bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors Reduce IκB Kinase Activity Induced by Oxidative Stress in Monocytes and Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Ortego Monica , Gómez-Hernández Almundena , Vidal Cristina , Sánchez-Galán Eva , Blanco-Colio Luis M , Martín-Ventura Jose L , Tuñón Jose , Diaz Cristina , Hernández Gonzalo , Egido Jesus 
Published: April 2005

Abstract:

Reactive oxygen species, such as superoxide anion (O2
−) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), may act as second messengers of intracellular signaling and play a key role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) is a redox-sensitive transcription factor that is involved in this process. The aim of the present study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms of action of statins on cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and monocytic cells (THP-1) under oxidative stress. In THP-1 and cultured VSMC, O2
− caused an increase in NF-κB activation (P < 0.05) that was correlated with inhibitory IκB-α degradation. Atorvastatin or simvastatin decreased NF-κB activation induced by oxidative stress by around 50% in both cell types and was correlated with the IκB-α levels. In monocytes, O2
− increased IκB kinase (IKK)-1 and IKK-2 activity (P < 0.05) and p38 and p42/44 activation and phosphorylation, which was reduced by statins. PD 98059 (p42/44 inhibitor) and SB20358 (p38 inhibitor) decreased NF-κB binding activity and prevented IκB-α degradation. However, we only observed a reduction in IKK-1 and IKK-2 activity with PD98059. Statins diminish NF-κB activation elicited by oxidative stress through the inhibition of IKK-1/-2, p38, and p42/44 activation. These data may help to further understand the molecular mechanisms of statins in cardiovascular disease.
Effects of KATP Channel Modulation on Myocardial Glycogen Content, Lactate, and Amino Acids in Nonischemic and Ischemic Rat Hearts
Authors: Kristiansen Steen B , Nielsen-Kudsk Jens Erik , Bøtker Hans Erik , Nielsen Torsten Toftegaard 
Published: April 2005

Abstract:

ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels are involved in the mechanisms underlying ischemic preconditioning. KATP channels open during ischemia, presumably secondary to intracellular metabolic alterations. The direct effects of KATP channel modulation on myocardial metabolism have not been studied. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether a KATP opener (diazoxide) and blocker (glibenclamide) modulates myocardial glycogen, lactate, and amino acid content before, during, and after ischemia. In isolated perfused rat hearts, we investigated the effect of diazoxide (30 μM) and glibenclamide (10 μM) administered 15 minutes before ischemia on myocardial glycogen, lactate, and amino acid content before, during, and after ischemia. Diazoxide increased left-ventricular developed pressure during reperfusion (P < 0.05) and decreased myocardial glycogen depletion (P < 0.05) and lactate accumulation (P < 0.05) during ischemia compared with the control group. Glibenclamide decreased myocardial glycogen content (P < 0.05) and increased myocardial lactate (P < 0.05) and alanine (P < 0.05) content before ischemia and reduced myocardial glycogen content after ischemia (P < 0.05) compared with control. KATP channel activation by diazoxide modulates myocardial metabolism. These findings suggest that activation of KATP channels protects against ischemia-reperfusion injury by a mechanism that involves decreased energy depletion.
Sustained Cardioprotection Afforded by A2A Adenosine Receptor Stimulation After 72 Hours of Myocardial Reperfusion
Authors: Boucher Matthieu , Wann Boubacar Pasto , Kaloustian Sevan , Massé Rachel , Schampaert Érick , Cardinal René , Rousseau Guy 
Published: April 2005

Abstract:

This study was designed to determine whether cardioprotection afforded by A2A adenosine receptor stimulation can be sustained and to determine the effect of an A2A adenosine receptor agonist on Akt and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) activation, as well as Hsp27 and Hsp70 protein expression in such events. The left anterior descending coronary artery was occluded for 40 minutes in anesthetized rats followed by 72 hours of reperfusion. A2A agonist (CGS21680 at 0.2 μg/kg/min) was administered for 120 minutes, starting either 5 minutes before (early) or after (late) the beginning of reperfusion. Infarct size was reduced significantly in the early compared with the control group (35.2 ± 1.9% and 52.5 ± 3.4%, respectively; P < 0.05), whereas no difference was observed with the late group (44.5 ± 7.1%). After 72 hours of reperfusion, drug administration was accompanied by Akt activation (early, 121.8 ± 17.6%; late, 118.1 ± 16.4%; P < 0.05), as well as elevated Hsp27 expression (early, 197.2 ± 27.7%; late, 203.8 ± 36.8%; P < 0.05); CREB activation and Hsp70 expression were not altered. In another set of experiments in which reperfusion was limited to 15 minutes, Akt was activated only in the early group (121.8 ± 17.6%; P < 0.05). Moreover, CREB was activated in both the early and late groups (98.4 ± 8.3% and 107.0 ± 6.5%, respectively; P < 0.05), whereas Hsp27 and Hsp70 expression were not altered. These results demonstrate that A2A adenosine receptor activation induces a sustained cardioprotection only if the therapy is instituted before reperfusion. This myocardial protection is associated by an early prosurvival Akt activation. CREB activation and Hsp27 content do not seem to be associated with cardioprotection because they are enhanced in both treated groups, suggesting indirect A2A agonist and pathology-related effects.
Analysis of Pulmonary Vascular Response to Acute Alveolar Hypoxic Challenge in Young Rabbits Subjected to Chronic Hypoxia from Birth
Authors: Baber Syed R , Li Hong , Simakajornboon Narong , Kadowitz Philip J , Ross-Ascuitto Nancy T , Ascuitto Robert J 
Published: April 2005

Abstract:

Chronic alveolar hypoxia induces vascular changes leading to pulmonary hypertension. We investigated the role of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) on basal pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and on changes in PAP arising from an acute alveolar hypoxic challenge (AAHC) in normoxic and chronically hypoxic young rabbits. The chronically hypoxic rabbits were raised from birth in a chamber containing a (10% O2 + 90% N2) gas mixture, whereas the normoxic rabbits were kept in room air. The age of the animals at the time of study (∼38 days) was not significantly different between the 2 groups of rabbits. The in vivo PAP was measured using a right heart catheterization technique while the rabbits were spontaneously breathing either a hyperoxic or a hypoxic gas. In the chronically hypoxic group, the AAHC (hypoxic gas) produced a modest increase in PAP. However, after intravenous administration of (100 mg/kg) of the NOS inhibitor, L-NAME (Nω−nitro-L-arginine methyl ester), a marked increase in PAP was observed when these rabbits were rechallenged with the AAHC. In contrast, in the normoxic rabbits, the AAHC produced only a small increase in PAP, even after pretreatment with L-NAME. In both groups of rabbits, L-NAME led to a significant rise in basal PAP. Using Western blot analysis, we found endothelial NOS (eNOS) protein expression to be significantly increased in pulmonary artery and right ventricular myocardium of the chronically hypoxic rabbits. These results suggest that release of nitric oxide is involved in regulating basal PAP and in modulating the hypoxia-induced pulmonary vasoconstrictor response in immature animals. Moreover, eNOS appears to undergo up-regulation as a consequence of chronic hypoxia.
Influence of Diabetes Mellitus, Hypercholesterolemia, and Their Combination on EDHF-Mediated Responses in Mice
Authors: Morikawa Keiko , Matoba Tetsuya , Kubota Hiroshi , Hatanaka Makoto , Fujiki Takako , Takahashi Shosuke , Takeshita Akira , Shimokawa Hiroaki 
Published: April 2005

Abstract:

The endothelium synthesizes and releases several vasodilator substances, including vasodilator prostaglandins, NO, and EDHF. NO-mediated relaxations are reduced by various risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia. However, it remains to be elucidated whether EDHF-mediated relaxations also are reduced by those factors and their combination. In this study, we addressed this point in mice. We used small mesenteric arteries from control, diabetic (streptozotocin-induced), apolipoprotein-E-deficient (ApoE−/−), and diabetic ApoE−/− mice. In control mice, endothelium-dependent relaxations to acetylcholine were largely mediated by EDHF. This EDHF-mediated component was slightly reduced in diabetic mice, preserved in ApoE−/− mice, and markedly reduced in diabetic ApoE−/− mice with an increase in NO-mediated component and a negative contribution of indomethacin-sensitive endothelium-derived contracting factor (EDCF). Endothelium-independent relaxations to sodium nitroprusside or NS1619, a direct opener of calcium-activated K channels, were attenuated in ApoE−/− and diabetic ApoE−/− mice. Endothelium-dependent hyperpolarizations were significantly reduced in diabetic mice, preserved in ApoE−/− mice, and again markedly reduced in diabetic ApoE−/− mice. These results indicate that hypercholesterolemia alone minimally affects the EDHF-mediated relaxations, and diabetes mellitus significantly attenuated the responses, whereas their combination markedly attenuates the responses with a compensatory involvement of NO and a negative contribution of EDCF.
Morphology and feeding in tadpoles of Ceratophrys cranwelli (Anura: Leptodactylidae)
Authors: Vera Candioti M. F. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThis paper provides data on the skeleton, musculature, buccal apparatus, buccopharyngeal cavity and diet of Ceratophrys cranwelli tadpoles, and attempts to contribute to the knowledge of relations between morphology and ecology in anuran larvae. Both in morphological characters and feeding habits, these tadpoles are very similar to other species within the genus. They possess many of the structural features usually found in predaceous tadpoles: strong, keratinized jaw sheaths and keratodonts, reduced buccal papillation, high values of in‐lever arm proportion and buccal floor area, well‐developed ceratohyals, and hypertrophied jaw muscles. Food sources consist of other tadpoles, microcrustaceans, larvae of insects, plant fragments, as well as rotifers and microalgae. As facultative carnivores, they are likely to play an important role in regulating the aquatic communities of the ephemeral ponds where they develop.
The impact of prolonged fasting during aestivation on the structure of the small intestine in the green‐striped burrowing frog, Cyclorana alboguttata
Authors: Cramp Rebecca L. , Franklin Craig E. , Meyer Edward A. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThe effects of short‐term fasting and prolonged fasting during aestivation on the morphology of the proximal small intestine and associated organs were investigated in the green‐striped burrowing frog, Cyclorana alboguttata (Anura: Hylidae). Animals were fasted for 1 week while active or for 3–9 months during aestivation. Short‐duration fasting (1 week) had little effect on the morphology of the small intestine, whilst prolonged fasting during aestivation induced marked enteropathy including reductions in intestinal mass, length and diameter, longitudinal fold height and tunica muscularis thickness. Enterocyte morphology was also affected markedly by prolonged fasting: enterocyte cross‐sectional area and microvillous height were reduced during aestivation, intercellular spaces were visibly reduced and the prevalence of lymphocytes amongst enterocytes was increased. Mitochondria and nuclei were also affected by 9 months of aestivation with major disruptions to mitochondrial cristae and increased clumping of nuclear material and increased infolding of the nuclear envelope. The present study demonstrates that the intestine of an aestivating frog responds to prolonged food deprivation during aestivation by reducing in size, presumably to reduce the energy expenditure of the organ.
Two new species of litter‐dwelling Metagonia spiders (Araneae, Pholcidae) document both rapid and slow genital evolution
Authors: Huber Bernhard A. , Rheims Cristina A. , Brescovit Antonio D. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThe observation that genitalia, rather than other characters, are useful in distinguishing species has resulted in the statement that genitalia evolve relatively rapidly. In this paper we claim that relatively rapid evolution of genitalia may often be restricted to the shapes, numbers, and sizes of individual structures. In contrast, the more basic pattern, including the presence or absence of structures and their interrelationships (the bauplan), does not seem to evolve more rapidly than other (nongenital) aspects of morphology. We document this idea by contrasting two litter‐dwelling pholcid species, Metagonia petropolis sp. n. and M. paranapiacaba sp. n., with their mostly leaf‐dwelling congeners. Significant differences occur with regard to nongenital aspects of morphology as well as shapes of individual genital structures, but the bauplan of their genitalia is basically the same.
Ciliary sieving and active ciliary response in capture of particles by suspension‐feeding brachiopod larvae
Authors: Strathmann R. R. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractLarvae of a brachiopod, Glottidia pyramidata, used at least two ciliary mechanisms to capture algal cells upstream from the lateral band of cilia that produces a feeding/swimming current. (1) Filtration: the larvae retained algal cells on the upstream (frontal) side of a sieve composed of a row of stationary laterofrontal cilia. Movement of the laterofrontal cilia could not be observed during capture or rejection of particles, but the laterofrontal cilia can bend toward the beating lateral cilia, a possible mechanism for releasing rejected particles from the ciliary sieve. (2) Localized changes of ciliary beat: the larvae may also concentrate particles by a local change in beat of lateral cilia in response to particles. The evidence is that the beat of lateral cilia changed coincident with captures of algal cells and that captured particles moved on paths consistent with a current redirected toward the frontal side of the tentacle by an induced local reversal of the lateral cilia. The change of beat of lateral cilia could have been an arrest rather than a reversal of ciliary beat, however. The similar ciliary bands in adult and larval lophophorates (brachiopods, phoronids, and bryozoans) suggest that these animals share a range of ciliary behaviours. The divergent accounts of ciliary feeding of lophophorates could be mostly the result of different authors observing different aspects of ciliary feeding.
Egg envelopes of Baetis rhodani and Cloeon dipterum (Ephemeroptera, Baetidae): a comparative analysis between an oviparous and an ovoviviparous species
Authors: Gaino E. , Rebora M. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractA comparative ultrastructural investigation on the eggshell (vitelline and chorionic envelopes) has been carried out in the nymphs of two mayfly species encompassed into the Baetidae, namely Baetis rhodani and Cloeon dipterum. During oocyte differentiation in the meroistic telotrophic ovarioles, gametes are connected to discrete nurse cells by trophic cords. In B. rhodani, each ovariole contains several eggs arranged in sequence, whereas in C. dipterum each contains a single egg. Follicle cells are competent for vitelline and chorionic envelope synthesis. Baetis rhodani is an oviparous species and the chorion is fairly thick, formed by an alveolate endochorion and a fibrillar exochorion delimited by a honey‐comb roof. Cloeon dipterum stands out among Ephemeroptera for being ovoviviparous. In B. rhodani, ovulation starts in the older nymphs with dark wing‐pads, whereas in C. dipterum choriogenesis ends in the imaginal stage. Here the chorion is very thin and laid eggs hatch almost immediately, allowing the larvulae to move out. The maturation of a single egg per ovariole is synchronized with the achievement of the adult stage. The acquisition of ovoviviparity has led to remarkable changes in the ovariole organization along with a simplification of the eggshell structure.
Expression of RUNX3 protein in human lung adenocarcinoma: Implications for tumor progression and prognosis
Authors: Araki Kunio , Osaki Mitsuhiko , Nagahama Yumi , Hiramatsu Toshiki , Nakamura Hiroshige , Ohgi Shigetsugu , Ito Hisao 
Published: April 2005

Runt‐related transcription factor 3 belongs to the runt domain family of transcription factors that play a pivotal role during normal tissue development and tumorigenesis in several organs. We directed our attention to the expression of RUNX3 protein in human lung AC and non‐neoplastic lung tissues, comparing the results with clinicopathological profiles. We evaluated the expression of RUNX3 protein in 17 pairs of lung AC and non‐neoplastic lung tissue. Furthermore, 98 lung AC were studied to examine the frequency of RUNX3‐positive cells. Western blot analysis showed a single band at 45 kDa in all 17 AC and non‐neoplastic tissues. Immunohistochemistry revealed immunoreactivity in alveolar type II pneumocytes or Clara cells. RUNX3 was expressed more frequently in the carcinomas with a BAC component than in those without (P < 0.01). Lower RUNX3 levels were associated with poorly differentiated types (P = 0.049). The five‐year survival rate was significantly higher in the 50 patients with higher levels of RUNX3 expression than in the 48 patients with lower levels (P = 0.027). The expression of RUNX3 protein in lung AC might play a pivotal role in tumor progression and patients’ survival. (Cancer Sci 2005; 96: 227–231)
Influence of atrazine administration and reduction of calorie intake on prostate carcinogenesis in probasin/SV40 T antigen transgenic rats
Authors: Kandori Hitoshi , Suzuki Shugo , Asamoto Makoto , Murasaki Toshiya , Mingxi Tang , Ogawa Kumiko , Shirai Tomoyuki 
Published: April 2005

Atrazine, which has been used worldwide as a pesticide, is now known to exert endocrine disrupting (antiandrogenic) effects in mammals. In this study, modifying effects of dietary feeding of 500 and 1000 p.p.m. atrazine on the development of androgen‐dependent prostate cancer were investigated using male probasin/SV40 T antigen transgenic (TG) rats. As administration of atrazine has now been identified as causing a decrease in bodyweight, a dietary‐restricted TG rat group was also included in order to elucidate the influence of reduction of calorie intake per se on the development of prostate cancer. At week 13, almost the entire lobes of the prostate were occupied with tumor lesions, with no clear intergroup differences in the incidences and multiplicities. Therefore, morphometrical assessment ratios of the prostate epithelial area to the whole prostate tissue area were evaluated. The ratio in the lateral lobe of the 1 000 p.p.m. atrazine‐treated group was significantly decreased, and there was a tendency to decrease in the ratios in the dorsal lobe of the atrazine‐treated groups. However, dietary restriction itself without atrazine treatment caused the same reduction to a similar or greater extent. Testosterone levels were not affected by atrazine administration or dietary restriction. Our results indicate that the observed atrazine‐related suppression of prostate carcinogenesis was probably caused by the decrease in calorie intake, rather than by atrazine‐related endocrine disruption. (Cancer Sci 2005; 96: 221–226)
Why are we waiting? The demography of adoption for children of black, Asian and black mixed parentage in England
Authors: Frazer Lesley , Selwyn Julie 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACTThe known shortage of adopters for children of black, Asian and black mixed parentage poses many dilemmas for practitioners, not least because of the potentially damaging consequences of delay while placements are sought. Drawing on a study of agency policy and practice in the recruitment of a larger, more diverse pool of adopters, this paper explores the demography of adoption for children of black, Asian and black mixed parentage. The paper suggests that the adoption prospects of children of some ethnic and religious groups may be affected by the young age structures of their populations. The age profiles and presenting needs of looked after children also vary between ethnic groups, putting some groups at a relatively greater disadvantage in terms of their adoption chances. At the same time, the paper considers the environmental and family factors that may affect the recruitment of a more diverse pool of adopters, and highlights the difficulties of achieving a balance between adopters’ expectations and the needs of waiting children. It concludes that more culturally sensitive and proactive recruitment strategies are needed, together with targeted, creative approaches to meet the placement needs of those children of black, Asian or mixed parentage who currently wait longest.
Adoptive family life and adoption support: policy ambivalence and the development of effective services
Authors: Luckock Barry , Hart Angie 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACTAdoption policy and practice in England is being ‘modernized’ in order to increase the number of permanent placements for children in public care. Success depends on improving adoption services as well as reforming the adoption process itself. To this end the Adoption and Children Act 2002 places new duties on local authorities to ensure greater consistency and quality of service in adoption support as well as in care planning.Questions now arise locally about what priority and focus to give to adoption support. Yet service development is inhibited by the ambivalence of New Labour about exactly what it is that adoption support is supposed to be supporting and how. Funds are limited and service re‐organization is always difficult to achieve. However, mixed policy messages result largely from the ambiguous social role and expectations of adoptive family life and kinship. In law adoption replicates the autonomous normative birth family whilst in policy it provides reparative parenting for particularly vulnerable children. A lack of clarity about the claims for support of those affected by adoption results.This paper argues a fresh case for the distinctive claims of adoptive family life for support. It suggests how new thinking about adoptive family life and kinship might stimulate local service collaboration and effective adoption support.
Transforming family positions: a conversational analysis of a family social work case
Authors: Van Nijnatten Carolus 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACTIn a discourse and conversational analysis of a Dutch family supervision order, the transformations in family positions are examined. The parents in this case consider their son's drug addiction to be an individual problem. The family guardian succeeds in convincing them that it is a problem which concerns all the family rather than merely a personal issue for their son. By combining a positive and supportive attitude towards the parents with an unrelenting emphasis on the familial character of Marco's problems, the family guardian succeeds in getting the parents to reflect on their own position in relation to their son and their share in the problems in his life.