bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Opposite Changes in Plasma Testosterone and Corticosterone Levels Following a Simulated Territorial Challenge in Male Great Tits
Authors: Pinxten Rianne , Arckens Lutgarde , van Duyse Els , Eens Marcel , Darras Veerle 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe apparent ability of plasma testosterone (T) and corticosterone (B) levels to fluctuate rapidly in response to agonistic interactions, suggests that these hormones may play an important role in an animal's acute behavioural response during such interactions. In the present study, free-living male great tits, Parus major, were subjected to a simulated territorial intrusion (STI) during the egg laying, incubation and nestling stage of first broods. Plasma T and B levels of challenged males were compared to those of control males matched for breeding stage, day in breeding stage, and time of day. Plasma B levels were significantly higher in challenged males compared to control males during the egg laying and incubation stage but not during the nestling stage. On the other hand, challenged males had significantly lower plasma T levels than control males throughout the breeding cycle. While having low plasma T and elevated plasma B levels, challenged males showed a vigorous and unrelenting territorial response to the STI. Plasma T and B levels of challenged males did not correlate with the intensity of the behavioural response to the STI. These findings do not agree with the predictions of the 'challenge hypothesis' that males exposed to a territorial challenge while having breeding baseline T levels will respond with an increase in T or that T correlates with the intensity of aggression during a challenge. Together, our findings suggest a role for B rather than T in the regulation of territorial defence in male great tits.
Epidemiology and Natural History of Acute Patellar Dislocation
Authors: Fithian Donald C. , Paxton Elizabeth W. , Stone Mary Lou , Silva Patricia , Davis Daniel K. , Elias David A. , White Lawrence M. 
Published: May 2004

Background The goals of this study were to (1) define the epidemiology of acute patellar dislocation, (2) determine the risk of subsequent patellar instability episodes (subluxation and/or redislocation) during the study period, and (3) identify risk factors for subsequent instability episodes. Study Design Prospective cohort study. Methods The authors prospectively followed 189 patients for a period of 2 to 5 years. Historical data, injury mechanisms, and physical and radiographic measurements were recorded to identify potential risk factors for poor outcomes. Results Risk was highest among females 10 to 17 years old. Patients presenting with a prior history of instability were more likely to be female (P < .05) and were older than first-time dislocation patients (P < .05). Fewer first-time dislocators (17%) had episodes of instability during follow-up than patients with a previous history of instability (49%) (P < .01). After adjusting for demographics, patients with a prior history had 7 times higher odds of subsequent instability episodes during follow-up than first time dislocators (adjusted odds ratio = 6.6, P < .001). Conclusions Patellar dislocators who present with a history of patellofemoral instability are more likely to be female, are older, and have greater risk of subsequent patellar instability episodes than first-time patellar dislocators. Risk of recurrent patellar instability episodes in either knee is much higher in this group than in first-time dislocators.
Rupture of the Pectoralis Major Muscle
Authors: Äärimaa Ville , Rantanen Jussi , Heikkilä Jouni , Helttula Ilmo , Orava Sakari 
Published: May 2004

Background Total or near-total rupture of the pectoralis major muscle is a rare injury. Fewer than 200 cases have been reported in literature, many of them in single case reports. There is discrepancy regarding whether this kind of injury should be treated operatively. Hypothesis Early surgical treatment is necessary to obtain optimal functional recovery following total or near-total ruptures of the pectoralis major muscle. Study Design A case series of 33 operatively treated pectoralis major ruptures combined with a meta-analysis of the previously published cases in the English literature. Methods The authors have retrospectively analyzed 33 operatively treated cases of total or near-total ruptures of the pectoralis major muscle. They have also analyzed the previously published cases and the final outcomes of their treatment. The difference in outcome between groups of acute operation, delayed operation, and conservative treatment in both their own material and meta-analysis was statistically analyzed. Results Both the case series and the analysis of the cases from the literature showed that early operative treatment is associated with better outcome than delayed treatment. The delayed operation was associated with better outcome than the conservative treatment. Conclusion Early surgical treatment by anatomic repair gives the best results in the treatment of total and near-total ruptures of the pectoralis major muscle.
Effects of Applied Quadriceps and Hamstrings Muscle Loads on Forces in the Anterior and Posterior Cruciate Ligaments
Authors: Markolf Keith L. , O'Neill Geoffery , Jackson Steven R. , McAllister David R. 
Published: May 2004

Background Muscle contraction can subject healing knee ligament grafts to high loads. Purpose To directly measure the effects of quadriceps and hamstrings muscle loads on forces in the anterior cruciate ligaments and posterior cruciate ligaments. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Thirteen cadaveric knee specimens had load cells installed to record resultant forces in both anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments under 5 loading conditions. Cruciate force measurements were repeated with a 100-N load applied to the quadriceps tendon and again with a combined 50-N biceps load and 50-N semimembranosus-semitendinosus load. Results Applied quadriceps loads resulted in mean changes in anterior cruciate ligament and posterior cruciate ligament forces that were less than 20 N for all loading conditions. Hamstrings load significantly increased mean posterior cruciate ligament force between 30° and 105° of flexion with 100 N of applied posterior tibial force. Conclusions At the muscle force levels used in this study, the hamstrings were more effective than the quadriceps in altering cruciate force levels, especially near 90° of flexion, where they have an excellent mechanical advantage for controlling anterior-posterior tibial translation. Clinical Relevance Isolated hamstrings activity generally had little or no effect on anterior cruciate ligament forces but significantly increased forces in the posterior cruciate ligament beyond approximately 30° of flexion.
Laparoscopic Repair of Groin Pain in Athletes
Authors: Genitsaris Michael , Goulimaris Ioannis , Sikas Nikolas 
Published: May 2004

Background There has been increasing interest regarding the cause and treatment of groin pain in athletes. The most common finding is a deficiency of the posterior wall of the inguinal canal, often repaired with bilateral inguinal myorrhaphy. Hypothesis Laparoscopic repair will offer a shorter convalescent period and better results as compared with open myorrhaphy. Study Design Retrospective review of prospectively collected data. Methods Between October 1993 and October 2002, 131 athletes with groin pain unrelieved after 2 to 8 months of conservative management underwent bilateral laparoscopic repair with the transabdominal preperitoneal technique for hernias. In 123 (94%) patients, physical examination revealed a dilated external ring, unilateral or bilateral, of the inguinal canal, and in 8 patients (6%) it was normal. Results During laparoscopy, a deficiency of the posterior inguinal wall was seen in all athletes. All patients left the hospital 24 hours after the procedure, discontinued oral analgesics within 72 hours of surgery, and were back to full sporting activities with- in 2 to 3 weeks. Four patients (3%) complained of thigh pain. After a mean follow-up of 5 years (range, 4 months to 10 years), there was 1 recurrence (0.76%). Conclusions Laparoscopic repair is an efficient method for the treatment of groin pain originating from a deficiency of the posterior inguinal wall, having fast recovery and excellent long-term results.
Histone H1–like protein participates in endothelial cell–specific activation of the von Willebrand factor promoter
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Peng Yiwen , Ma Yuliang , Jahroudi Nadia 
Published: May 2004

AbstractA region of the von Willebrand factor (VWF) promoter has been identified that is necessary to confer endothelial cell-specific activation to the VWF promoter. This region spans sequences +155 to +247 and contains binding sites for GATA6 and NFY transcription factors. To identify potential DNA binding transcription factors that directly interact with these sequences in an endothelial-specific manner, we have performed extensive gel mobility assays with use of 7 overlapping DNA probes that collectively span this entire region. An endothelial-specific protein DNA complex was formed with an oligonucleotide that corresponded to sequences +155 to +184 of the VWF gene. Mutation analysis identified a 6-nucleotide element corresponding to sequences +164 to +169 as the core-binding region for the formation of this complex. Transfection analysis demonstrated that the mutation, which abolished DNA-protein interaction, resulted in significant inhibition of the VWF promoter activity. DNA pull-down analysis, mass spectrometry, and Western blot analysis demonstrated that a 32-kDa polypeptide with homology to histone H1 constituted the endothelial-specific DNA binding protein, or a DNA binding subunit of this protein complex. On the basis of these results, we hypothesize that an H1-like protein functions as an endothelial cell-specific transcriptional activator of the VWF promoter. (Blood. 2004;104: 1725-1732)
Genomic approaches to hematologic malignancies
Authors: Ebert Benjamin L. , Golub Todd R. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractIn the past several years, experiments using DNA microarrays have contributed to an increasingly refined molecular taxonomy of hematologic malignancies. In addition to the characterization of molecular profiles for known diagnostic classifications, studies have defined patterns of gene expression corresponding to specific molecular abnormalities, oncologic phenotypes, and clinical outcomes. Furthermore, novel subclasses with distinct molecular profiles and clinical behaviors have been identified. In some cases, specific cellular pathways have been highlighted that can be therapeutically targeted. The findings of microarray studies are beginning to enter clinical practice as novel diagnostic tests, and clinical trials are ongoing in which therapeutic agents are being used to target pathways that were identified by gene expression profiling. While the technology of DNA microarrays is becoming well established, genome-wide surveys of gene expression generate large data sets that can easily lead to spurious conclusions. Many challenges remain in the statistical interpretation of gene expression data and the biologic validation of findings. As data accumulate and analyses become more sophisticated, genomic technologies offer the potential to generate increasingly sophisticated insights into the complex molecular circuitry of hematologic malignancies. This review summarizes the current state of discovery and addresses key areas for future research.
OSCAR is an FcRγ-associated receptor that is expressed by myeloid cells and is involved in antigen presentation and activation of human dendritic cells
Authors: Merck Estelle , Gaillard Claude , Gorman Daniel M. , Montero-Julian Felix , Durand Isabelle , Zurawski Sandra M. , Menetrier-Caux Christine , Carra Giuseppe , Lebecque Serge , Trinchieri Giorgio , Bates Elizabeth E. M. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractWe have isolated a novel cell surface molecule, the human homolog of osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR). Unlike mouse OSCAR, hOSCAR is widely transcribed in cells of the myeloid lineage. Notably, hOSCAR is expressed on circulating blood monocytes and CD11c+ dendritic cells but not on T and B cells. hOSCAR is continually expressed during differentiation of CD14+ monocytes into dendritic cells and maintained after maturation. hOSCAR associates with the FcRγ as shown by translocation of FcRγ to the cell surface in presence of hOSCAR and coimmunoprecipitation from transfected cell lines and ex vivo cells. Engagement of hOSCAR with specific mAb leads to Ca2+ mobilization and cytokine release, indicators of cellular activation. Endocytosis of the receptor in dendritic cells was observed, followed by passage of the internalized material into Lamp-1+ and HLA-DR+ compartments, suggesting a role in antigen uptake and presentation. Dendritic cells were able to stimulate a T-cell clone specific for an epitope of mouse IgG1 after uptake and processing of the hOSCAR-specific antibody, demonstrating the capacity of this receptor to mediate antigen presentation. hOSCAR thus represents a novel class of molecule expressed by dendritic cells involved in the initiation of the immune response.
Agonists of proteinase-activated receptor-2 modulate human neutrophil cytokine secretion, expression of cell adhesion molecules, and migration within 3-D collagen lattices
Authors: Shpacovitch V M , Varga G , Strey A , Gunzer M , Mooren F , Buddenkotte J , Vergnolle N , Sommerhoff C P , Grabbe S , Gerke V , Homey B , Hollenberg M , Luger T A , Steinhoff M 
Published: May 2004

AbstractProteinase-activated receptor-2 (PAR2) belongs to a novel subfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors with seven-transmembrane domains. PAR2 can be activated by serine proteases such as trypsin, mast cell tryptase, and allergic or bacterial proteases. This receptor is expressed by various cells and seems to be crucially involved during inflammation and the immune response. As previously reported, human neutrophils express functional PAR2. However, the precise physiological role of PAR2 on human neutrophils and its implication in human diseases remain unclear. We demonstrate that PAR2 agonist-stimulated human neutrophils show significantly enhanced migration in 3-D collagen lattices. PAR2 agonist stimulation also induced down-regulation of L-selectin display and up-regulation of membrane-activated complex-1 very late antigen-4 integrin expression on the neutrophil cell surface. Moreover, PAR2 stimulation results in an increased secretion of the cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8, and IL-6 by human neutrophils. These data indicate that PAR2 plays an important role in human neutrophil activation and may affect key neutrophil functions by regulating cell motility in the extracellular matrix, selectin shedding, and up-regulation of integrin expression and by stimulating the secretion of inflammatory mediators. Thus, PAR2 may represent a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of diseases involving activated neutrophils.
Immunologic basis for the rare occurrence of true nonsecretory plasma cell dyscrasias
Authors: Decourt Catherine , Galea Horia Radu , Sirac Christophe , Cogné Michel 
Published: May 2004

AbstractLymphocytes and plasma cells are major actors of the adaptive immune response and can rightly be considered as human health keepers. However, recombination and mutation events occurring at high rate in the B cell lineage also expose these cells to gene alterations, potentially resulting in uncontrolled and life-threatening cell proliferation. Although in cultured cell lines, such gene alterations frequently generate nonsecretory variants, most immunoproliferative B cell disorders feature in vivo immunoglobulin (Ig) secretion. In this paper, we review the molecular mechanisms involved in various instances of the rare, nonsecretory myelomas, in light of current notions about the molecular control of Ig production, assembly, and secretion in normal B cells. We finallydocument the attractive hypothesis that B cell clones, which retain nonsecretable, intracellular Igs, may be ideal, in vivo targets for efficient anti-idiotypic immune responses, and clones featuring an abundant secretion may by contrast easily induce T cell anergy and escape the anti-tumoral immune surveillance.
Mechanism of Iodide/Chloride Exchange by Pendrin
Authors: Yoshida Akio , Hisatome Ichiro , Taniguchi Shinichi , Sasaki Norihiro , Yamamoto Yasutaka , Miake Junichiro , Fukui Hiroko , Shimizu Hideki , Okamura Tomohisa , Okura Tsuyoshi , Igawa Osamu , Shigemasa Chiaki , Green Eric D. , Kohn Leonard D. , Suzuki Koichi 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
We performed an electrophysiological study to investigate ion transport of pendrin and thereby understand the pathogenesis of Pendred syndrome. Using pendrin-transfected COS-7 cells, we could show that pendrin transports both iodide and chloride measured as voltage-dependent inward and outward membrane currents. Chloride in the culture medium, [Cl−]o, was efficiently exchanged with cytoplasmic iodide, [I−]i, under physiological concentrations, indicating that pendrin is important for chloride uptake and iodide efflux. Although exchange of iodide in the medium, [I−]o, with cytoplasmic chloride, [Cl−]i, was observed, a significantly high concentration of iodide (10 mm) was required. In addition, either iodide or chloride was required on both sides of the cell membrane for the anion exchange activity of pendrin, indicating that iodide and chloride activate the exchange activity of pendrin while they are transported. The present study further supports that pendrin is responsible for the iodide efflux in thyroid cells where intracellular iodide concentration is high and that the general function of pendrin in other tissues is to transport chloride through exchange with other anions.
Convergence of Interferon-γ and Progesterone Signaling Pathways in Human Endometrium: Role of PIASy (Protein Inhibitor of Activated Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription-y)
Authors: Zoumpoulidou Georgia , Jones Marius C. , de Mattos Silvia Fernandez , Francis Julia M. , Fusi Luca , Lee Yun Soo , Christian Mark , Varshochi Rana , Lam Eric W.-F. , Brosens Jan J. 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
All cardinal events during the reproductive cycle, including ovulation, implantation, and menstruation, are characterized by a profound tissue remodeling and an associated local inflammatory response. The ovarian hormone progesterone is a key modulator of inflammatory signals in reproductive tissues, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, we report that differentiating human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) acquire resistance to interferon-γ (IFNγ)-dependent signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) 1 signaling, although phosphorylation, nuclear translocation, and binding of STAT1 to DNA, are unaffected. These observations prompted an investigation into the role of nuclear repressors of STAT1 signaling. We demonstrate that protein inhibitor of activated STAT-y is complexed to the progesterone receptor (PR) in human ESCs and that its ability to repress STAT1 signaling is dependent upon activation of PR in response to hormone binding. Conversely, IFNγ and protein inhibitor of activated STAT-y synergistically inhibited PR-dependent transcription, demonstrating that the progesterone and IFNγ signaling pathways engage in reciprocal transcriptional antagonism in human endometrium.
Anti-angiogenic action of the C-terminal domain of tenomodulin that shares homology with chondromodulin-I
Authors: Oshima Yusuke , Sato Koji , Tashiro Fumi , Miyazaki Jun-ichi , Nishida Koji , Hiraki Yuji , Tano Yasuo , Shukunami Chisa 
Published: May 2004

Tenomodulin (TeM) is a type II transmembrane glycoprotein that contains a C-terminal domain with homology to the mature, secreted form of chondromodulin-I (ChM-I), a cartilage-derived angiogenesis inhibitor. TeM transcripts have been found in hypovascular tissues such as tendons and ligaments but the biological activity of TeM has not yet been fully explored. Using an adenovirus expression system, we utilized the forced expression and subsequent secretion of the human TeM C-terminal 116 amino acids (Ad-shTeM) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to assess the anti-angiogenic properties of TeM. The C-terminal 120 amino acids of the human ChM-I precursor (Ad-shChM-I) was similarly expressed in HUVECs as a comparison study. Transduction of both Ad-shTeM and Ad-shChM-I resulted in significant impairment of the tube-forming activity of HUVECs, when cultured in Matrigel. Similarly, conditioned medium from COS7 cells, transfected with plasmid DNA encoding shTeM or shChM-I, inhibited tube formation of HUVECs when compared to medium derived from either COS7 cells transfected with control vector or from non-transfected cells.
Upon infection of HUVECs with Ad-shTeM or Ad-shChM-I, DNA synthesis stimulated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was reduced to 40-50% of normal levels. Additionally, in a modified Boyden chamber assay, migration of HUVECs in response to VEGF was significantly affected following transduction of either Ad-shTeM or Ad-shChM-I and these transduced HUVECs were found to spread well on type I collagen or fibronectin, but not on vitronectin. Furthermore, the transduction of either Ad-shTeM or Ad-shChM-I in human melanoma cells resulted in suppression of tumor growth in association with decreased vessel density in vivo. Hence, we have demonstrated that, similarly to ChM-1, the C-terminal domain of TeM exhibits both anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor activities when expressed in a secreted form.
Fluorescent Hydrophobic Probes Based on Intramolecular Charge Transfer State for Sensitive Protein Detection in Solution
Authors: Jun Hyunsook , Hong Soo Yeon , Yoon Seung Soo , Kang Chulhun , Suh Myungkoo 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
New hydrophobic intramolecular charge transfer probes, comprising an aminostyryl and a cyanopyranyl moieties, were developed for sensitive protein quantification in solution. The probes exhibited dramatic increase of fluorescence quantum yields with accompanying blue-shift of the emission when bound to protein–sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) complexes. Using this emission enhancement, the synthesized probes were successfully applied for determining protein concentrations in solution.
Kinetic Analysis of Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Raw Starch by Glucoamylase Using an Amperometric Glucose Sensor
Authors: Tatsumi Hirosuke , Katano Hajime 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
An amperometric glucose sensor has been introduced to study the kinetics of enzymatic hydrolysis of raw starch by glucoamylase in a thick raw starch suspension. The initial rate of the hydrolysis increased with increasing amount of enzyme to approach a saturation value, whereas it was proportional to the amount of substrate. The dependence can be explained by the rate equation based on the Langmuir adsorption isotherm.
Enzymatic Synthesis of Alternatingly 6-O-Carboxymethylated Chitotetraose by Selective Glycosidation with Chitinase Catalysis
Authors: Ochiai Hirofumi , Ohmae Masashi , Kobayashi Shiro 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
An alternatingly 6-O-carboxymethylated chitotetraose derivative was selectively synthesized via enzymatic glycosidation of a 6′-O-carboxymethylated chitobiose oxazoline derivative catalyzed by chitinase. The enzyme from Streptomyces griseus acted as an efficient catalyst for the reaction, giving rise to N,N′,N″,N′″-tetraacetyl-6′,6′″-di-O-carboxymethylchitotetraose in a 42% yield.
Enzymatic Synthesis of 3-O-Methylated Chitin Oligomers from New Derivatives of a Chitobiose Oxazoline
Authors: Sakamoto Junji , Kobayashi Shiro 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
Regiospecifically 3-O- and/or 3′-O-methylated derivatives of a chitobiose oxazoline have been synthesized as new substrate monomers and subjected to a chitinase catalysis, leading to the first synthesis of 3-O-methylated chitin oligomers via enzymatic oligomerization.