bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular clues into the pathogenesis of statin‐mediated muscle toxicity
Authors: Baker Steven K. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThe pathophysiology of statin‐mediated muscle dysfunction is poorly defined. Reductions in skeletal muscle membrane cholesterol were initially thought to account for the range of myopathic reactions, e.g., myalgia, elevated serum creatine kinase, or rhabdomyolysis. This assumption however, does not consider a potential role of the isoprenoids in the pathophysiology of statin myopathy. The observation that derangements in mevalonate kinase (MK), but not more distal enzymes of cholesterologenesis, are associated with a skeletal myopathy suggests a critical role for the isoprenoids in the maintenance of muscle. Statins also deplete the isoprenoid pool by inhibiting the enzyme, β‐hydroxy‐β‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, which is upstream of MK. Identifying candidate proteins that are both dependent on isoprenoid‐mediated modification and associated with muscle disease, when genetically mutated, offers further insight into potential mechanisms of statin myopathy. For example, lamin A/C, selenoprotein N, α‐ and β‐dystroglycan, and cytoskeletal G‐proteins all require isoprenylation for optimal function. Understanding the pleiotropic effects of protein prenylation, and the potential consequences of a generalized insufficiency of this form of protein modification, may help clarify the molecular pathogenesis of statin myopathy. Muscle Nerve, 2005
Specific dissociation behavior of a polycarboxylate having three kinds of hydroxyl groups
Authors: Sunohara Tomoko , Satoh Mitsuru 
Published: February 2005

AbstractDissociation behavior of a hydrophilic copolymer having three kinds of hydroxyl groups, ie primary OH on α‐hydroxyallyl alcohol component, hemiacetal OH on cyclic hemiacetal component and tertiary OH on α‐hydroxyacrylate component, was investigated as a function of the polymer constitution to study effects from possible intramolecular hydrogen bonds between the carboxyl group and those hydroxyl groups. The apparent dissociation constant, pKa, decreased with increasing fraction of the hemiacetal component, suggesting that the carboxyl anion is stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen bonding with the hemiacetal OH group. Furthermore, the decrease in pKa value was more significant at the lower degrees of dissociation, α. This dissociation behavior was found to be consistent with IR peak shifts to higher wavenumbers observed for the asymmetric vibration band of COO−, which were more significant with decreasing α and for copolymers with larger hemiacetal contents. Effects from the lactone ring, formed during titration, on the pKa values are also discussed. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
A proteome analysis of conditioned media from human neonatal fibroblasts used in the maintenance of human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Prowse Andrew B. J. , McQuade Leon R. , Bryant Katherine J. , Van Dyk Derek D. , Tuch Bernard E. , Gray Peter P. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThe pathways involved in the maintenance of human embryonic stem (hES) cells remain largely unknown, although some signaling pathways have been identified in mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells. Fibroblast feeder layers are used to maintain the undifferentiated growth of hES cells and an examination of the conditioned media (CM) of human neonatal fibroblasts (HNFs) could provide insights into the maintenance of hES cells. The neonatal foreskin fibroblast line (HNF02) used in this study was shown to have a normal 2n = 46, XY chromosomal complement and to support the undifferentiated growth of the Embryonic Stem Cell International Pte. Ltd.‐hES3 cell line. The CM of HNF02 was examined using two‐dimensional liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (2‐D LCMS) and two‐dimensional electrophoresis (2‐DE) followed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐time of flight tandem mass spectrometry (2‐DE/MALDI). A total of 102 proteins were identified, 19 by 2‐DE/MALDI, 53 by 2‐D LCMS and 30 by both techniques. These proteins were classified into 15 functional groups. Proteins identified in the extracellular matrix and differentiation and growth factor functional categories were considered most likely to be involved in the maintenance of hES cell growth, differentiation and pluripotency as these groups contained proteins involved in a variety of events including cell adhesion, cell proliferation and inhibition of cell proliferation, Wnt signaling and inhibition of bone morphogenetic proteins.
Identification of post‐translational modifications that occur during sperm maturation using difference in two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis
Authors: Baker Mark A. , Witherdin Roxanne , Hetherington Louise , Cunningham‐Smith Kelly , Aitken R. John 
Published: February 2005

AbstractDifference in two‐dimensional (2‐D) gel electrophoresis (DIGE) is a novel method for analyzing up to three samples in one 2‐D gel and using the information gained to study post‐translational modifications of proteins. We describe the use of DIGE to isolate and characterize those proteins that undergo processing in spermatozoa as they transit the epididymal tract. We find up to 60 protein spots are significantly modified as sperm traverse the epididymis. In this article, we report eight unambiguous protein identifications and demonstrate that one protein, the β‐subunit of the mitochondrial F1‐ATPase, is serine‐phosphorylated as sperm undergo epididymal maturation. We suggest that phosphorylation of this particular protein in a cAMP‐dependent manner may contribute to the mechanisms by which motility is conferred upon spermatozoa.
Effect of thyroxine on abnormal pancreatic proteomes of the hypothyroid rdw rat
Authors: Satoh Mamoru , Haruta‐Satoh Eri , Omori Akira , Oh‐Ishi Masamichi , Kodera Yoshio , Furudate Sen‐Ichi , Maeda Tadakazu 
Published: February 2005

AbstractA mutation in the thyroglobulin (Tg) gene is the primary cause of hereditary dwarfism and hypothyroidism in the rdw rat. Despite the Tg mutation that causes a Tg shortage, rdw rats survive. The present study examines the influences of this condition on the pancreatic proteome. Normal control (group 1; n = 19) and rdw rats that did not receive L‐thyroxine (T4) (group 2; n = 27) were sacrificed from 4 to 56 weeks after birth. The rdw rats were supplemented either with daily intraperitoneal injections of T4 from 3 to 28 days after birth (group 3; n = 4) or with normal thyroid tissues grafted at 4 weeks of age (group 4; n = 3). Groups 3 and 4 were sacrificed 12 weeks after birth. Pancreatic proteomes analyzed by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis showed that levels of at least four pancreatic proteins were higher in group 2 than in group 1, and that those of four were lower. Cluster decomposition and principal component analysis of the eight protein contents showed that groups 1 and 2 were separated into two clusters and that pancreatic proteomes of group 4 were better normalized than those of group 3. Injecting T4 into group 3 was temporarily effective, whereas the thyroid graft to group 4 provided a continuous positive effect, which concurred with the increased body weight of the other two groups of rdw rats that received grafts of normal thyroids.
Effect of training datasets on support vector machine prediction of protein‐protein interactions
Authors: Lo Siaw Ling , Cai Cong Zhong , Chen Yu Zong , Chung Maxey C. M. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractKnowledge of protein‐protein interaction is useful for elucidating protein function via the concept of ‘guilt‐by‐association’. A statistical learning method, Support Vector Machine (SVM), has recently been explored for the prediction of protein‐protein interactions using artificial shuffled sequences as hypothetical noninteracting proteins and it has shown promising results (Bock, J. R., Gough, D. A., Bioinformatics 2001, 17, 455–460). It remains unclear however, how the prediction accuracy is affected if real protein sequences are used to represent noninteracting proteins. In this work, this effect is assessed by comparison of the results derived from the use of real protein sequences with that derived from the use of shuffled sequences. The real protein sequences of hypothetical noninteracting proteins are generated from an exclusion analysis in combination with subcellular localization information of interacting proteins found in the Database of Interacting Proteins. Prediction accuracy using real protein sequences is 76.9% compared to 94.1% using artificial shuffled sequences. The discrepancy likely arises from the expected higher level of difficulty for separating two sets of real protein sequences than that for separating a set of real protein sequences from a set of artificial sequences. The use of real protein sequences for training a SVM classification system is expected to give better prediction results in practical cases. This is tested by using both SVM systems for predicting putative protein partners of a set of thioredoxin related proteins. The prediction results are consistent with observations, suggesting that real sequence is more practically useful in development of SVM classification system for facilitating protein‐protein interaction prediction.
High‐Density Ozone Disinfection of Medical‐Care Materials for Dental Surgery
Authors: Ohkawa Hiroshi , Tsuji Masao , Ohtsuki Kayoko , Ohnishi Masatoshi , Akitsu Tetsuya 
Published: February 2005

AbstractSummary: Disinfection was investigated in high‐density ozone produced by a dielectric barrier discharge under atmospheric pressure. Disinfection was studied on three‐dimensional carriers made of hydrophilic vinyl‐polysiloxane impression material and a granular acrylic resin used for oral surgery. The experimental results indicated disinfection of spore‐forming bacteria: Geobacillus stearothermophilus and Bacillus atrophaeus, and selected species of opportunistic pathogens: Aspergillus niger, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans.An example of a carrier disinfected in this study (Exafine® mold).imageAn example of a carrier disinfected in this study (Exafine® mold).
Serum levels of phytanic acid are associated with prostate cancer risk
Authors: Xu Jianfeng , Thornburg Todd , Turner Aubrey R. , Vitolins Mara , Case Doug , Shadle John , Hinson Lisa , Sun Jielin , Liu Wennuan , Chang Baoli , Adams Tamara S. , Zheng S. Lilly , Torti Frank M. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractBACKGROUNDRecent findings of over‐expression of the AMACR gene in prostate cancer and association between sequence variants in the AMACR gene and prostate cancer risk, along with the well established findings of association between prostate cancer risk and over‐consumption of dairy products and red meat, indirectly suggest that phytanic acid, which primarily comes from dietary intake of dairy and red meat and requires the AMACR enzyme for its metabolism, may be associated with prostate cancer risk. In this small case‐control study, we assessed the association between phytanic acid levels and prostate cancer risk.METHODSOne hundred and four prostate cancer patients and controls were recruited in North Carolina. Serum levels of phytanic acid were measured using a gas liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy analysis, and a food frequency questionnaire was administered to each individual to assess dietary intake.RESULTSThree key findings are reported. First, there was a high correlation between two independent measurements of phytanic acid levels from the same individuals and the levels of phytanic acid were within the expected range, suggesting that serum levels of phytanic acid levels can be reliably measured in large epidemiological studies. Second, serum levels of phytanic acid among prostate cancer patients were significantly higher than that of unaffected controls, suggesting an association between phytanic acid and prostate cancer risk. Lastly, there was a significantly positive correlation between serum levels of phytanic acid and dietary intake of dairy and red meat servings during the year prior to the serum measurement.CONCLUSIONSAlthough the results from our study suggest phytanic acid levels may be associated with prostate cancer risk, they were based on a study with a small sample size. Much larger studies are required to confirm these important findings. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Toxic and repellent effects of Baccharis salicifolia essential oil on Tribolium castaneum
Authors: García Matías , Donadel Osvaldo J , Ardanaz Carlos E , Tonn Carlos E , Sosa Marta E 
Published: February 2005

AbstractAllelochemical effects were observed when Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) adults were treated with Baccharis salicifolia (Ruiz & Pavon) Pers essential oil. The main biological activities were toxicity and repellence. Terpenes present in the essential oil were identified by GC‐MS, and some authentic samples were tested to assess their activity individually. The most acutely toxic compounds after 3 days were β‐pinene and pulegone. Most of the monoterpenes elicited symptoms indicative of neurotoxicity. The most repellent compound was α‐terpineol. Toxic and repellent effects of chemical derivatives of the major sesquiterpene present in B salicifolia essential oil, as well as a series of monoterpenes, were evaluated in order to investigate structure‐activity relationships. The reduced derivatives of the monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes were more repellent that their carbonyl analogues. In addition, unsaturation in the germacrane skeleton enhanced repellent activity. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Enhanced binding of dopamine D1 receptors in caudate‐putamen subregions in High‐Yawning Sprague‐Dawley rats
Authors: Díaz‐Romero Marilú , Arias‐Montaño José Antonio , Eguibar José R. , Flores Gonzalo 
Published: February 2005

AbstractPrevious reports have shown that the inbred High‐Yawning (HY) and Low‐Yawning (LY) rats differ in several behavioral characteristics related to mesolimbic and nigrostriatal dopamine (DA) function. To determine if differential expression of DA receptors or DA transporter may mediate the behavioral differences in these two sublines of the Sprague‐Dawley rat, we performed a quantitative autoradiography study of the DA D1‐like, D2‐like, and DA‐transporter binding in the basal ganglia and nucleus accumbens. The results show that levels of the D1 binding in the caudate‐putamen of the HY rat were higher than in the LY animals, whereas no significant differences in the DA D2 receptors and DA transporter were noted in these sublines. These data suggest that the differences in DA receptors in D1 binding in HY rats may in part have contributed to the behavioral differences related to DA functions such as grooming and penile erection. Our findings are consistent with previous reports showing a decrease in the behavioral responses after systemic administration of DA agonist in LY compared to HY rats. Synapse 56:69–73, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A meta‐analysis of the effect of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors on functional capacity in patients with symptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction
Authors: Abdulla Jawdat , Abildstrom Steen Z. , Christensen Erik , Kober Lars , Torp‐Pedersen Christian 
Published: February 2005

AbstractAim:To determine by meta‐analysis whether angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors improve exercise tolerance in patients with symptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD).Methods and results:After literature search 13 multi‐centre double blind parallel group trials that evaluated the effect of ACE inhibitors vs. placebo on exercise duration were selected. Ninety‐four percent of patients were in New York Heart Association class II–IV. The studies were combined using the Cochrane meta‐analysis program (Review manager version 4.1). Analyses according to treatment period, exercise protocols and publication periods were performed. Treatment with ACE inhibitor over 4–12 weeks resulted in a beneficial effect on exercise duration (P=0.003 and P=0.0008 for 4‐ and 12‐weeks treatment, respectively), but the magnitude of improvements did not exceed 30 s corresponding to only 5% compared with placebo.Conclusion:In addition to the pronounced effect on mortality and morbidity in patients with symptomatic LVSD, ACE inhibitors have improving effect on functional capacity measured as exercise tolerance time.
Cause and consequence in law and development
Authors: Manji Ambreena 
Published: February 2005

Patrick McAuslan, Bringing the Law Back In: essays in land, law and development (Aldershot: Ashgate. 2003)The title of the book sums up my overall stance: there is an important role for law in development generally and in land reform in particular and it is, in my view, wholly beneficial that after almost three decades of virtually ignoring the role of law in development … international financial institutions, aid agencies and scholars in the West are beginning to appreciate and reaffirm both its centrality to development in practice and its centrality to understanding the process of development and change in societies in developing countries. (McAuslan 2003: vii)He who is able to translate others' interests into his own language carries the day. (Latour 1983: 144)
Inhibition of endogenous nitric oxide in the heart enhances matrix metalloproteinase‐2 release
Authors: Wang Wenjie , Viappiani Serena , Sawicka Jolanta , Schulz Richard 
Published: February 2005

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity is upregulated in pathologies such as atherosclerosis during which endogenous nitric oxide (NO) biosynthesis is reduced. Diminished levels of NO, an antioxidant species, may result in higher oxidative stress. Oxidants are capable of activating MMPs from their zymogen forms. We examined whether basal biosynthesis of NO in the coronary circulation regulates MMP‐2 activity.
In isolated rat hearts perfused with Krebs–Henseleit buffer at a constant flow of 10 ml min−1, we measured the release of MMP‐2 into the coronary effluent by gelatin zymography. The main gelatinolytic activity of 72‐kDa corresponds to MMP‐2. Infusion of the NO synthase inhibitor NG‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME) concentration dependently increased coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) (by 48±11 mmHg with 100 μM) and enhanced the release of the 72‐kDa MMP‐2 in the effluent. Coinfusion of the NO donor S‐nitroso‐N‐acetyl‐D,L‐penicillamine (SNAP, 1 μM) with L‐NAME abolished both the increase in CPP and the enhanced MMP‐2 release.
The thromboxane A2 mimetic U46619 increased CPP to the same extent as L‐NAME without increasing 72‐kDa activity in the effluent, suggesting that MMP‐2 release is not caused simply by enhanced perfusion pressure.
Infusion of either L‐NAME or U46619 did not significantly enhance LDH release.
L‐NAME infusion concentration dependently increased the level of lipid hydroperoxides in homogenates prepared from the perfused hearts. Coinfusion of SNAP prevented this increase.
These data reveal another cytoprotective mechanism of endogenous NO biosynthesis in the heart, the inhibition of MMP‐2 release.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 145, 43–49. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706144
Effects of diadenosine polyphosphates on glomerular volume
Authors: Szczepańska‐Konkel Miroslawa , Jankowski Maciej , Stiepanow‐Trzeciak Anna , Angielski Stefan 
Published: February 2005

Diadenosine polyphosphates (P1,P3‐diadenosine triphosphate, Ap3A; P1,P4‐diadenosine tetraphosphate, Ap4A; and P1,P5‐diadenosine pentaphosphate, Ap5A) are vasoactive molecules. The experimental model of isolated rat renal glomeruli was used to investigate their effects on glomerular vasculature. We measured the changes of glomerular inulin space (GIS) as a marker of glomeruli contractility.
Ap4A and Ap5A induced concentration‐ and time‐dependent reduction of GIS whereas Ap3A had no effect. The effects of Ap4A and Ap5A (both at 1 μM) were prevented by a nonselective P2 receptor antagonist, that is, suramin (10 μM) and P2Y receptor antagonist – reactive blue 2 (50 μM). However, the antagonist of P1 receptor, that is, theophylline (1 μM) and A1 receptor 8‐cyclopentyl‐1,3‐dipropylxanthine (DPCPX; 10 μM) did not affect the responses of glomeruli to Ap4A or Ap5A.
Ap3A, in contrast to Ap4A and Ap5A, prevented angiotensin II‐induced reduction of GIS in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner. This effect was partially prevented by suramin and markedly reduced by reactive blue 2 and the specific antagonist of P2Y1 receptor – MRS 2179 (10 μM). However, theophylline and the specific antagonist of A2 receptor – 3,7‐dimethyl‐1‐propargylxanthine (DMPX; 10 μM) – did not affect Ap3A action.
We indicate that diadenosine polyphosphates changed the glomerular volume via activation of P2 receptors. We suggest that extracellular Ap4A and Ap5A via P2X and P2Y receptors may decrease and Ap3A via, at least in part, P2Y1 receptors may increase filtration surface, which in turn may modify glomerular filtration rate.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 144, 1109–1117. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706149
Does colonization contribute to spatial patterns of common invertebrates in coralline algal turf?
Authors: Kelaher Brendan P. 
Published: February 2005

Abstract  The potential of colonization to contribute to the spatial patterns of six common invertebrates in coralline algal turf was investigated on a rocky shore near Sydney, Australia. The species, which included two amphipods (Elasmopus warra, Hyale spp.), a small bivalve (Lasaea australis), a fly larva (Limonia marina), and two microgastropods (Amphithalamus incidata and Eatoniella atropurpurea), had a range of dispersal modes (larval dispersal, crawling, swimming, rafting, and passive transport). Field sampling between May 1997 and November 1999 demonstrated that the amphipods were more abundant in low‐shore areas, the fly larvae and bivalves were more abundant in mid‐shore areas, and the abundances of gastropods did not vary with tidal height. Furthermore, abundances of all species varied among patches separated by tens of metres at one time or another. To test whether rates of colonization could contribute to established patterns of abundance, habitat mimics were deployed for 2‐week periods. The supply of new individuals matched long‐term patterns of abundance at different tidal heights for E. warra and L. marina. Colonization rates also differed among patches separated by tens of metres for three of the six species. Overall, there was little evidence to suggest that common species in coralline turf are limited by colonization on local scales, regardless of their major mode of dispersal. However, the potential for colonization to determine patterns of abundance varied from species to species.