bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation and partial characterization of a novel and uncommon two‐chain 64‐kDa ribosome‐inactivating protein from the bark of elder (Sambucus nigra L.)
Authors: de Benito Fernando M. , Citores Lucı́a , Iglesias Rosario , Ferreras J.Miguel , Camafeita Emilio , Méndez Enrique , Girbés Tomás
Published: July 2002

A novel, strongly basic, two‐chain ribosome‐inactivating protein (RIP) with an apparent M
r of 64 000 by SDS‐PAGE and 63469 by mass spectrometry analysis, that we have named basic nigrin b, has been found in the bark of elder (Sambucus nigra L.). The new protein does not agglutinate red blood cells, even at high concentrations and displays an unusually and extremely high activity towards animal ribosomes (IC50 of 18 pg/ml for translation by rabbit reticulocyte lysates). However, it is inactive against plant and HeLa cells protein synthesis. Our functional and structural data are consistent with a heterodimeric structure for basic nigrin b of the type A‐B*, B* being a truncated lectin lacking functional binding domains equivalent to the B (lectin) chain of the type 2 RIP SNA I and nigrin b present also in elder bark.
Modulation of HERG affinity for E‐4031 by [K+]o and C‐type inactivation
Authors: Wang Shimin , Morales Michael J , Liu Shuguang , Strauss Harold C , Rasmusson Randall L
Published: July 2002

Rectification of HERG is due to a rapid inactivation process that has been labeled C‐type inactivation and is believed to be due to closure of the external mouth of the pore. We examined the effects of mutation of extracellular residues that remove C‐type inactivation on binding of the intracellularly acting methanesulfonanilide drug E‐4031. Removal of inactivation through mutation reduced drug affinity by more than an order of magnitude. Elevation of [K+]o in the wild‐type channel reduces channel affinity for E‐4031. Elevation of [K+]o also interferes with the extracellular pore mouth closure associated with C‐type inactivation through a `foot in the door' mechanism. We examined the possibility that [K+]o elevation reduces drug binding through inhibition of C‐type inactivation by comparing drug block in the wild‐type and inactivation‐removed mutant channels. Elevation of [K+]o decreased affinity in both channel constructs by a roughly equal amount. These results suggest that [K+]o alters drug binding affinity independently of its effects on C‐type inactivation. They further suggest that inhibition of pore mouth closure by elevated [K+]o does not have same effect on drug affinity as mutations removing C‐type inactivation.
A mechanism for the proarrhythmic effects of cisapride (Propulsid): high affinity blockade of the human cardiac potassium channel HERG
Authors: Rampe David , Roy Mary-Louise , Dennis Adrienne , Brown Arthur M
Published: July 2002

Cisapride (Propulsid) is a gastrointestinal prokinetic agent commonly used to treat nocturnal heartburn as well as a variety of other gastrointestinal disorders. The use of cisapride has been associated with acquired long QT syndrome and ventricular arrhythmias such as torsades de pointes which produces sudden cardiac death. These cardiotoxic effects can be due to blockade of one or more types of K+ channel currents in the human heart. For this reason we compared the effects of cisapride on two cloned human cardiac K+ channels, Kv1.5 and the human ether‐a‐go‐go‐related gene (HERG) stably transfected into mammalian cells. Using patch clamp electrophysiology, we found that cisapride was a potent inhibitor of HERG displaying an IC50 value of 44.5 nmol/l when tail currents at −40 mV were measured following a 2 s test depolarization to +20 mV. When HERG currents were measured at the end of prolonged (20 s) depolarizing steps to +20 mV, the apparent affinity of cisapride was increased and measured 6.70 nmol/l. The main effect of cisapride was to enhance the rate of HERG current decay thereby reducing current at the end of the voltage clamp pulse. Furthermore, the potency of cisapride for the HERG channel was similar to that observed for the class III antiarrhythmic agent dofetilide (IC50=15.3 nmol/l) and the nonsedating antihistamine terfenadine (IC50=56.0 nmol/l). In contrast to its effects on HERG, cisapride inhibited Kv1.5 channel currents weakly displaying an IC50 value of 21.2 μmol/l. It is concluded that cisapride displays specific, high affinity block of the human cardiac K+ channel HERG. It is likely that this interaction underlies the proarrhythmic effects of the drug observed under certain clinical settings.
Genome methylation of the marine annelid worm Chaetopterus variopedatus: methylation of a CpG in an expressed H1 histone gene
Authors: del Gaudio Rosanna , Di Giaimo Rossella , Geraci Giuseppe
Published: July 2002

Hydrolysis by methylation‐dependent restriction enzymes shows that the genomic DNA of the polychaete annelid worm Chaetopterus variopedatus is methylated. Electrophoretic analyses of the digestion products indicate that the degree of methylation is lower in adult tissues than in sperm and embryonic DNA. 5‐Methylcytosine was identified by HPLC, absorption spectroscopy and mass spectrometry analyses of free bases obtained by acid hydrolysis of the DNA. An average value of 1.6% methylated cytosines was determined in sperm DNA. Partial methylation was also found in an actively expressed H1 histone gene. This is the first time that genomic DNA methylation is demonstrated to occur in a worm.
Posttranslational modifications of α‐ and β‐tubulin in Giardia lamblia, an ancient eukaryote
Authors: Weber Klaus , Schneider André , Westermann Stefan , Müller Norbert , Plessmann Uwe
Published: July 2002

Tubulin of Giardia lamblia, a representative of the oldest eukaryotes, was screened for posttranslational modifications. Mass spectrometry of the carboxy‐terminal peptides documents a large number of variants. Both α‐ and β‐tubulin show polyglycylation with up to 20 and 15 extra glycyl residues respectively. Minor variants show a low level of glutamylation without or with glycylation. The glutamylation‐specific antibody GT335 detects α‐ and β‐tubulin in immunoblots. The terminal tyrosine is fully retained in α‐tubulin, which is completely acetylated at Lys‐40. Thus except for the detyrosination/tyrosination cycle all posttranslational modifications known for higher eukaryotes are already present in Giardia.
Sequence of a putative glucose 6‐phosphate translocase, mutated in glycogen storage disease type Ib1
Authors: Gerin Isabelle , Veiga-da-Cunha Maria , Achouri Younes , Collet Jean-François , Van Schaftingen Emile
Published: July 2002

We report the sequence of a human cDNA that encodes a 46 kDa transmembrane protein homologous to bacterial transporters for phosphate esters. This protein presents at its carboxy terminus the consensus motif for retention in the endoplasmic reticulum. Northern blots of rat tissues indicate that the corresponding mRNA is mostly expressed in liver and kidney. In two patients with glycogen storage disease type Ib, mutations were observed that either replaced a conserved Gly to Cys or introduced a premature stop codon. The encoded protein is therefore most likely the glucose 6‐phosphate translocase that is functionally associated with glucose‐6‐phosphatase.
Relative contribution of Ca2+‐dependent and Ca2+‐independent mechanisms to the regulation of insulin secretion by glucose
Authors: Sato Yoshihiko , Nenquin Myriam , Henquin Jean-Claude
Published: July 2002

Although insulin secretion is usually regarded as a Ca2+‐dependent mechanism, recent studies have suggested the existence of a Ca2+‐independent pathway of regulation by glucose. Here, mouse islets were used to compare the contribution of Ca2+‐dependent and ‐independent pathways. Glucose increased insulin release in a concentration‐dependent manner both in a control medium, when it depolarizes β cells and raises [Ca2+]i(triggering signal), and in the presence of 30 mM K+and diazoxide, when it does not further raise [Ca2+]ibut increases its efficacy on exocytosis. Both Ca2+‐dependent responses were amplified by glucagon‐like peptide‐1+acetylcholine, and were strongly potentiated by forskolin+PMA. Under conditions of mild or stringent Ca2+deprivation, glucose had no effect either alone or with GLP‐1 and acetylcholine, and was poorly effective even during pharmacological activation of protein kinases A and C. Similar results were obtained with rat islets. It is concluded that physiological regulation of insulin release by glucose is essentially achieved through the two Ca2+‐dependent pathways without significant contribution of a Ca2+‐independent mechanism.
Transformation system for prototrophic industrial yeasts using the AUR1 gene as a dominant selection marker
Authors: Hashida-Okado Takashi , Ogawa Atsuko , Kato Ikunoshin , Takesako Kazutoh
Published: July 2002

We show a new transformation system for prototrophic yeast strains including those of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Kluyveromyces lactis, K. marxianus, and Candida glabrata. This system is composed of an antibiotic, aureobasidin A (AbA), and its resistance gene AUR1‐C as a selection marker. Southern analysis of genomic DNAs of the transformants indicated that the copy number of the plasmid increased from one to more than four, depending on the concentration of AbA used for selection of the transformants. The AUR1‐C gene was also effective as a selection marker for gene disruption, and was able to disrupt both copies of the gene on homologous chromosomes of diploid cells by a single round of transformation. This system has a broad application in the transformation and gene disruption of prototrophic strains of a variety of yeast species.
Increase of local hydrogen ion gradient near bilayer lipid membrane under the conditions of catalysis of proton transfer across the interface
Authors: Evtodienko Veronika Yu , Antonenko Yuri N , Yaguzhinsky Lev S
Published: July 2002

The measurements of pH profiles in the unstirred layers (USLs) near planar bilayer lipid membranes (BLM) were applied for the evaluation of the hydrogen ion fluxes which were induced by nigericin in the presence of potassium ion gradients. It was shown that at high concentrations of KCl the increase in the concentration of citrate buffer caused an anomalous effect, namely, an increase in the local pH shifts in the USLs. The hydrogen ion flux rose 50 times upon the increase in the citrate concentration from 1 mM to 20 mM. Phosphate stimulated the flux 7 times under these conditions. In agreement with our previous results, at low KCl concentrations, when the process is limited by the K+‐nigericin interaction, an increase in the buffer concentration led to a reduction of the local pH shifts, under these conditions the usual concentration dependence was observed. The data obtained favor the model implying the existence of the kinetic barrier for proton transfer at the membrane‐water interface.
1,25‐Dihydroxyvitamin D3 inhibits tenascin‐C expression in mammary epithelial cells
Authors: González-Sancho José Manuel , Alvarez-Dolado Manuel , Muñoz Alberto
Published: July 2002

Tenascin‐C is an extracellular matrix protein with growth‐, invasion‐ and angiogenesis‐promoting activities. Tenascin‐C is upregulated in breast carcinoma and stromal cells, and in many other cell types during tumorigenesis. We demonstrate that tenascin‐C RNA expression is inhibited by 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25‐D3) in a variety of mouse and human mammary epithelial cell lines exhibiting normal or malignant phenotype. In EpH4 cells, the inhibition is maximum 24 h after 1,25‐D3 treatment and correlates with a dose‐dependent reduction in the synthesis of tenascin‐C protein. Furthermore, 1,25‐D3 also abolishes the induction of tenascin‐C by serum or the tumor promoter 12‐O‐tetradecanoyl phorbol 13‐acetate. The inhibition of tenascin‐C expression may be relevant for the anticancer activity of 1,25‐D3.
Imidazolium crosslinks derived from reaction of lysine with glyoxal and methylglyoxal are increased in serum proteins of uremic patients: evidence for increased oxidative stress in uremia
Authors: Odani Hiroko , Shinzato Toru , Usami Jun , Matsumoto Yoshihiro , Brinkmann Frye Elisabeth , Baynes John W , Maeda Kenji
Published: July 2002

Glyoxal (GO) and methylglyoxal (MGO) are reactive dicarbonyl compounds formed during autoxidation of both carbohydrates and lipids. They may react with lysine and arginine residues of proteins in Maillard or browning reactions, yielding advanced glycation or lipoxidation end products. Among these are the imidazolium crosslinks, N,N(‐di(N
ϵ‐lysino))imidazolium (glyoxal‐lysine dimer, GOLD) and N,N(‐di(N
ϵ‐lysino))‐4‐methyl‐imidazolium (methylglyoxal‐lysine dimer, MOLD). We have detected and measured GOLD and MOLD in human serum by electrospray ionization/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (ESI/MS/MS), using 15N4‐GOLD and 15N4‐MOLD as internal standards. In this report we show that levels of GOLD and MOLD are significantly elevated (3–4‐fold, P<0.01) in sera of non‐diabetic uremic patients, compared to age‐matched controls, and represent a major class of non‐enzymatic, Maillard reaction crosslinks in plasma proteins. These results provide strong evidence for increased non‐enzymatic crosslinking of tissue proteins by GO and MGO in uremia, implicating oxidative stress and resultant advanced glycation and lipoxidation reactions in tissue damage in uremia.
Mode of receptor binding and activation by plasminogen‐related growth factors1
Authors: Miller Maria , Leonard Edward J
Published: July 2002

Hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) and macrophage stimulating protein (MSP) are plasminogen‐related kringle proteins that lost serine protease domain enzymatic activity and became ligands for cell surface tyrosine kinase receptors. They are activated by cleavage to disulfide‐linked αβ chains. Surprisingly, despite structural similarities, the high affinity receptor binding regions of the two proteins are different: α chain for HGF, and β chain for MSP. We propose that after cleavage exposes a β chain binding site (high affinity for MSP, low affinity for HGF), monomeric ligand induces receptor dimerization and activation via α and β chain binding sites of different affinity.
The functional properties of DsbG, a thiol‐disulfide oxidoreductase from the periplasm of Escherichia coli
Authors: van Straaten Monique , Missiakas Dominique , Raina Satish , Darby Nigel J.
Published: July 2002

Genetic studies have recently identified DsbG, a new member of the dsb group of redox proteins, which catalyze protein disulfide bond formation in the periplasm of Escherichia coli. We now demonstrate that DsbG functions primarily as an oxidant during protein disulfide bond formation, which is consistent with the low stability of its active site disulfide bond. There are indications, however, that the substrate range of DsbG may be narrower than the other periplasmic oxidative enzymes, DsbA and DsbC. Our observations further elaborate the pathway of disulfide bond formation in E. coli.
The SHBG‐like region of protein S is crucial for factor V‐dependent APC‐cofactor function
Authors: Nyberg Petra , Dahlbäck Björn , Garcı́a de Frutos Pablo
Published: July 2002

Activated protein C (APC) regulates blood coagulation by degrading factor Va (FVa) and factor VIIIa (FVIIIa). Protein S is a cofactor to APC in the FVa degradation, whereas FVIIIa degradation is potentiated by the synergistic APC‐cofactor activity of protein S and factor V (FV). To elucidate the importance of the sex‐hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG)‐like region in protein S for expression of anticoagulant activity, a recombinant protein S/Gas6 chimera was constructed. It comprised the amino‐terminal half of protein S and the SHBG‐like region of Gas6, a structurally similar protein having no known anticoagulant properties. The protein S/Gas6 chimera expressed 40–50% APC‐cofactor activity in plasma as compared to wild‐type protein S. In the degradation of FVa by APC, the protein S/Gas6 chimera was only slightly less efficient than wild‐type protein S. In contrast, the protein S/Gas6 chimera expressed no FV‐dependent APC‐cofactor activity in a FVIIIa‐degradation system. This demonstrates the SHBG‐like region to be important for expression of APC‐cofactor activity of protein S and suggests that the SHBG‐like region of protein S interacts with FV during the APC‐mediated inactivation of FVIIIa.
Programming of enzyme specificity by substrate mimetics: investigations on the Glu‐specific V8 protease reveals a novel general principle of biocatalysis1
Authors: Wehofsky Nicole , Bordusa Frank
Published: July 2002

In this paper the universal validity of the substrate mimetic concept in enzymatic C‐N ligations was expanded to anionic leaving groups based on the specificity determinants of Glu‐specific endopeptidase from Staphylococcus aureus (V8 protease). In an empirical way a specific mimetic moiety was designed from simple structure‐function relationship studies. The general function of the newly developed substrate mimetics to serve as an artificial recognition site for V8 protease have been examined by hydrolysis kinetic studies. Enzymatic peptide syntheses qualify the strategy of substrate mimetics as a powerful concept for programming the enzyme specificity in the direction of a more universal application of enzymes in the general area of biocatalysis.
Ratio‐fluorescence microscopy of lipid oxidation in living cells using C11‐BODIPY581/591
Authors: Pap E.H.W. , Drummen G.P.C. , Winter V.J. , Kooij T.W.A. , Rijken P. , Wirtz K.W.A. , Op den Kamp J.A.F. , Hage W.J. , Post J.A.
Published: July 2002

A ratio‐fluorescence assay was developed for on‐line localization and quantification of lipid oxidation in living cells. The assay explores the oxidative sensitivity of C11‐BODIPY581/591. Upon oxidation, the fluorescence of this fluorophore shifts from red to green. The probe incorporates readily into cellular membranes and is about twice as sensitive to oxidation as arachidonic acid. Using confocal microscopy, the cumene hydroperoxide‐induced oxidation of C11‐BODIPY581/591 was visualized at the sub‐cellular level in rat‐1 fibroblasts. Pre‐loading of the cells with tocopherol retarded this oxidation. The data demonstrate that C11‐BODIPY581/591 is a valuable tool to quantify lipid oxidation and anti‐oxidant efficacy in single cells.
The differentiation‐related gene 1, Drg1, is markedly upregulated by androgens in LNCaP prostatic adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Ulrix William , Swinnen Johannes V. , Heyns Walter , Verhoeven Guido
Published: July 2002

A differential display technique was used to identify androgen‐regulated genes in LNCaP prostatic adenocarcinoma cells. One of the genes markedly upregulated by androgens proved to be identical to differentiation‐related gene 1 (Drg1; also described as RTP, Cap43 and rit42), a gene whose expression has recently been shown to be diminished in colon, breast and prostate tumors. We show that Drg1 is abundantly expressed in the (androgen‐exposed) human prostate and that its expression is stimulated some 14‐fold in androgen‐treated LNCaP cells. The ligand specificity of the induction reflects the altered specificity of the mutated androgen receptor in LNCaP. In androgen receptor negative tumor lines basal expression is slightly higher than in LNCaP but inducibility is absent. These data suggest that Drg1 is a novel marker of androgen‐induced differentiation in the human prostate.
Virus‐specific capping of tobacco mosaic virus RNA: methylation of GTP prior to formation of covalent complex p126‐m7GMP
Authors: Merits Andres , Kettunen Reetta , Mäkinen Kristiina , Lampio Anja , Auvinen Petri , Kääriäinen Leevi , Ahola Tero
Published: July 2002

In capping cellular mRNAs, a covalent GMP‐enzyme intermediate leads to formation of G(5′)ppp(5′)N at the 5′ end of the RNA, which is modified by methylation catalyzed by guanine‐7‐methyltransferase. Here we show that isolated membranes from tobacco mosaic virus (TMV)‐infected plant or insect cells expressing TMV replicase protein p126, synthesized m7GTP using S‐adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) as the methyl donor, and catalyzed the formation of a covalent guanylate‐p126 complex in the presence of AdoMet. The methyl group from AdoMet was incorporated into p126, suggesting that the complex consisted of m7GMP‐p126. Thus, TMV and alphaviruses, despite their evolutionary distance, share the same virus‐specific capping mechanism.
The peroxisomal membrane protein Pex14p of Hansenula polymorpha is phosphorylated in vivo
Authors: Komori Masayuki , Kiel Jan A.K.W. , Veenhuis Marten
Published: July 2002

Hansenula polymorpha Pex14p (HpPex14p) is a component of the peroxisomal membrane essential for peroxisome biogenesis. Here, we show that HpPex14p is phosphorylated in vivo. In wild‐type H. polymorpha cells, grown in the presence of [32P]orthophosphate, the 32P label was incorporated into HpPex14p. Labelled HpPex14p was induced after a shift of cells to methanol‐containing media and rapidly disappeared after a shift to glucose medium, which induces specific peroxisome degradation. Alkaline phosphatase treatment of labelled HpPex14p resulted in the release of 32P and a minor shift of the HpPex14p band on Western blots. Phosphoamino acid analysis by two dimensional silica gel thin layer chromatography suggested that the major phosphoamino acid in phosphorylated HpPex14p was acid‐labile.
Concurrent knock‐out of at least 20 transporter genes is required to block uptake of hexoses in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Wieczorke Roman , Krampe Stefanie , Weierstall Thomas , Freidel Kerstin , Hollenberg Cornelis P , Boles Eckhard
Published: July 2002

The hexose transporter family of Saccharomyces cerevisiae comprises 18 proteins (Hxt1–17, Gal2). Here, we demonstrate that all these proteins, except Hxt12, and additionally three members of the maltose transporter family (Agt1, Ydl247, Yjr160) are able to transport hexoses. In a yeast strain deleted for HXT1–17, GAL2, AGT1, YDL247w and YJR160c, glucose consumption and transport activity were completely abolished. However, as additional deletion of the glucose sensor gene SNF3 partially restored growth on hexoses, our data indicate the existence of even more proteins able to transport hexoses in yeast.
Selective tracheal suctioning to prevent meconium aspiration syndrome
Authors: Al Takroni A.M.B. , Parvathi C.K. , Mendis K.B.L. , Hassan S. , Reddy I. , Kudair H.A.
Published: July 2002

Objective: To analyze the incidence and outcome of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) at Al‐Yamamah Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where meconium‐stained babies have intrapartum obstetrical cleansing of the upper airways, following which depressed/asphyxiated babies are intubated and vigorous babies are observed for 24 h. Method: The total live births, records of meconium‐stained neonates who had intubations and of those observed, during a 6‐year period were reviewed. Results: During this period, there were 85 562 live births. One in 325 births (0.27%) was complicated by MAS and the mortality rate was 7%. These figures concur with the reported incidence and mortality of MAS following routine combined obstetric‐pediatric suction of airways at birth. Of the 265 cases of MAS that occurred during this period, 237 were in the intubated group and 28 in the observed group. The babies of the former group had severe disease compared with that of the latter. All mortality was from the intubated group. Conclusion: Adequate obstetrical cleansing of the upper airway in vigorous babies may obviate the need for endotracheal intubation; intubation of depressed babies following this treatment may be useful.
Glutamine synthetase expression and activity are regulated by 3,5,3′‐TRIODO‐l‐THYRONINE and hydrocortisone in rat oligodendrocyte cultures
Authors: Baas Dominique , Fressinaud Catherine , Vitkovic Ljubisa , Sarlieve Louis L.
Published: July 2002

Glutamine synthetase plays a central role in the detoxification of brain ammonia. Previously, we demonstrated that in vitro glutamine synthetase is expressed by all macroglial cell types and is developmentally regulated in oligodendrocyte lineage. Furthermore, glutamine synthetase is increased in secondary cultures of oligodendrocytes following a 72 h treatment with 30 nM 3,5,3′‐triodo‐l‐thyronine [Baas, D., Bourbeau, D., Sarliève, L. L., Ittel, M. E., Dussault, J. H. and Puymirat, J., Oligodendrocyte maturation and progenitor cell proliferation are independently regulated by thyroid hormone. Glia, 1997, 19, 324–332]. Hydrocortisone also increases glutamine synthetase activity after 72 h [Fressinaud, C., Weinrauder, H., Delaunoy, J. P., Tholey, G., Labourdette, G. and Sarliève, L. L., Glutamine synthetase expression in rat oligodendrocytes in culture: regulation by hormones and growth factors. J. Cell. Physiol., 1991, 149, 459–468]; however, it is still unknown whether these increases in glutamine synthetase expression in oligodendrocytes after 3,5,3′‐triodo‐l‐thyronine and hydrocortisone application are dose‐ and time‐dependent. To further investigate this issue, we measured glutamine synthetase levels by Northern analysis, immunostaining and determination of glutamine synthetase activity after 3,5,3′‐triodo‐l‐thyronine or hydrocortisone stimulation. We find that in rat oligodendrocyte secondary cultures, 3,5,3′‐triodo‐l‐thyronine and hydrocortisone cause a dose‐ and time‐dependent increase in glutamine synthetase mRNA, protein and activity. However, these hormones do not exert an additive or synergistic effect. Because purines, pyrimidines, and certain amino acids necessary for the synthesis of myelin components, are, in part, provided by the glutamine synthetase pathway, 3,5,3′‐triodo‐l‐thyronine effect on myelination development and maturation could be mediated in part, through the glutamine synthetase gene regulation.
Indium kinetics in an indium exposed worker before and after bilateral lung transplantation
Authors: Nakano Makiko , Hirata Miyuki , Hamasaki Makoto , Tanaka Akiyo , Nagata Asahi , Kumazoe Hiroyuki , Wakamatsu Kentaro , Shiraishi Takeshi , Omae Kazuyuki
Published: September 2020

Background

A male worker with indium-tin oxide (ITO)-induced pneumoconiosis underwent bilateral lung transplantation (LT).

Methods

Post-LT histopathological investigations of the isolated lungs and hilar lymph nodes were performed and indium concentration in serum (In-S) and serum Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) were tracked for 122 weeks.

Results

He has attained the ultimate treatment goal of > 2-year survival. The main histopathological characteristics were pan-lobular emphysematous change, interstitial fibrosis, and lymphocytic infiltration in the peribronchiolar/perivascular portions, and numerous cholesterol clefts and giant cells containing brown particles. These findings support the conclusion that the lung injury was caused by the inhalation of ITO. Metal element mapping and indium in the isolated lungs revealed that inhaled ITO particles in humans migrate to the lymph nodes. In-S remained at remarkably high levels (≥30 ng/mL) and showed wide fluctuation with bimodality until 46 weeks after LT, but KL-6 remained in the normal range for almost the entire period. The indium concentration in the donor’s resection lung at 10 weeks after LT was 143.5 ng/g wet-weight, which was only one one-thousandth of the recipient’s lung (161 µg/g wet-weight). After 48 weeks of LT, the recipient’s In-S had gradually decreased; the biological half-life was 1.2 years. These results clearly suggest that indium remaining in the recipient’s tissues did not adversely influence the transplant donor’s lungs.

Conclusions

The transplanted donor’s lungs were not influenced by indium in the recipient’s organs. Bilateral LT is thus an effective treatment option in severe indium lung disease cases.
Concerns, perceived impact, and preparedness of oral healthcare workers in their working environment during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Chaudhary Farooq Ahmad , Ahmad Basaruddin , Ahmad Paras , Khalid Muhammad Danial , Butt Danial Qasim , Khan Soban Qadir
Published: September 2020

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate the oral healthcare workers’ concerns, perceived impact, and preparedness in COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was carried out at 10 different dental hospitals in Pakistan from March to June 2020. A 35 items valid and reliable questionnaire was used to assess the concerns, perceived impact, and preparedness of oral healthcare workers (OHCW) in COVID-19 pandemic. Chi-squared test and logistic regression were used for analysis.

Results

A total of 583 OHCW participated in this study. The odds of having the awareness about the risk of exposure and fear of getting infected, were greater in the clinical than non-clinical OHCW (OR: 52.6; OR: 15.9). For social network concerns, the clinical OHCW were more likely to be concerned about their colleagues (OR: 6.0). The clinical OHCW have greater odds of worrying about telling the family/friends about the risk exposed to (OR: 2.55), being avoided because of the job (OR: 3.20) and more likely to be feeling stressed (OR: 4.31). Less than 50% of the participants felt that their institutions are well prepared and only 12.6% had attended an infection control training session. Most participants practiced self-preparation such as buying masks and disinfection (94.3%, 98.3%).

Conclusion

The majority of OHCW felt concerned about their risk of exposure to infection and falling ill from exposure and infecting friends/family. There is a need for training of infection control and PPE and minimizing fear and psychological impact on OHCW should be the priority in any preparedness and planning for combating COVID-19.
Neuroinflammation and Tau Colocalize in vivo in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Authors: Malpetti Maura , Passamonti Luca , Rittman Timothy , Jones P. Simon , Vázquez Rodríguez Patricia , Bevan‐Jones W. Richard , Hong Young T. , Fryer Tim D. , Aigbirhio Franklin I. , O'Brien John T. , Rowe James B.
Published: September 2020

Objective

We examined the relationship between tau pathology and neuroinflammation using [11C]PK11195 and [18F]AV‐1451 PET in 17 patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) Richardson's syndrome. We tested the hypothesis that neuroinflammation and tau protein aggregation colocalize macroscopically, and correlate with clinical severity.

Methods

Nondisplaceable binding potential (BPND) for each ligand was quantified in 83 regions of interest (ROIs). The [11C]PK11195 and [18F]AV‐1451 BPND values were correlated across all regions. The spatial distributions of [11C]PK11195 and [18F]AV‐1451 binding were determined by principal component analyses (PCAs), and the loading of each spatial component compared against the patients’ clinical severity (using the PSP rating scale).

Results

Regional [11C]PK11195 and [18F]AV‐1451 binding were positively correlated (R = 0.577, p < 0.0001). The PCA identified 4 components for each ligand, reflecting the relative expression of tau pathology or neuroinflammation in distinct groups of brain regions. Positive associations between [11C]PK11195 and [18F]AV‐1451 components’ loadings were found in both subcortical (R = 0.769, p < 0.0001) and cortical regions (R = 0.836, p < 0.0001). There were positive correlations between clinical severity and both subcortical tau pathology (R = 0.667, p = 0.003) and neuroinflammation (R = 0.788, p < 0.001).

Interpretation

We show that tau pathology and neuroinflammation colocalize in PSP, and that individual differences in subcortical tau pathology and neuroinflammation are linked to clinical severity. Although longitudinal studies are needed to determine causal associations between these molecular pathologies, we suggest that the combination of tau‐ and immune‐oriented strategies may be useful for effective disease‐modifying treatments in PSP. ANN NEUROL 2020;88:1194–1204
Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 predicts the functional outcome of stroke patients in convalescent rehabilitation ward
Authors: Nakamori Masahiro , Imamura Eiji , Tachiyama Keisuke , Kamimura Teppei , Hayashi Yuki , Matsushima Hayato , Okamoto Hiroyuki , Mizoue Tatsuya , Wakabayashi Shinichi
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Poststroke depression (PSD) negatively affects the functional outcome of stroke patients. Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) is a validated screening tool for detecting PSD. This study investigated the relationship between PHQ‐9 score and functional outcomes in stroke patients in a convalescent rehabilitation ward by evaluating functional independence measure (FIM) gain scores and the proportion of patients discharged.

Methods

In this retrospective study conducted from January 2017 to September 2019, consecutive stroke patients who were admitted to the convalescent rehabilitation ward and could answer PHQ‐9 were assessed. The association between PHQ‐9 scores at the time of admission to the convalescent rehabilitation ward and outcomes (FIM gain score and the proportion of patients discharged) was statistically analyzed.

Results

Among the 215 patients enrolled in the study, 62 (28.8%) were assessed as having depression, in whom PHQ‐9 scores were 5 or above. Multivariate analysis revealed that the PHQ‐9 score on admission to the convalescent rehabilitation ward was a significant independent factor influencing the FIM gain score (p = .009). In addition, a multivariate analysis revealed that the PHQ‐9 score at the time of admission to the convalescent rehabilitation ward was a significant independent factor influencing the inability to discharge a patient (odds ratio 1.24, 95% confidence interval 1.12–1.39, p < .001).

Conclusions

The PHQ‐9 score is a useful tool for predicting patient functional outcome, admission to the facility, and screening for poststroke depression.
Intra‐arterial gas, a clue for diagnosis of peri‐aortic inflammation due to infection
Authors: Omura Daisuke , Ogata Masatoshi , Sakane Yoshio , Matsuo Ryuichi , Nakatsukasa Harushige , Hagiya Hideharu , Otsuka Fumio
Published: September 2020

We have presented a case of Salmonella‐induced infective aortic aneurysm in which the presence of peri‐aortic gas was a clue for diagnosis. The disease is clinically infrequent but potentially has a high mortality rate. Clinicians should consider this fatal disease from any trivial findings.
A two‐step coordinated optimization model for a dewatering process
Authors: Zhang Hualu , Wang Fuli , He Dakuo , Zhao Luping
Published: September 2020

In actual production processes, the feed mass of a dewatering process is uncertain and a future production state cannot be predicted. This results in improper operation, a substandard production index, and a high energy economic index (EEI). To solve these problems, the authors propose a two‐step coordinated optimization model for the dewatering process based on production data. The prediction model of the dewatering process is first established using the data accumulated during production. A two‐step optimization model is then established to solve the problems existing in the dewatering process. The objective of the optimization is to minimize the EEI in the dewatering process, and the constraints are the ladder electricity price, operation safety, and production index. The genetic algorithm (GA) and gravitational search algorithm‐genetic algorithm (GSA‐GA) are used to solve the two‐step coordinated optimization model, and the computational time can meet the application demand. An offline simulation and a field application showed that the optimization model can be used to improve the production index and reduce the EEI, loss due to the filter cloth, and the frequency of abnormal production.
Restricted Percolation Critical Exponents in High Dimensions
Authors: Chatterjee Shirshendu , Hanson Jack
Published: September 2020

Despite great progress in the study of critical percolation on ℤd for d large, properties of critical clusters in high‐dimensional fractional spaces and boxes remain poorly understood, unlike the situation in two dimensions. Closely related models such as critical branching random walk give natural conjectures for the value of the relevant high‐dimensional critical exponents; see in particular the conjecture by Kozma‐Nachmias that the probability that 0 and (n, n, n, …) are connected within [−n, n]d scales as n−2 − 2d.

In this paper, we study the properties of critical clusters in high‐dimensional half‐spaces and boxes. In half‐spaces, we show that the probability of an open connection (“arm”) from 0 to the boundary of a sidelength n box scales as n−3. We also find the scaling of the half‐space two‐point function (the probability of an open connection between two vertices) and the tail of the cluster size distribution. In boxes, we obtain the scaling of the two‐point function between vertices which are any macroscopic distance away from the boundary. Our argument involves a new application of the “mass transport" principle which we expect will be useful to obtain quantitative estimates for a range of other problems. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Characterization of the key odorants in grilled mutton shashlik with or without suet brushing during grilling
Authors: Du Wenbin , Zhen Dawei , Wang Yutong , Cheng Jie , Xie Jianchun
Published: September 2020

Grilled mutton shashlik is highly preferred by Chinese consumers. In this study, the key odorants in grilled mutton shashlik prepared in the traditional Chinese way under open carbon fire with or without suet (mutton fat) brushing during grilling were identified. Solvent‐assisted flavour evaporation (SAFE), combined with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) and gas chromatography‐olfactometry (GC‐O), quantitation, recovery factor correction, and aroma recombination and omission were performed. In total, 57 odorants were identified, which predominantly included aliphatic aldehydes, sulphur‐containing compounds and pyrazines. In comparison, the suet‐brushed mutton shashlik had stronger fatty and sheep‐like odours due to higher levels of odorants generated via lipid degradation. However, the key odorants in both mutton shashlik with or without suet brushing during grilling were identified to be 3‐(methylthio)propanal, 2‐methyl‐3‐furanthiol, 2‐acetylthiazole, 2‐furfurylthiol, bis(2‐methyl‐3‐furyl)disulphide, 2‐acetylpyrazine, 2,5‐dimethylpyrazine, 2‐ethyl‐3,5‐dimethylpyrazine, 2,5‐dimethyl‐4‐hydroxy‐3(2H)furanone, 3‐hydroxy‐2‐butanone, 1‐octen‐3‐ol, (E)‐2‐octenal, (E,Z)‐2,6‐nonadienal, octanal, (E)‐2‐nonenal, nonanal, 4‐methyloctanoic acid and 4‐methylphenol. Notably, (E,E)‐2,4‐decadienal, which usually contributes significantly to cooked meat aroma, was excluded as a key odorant here. The results can help understand effect of fat on meat flavour and provide guidance for preparation of processed meat flavourings with the preferred flavour of grilled mutton shashlik.
Promotive effect of Talin‐1 protein on gastric cancer progression through PTK2‐PXN‐VCL‐E‐Cadherin‐CAPN2‐MAPK1 signaling axis
Authors: Yan Hongzhu , Guo Min , Zou Jue , Xiao Feng , Yi Lina , He Ying , He Bosheng
Published: September 2020

Objective

Our research group was aim to explore the molecular mechanism of Talin‐1 protein affecting gastric cancer progression through PTK2‐PXN‐VCL‐E‐Cadherin‐CAPN2‐MAPK1 signal axis.

Methods

12 cases of patients with gastric cancer in this hospital from 2018 to 2019 were collected. Immunohistochemistry assay and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of Talin‐1, PXN, E‐Cadherin, CAPN2, MAPK1 protein in gastric cancer tissue. Cell migration and invasion were measured by Transwell.

Results

The results showed that the expression levels of protein Talin‐1, PXN and MAPK1 in gastric cancer tissues were significantly higher than that in normal tissue. The number of cell adhesion in the model group was significantly lower than that in the normal group. However, the cell adhesion number in ov‐TLN1 was the highest. Transwell results showed that TLN1 could accelerate the migration and invasion abilities of gastric cancer MKN‐45 cells. Moreover, Western blotting showed that protein Talin‐1, PXN, E‐Cadherin, CAPN2, MAPK1 in model group all increased compared with normal group.

Conclusion

It indicated that talin‐1 protein influenced the development of gastric cancer through PTK2‐PXN‐VCL‐E‐Cadherin‐CAPN2‐MAPK1 signal axis.
Sequential design of experiments approach for the multiproduct analysis of cholesterol‐lowering drugs by ultra‐high‐performance supercritical fluid chromatography
Authors: Santana Igor Miranda , Jardim Isabel Cristina Sales Fontes , Breitkreitz Márcia Cristina
Published: September 2020

A multiproduct approach toward method development is presented for a fast and reliable analysis of the eight most important cholesterol‐lowering drugs via ultra‐high‐performance supercritical fluid chromatography. A two‐step approach based on design of experiments was applied: (1) selection of the stationary phase, organic modifier, and diluent in the mobile phase through a multilevel categorical design and (2) optimization of the elution strength by varying the pressure, temperature, and gradient using a central composite design. Finally, the flow rate was adjusted. The first design selected UPC2 Torus 1‐AA as the column, ethanol:water as the organic modifier, and acetonitrile:ethanol 3:2 v/v as the diluent. The results led to a pressure, column temperature, and gradient elution of 14.83 MPa, 42°C, and 5–15.5% of ethanol:water in CO2, respectively. The flow rate was set at 1.8 mL/min, providing a total analysis time of 4 min. This multiproduct method was validated and applied to 11 different commercial products available in the Brazilian market, and it was found to be accurate, with r > 0.990, recoveries between 95 and 105%, and precision not higher than 5.4%. Therefore, this method was shown to be a greener alternative for the analysis of these pharmaceuticals.
Comparative analysis of information measures of the Dirichlet and Neumann two‐dimensional quantum dots
Authors: Olendski O.
Published: September 2020

Analytic representation of both position and momentum waveforms of the two‐dimensional (2D) circular quantum dots with the Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions (BCs) allowed an efficient computation in either space of Shannon S, Rényi, and Tsallis T(α) entropies; Onicescu energies O; and Fisher information I. It is shown that a transition to the 2D geometry lifts the 1D degeneracy of the R(α) position components Sρ, Oρ, and Rρ(α). Among many other findings, it is established that the lower limit αTH of the semi‐infinite range of the dimensionless Rényi/Tsallis coefficient, where one‐parameter momentum entropies exist, is equal to 2/5 for the Dirichlet requirement and 2/3 for the Neumann one. As their 1D counterparts are 1/4 and 1/2, respectively, this simultaneously reveals that this critical value crucially depends not only on the position BC but the dimensionality of the structure too. As the 2D Neumann threshold is greater than one half, its Rényi uncertainty relation for the sum of the position and wave vector components is valid in the range [1/2, 2) only with its logarithmic divergence at the right edge, whereas for all other systems, it is defined at any coefficient α not smaller than one half. For both configurations, the lowest‐energy level at α = 1/2 does saturate Rényi and Tsallis entropic inequalities. Other properties are discussed and analyzed from mathematical and physical points of view.
Atomic and ionic polarizabilities of B, C, N, O, and F
Authors: Éhn Ladislav , Černušák Ivan
Published: September 2020

Accurate polarizabilities of atoms and molecules are critical in the treatment of optical and dielectric properties, in the modeling and interpretation of intermolecular interactions, in scattering processes, and in chemical reactivity. In this work we provide a systematic study of the atomic/ionic static dipole polarizabilities of the first‐row elements: B+, B, B−, C2+, C+, C, C−, N2+, N+, N, O2+, O+, O, O−, F2+, F+, F, and F−. We used the CCSD(T) method with a range of large correlation‐consistent basis sets augmented with a series of diffusion functions (x‐aug‐cc‐pVXZ). We discuss the trends in the dependence of dipole polarizability from the basis set size and/or number of diffuse functions and report the recommended values of average dipole polarizabilities for this series. The systematic survey of dipole polarizabilities for ions from boron to fluorine, including the extrapolation to complete basis set limit, is presented for the first time.
Ultra‐high‐resolution mapping of biocrusts with Unmanned Aerial Systems
Authors: Havrilla Caroline A. , Villarreal Miguel L. , DiBiase Jacob L. , Duniway Michael C. , Barger Nichole N.
Published: September 2020

Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) occur in drylands globally where they support ecosystem functioning by increasing soil stability, reducing dust emissions and modifying soil resource availability (e.g. water, nutrients). Determining biocrust condition and extent across landscapes continues to present considerable challenges to scientists and land managers. Biocrusts grow in patches, cover vast expanses of rugged terrain and are vulnerable to physical disturbance associated with ground‐based mapping techniques. As such, remote sensing offers promising opportunities to map and monitor biocrusts. While satellite‐based remote sensing has been used to detect biocrusts at relatively large spatial scales, few studies have used high‐resolution imagery from Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to map fine‐scale patterns of biocrusts. We collected sub‐centimeter, true color 3‐band imagery at 10 plots in sagebrush and pinyon‐juniper woodland communities in a semiarid ecosystem in the southwestern US and used object‐based image analysis (OBIA) to segment and classify the imagery into maps of light and dark biocrusts, bare soil, rock and various vegetation covers. We used field data to validate the classifications and assessed the spatial distribution and configuration of different classes using fragmentation metrics. Map accuracies ranged from 46 to 77% (average 65%) and were higher in pinyon‐juniper (average 70%) versus sagebrush (average 60%) plots. Biocrust classes showed generally high accuracies at both pinyon‐juniper plots (average dark crust = 70%; light crust = 80%) and sagebrush plots (average dark crust = 69%; light crust = 77%). Point cloud density, sun elevation and spectral confusion between vegetation cover explained some differences in accuracy across plots. Spatial analyses of classified maps showed that biocrust patches in pinyon‐juniper plots were generally larger, more aggregated and contiguous than in sagebrush plots. Pinyon‐juniper plots also had greater patch richness and a lower Shannon evenness index than sagebrush plots, suggesting greater soil cover heterogeneity in this plant community type.