bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic regulation of the human dopachrome tautomerase promoter by MITF, ER‐α and chromatin remodelers during proliferation and senescence of human melanocytes
Authors: Schwahn Denise J. , Timchenko Nikolai A. , Shibahara Shigeki , Medrano Estela E. 
Published: May 2005

SummarySenescent cells are known to display altered gene expression of differentiation‐associated genes. We have previously demonstrated that the melanocyte transcriptional regulator microphthalmia‐associated protein (MITF) is down‐regulated in senescent melanocytes. Since virtually nothing is known regarding the differentiated function of senescent melanocytes, we analyzed the transcriptional regulation of Dopachrome tautomerase (DCT), a member of the tyrosinase gene family, in proliferating and in senescent human melanocytes. Computational analysis of the region containing the M‐box that includes the MITF CATGTG binding motif demonstrated that this sequence overlaps with the estrogen receptor alpha (ER‐α), USF‐1, TFE‐3, Isl‐1 and AP‐1 binding elements. Electrophoresis gel‐shift analysis using an oligonucleotide containing MITF and ERE elements identified MITF and ER‐α complexes in proliferating melanocytes, whereas only ER‐α complexes were detected in senescent cells. Importantly, a promoter‐reporter analysis demonstrated that the coactivator p300/CBP switched MITF from a repressor to an activator of DCT transcription. p300/CBP was also required by ER‐α and MITF to induce high, synergistic activation of the DCT promoter. We have also found that transcription of the DCT gene is differentially regulated by major melanocyte mitogens. In contrast to the activating effect of cAMP inducers, 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbolacetate (TPA) was a potent repressor of DCT transcription, suggesting that this gene can be differentially regulated by multiple environmental signals and promoter context. In support of this conclusion, trichostatin A, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, counteracted the TPA‐mediated repression, and restored high levels of DCT protein in cultured melanocytes. We conclude that senescent melanocytes display dramatic changes in the expression of differentiation‐related proteins; such changes may in turn result in altered melanocyte function and survival to environmental stresses.
Ednrb2 orients cell migration towards the dorsolateral neural crest pathway and promotes melanocyte differentiation
Authors: Pla Patrick , Alberti Christophe , Solov'eva Olga , Pasdar Manijeh , Kunisada Takahiro , Larue Lionel 
Published: May 2005

SummaryEndothelin receptors B (Ednrb) are involved in the development of the enteric and melanocytic lineages, which originate from neural crest cells (NCCs). In mice, trunk NCCs and their derivatives express only one Ednrb. In quail, trunk NCCs express two Ednrb: Ednrb and Ednrb2. Quail Ednrb is expressed in NCCs migrating along the ventral pathway, which gives rise to the peripheral nervous system, including enteric ganglia. Ednrb2 is upregulated in NCCs before these cells enter the dorsolateral pathway. The NCCs migrating along the dorsolateral pathway are melanocyte precursors. We analyzed the in vitro differentiation and in ovo migration of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells expressing and not expressing Ednrb2. We generated a series of transfected ES cell lines expressing Ednrb2. This receptor, like Ednrb, oriented genuine ES cells towards melanocyte lineage differentiation in vitro. The in ovo migration of Ednrb2‐expressing ES cells was massively oriented towards the dorsolateral pathway, unlike that of WT or Ednrb‐expressing ES cells. Thus, Ednrb2 is involved in melanoblast differentiation and migration.
Eumelanin and pheomelanin concentrations in human epidermis before and after UVB irradiation
Authors: Hennessy Alison , Oh Carol , Diffey Brian , Wakamatsu Kazumasa , Ito Shosuke , Rees Jonathan 
Published: May 2005

SummaryPheomelanin is widely thought to be causally related to susceptibility to the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation: epidemiological studies show that those with a higher ratio of pheomelanin to eumelanin in hair have higher rates of melanoma, and work in mouse and cell culture shows that pheomelanin generates excess free radicals after UVR exposure. By contrast, based on measurements of eumelanin and pheomelanin in human skin, before and following irradiation, we now report that both pheomelanin and eumelanin are positively related to skin colour, and by inference, inversely with cancer susceptibility. The ratio of melanin classes is similar in people with widely different cancer rates and UVR sensitivity. Although our numbers are small, our results extend previous work in man, and lead us to speculate that factors other than the amount of pheomelanin may be important in determining UVR susceptibility in persons with red hair.
Adhesion, migration and communication in melanocytes and melanoma
Authors: Haass Nikolas K. , Smalley Keiran S. M. , Li Ling , Herlyn Meenhard 
Published: May 2005

SummaryUnder normal conditions, homeostasis determines whether a cell remains quiescent, proliferates, differentiates, or undergoes apoptosis. In this state of homeostasis, keratinocytes control melanocyte growth and behaviour through a complex system of paracrine growth factors and cell–cell adhesion molecules. Alteration of this delicate homeostatic balance and can lead to altered expression of cell–cell adhesion and cell communication molecules and to the development of melanoma. Melanoma cells escape from this control by keratinocytes through three major mechanisms: (1) down‐regulation of receptors important for communication with keratinocytes such as E‐cadherin, P‐cadherin, desmoglein and connexins, which is achieved through growth factors produced by fibroblasts or keratinocytes; (2) up‐regulation of receptors and signalling molecules not found on melanocytes but important for melanoma–melanoma and melanoma–fibroblast interactions such as N‐cadherin, Mel‐CAM, and zonula occludens protein‐1 (ZO‐1); (3) loss of anchorage to the basement membrane because of an altered expression of the extracellular‐matrix binding integrin family. In the current review, we describe the alterations in cell–cell adhesion and communication associated with melanoma development and progression, and discuss how a greater understanding of these processes may aid the future therapy of this disease.
Evaluation of general joint laxity, shoulder laxity and mobility in competitive swimmers during growth and in normal controls
Authors: Jansson Anna , Saartok Tönu , Werner Suzanne , Renström Per 
Published: May 2005

The aim of the study was to evaluate differences between competitive swimmers and a reference group of school children concerning general joint laxity, laxity of the glenohumeral joint and range of motion in the shoulder. Materials and methods. Competitive swimmers (n=120) were compared with references consisting of age and gender matched school children (n=1277). General joint laxity was evaluated with the Beighton score. Anterior glenohumeral laxity was assessed according to the drawer test, and inferior glenohumeral laxity according to the sulcus test. Shoulder rotation was measured with a goniometer.Results. Male swimmers of both age groups showed a higher degree of general joint laxity compared with the reference group while 9‐year‐old female swimmers alone had a lower degree of general joint laxity compared with references. No significant difference concerning shoulder laxity was noticed between groups. There was a decreased internal rotation in male and female swimmers as compared with the reference group. External rotation was reduced in female swimmers as compared with the female references. The same result was observed in male swimmers, but only at the age of 12 years.Clinical consequence:Competitive swimming in children seems to lead to a decreased range of motion with regard to shoulder rotation. However, the reason for this is still unclear and further investigations are needed.
Malignes Melanom – Eine Betrachtung von Studenten der Humanmedizin
Authors: Felcht Moritz , Fischer Jens Christian , Michels Martin , Weinhold Mario , Zouboulis Christos C. 
Published: May 2005

ZusammenfassungDas einer steigenden Inzidenz unterliegende maligne Melanom entsteht als melanozytäre Geschwulst überwiegend auf der Haut und ist für etwa 90 % der Mortalität an bösartigen Hauttumoren verantwortlich. Als wichtigster Risikofaktor wurde noch vor dem UV‐Licht die genetische Disposition erkannt, wobei sich das Risiko durch bedachte UV‐Licht‐Exposition reduzieren läßt. Wichtige neue diagnostische Verfahren sind die Sentinel‐Lymphadenektomie und der Einsatz von Tumormarkern im Blut. Das Melanom zeichnet sich durch eine ausgeprägte Therapieresistenz aus, so daß die derzeit einzige kurative Therapie in der frühen Exzision zu sehen ist. Damit ist eine verbesserte Früherkennung essentiell. Experimentelle Therapieansätze wie die Vakzinierung mit dendritischen Zellen zeigen erste Erfolge, müssen aber in multizentrischen, randomisierten Studien noch überprüft werden.
Deutliche Einschränkung der Lebensqualität bei Patienten mit Pemphigus vulgaris: Ergebnisse der deutschen Bullous Skin Disease (BSD)‐Studiengruppe
Authors: Mayrshofer Franziska , Hertl Michael , Sinkgraven Ronald , Sticherling Michael , Pfeiffer Christiane , Zillikens Detlef , Messer Gerald , Rzany für die deutscheBSD‐Studiengruppe Berthold 
Published: May 2005

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund: Pemphigus vulgaris ist eine potentiell lebensbedrohliche Autoimmunerkrankung von Schleimhäuten und Haut, die durch Antikörper gegen Adhäsionsmoleküle der Epidermis vermittelt wird. Klinisch charakteristisch sind chronische, häufig schmerzhafte Blasen beziehungsweise Erosionen der Haut und Schleimhäute. Bisher liegt jedoch noch keine Untersuchung zur Lebensqualität dieser Patienten vor. Patienten und Methodik: Die Erfassung erfolgte im Rahmen der multizentrischen BSD (Bullous Skin Diseases)‐Studiengruppe. In den Universitätskliniken Dresden, Erlangen, Kiel, Mannheim, München und Würzburg wurden von November 1997 bis Januar 2002 insgesamt 36 Patienten mit der Erstdiagnose Pemphigus vulgaris behandelt. 30 der 36 (83 %) Patienten waren bereit, an der Befragung zu ihrer durch die Krankheit beeinträchtigten Lebensqualität teilzunehmen. Die Erfassung erfolgte mit der von A. Y. Finlay zur Verfügung gestellten deutschen Version des ‚Dermatology Life Quality Index’ (DLQI). Der DLQI kann Werte von 0 bis 30 einnehmen; ein erhöhter Wert spricht für eine eingeschränkte Lebensqualität. Ergebnisse: Der DLQI‐Gesamtscore lag bei den untersuchten Patienten mit Pemphigus vulgaris bei 10 (± 6,7) Punkten. Dies entspricht im Vergleich zu anderen Hauterkrankungen einer sehr starken Einschränkung der Lebensqualität. Schlußfolgerung: Der DLQI bietet sich als mögliche zusätzliche Zielgröße bei der Evaluation von Therapieerfolgen des Pemphigus vulgaris und für zukünftige kontrollierte klinische Studien dieser Erkrankung an.
Neodymium‐YAG Laser for hemangiomas and vascular malformations – long term results
Authors: Ulrich Heidi , Bäumler Wolfgang , Hohenleutner Ulrich , Landthaler Michael 
Published: May 2005

Summary Background: Hemangiomas and vascular malformations are the most common vascular lesions of infancy. Different lasers can be used for treatment. Nd:YAG laser photocoagulation is particularly effective because of its deep penetration into tissue. Patients and methods: Thirty‐one patients, aged from three months to 18 years, with voluminous hemangiomas and venous malformations were treated with a cw‐neodymium:YAG laser. The quartz fibre was used in percutaneous and intralesional technique. Long‐term follow‐up data were acquired by clinical control or a patient questionnaire for a maximal period of eight years. Twenty patients could be evaluated. Results: In the group with hemangiomas (n = 15), three cases showed nearly complete remission (> 90 %), ten cases had a partial reduction in size (50 – 90 %), in one case there was stable disease and in one case tumor growth. In the group with venous malformations (n = 5) two cases showed an excellent response (> 90 %), one case a moderate response (25 – 50 %) and in two cases there was no improvement. Adverse effects included scars (40 %), hyper‐ and hypopigmentation (23 %), mild atrophy (20 %) and a wrinkled texture (17 %). After maximal reduction in size, 30 % of the patients were not satisfied with the laser treatment outcome and elected surgical excision of the residual lesion. Conclusions: The neodymium:yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser with percutaneous or intralesional application technique is a valuable tool for selected patients with hemangiomas and venous malformations.
Vascular aneurysms in Behcet's disease
Authors: Safar Hussein A. , Abou‐Khamseen Sawsan , Kansou Jalal , Abubacker Shefeek , Francis Issam , Asfar Sami 
Published: May 2005

Background: Vascular complications are fairly common in patients suffering from Behcet's disease. Peripheral arterial aneurysms affect nearly every artery in association with this disease. This report discusses the management of this complication in such patients.Patients and Methods: Two young patients were referred to the Vascular Surgery Service, because of arterial aneurysms. Both patients were known to suffer from Behcet's disease and were on colchicine. Both had history of deep vein thrombosis and were on long‐term anticoagulant therapy (warfarin).Case 1:A 38‐year‐old man presented with recurrent abdominal pains which prove to be due to a saccular abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) of 6 cm diameter. An elective open repair of the AAA with tube Dacron graft was performed. At 1 year follow up the patient remained free of symptoms.Case 2:A 42‐year‐old man presented with a neck swelling, which was confirmed by duplex scan and magnetic resonance angiography to be a saccular aneurysm of the left internal carotid artery. Surgical excision of the aneurysm was carried out and the artery repaired with a GORE‐TEX patch.Results: At 12–18 months follow up, both patients remained well and asymptomatic.Conclusions: Patients suffering from Behcet's disease are liable to get arterial aneurysms. Surveillance by non‐invasive studies ensures early diagnosis and management of these uncommon complications of the disease.
Sources used by patients seeking information about peripheral vascular disease: Is the Internet relevant?
Authors: Durani Piyush , Croft Giles P. , Kent Patrick J. 
Published: May 2005

Objective:  The use of the Internet as a source of information has increased dramatically over the last decade. Patient‐orientated vascular surgery websites have been highlighted as a poor overall source of information for such patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the sources of information used by a group of patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and the usage of the Internet as a source by these patients.Method:  Questionnaires were distributed to patients with PVD, attending an outpatient clinic at a tertiary centre. Patients were asked about demographic details, Internet access and ranking of their top three most frequently used sources of information.Results:  Sixty‐one out of eighty questionnaires were completed. There were 40 males and 21 females; age range 34–90 years (mean 67 years). Forty‐four participants (72%) were from the lower socioeconomic classes four and five. Eight participants (13%) had access to the Internet, and only one of these had used the Internet to obtain information about their condition. Hospital and community doctors were the sources of information most commonly used by participants and these were also the sources of information perceived as most useful.Conclusion:  The results indicate that access to the Internet is limited in this selected group of PVD patients, and this might be due to their age and socioeconomic class distribution. Although refining of current Internet sites will benefit future users, for this group of patients there is still no substitute for good doctor–patient communication.
Biotic elicitors as a means of increasing isoflavone concentration of soybean seeds
Authors: AL‐TAWAHA A M , SEGUIN P , SMITH D L , BEAULIEU C 
Published: May 2005

SummarySoybean (Glycine max) seeds contain isoflavones that have positive impacts on human health. Four greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine if isoflavone concentration of mature soybean seeds could be increased using elicitor compounds. The effects on soybean seed isoflavone concentrations following foliar applications of two lipo‐chitooligosaccharides (LCO) [Bj V (C18:1 MeFuc) and Bj V (Ac, C16, MeFuc)], chitosan, actinomycetes spores (Streptomyces melanosporofaciens strain EF‐76) and yeast extract at different concentrations and growth stages were evaluated. Combined chitosan seed treatment and foliar applications were also evaluated. Concentrations of daidzein, genistein, glycitein, and total isoflavones were determined by HPLC. Foliar applications of LCOs, chitosan, and actinomycetes caused a marked increase in individual and total isoflavone concentration (ranging between 21% and 84%) of mature seeds when compared to untreated control plants. There were limited differences between the different concentrations and stages of application tested for chitosan and actinomycetes; however, response to LCOs was greatest at higher concentrations (i.e. 10‐6 M) when applied at the early podding stage. Compared to untreated plants, combined seed treatment and foliar applications of chitosan increased individual and total isoflavone concentration of mature soybean seeds by 16% to 93%. Trends were similar for different cultivars, however, the magnitude of the response varied. Finally, response to foliar applications of yeast extract was highly concentration dependent with increases of up to 56% in total isoflavone observed with 2 mg mL‐1. Results indicate that elicitors hold promise as a way of increasing isoflavone concentration of mature soybean seeds.
Survival and recovery of Phytophthora capsici and oomycetes in tailwater and soil from vegetable fields in Florida
Authors: ROBERTS P D , URS R R , FRENCH‐MONAR R D , HOFFINE M S , SEIJO T E , McGOVERN R J 
Published: May 2005

SummaryA current trend in Florida agriculture to conserve water is to irrigate with surface runoff water (tailwater) recovered in retention ponds and canals. Water filtration and lemon leaf baiting recovered Phytophthora capsici and other plant pathogenic Oomycetes in runoff water from ponds and canals. A total of 196 isolates of Phytophthora spp. and 471 isolates of Pythium spp. were recovered. Phytophthora spp. included P. capsici, P. cinnamomi, P. lateralis, P. nicotianae, P. citricola, P. cryptogea and P. erythroseptica. Species of Pythium were P. aphanidermatum, P. catenulatum, P. helicoides, P. irregulare, P. myriotylum, and Pythium‘group F’. Isolates of P. aphanidermatum, P. irregulare, P. myriotylum, and Pythium‘group F’ were pathogenic on pepper and tomato. Recovery of P. capsici propagules was related to soil moisture‐holding capacity and time interval but not temperature. Recovery of P. capsici propagules at 100% soil moisture‐holding capacity and 30° C was 57 days. In tailwater, recovery of propagules of P. capsici was 63 days at 24°C to 25°C. The potential exists to reintroduce and disseminate species of Phytophthora and Pythium when using tailwater for irrigation or other practices.
Performance of sampling strategies in the presence of known spatial patterns
Authors: ALEXANDER COLIN J , HOLLAND JOHN M , WINDER LINTON , WOOLLEY CHRIS , PERRY JOE N 
Published: May 2005

SummaryIn crop protection and ecology accurate and precise estimates of insect populations are required for many purposes. The spatial pattern of the organism sampled, in relation to the sampling scheme adopted, affects the difference between the actual and estimated population density, the bias, and the variability of that estimate, the precision. Field monitoring schemes usually adopt time‐efficient sampling regimes involving contiguous units rather than the most efficient for estimation, the completely random sample. This paper uses spatially‐explicit ecological field data on aphids and beetles to compare common sampling regimes. The random sample was the most accurate method and often the most precise; of the contiguous schemes the line transect was superior to more compact arrangements such as a square block. Bias depended on the relationship between the size and shape of the group of units comprising the sample and the dominant cluster size underlying the spatial pattern. Existing knowledge of spatial pattern to inform the choice of sampling scheme may provide considerable improvements in accuracy. It is recommended to use line transects longer than the grain of the spatial pattern, where grain is defined as the average dimension of clusters over both patches and gaps, and with length at least twice the dominant cluster size.
A Decentralized Output Feedback Controller for a Class of Large-Scale Interconnected Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Pagilla Prabhakar R. , Zhu Yongliang 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
The decentralized output feedback control problem for a class of large-scale interconnected nonlinear systems is considered. The nonlinear interconnection function of each subsystem is assumed to satisfy a quadratic constraint on the entire state of the large-scale system. A decentralized estimated state feedback controller and a decentralized observer are designed for each subsystem. Sufficient conditions, for each subsystem, under which the proposed controller and observer can achieve exponential stabilization of the overall large-scale system are developed. Simulation results on a numerical example are given to verify the proposed design.
Deletion of M2 Gene Open Reading Frames 1 and 2 of Human Metapneumovirus: Effects on RNA Synthesis, Attenuation, and Immunogenicity
Authors: Buchholz Ursula J. , Biacchesi Stéphane , Pham Quynh N. , Tran Kim C. , Yang Lijuan , Luongo Cindy L. , Skiadopoulos Mario H. , Murphy Brian R. , Collins Peter L. 
Published: May 2005

ABSTRACT
The M2 gene of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) contains two overlapping open reading frames (ORFs), M2-1 and M2-2. The expression of separate M2-1 and M2-2 proteins from these ORFs was confirmed, and recombinant HMPVs were recovered in which expression of M2-1 and M2-2 was ablated individually or together [rΔM2-1, rΔM2-2, and rΔM2(1+2)]. Each M2 mutant virus directed efficient multicycle growth in Vero cells. The ability to recover HMPV lacking M2-1 contrasts with human respiratory syncytial virus, for which M2-1 is an essential transcription factor. Expression of the downstream HMPV M2-2 ORF was not reduced when translation of the upstream M2-1 ORF was silenced, indicating that it is initiated separately. The rΔM2-2 mutants exhibited a two- to fivefold increase in the accumulation of mRNA, normalized to the genome template, suggesting that M2-2 has a role in regulating RNA synthesis. Replication and immunogenicity were tested in hamsters. Animals infected intranasally with rΔM2-1 or rΔM2(1+2) did not have recoverable virus in the lungs or nasal turbinates on days 3 or 5 postinfection and did not develop HMPV-neutralizing serum antibodies or resistance to HMPV challenge. Thus, M2-1 appears to be essential for significant virus replication in vivo. In animals infected with rΔM2-2, virus was recovered from only 1 of 12 animals and only in the nasal turbinates on a single day. However, all of the animals developed a high titer of HMPV-neutralizing serum antibodies and were highly protected against challenge with wild-type HMPV. The HMPV rΔM2-2 virus is a promising and highly attenuated HMPV vaccine candidate.