglected.AimsTo explore dietary predictors of the outcome of schizophrenia and the prevalence of depression.MethodEcological analysis of national dietary patterns in relation to international variations in outcome of schizophrenia and prevalence of depression.ResultsA higher national dietary intake of refined sugar and dairy products predicted a worse 2-year outcome of schizophrenia. A high national prevalence of depression was predicted by a low dietary intake of fish and seafood.ConclusionsThe dietary predictors of outcome of schizophrenia and prevalence of depression are similar to those that predict illnesses such as coronary heart disease and diabetes, which are more common in people with mental health problems and in which nutritional approaches are widely recommended. Dietary intervention studies are indicated in schizophrenia and depression.
Impact of child sexual abuse on mental health
Authors: Spataro Josie , Mullen Paul E. , Burgess Philip M. , Wells David L. , Moss Simon A. 
Published: May 2004

BackgroundThe lack of prospective studies and data on male victims leaves major questions regarding associations between child sexual abuse and subsequent psychopathology.AimsTo examine the association between child sexual abuse in both boys and girls and subsequent treatment for mental disorder using a prospective cohort design.MethodChildren (n=16L2; 1327 female) ascertained as sexually abused at the time had their histories of mental health treatment established by data linkage and compared with the general population of the same age over a specified period.ResultsBoth male and female victims of abuse had significantly higher rates of psychiatric treatment during the study period than general population controls (12.4% v. 3.6%). Rates were higher for childhood mental disorders, personality disorders, anxiety disorders and major affective disorders, but not for schizophrenia. Male victims were significantly more likely to have had treatment than females (22.8% v. 10.2%).ConclusionsThis prospective study demonstrates an association between child sexual abuse validated at the time and a subsequent increase in rates of childhood and adult mental disorders.
Impact of compulsory community treatment on admission rates
Authors: Kisely Stephen R. , Xiao Jianguo , Preston Neil J. 
Published: May 2004

BackgroundThere is controversy as to whether compulsory community treatment for psychiatric patients reduces hospital admission rates.AimsTo examine whether community treatment orders (CTOs) reduce admission rates, using a two-stage design of matching and multivariate analyses to take into account socio-demographic factors, clinical factors, case complexity and previous psychiatric and forensic history.MethodSurvival analysis of CTO cases and controls from three linked Western Australian databases of health service use, involuntary treatment and forensic history. We used two control groups: one matched on demographic characteristics, diagnosis, past psychiatric history and treatment setting, and consecutive controls matched on date of discharge from in-patient care.ResultsWe matched 265 CTO cases with 265 matched controls and 224 consecutive controls (totaln=754). The CTO group had a significantly higher readmission rate: 72%v.65% and 59% for the matched and consecutive controls (log-rank χ2=4.7,P=0.03). CTO placement, aboriginal ethnicity, younger age, personality disorder and previous health service use were associated with increased admission rates.ConclusionsCommunity treatment orders alone do not reduce admissions.
Comparison of liaison psychiatry service models for older patients
Authors: Mujic Fedza , Hanlon Charlotte , Sullivan Danny , Waters Gina , Prince Martin 
Published: May 2004

Aims and MethodAt a London teaching hospital, the existing off-site consultation model psychiatric liaison service for older people was replaced with an on-site liaison model service in December 2000. Several indicators of the functioning of the service were audited using identical methods before and after this change.ResultsThe case-load increased by 50%, but the liaison psychiatrists were more satisfied with the appropriateness of referrals. The case mix did not change. The new service achieved target waiting times more consistently, particularly for urgent referrals. Referring teams were more satisfied with the speed of response, while the new service maintained the salience and clarity of advice.Clinical ImplicationsFindings are on the whole favourable, and support the wider introduction of specialist old-age liaison psychiatric services.
Impact of Growth Hormone (GH) Treatment on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in GH-Deficient Adults: A Metaanalysis of Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trials
Authors: Maison Patrick , Griffin Simon , Nicoue-Beglah Marc , Haddad Nabila , Balkau Beverley , Chanson Philippe 
Published: May 2004

Patients with hypopituitarism have an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. GH treatment could modify the cardiovascular risk in adults with GH deficiency, but most published clinical trials involved few patients and the results are variable.
We conducted a systematic review of blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trials of GH treatment in adult patients with GH deficiency published up to August 2003. Thirty-seven trials were identified. We combined the results for effects on lean and fat body mass; body mass index; triglyceride and cholesterol [high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and total] levels; blood pressure; glycemia; and insulinemia. Overall effect size was used to evaluate significance, and weighted differences between GH and placebo were used to appreciate the size of the effect.
GH treatment significantly reduced LDL cholesterol [−0.5 (sd 0.3) mmol/liter], total cholesterol [−0.3 (0.3) mmol/liter], fat mass [−3.1 (3.3) kg], and diastolic blood pressure [−1.8 (3.8) mm Hg] and significantly increased lean body mass [+2.7 (2.6) kg], fasting plasma glucose [+0.2 (0.1) mmol/liter], and insulin [+8.7 (7.0) pmol/liter]. All effect sizes remained significant in trials with low doses and long-duration GH treatment.
Thus, GH treatment has beneficial effects on lean and fat body mass, total and LDL cholesterol levels, and diastolic blood pressure but reduces insulin sensitivity. The global cardiovascular benefit remains to be determined in large trials with appropriate clinical endpoints.
Cytotoxic Activity of Camptothecin and Paclitaxel in Newly Established Continuous Human Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma Cell Lines
Authors: Kaczirek K. , Schindl M. , Weinhäusel A. , Scheuba C. , Passler C. , Prager G. , Raderer M. , Hamilton G. , Mittlböck M. , Siegl V. , Pfragner R. , Niederle B. 
Published: May 2004

At the time of diagnosis, more than one quarter of patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) has distant metastases. Only few of these patients can be cured by surgery. Standard chemotherapy is characterized by low response rates and short response time. The establishment of eight human MTC cell lines provides a new basis for in vitro investigation of cytotoxic drugs. Camptothecin (CPT) and paclitaxel, which never have been investigated in the treatment of MTC, were tested for their cytotoxic profile in comparison with the clinically ineffective dacarbazine.
Eight MTC cell lines were established from seven patients with MTC. IC50 values were calculated from dose-response relationships using cell counts and a formazan dye assay (WST-1).
IC50 values were 3.5 ± 1.2 nmol/liter for CPT and 8.2 ± 1.9 nmol/liter for paclitaxel. Dacarbazine showed no reduction of cell proliferation at concentrations 10-fold higher than clinically achievable.
Given peak plasma concentrations of 65 ± 20 nmol/liter for CPT and 1 μmol/liter for paclitaxel, these promising in vitro results provide a basis for the performance of clinical trials in patients with advanced MTC.
mozregulates Hox expression and pharyngeal segmental identity in zebrafish
Authors: Miller Craig T. , Maves Lisa , Kimmel Charles B. 
Published: May 2004

In vertebrate embryos, streams of cranial neural crest (CNC) cells migrate to form segmental pharyngeal arches and differentiate into segment-specific parts of the facial skeleton. To identify genes involved in specifying segmental identity in the vertebrate head, we screened for mutations affecting cartilage patterning in the zebrafish larval pharynx. We present the positional cloning and initial phenotypic characterization of a homeotic locus discovered in this screen. We show that a zebrafish ortholog of the human oncogenic histone acetyltransferase MOZ (monocytic leukemia zinc finger) is required for specifying segmental identity in the second through fourth pharyngeal arches. In moz mutant zebrafish, the second pharyngeal arch is dramatically transformed into a mirror-image duplicated jaw. This phenotype resembles a similar but stronger transformation than that seen in hox2 morpholino oligo (hox2-MO) injected animals. In addition, mild anterior homeotic transformations are seen in the third and fourth pharyngeal arches of moz mutants. moz is required for maintenance of most hox1-4 expression domains and this requirement probably at least partially accounts for the moz mutant homeotic phenotypes. Homeosis and defective Hox gene expression in moz mutants is rescued by inhibiting histone deacetylase activity with Trichostatin A.Although we find early patterning of the moz mutant hindbrain to be normal, we find a late defect in facial motoneuron migration in moz mutants. Pharyngeal musculature is transformed late, but not early, in moz mutants. We detect relatively minor defects in arch epithelia of moz mutants. Vital labeling of arch development reveals no detectable changes in CNC generation in moz mutants, but later prechondrogenic condensations are mispositioned and misshapen.Mirror-image hox2-dependent gene expression changes in postmigratory CNC prefigure the homeotic phenotype in moz mutants. Early second arch ventral expression of goosecoid (gsc) in moz mutants and in animals injected with hox2-MOs shifts from lateral to medial, mirroring the first arch pattern. bapx1, which is normally expressed in first arch postmigratory CNC prefiguring the jaw joint, is ectopically expressed in second arch CNC of moz mutants and hox2-MO injected animals. Reduction of bapx1 function in wild types causes loss of the jaw joint. Reduction of bapx1 function in mozmutants causes loss of both first and second arch joints, providing functional genetic evidence that bapx1 contributes to the moz-deficient homeotic pattern. Together, our results reveal an essential embryonic role and a crucial histone acetyltransferase activity for Moz in regulating Hox expression and segmental identity, and provide two early targets, bapx1 and gsc, of moz and hox2 signaling in the second pharyngeal arch.
The RhoGEF Pebble is required for cell shape changes during cell migration triggered by theDrosophilaFGF receptor Heartless
Authors: Schumacher Sabine , Gryzik Tanja , Tannebaum Sylvia , Müller H.-Arno J. 
Published: May 2004

The FGF receptor Heartless (HTL) is required for mesodermal cell migration in the Drosophila gastrula. We show that mesoderm cells undergo different phases of specific cell shape changes during mesoderm migration. During the migratory phase, the cells adhere to the basal surface of the ectoderm and exhibit extensive protrusive activity. HTL is required for the protrusive activity of the mesoderm cells. Moreover, the early phenotype of htl mutants suggests that HTL is required for the adhesion of mesoderm cells to the ectoderm.In a genetic screen we identified pebble (pbl) as a novel gene required for mesoderm migration. pbl encodes a guanyl nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for RHO1 and is known as an essential regulator of cytokinesis. We show that the function of PBL in cell migration is independent of the function of PBL in cytokinesis. Although RHO1 acts as a substrate for PBL in cytokinesis, compromising RHO1 function in the mesoderm does not block cell migration. These data suggest that the function of PBL in cell migration might be mediated through a pathway distinct from RHO1. This idea is supported by allele-specific differences in the expressivity of the cytokinesis and cell migration phenotypes of different pbl mutants. We show that PBL is autonomously required in the mesoderm for cell migration. Like HTL, PBL is required for early cell shape changes during mesoderm migration. Expression of a constitutively active form of HTL is unable to rescue the early cellular defects in pbl mutants, suggesting that PBL is required for the ability of HTL to trigger these cell shape changes. These results provide evidence for a novel function of the Rho-GEF PBL in HTL-dependent mesodermal cell migration.
Experimental investigation on contact between cylindrical conformal surfaces
Authors: Pau M , Baldi A , Orrù P F , Ginesu F 
Published: May 2004

The application of an experimental technique based on ultrasonic waves to investigate contact parameters for a cylinder versus cylinder system in conformal configuration is proposed. The method analyses the ultrasonic reflection from the contact interface (or the transmission through it) and yields direct information about the size and shape of the nominal contact area; it also gives a qualitative indication of the contact pressure value, which is a parameter not explicitly related to the characteristics of the reflected wave. In order to assess the reliability of the technique as regards its ability to give a good reproduction of contact areas, the processed ultrasonic data, which can be easily represented as ‘contact maps’, were compared with the results of the application of a commercial pressure-sensitive film (Fuji Prescale HS). At the same time, a finite element model of the tested contact configuration supplied a further comparison term useful in assessing the effectiveness of the ultrasonic technique as a tool in estimating contact pressure distribution.
Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 4 Is Essential in Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathic Pain in the Rat
Authors: Alessandri-Haber Nicole , Dina Olayinka A. , Yeh Jenny J. , Parada Carlos A. , Reichling David B. , Levine Jon D. 
Published: May 2004

The development of treatments for neuropathic pain has been hindered by our limited understanding of the basic mechanisms underlying abnormalities in nociceptor hyperexcitability. We recently showed that the polymodal receptor transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4), a member of the transient receptor potential (TRP) family of ion channels, may play a role in inflammatory pain (Alessandri-Haber et al., 2003). The present study tested whether TRVP4 also contributes to neuropathic pain, using a rat model of Taxol-induced painful peripheral neuropathy. Taxol is the most widely used drug for the treatment of a variety of tumor types, but the dose of Taxol that can be tolerated is limited by the development of a small-fiber painful peripheral neuropathy.We found that Taxol treatment enhanced the nociceptive behavioral responses to both mechanical and hypotonic stimulation of the hind paw. Spinal administration of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides to TRPV4, which reduced the expression of TRPV4 in sensory nerve, abolished Taxol-induced mechanical hyperalgesia and attenuated hypotonic hyperalgesia by 42%. The enhancement of osmotic nociception involves sensitization of osmotransduction in primary afferents because osmotransduction was enhanced in cultured sensory neurons isolated from Taxol-treated rats. Taxol-induced TRPV4-mediated hyperalgesia and the enhanced osmotransduction in cultured nociceptors were dependent on integrin/Src tyrosine kinase signaling. These results suggest that TRPV4 plays a crucial role in a painful peripheral neuropathy, making it a very promising target for the development of a novel class of analgesics.
Concepts in sperm heterogeneity, sperm selection and sperm competition as biological foundations for laboratory tests of semen quality
Authors: Holt William V , Van Look Katrien J W 
Published: May 2004

Stringent selection mechanisms, in both internal and external fertilisation systems, reject all but a significant minority of the spermatozoa released at ejaculation. Sperm competition theory provides circumstantial evidence that the selection process involves mechanisms by which the quality of the fertilising spermatozoon is controlled, thereby ensuring that females and their offspring receive high quality genetic material. In this review we examine some of these selection processes to see whether they could be exploited for the improvement of laboratory tests of sperm quality. Such tests are not only required for clinical and agricultural purposes, but are increasingly needed in fields such as reproductive and environmental toxicology where the species requirement is much broader. Despite many years of research, sperm quality assessment methods continue to provide imprecise data about fertility; here we suggest that this may be a consequence of using tests that focus on the spermatozoa that would normally be unable to fertilise under natural conditions.To achieve fertilisation a spermatozoon must be capable of responding appropriately to external signalling stimuli; those involving protein kinase-regulated flagellar function seem especially influential in governing effects ranging from non-Mendelian inheritance in mammals to sperm chemotaxis in sea urchins. Examination of the elicited responses reveals considerable heterogeneity in all species. Here we propose that this level of heterogeneity is meaningful both in terms of understanding how spermatozoa from some individuals possess fertility advantages over spermatozoa from their rivals in sperm competition, and in that the heterogeneity should be exploitable in the development of more accurate laboratory tests.
Association between ovarian follicle development and pregnancy rates in dairy cows undergoing spontaneous oestrous cycles
Authors: Bleach Emma C L , Glencross Richard G , Knight Philip G 
Published: May 2004

Ovarian follicle development continues in a wave-like manner during the bovine oestrous cycle giving rise to variation in the duration of ovulatory follicle development. The objectives of the present study were to determine whether a relationship exists between the duration of ovulatory follicle development and pregnancy rates following artificial insemination (AI) in dairy cows undergoing spontaneous oestrous cycles, and to identify factors influencing follicle turnover and pregnancy rate and the relationship between these two variables. Follicle development was monitored by daily transrectal ultrasonography from 10 days after oestrus until the subsequent oestrus in 158 lactating dairy cows. The cows were artificially inseminated following the second observed oestrus and pregnancy was diagnosed 35 days later. The predominant pattern of follicle development was two follicle waves (74.7%) with three follicle waves in 22.1% of oestrous cycles and four or more follicle waves in 3.2% of oestrous cycles. The interval from ovulatory follicle emergence to oestrus (EOI) was 3 days longer (P < 0.0001) in cows with two follicle waves than in those with three waves. Ovulatory follicles from two-wave oestrous cycles grew more slowly but were approximately 2 mm larger (P < 0.0001) on the day of oestrus.
Twin ovulations were observed in 14.2% of oestrous cycles and occurred more frequently (P < 0.001) in three-wave oestrous cycles; consequently EOI was shorter in cows with twin ovulations. Overall, 57.0% of the cows were diagnosed pregnant 35 days after AI. Linear logistic regression analysis revealed an inverse relationship between EOI and the proportion of cows diagnosed pregnant, among all cows (n = 158; P < 0.01) and amongst those with single ovulations (n = 145; P < 0.05). Mean EOI was approximately 1 day shorter (P < 0.01) in cows that became pregnant than in non-pregnant cows; however, pregnancy rates did not differ significantly among cows with different patterns of follicle development. These findings confirm and extend previous observations in pharmacologically manipulated cattle and show, for the first time, that in dairy cows undergoing spontaneous oestrous cycles, natural variation in the duration of post-emergence ovulatory follicle development has a significant effect on pregnancy rate, presumably reflecting variation in oocyte developmental competence.
A 24‐Hour Comparison of Serum Growth Hormone Concentrations in Patients with Heart Failure versus Healthy Controls
Authors: Duncan Brett , Moyna Niall M. , Heller Gary V. , McGill Carol , Katten Deborah , Finta Laurie , Velusamy Muthu , Kelsey Anita , Wieczorek Stacey , Wu Alan H. B. , White C. Michael 
Published: May 2004

Study Objective. To compare endogenous serum growth hormone concentrations over a 24‐hour period in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and matched controls.Design. Prospective, 24‐hour, endogenous concentration comparison.Setting. Hospital research center.Patients. Eight evaluable patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy and 10 healthy control subjects, matched for age and sex.Intervention. Over a 24‐hour period, blood was drawn from the study participants every 20 minutes for determination of growth hormone.Measurements and Main Results. For each patient, the area under the concentration‐time curve from time 0–24 hours (AUC0–24), maximum concentration (Cmax), and minimum concentration (Cnadir) of growth hormone were determined. The AUC0–24 and Cmax were 74% (p<0.05) and 62% (p<0.05) lower in patients with CHF than in controls, respectively. The Cnadir for all participants was 0 μg/L. Variability in growth hormone concentrations over the 24 hours was considerable for all study participants.Conclusions. Growth hormone concentrations are suppressed over a 24‐hour period in patients with CHF versus healthy controls. Variability in levels throughout the day suggests that a single point evaluation cannot be used to determine deficiency or abundance of growth hormone.