bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Micelle-mediated extraction of elderberry blossom by whey protein and naturally derived surfactants.
Authors: Śliwa Karolina , Tomaszkiewicz-Potępa Anna , Sikora Elżbieta , Ogonowski Jan
Published: February 2019

Classical methods of the extraction of active ingredients from the plant material are expensive, complicated and often environmentally unfriendly. The micelle-mediated extraction method (MME) seems to be a good alternative. In this work, extractions of elderberry blossoms (Flos Sambuci) were performed using MME methods. Several popular surfactants and whey protein concentrate (WPC) was applied in the process. The obtained results were compared with those obtained in extraction by means of water. Antioxidant properties of the extracts were analyzed by using two different methods: reaction with di(phenyl)-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)iminoazanium (DPPH) reagent and Follin's method. Furthermore, the flavonoid content in the extracts was determined. The results confirmed that the MME method with using whey protein might be an alternative method for obtaining, rich in natural antioxidants, plant extracts.
Genetic diversity in populations of Slovak Spotted cattle based on single nucleotide polymorphisms analyses.
Authors: Moravčíková Nina , Trakovická Anna , Navrátilová Alica
Published: February 2019

The aim of this study was to identify SNPs in leptin (LEP), leptin receptor (LEPR) and growth hormone (GH) genes in order to analyze genetic diversity of Slovak Spotted cattle. The total numbers of blood samples were taken from 353 Slovak Spotted cows originating from four farms. Genomic DNA was isolated by phenol-chloroform extraction method and analyzed by PCR-RFLP method. After digestion with restriction, enzymes were detected in whole population of cow's alleles with frequency: LEP/Sau3AI A 0.84 and B 0.16 (±0.0152); LEPR/BseGI C 0.95 and T 0.05 (±0.0089) and GH/AluI L 0.70 and V 0.30 (±0.0188). Based on the observed vs. expected genotypes frequencies populations across loci were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P\>0.05). Predominant for SNP LEP/Sau3AI was AA genotype (0.70), for SNP LEPR/T945M CC genotype (0.91), and LL genotype (0.48) was most frequent for SNP GH/AluI. The observed heterozygosity of SNPs across populations was also transferred to the low or median polymorphic information content 0.24 (He 0.28), 0.08 (He 0.09) and 0.33 (He 0.47) for LEP, LEPR and GH genes, respectively. Within genetic variability estimating negative values of fixation indexes FIS (-0.09-0.05) and FIT (-0.07-0.03) indicating heterozygote excess were observed. The value of FST indexes (0.018-0.023) shows very low levels of genetic differentiation in allele frequencies of loci among evaluated subpopulations. The low values of genetic distances (0.0018-0.0159) indicated high genetic relatedness among animals in subpopulations caused probably by common ancestry used in breeding program at farms.
Temperature effect on growth, and selected parameters of Phaeodactylum tricornutum in batch cultures.
Authors: Bojko Monika , Brzostowska Klaudia , Kuczyńska Paulina , Latowski Dariusz , Olchawa-Pajor Monika , Krzeszowiec Weronika , Waloszek Andrzej , Strzałka Kazimierz
Published: February 2019

The effect of optimal and stress temperatures on the growth kinetics of the Phaeodactylum tricornutum CCAP/1055/1 strain (a model diatom with a known genome sequence) in batch cultures was examined. The analysis of the obtained results showed two phases of culture growth. There were significant positive correlations between OD increase of chlorophyll a chlorophyll c and protein concentration at different temperatures. The Fv/Fm parameter achieved a maximum level on the 6(th) or 7(th) day and then decreased to the values registered on the first day of observation. Genetic material undergoes gradual degradation 10 days after inoculation. The size of the cells was invariable.
Antimicrobial resistance in Rhodococcus equi.
Authors: Cisek Agata A , Rzewuska Magdalena , Witkowski Lucjan , Binek Marian
Published: February 2019

Rhodococcus equi is an important etiologic agent of respiratory- and non-respiratory tract infections, diseases of animals and humans. Therapy includes the use of various group of chemotherapeutic agents, however resistance acquirement is quite common. To date there is no preferred treatment protocol for infections caused by isolates resistant to macrolides and rifampicin. The resistance acquirement is a result of many molecular mechanisms, some of which include alterations in the cell envelope composition and structure, activity of the efflux pumps, enzymatic destruction or inactivation of antibiotics, and changes in the target site. This paper contains an overview of antimicrobial susceptibility of R. equi, and explains the possible molecular mechanisms responsible for antimicrobial resistance in this particular microorganism.
Organometallic iron complexes as potential cancer therapeutics.
Authors: Mojžišová Gabriela , Mojžiš Ján , Vašková Janka
Published: February 2019

Metal-containing drugs have long been used for medicinal purposes in more or less empirical way. The potential of these anticancer agents has only been fully realised and explored since the discovery of the biological activity of cisplatin. Cisplatin and carboplatin have been two of the most successful anti-cancer agents ever developed, and are currently used to treat ovarian, lung and testicular cancers. They share certain side effects, so their clinical use is severely limited by dose-limiting toxicity. Inherent or acquired resistance is a second problem often associated with platinum-based drugs, with further limits of their clinical use. These problems have prompted chemists to employ different strategies in development of the new metal-based anticancer agents with different mechanisms of action. There are various metal complexes still under development and investigation for the future cancer treatment use. In the search for novel bio-organometallic molecules, iron containing anti-tumoral agents are enjoying an increasing interest and appear very promising as the potential drug candidates. Iron, as an essential cofactor in a number of enzymes and physiological processes, may be less toxic than non essential metals, such as platinum. Up to now, some of iron complexes have been tested as cytotoxic agents and found to be endowed with an antitumor activity in several in vitro tests (on cultured cancer cell lines) and few in vivo experiments (e. g. on Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma). Although the precise molecular mechanism is yet to be defined, a number of observations suggest that the reactive oxygen species can play important role in iron-induced cytotoxicty. This review covers some relevant examples of research on the novel iron complexes.
The rules of aging: are they universal? Is the yeast model relevant for gerontology?
Authors: Bilinski Tomasz , Zadrag-Tecza Renata
Published: February 2019

The success of experimental biology was possible due to the use of model organisms. It is believed that the mechanisms of aging have a universal character and they are conserved in a wide range of organisms. The explanation of these universal mechanisms by tracing survival curves of model organisms clearly suggests that death of individuals is a direct consequence of aging. Furthermore, the use of unicellular organisms like yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to explain the aging processes of multicellular organisms runs the risk of oversimplification. Aging is a very complex process and therefore in this paper we present arguments suggesting that some of these fundamental assumptions require a deep rethinking and verification.
The renaissance of vitamin D.
Authors: Wierzbicka Justyna , Piotrowska Anna , Żmijewski Michał A
Published: February 2019

There is no doubt that vitamin D plays a crucial role in the maintenance of musculoskeletal system. But the function of this ancient molecule presumably ranges far beyond hormone-like regulation, as it could be generated by simple unicellular organisms. First, we are going to discuss the role of vitamin D as a global regulator of homeostasis from a historical perspective, but later we will focus on current views and its relevance to human physiology and pathology. Three milestones are defining the impact of vitamin D on science and humanity. Firstly, discovery that vitamin D is the cure for rickets, brought us supplementation programs and rapid irradiation of this devastating disease. Secondly, detail description of photoproduction of vitamin D, its subsequent metabolism and interaction with vitamin D receptor VDR, provided mechanistic background for future discoveries. Finally, recent large epidemiological studies provided indirect, but strong evidence that optimal level of vitamin D in serum has beneficial effects on our health and protects us from multiple diseases, including cancer. Furthermore, existence of alternative pathways of vitamin D metabolism and multiple intracellular targets broadens our understanding of its physiological activities and offers new and very promising tools for prophylactics and treatment of many diseases of civilization. Although vitamin D (and its derivatives) should not be regarded as a cure-all for every human disease, its beneficial effects on the human health have to be taken under consideration.
Possible computational filter to detect proteins associated to influenza A subtype H1N1.
Authors: Polanco Carlos , Buhse Thomas , Castañón-González Jorge Alberto , Samaniego José Lino
Published: February 2019

The design of drugs with bioinformatics methods to identify proteins and peptides with a specific toxic action is increasingly recurrent. Here, we identify toxic proteins towards the influenza A virus subtype H1N1 located at the UniProt database. Our quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) approach is based on the analysis of the linear peptide sequence with the so-called Polarity Index Method that shows an efficiency of 90% for proteins from the Uniprot Database. This method was exhaustively verified with the APD2, CPPsite, Uniprot, and AmyPDB databases as well as with the set of antibacterial peptides studied by del Rio et al. and Oldfield et al.
Lack of association between UBE2E2 gene polymorphism (rs7612463) and type 2 diabetes mellitus in a Saudi population.
Authors: Alharbi Khalid Khalaf , Khan Imran Ali , Al-Sheikh Yazeed A , Alharbi Fawiziah Khalaf , Alharbi Fahad Khalaf , Al-Nbaheen May Salem
Published: February 2019

The ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2E 2 (UBE2E2) gene plays an important role in insulin synthe-sis and secretion under conditions in which stress to the endoplasmic reticu-lum is increased in β-cells. In this case-control study, we have selected rs7612462 polymorphism within UBE2E2 gene to identify in a Saudi population the type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) subjects. In total, 376 subjects with T2DM and 380 controls were enrolled in this study. We have collected 5 mL of peripheral blood from each participant for biochemical and molecular analyses. PCR-RFLP was used to generate genotypes at rs7612462 in all of the study subjects. Clinical data and anthropometric measurements of the patients were significantly different from those of the controls (p
Characterization of recombinant expression of Bombyx mori bidensovirus ns1 using a modified vector.
Authors: Li Guohui , Li Mangmang , Wang Peng , Hu Zhaoyang , Yao Qin , Tang Qi , Chen Keping
Published: February 2019

ns1 gene of Bombyx mori bidensovirus (BmBDV) consisted of 951 nucleotides encoding a deduced 316-amino aicd protein. In this study, the gene was cloned and fused in frame with a N-terminal 6×His tag under control of the polyhedrin promoter, which was transposed into the mini-attTn7 locus of a modified baculovirus vector. Transfection of Sf-9 cells with the resulting recombinant DNA was performed to prepare recombinant virus and the resultant supernatant of transfection with fluorescent signal was harvested. Western blot analysis revealed that NS1 protein was successfully expressed in Sf9 cells infected with the recombinant virus and was confirmed by LC-MS/MS analysis. Moreover, the expressed NS1 is a phosphorylated protein and the phosphorylation site is Thr-184. These results showed that the activity of BmBDV NS1 may be regulated by phosphorylation.
Paraoxonase 1 and dietary hyperhomocysteinemia modulate the expression of mouse proteins involved in liver homeostasis.
Authors: Suszyńska-Zajczyk Joanna , Jakubowski Hieronim
Published: February 2019

Homocysteine (Hcy), a product of methionine metabolism, is elevated by the consumption of a high-methionine diet that can cause fatty liver disease. Paraoxonase 1 (Pon1), a hydrolase expressed mainly in the liver and carried in the circulation on high-density lipoprotein, participates in Hcy metabolism. Low Pon1 activity is linked to fatty liver disease. We hypothesize that hyperhomocysteinemia and low Pon1 induce changes in gene expression that could impair liver homeostasis. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the liver proteome of Pon1(-/-) and Pon1(+/+) mice fed a high methionine diet (1% methionine in the drinking water) for 8 weeks using 2D IEF/SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. We identified seven liver proteins whose expression was significantly altered in Pon1(-/-) mice. In animals fed with a control diet, the expression of three liver proteins involved in lipoprotein metabolism (ApoE), iron metabolism (Ftl), and regulation of nitric oxide generation (Ddah1) was up-regulated by the Pon1(-/-) genotype. In mice fed with a high-methionine diet, expression of four liver proteins was up-regulated and of three proteins was down-regulated by the Pon1(-/-) genotype. The up-regulated proteins are involved in lipoprotein metabolism (ApoE), energy metabolism (Atp5h), oxidative stress response (Prdx2), and nitric oxide regulation (Ddah1). The down-regulated proteins are involved in energy metabolism (Gamt), iron metabolism (Ftl), and catechol metabolism (Comt). Expression of one protein (Ftl) was up-regulated both by the Pon1(-/-) genotype and a high-methionine diet. Our findings suggest that Pon1 interacts with diverse cellular processes - from lipoprotein metabolism, nitric oxide regulation, and energy metabolism to iron transport and antioxidant defenses - that are essential for normal liver homeostasis and modulation of these interactions by a high-methionine diet may contribute to fatty liver disease.
Role of the host genetic variability in the influenza A virus susceptibility.
Authors: Arcanjo Ana Carolina , Mazzocco Giovanni , De Oliveira Silviene Fabiana , Plewczynski Dariusz , Radomski Jan P
Published: February 2019

The aftermath of influenza infection is determined by a complex set of host-pathogen interactions, where genomic variability on both viral and host sides influences the final outcome. Although there exists large body of literature describing influenza virus variability, only a very small fraction covers the issue of host variance. The goal of this review is to explore the variability of host genes responsible for host-pathogen interactions, paying particular attention to genes responsible for the presence of sialylated glycans in the host endothelial membrane, mucus, genes used by viral immune escape mechanisms, and genes particularly expressed after vaccination, since they are more likely to have a direct influence on the infection outcome.
Influenza A viruses of avian origin circulating in pigs and other mammals.
Authors: Urbaniak Kinga , Kowalczyk Andrzej , Markowska-Daniel Iwona
Published: February 2019

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) are zoonotic agents, capable of crossing the species barriers. Nowadays, they still constitute a great challenge worldwide. The natural reservoir of all influenza A viruses are wild aquatic birds, despite the fact they have been isolated from a number of avian and mammalian species, including humans. Even when influenza A viruses are able to get into another than waterfowl population, they are often unable to efficiently adapt and transmit between individuals. Only in rare cases, these viruses are capable of establishing a new lineage. To succeed a complete adaptation and further transmission between species, influenza A virus must overcome a species barrier, including adaptation to the receptors of a new host, which would allow the virus-cell binding, virus replication and, then, animal-to-animal transmission. For many years, pigs were thought to be intermediate host for adaptation of avian influenza viruses to humans, because of their susceptibility to infection with both, avian and human influenza viruses, which supported hypothesis of pigs as a 'mixing vessel'. In this review, the molecular factors necessary for interspecies transmission are described, with special emphasis on adaptation of avian influenza viruses to the pig population. In addition, this review gives the information about swine influenza viruses circulating around the world with special emphasis on Polish strains.
Active surveillance in poultry in Poland for avian influenza subtypes H5 and H7.
Authors: Pikuła Anna , Smietanka Krzysztof , Lisowska Anna , Minta Zenon
Published: February 2019

A serological surveillance programme for avian influenza A virus (AIV) subtype H5 and H7 in poultry was implemented in Poland in 2008-2013 with two main objectives: i) to detect subclinical infections or previous exposures to AIV H5 and H7 subtypes and ii) to demonstrate the AI- free status of Poland. During this period, over 45 000 serum samples from 2833 holdings were examined using the hemagglutination inhibition test (HI). The presence of HI antibodies was detected in 8 breeder geese holdings (7 positive for H5 and 1 positive for H7 AIV) and in 1 breeder duck holding (H5-positive), which represented 0.32% of all investigated holdings. All seropositive flocks were examined by real time RT-PCR with negative results, which substantiated the AI-free status of Poland. Positive results detected in clinically healthy poultry kept in an open range system indicate prior infections with low pathogenic AIV originating from the wild-bird reservoir.
Electrochemical biosensors for detection of avian influenza virus--current status and future trends.
Authors: Grabowska Iwona , Malecka Kamila , Jarocka Urszula , Radecki Jerzy , Radecka Hanna
Published: February 2019

Electrochemical biosensors have emerged as reliable analytical devices suitable for pathogen detection. Low cost, small sample requirement and possibility of miniaturization justifies their increasing development. Thus, we report in this review on the state of the art of avian influenza virus detection with genosensors and immunosensors working by an electrochemical mode. Their working principles focusing on the physical properties of the transducer, the immobilization chemistry, as well as new trends including incorporation of nanoparticles will be presented. Then, we critically review the detection of avian influenza virus in the complex matrices that use electrochemical biosensors and compare them with traditionally applied methods such as ELISA or Western blot.
Influenza viruses resistant to neuraminidase inhibitors.
Authors: Nitsch-Osuch Aneta , Brydak Lidia Bernadeta
Published: February 2019

Neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) are antiviral drugs for treatment and prophylaxis of influenza. By blocking the activity of the enzyme neuraminidase, NAIs prevent new viral particles from being released. The increasing use of NAIs brings into focus the risk of drug resistance arising to the class. There are three levels of antiviral resistance according to the way that resistance can be detected or inferred: genotypic, phenotypic and clinical resistance. For many years seasonal influenza viruses resistance to NAIs was low (0.33%). Recently, there has been described an increasing number of resistant seasonal influenza strains to oseltamivir (2% in adults, 5-18% in children). In 2007 there were published data describing 14% resistant to oseltamivir strains of influenza A/H1N1/ in Europe. Approximately 0.5-1.0% of influenza A/H1N1/pdm09 isolates are currently resistant to oseltamivir. The established markers of the resistance to oseltamivir were found in 2.4% of human and 0.8% of avian isolates of influenza A/H5N1/. It has been not observed a cross resistance among oseltamivir and zanamivir. NAIs resistance in influenza viruses is relative and despite its presence patients with resistant viruses may still benefit from receiving these antivirals. The response to treatment with antivirals remains the most important proof of antiviral effectiveness. The rational use of NAIs is essential to preserve the best choice for treatment and prophylaxis of seasonal, avian and pandemic influenza.
DNA vaccines against influenza.
Authors: Stachyra Anna , Góra-Sochacka Anna , Sirko Agnieszka
Published: February 2019

Genetic vaccine technology has been considerably developed within the last two decades. This cost effective and promising strategy can be applied for therapy of cancers and for curing allergy, chronic and infectious diseases, such as a seasonal and pandemic influenza. Despite numerous advantages, several limitations of this technology reduce its performance and can retard its commercial exploitation in humans and its veterinary applications. Inefficient delivery of the DNA vaccine into cells of immunized individuals results in low intracellular supply of suitable expression cassettes encoding an antigen, in its low expression level and, in turn, in reduced immune responses against the antigen. Improvement of DNA delivery into the host cells might significantly increase effectiveness of the DNA vaccine. A vast array of innovative methods and various experimental strategies have been applied in order to enhance the effectiveness of DNA vaccines. They include various strategies improving DNA delivery as well as expression and immunogenic potential of the proteins encoded by the DNA vaccines. Researchers focusing on DNA vaccines against influenza have applied many of these strategies. Recent examples of the most successful modern approaches are discussed in this review.
Hemagglutinin stalk domain from H5N1 strain as a potentially universal antigen.
Authors: Uranowska Karolina , Tyborowska Jolanta , Jurek Anna , Szewczyk Bogusław , Gromadzka Beata
Published: February 2019

Influenza A virus infections are the major public health concern and cause significant morbidity and mortality each year worldwide. Vaccination is the main strategy of influenza epidemic prevention. However, seasonal vaccines induce strain-specific immunity and must be reformulated annually based on prediction of the strains that will circulate in the next season. Thus, it is essential to develop vaccines that would induce broad and persistent immunity to influenza viruses. Hemagglutinin is the major surface antigen of the influenza virus. Recent studies revealed the importance of HA stalk-specific antibodies in neutralization of different influenza virus strains. Therefore, it is important to design an immunogen that would focus the immune response on the HA stalk domain in order to elicit neutralizing antibodies. In the present study, we report characterization of a conserved truncated protein, potentially a universal influenza virus antigen from the H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A virus strain. Our results indicate that exposure of the HA stalk domain containing conserved epitopes results in cross reactivity with different antibodies (against group 1 and 2 HAs). Additionally, we conclude that HA stalk domain contains not only conformational epitopes recognized by universal FI6 antibody, but also linear epitopes recognized by other antibodies.
Influenza virus hemagglutinin as a vaccine antigen produced in bacteria.
Authors: Sączyńska Violetta
Published: February 2019

Recombinant subunit vaccines based on hemagglutinin proteins produced in bacteria (bacterial HAs) are promising candidates for enhancing the supply of vaccines against influenza, especially for a pandemic. Over 20 years after the failure to obtain the antigen with native HA characteristics in the early 1980's, there are increasing data on successful production of HA proteins in bacteria. The vast majority of bacterial HAs have been based on the HA1 subunit of HA expressed separately or as a component of conjugate vaccines, but those based on the ectodomain and the HA2 subunit have also been reported. The most of HAs have been efficiently expressed as insoluble aggregates called inclusion bodies. Refolded and purified proteins were extensively studied for structure, the ability to bind to sialic acid-containing receptors, antigenicity, immunogenicity and efficacy. The results from these studies contradict the view that glycosylation determines the correct structure of the hemagglutinin, as they proved that bacterial HAs can be valuable vaccine antigens when appropriate folding and purification methods are applied to rationally designed proteins. The best evidence for success in bacterial production of protective HA is that vaccines based on proprietary Toll-like Receptor (VaxInnate) and bacteriophage Qβ-VLPs (Cytos Biotechnology) technologies have been advanced to clinical studies.
Influenza prevention and treatment by passive immunization.
Authors: Kalenik Barbara , Sawicka Róża , Góra-Sochacka Anna , Sirko Agnieszka
Published: February 2019

Passive immunity is defined as a particular antigen resistance provided by external antibodies. It can be either naturally or artificially acquired. Natural passive immunization occurs during pregnancy and breast-feeding in mammals and during hatching in birds. Maternal antibodies are passed through the placenta and milk in mammals and through the egg yolk in birds. Artificial passive immunity is acquired by injection of either serum from immunized (or infected) individuals or antibody preparations. Many independent research groups worked on selection, verification and detailed characterization of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies against the influenza virus. Numerous antibody preparations were tested in a variety of in vitro and in vivo experiments for their efficacy to neutralize the virus. Here, we describe types of antibodies tested in such experiments and their viral targets, review approaches resulting in identification of broadly neutralizing antibodies and discuss methods used to demonstrate their protective effects. Finally, we shortly discuss the phenomenon of maternal antibody transfer as a way of effective care for young individuals and as an interfering factor in early vaccination.
Antibody response to DNA vaccine against H5N1 avian influenza virus in broilers immunized according to three schedules.
Authors: Stachyra Anna , Góra-Sochacka Anna , Zagórski-Ostoja Włodzimierz , Król Ewelina , Sirko Agnieszka
Published: February 2019

Broiler type chickens were immunized intramuscularly with a DNA vaccine encoding hemagglutinin (HA) from H5N1 avian influenza virus. The chickens were divided into four groups: control group which was not immunized, a group which obtained only one dose, and two groups which were immunized twice, one group with a boost two weeks after the priming and the other four weeks. Blood samples were collected at several time points and the dynamics of the humoral response to the vaccine was studied. High level of anti-HA antibodies was detected only in the last two groups, that is in chickens immunized according to the prime-boost strategy, regardless of the schedule. An additional interesting observation of this study was detection of the cross-reactivity of an anti-H5 HA positive serum with H5N2 and H1N1 viruses, suggesting that the DNA vaccine tested can induce antibodies of a broad specificity.
The influence of elastin degradation products, glucose and atorvastatin on metalloproteinase-1, -2, -9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1, -2, -3 expression in human retinal pigment epithelial cells.
Authors: Dorecka Mariola , Francuz Tomasz , Garczorz Wojciech , Siemianowicz Krzysztof , Romaniuk Wanda
Published: February 2019

Hyperglycemia and increased concentrations of elastin degradation products (EDPs) are common findings in patients with diabetes, atherosclerosis and hypertension. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of high glucose, EDPs and atorvastatin on MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP1-3 gene expression in human retinal pigment epithelial cells (HRPE) in vitro.
HRPE were cultured for 24 hours with the substances being tested (glucose, EDPs), alone or in combination. Additionally, the cells were treated with atorvastatin in two different concentrations (1 or 10 μM). After incubation, total cellular RNA was extracted and used for gene expression evaluation. Gene expression was measured using the real-time RT-PCR technique.
Glucose, EDPs and atorvastatin had no impact on TIMP-1 and TIMP-3 expression. HRPE cells treated with glucose or EDPs with the addition of atorvastatin had a statistically significant decrease of TIMP-2 expression; glucose alone decreased MMP-1 expression. Atorvastatin decreased expression of all assessed genes, except TIMP-1 and TIMP-3 in a dose-dependent manner.
Our results confirm the importance of MMPs and TIMPs in retinal vascular biology. Atorvastatin-induced MMPs gene expression can deeply affect extracellular matrix turnover, which may play an important role in the progression of ocular diseases.
Identification of serum proteome components associated with progression of non-small cell lung cancer.
Authors: Pietrowska Monika , Jelonek Karol , Michalak Malwina , Roś Małgorzata , Rodziewicz Paweł , Chmielewska Klaudia , Polański Krzysztof , Polańska Joanna , Gdowicz-Kłosok Agnieszka , Giglok Monika , Suwiński Rafał , Tarnawski Rafał , Dziadziuszko Rafał , Rzyman Witold , Widłak Piotr
Published: February 2019

The aim of the present study was to perform comparative analysis of serum from patients with different stages of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using the three complementary proteomic approaches to identify proteome components associated with the progression of cancer. Serum samples were collected before any treatment from 200 patients with NSCLC, including 103 early stage, 64 locally advanced and 33 metastatic cancer samples, and from 200 donors without malignancy. The low-molecular-weight fraction of serum proteome was MALDI-profiled in all samples. Serum proteins were characterized using 2D-PAGE and LC-MS/MS approaches in a representative group of 30 donors. Several significant differences were detected between serum samples collected from patients with early stage cancer and patients with locally advanced cancer, as well as between patients with metastatic cancer and patients with local disease. Of note, serum components discriminating samples from early stage cancer and healthy persons were also detected. In general, about 70 differentiating serum proteins were identified, including inflammatory and acute phase proteins already reported to be associated with the progression of lung cancer (serum amyloid A or haptoglobin). Several differentiating proteins, including apolipoprotein H or apolipoprotein A1, were not previously associated with NSCLC. No significant differences in patterns of serum proteome components were detected between patients with adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. In conclusion, we identified the biomarker candidates with potential importance for molecular proteomic staging of NSCLC. Additionally, several serum proteome components revealed their potential applicability in early detection of the lung cancer.
SpaCBA sequence instability and its relationship to the adhesion efficiency of Lactobacillus casei group isolates to Caco-2 cells.
Authors: Markowicz Corinna , Olejnik-Schmidt Agnieszka , Borkowska Monika , Schmidt Marcin T
Published: February 2019

The ability to adhere to enterocytes is one of the key features of probiotics. This process involves a number of factors, among which the important role of pili was demonstrated. Some Lactobacillus species are confirmed to have heterotrimeric spaCBA type pili. The aim of this study was to identify spaCBA pili in strains of selected Lactobacillus spp. and assess the impact of their presence and sequence polymorphism on the adhesion of these strains to enterocytes. Total 20 bacterial strains of L. rhamnosus, L. casei and L. paracasei were tested. The presence of pilus specific proteins coding genes spaA, spaB and spaC was verified by PCR in order to identify the presence of sequence polymorphism in the genes possibly affecting the structure of the spaCBA pilus. To correlate spaCBA polymorphism to adhesion capability the adhesion assay was carried out using Caco-2 cell line. The effectiveness of the adhesion was measured using a scintillation counter. The Lactobacillus strains analyzed showed the adhesion to Caco-2 enterocytes capability from 0.6% to 19.6%. The presence of spaCBA pili is a factor increasing the adhesion efficiency of Lactobacillus spp. to Caco-2 enterocytes. Lack of these structures on the surface of bacterial cells results in the reduction in adhesion efficiency, indicating its important role in the adhesion process. But not in all cases the correlation between the presence of protein spaCBA structures and adhesion efficiency was observed, what may indicate the important role of other factors in adhesion of analyzed strains to Caco-2 cells.
Antioxidant, antimicrobial and neutrophil-modulating activities of herb extracts.
Authors: Denev Petko , Kratchanova Maria , Ciz Milan , Lojek Antonin , Vasicek Ondrej , Blazheva Denitsa , Nedelcheva Plamena , Vojtek Libor , Hyrsl Pavel
Published: February 2019

The present study provides a comprehensive data on the antioxidant, antimicrobial and neutrophil-modulating activities of extracts from six medicinal plants--blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) leaves, chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) leaves, hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) leaves, lady's mantle (Alchemilla glabra) aerial parts, meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) aerial parts and raspberry (Rubus idaeus) leaves. In order to analyze the antioxidant activity of the herbs, several methods (ORAC, TRAP, HORAC and inhibition of lipid peroxidation) were used. Blackberry leaves and meadowsweet extracts revealed the highest antioxidant activities via all methods. All extracts studied blocked almost completely the opsonized zymosan particle-activated ROS production by neutrophils from human whole blood. On the other hand, the effect of extracts on phorbol myristate acetate-activated ROS production was much milder and even nonsignificant in the case of chokeberry leaves. This latter result suggests that extracts (apart from their antioxidative activity) interfere with the signaling cascade of phagocyte activation upstream of the protein kinase C activation. The antimicrobial activity of the investigated extracts against 11 human pathogens was investigated using three different methods. Meadowsweet and blackberry leaves extracts had the highest antimicrobial effect and the lowest minimal inhibiting concentrations (MICs) against the microorganisms tested.
High-grade mutant OmpF induces decreased bacterial survival rate.
Authors: Zhao Zhi-ping , Liu Ting-ting , Zhang Li , Luo Min , Nie Xin , Li Zai-xin , Pan Yu
Published: February 2019

OmpF plays very important roles in the influx of antibiotics and bacterial survival in the presence of antibiotics. However, high-grade mutant OmpF and its function in decreasing bacterial survival rate have not been reported to date. In the present study, we cloned a high-grade mutant OmpF (mOmpF) and sequence analysis suggested that over 45 percent of the DNA sequence was significantly mutated, leading to dramatic changes in over 55 percent of the amino acid sequence. mOmpF protein was successfully expressed. When grown in the presence of antibiotic, the bacterial survival rate decreased and the antibiotic inhibition zone became larger with the increase of the mOmpF. It was concluded that concentration of high-grade mutant mOmpF dramatically influenced the bacterial survival rate. The study presented here may provide insights into better understanding of the relationships between structure and function of OmpF.
Leonurus cardiaca L. herb--a derived extract and an ursolic acid as the factors affecting the adhesion capacity of Staphylococcus aureus in the context of infective endocarditis.
Authors: Micota Bartłomiej , Sadowska Beata , Podsędek Anna , Redzynia Małgorzata , Różalska Barbara
Published: February 2019

The objective was an assessment of the impact of Leonurus cardiaca L. extract (LCE) and ursolic acid (UA) on the adhesive properties of Staphylococus aureus NCTC 8325 strain, expressing virulence factors important in the pathogenesis of infective endocarditis. The adhesion and biofilm formation of bacteria cultured in the presence of subinhibitory concentrations of LCE or UA on the abiotic surface or covered with fibrinogen, fibronectin or collagen, were evaluated. Inhibitory effects of LCE and UA on staphylococcal adherence to both types of surface were demonstrated. This, in the case of UA, resulted in a significant reduction of biofilm formation.
A protocol for sonication-assisted Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated transformation of haploid and diploid sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) explants.
Authors: Klimek-Chodacka Magdalena , Baranski Rafal
Published: February 2019

Hairy root cultures obtained after Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated genetic transformation can serve as a model system for studying plant metabolism and physiology, or can be utilized for the production of secondary metabolites. So far no efficient protocol of hairy root development in sugar beet has been publically released. In this work, two A. rhizogenes strains (A4T and LBA1334) carrying a binary vector pBIN-m-gfp5-ER or pCAMBIA1301 possessing gfp and uidA reporter genes were used to transform petiole explants of haploid and diploid sugar beet genotypes. Five treatment combinations of sonicated-assisted Agrobacterium-mediated transformation were compared. Hairy roots appeared on 0% to 54% of explants depending on the treatment combination used. The highest frequency was achieved when explants of a diploid genotype were sonicated for 15 s in the inoculum containing A. rhizogenes of OD600=0.5 and then co-cultured for three days. Using the same treatment combinations the explants of haploid genotypes developed hairy roots with the frequency ranging from 10% to 36%. Transformation efficiency was independent on the bacterial strain used. The results indicate that haploid sugar beet explants are amenable to transformation using A. rhizogenes, and that the efficiency of that process can be increased by applying short ultrasound treatment.
Conversion of a diversity arrays technology marker differentiating wild and cultivated carrots to a co-dominant cleaved amplified polymorphic site marker.
Authors: Macko-Podgórni Alicja , Iorizzo Massimo , Smółka Krzysztof , Simon Philipp W , Grzebelus Dariusz
Published: February 2019

Cultivated carrot and its wild ancestor co-occur in most temperate regions of the world and can easily hybridize. The genetic basis of the process of domestication in carrot is not well understood. Recent results of an investigation on genetic diversity structure of cultivated and wild carrot and signatures for domestication using Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT) allowed identification of polymorphisms differentiating wild and cultivated accessions. We selected one of these polymorphisms, showing the strongest evidence for directional selection in the course of domestication, and converted it into a co-dominant cleaved amplified polymorphic site (CAPS) marker named cult. To achieve that, we designed site-specific primers anchored in sequences flanking the original DArT clone, amplified and sequenced the PCR products derived from cultivated and wild carrot. A PstI restriction site present in the 'cultivated' variant and absent in the 'wild' was subsequently used for routine differentiation the two variants. We validated the cult marker on 88 accessions of cultivated and wild carrot, each represented by five individuals. The allelic variant associated with the wild phenotype was only rarely observed in cultivated carrot, mostly in purple-rooted accessions originating Turkey and Iran, possibly indicating that the physical association between the diagnostic polymorphism and the putative 'domestication gene' has been broken in a group of Eastern carrots.
Evaluation of P1' substrate specificity of staphylococcal SplB protease.
Authors: Pustelny Katarzyna , Stach Natalia , Wladyka Benedykt , Dubin Adam , Dubin Grzegorz
Published: February 2019

Staphylococcus aureus is a dangerous human pathogen characterized by growing antibiotic resistance. Virulence of S. aureus relies on a variety of secreted and cell surface associated virulence factors among which certain proteolytic enzymes play an important role. Amid staphylococcal extracellular proteases, those encoded by the spl operon remain poorly characterized, both in terms of enzymology and their physiological role. Initial data demonstrated that Spl proteases exhibit restricted substrate specificity. This study describes development of convenient protein FRET substrates for SplB protease and characterization of the substrate preference of the protease at the P1' position. Kinetic data on hydrolysis of a panel of substrates substituted at the said position is provided.
Statistical and graphical (GGE biplot) evaluation of the adaptive ability and stability of winter barley breeding lines
Authors: Gudzenko V. N.
Published: February 2019

Due to current global climate changes, the issue of improving adaptive capacity of crops is of high importance. It is important to create winter crop varieties with both ecological adaptability and yield stability in years with different hydrothermal conditions. In order to develop winter barley varieties with a combination of yield and stability, 14 promising breeding lines have been evaluated in the conditions of the V.M. Remeslo Myronovka Institute of Wheat of NAAS of Ukraine in 2012/2013–2014/2015 using four different sowing dates. The ANOVA revealed a reliable part in yield variation: 64.59 % for environment, 16.84 % for genotype–environment interaction, and 15.57 % for genotype. The sowing dates significantly increased the yield variation of the breeding lines. The differences between the average yields of the lines depending on sowing date within the year were 1.05 t/ha in 2012/2013, 0.90 t/ha in 2013/2014, and 1.25 t/ha in 2014/2015. For genotype–environment interaction interpretation and ranking lines by yield a number of the most known statistical parameters of adaptability, stability, and plasticity and GGE biplot were applied. The use of different sowing dates at the final stage of the winter barley breeding process is a simple but effective approach that allows a more detailed assessment of the adaptive potential of breeding lines in various growing conditions. As compared to statistical parameters, GGE biplot has some advantages for interpretation of genotype–environment interaction. This graphic model allows ranking environments to be visualized for their discriminating ability and representativeness, as well as both specifically adapted genotypes and the ones with the optimal combination of yield potential and stability to be identified in a set of environments (mega-environment). The breeding line Pallidum 4816 with the optimal combination of yield and stability, as well as the high-yielding breeding lines Pallidum 4857 and Pallidum 4659 were identified and submitted to the State Variety Testing of Ukraine as the new winter barley varieties MIP Yason, MIP Oskar and MIP Hladiator.
Advocating for Early-Career Nurse Innovators: Modeling the Institute/of Medicine Report
Authors: Sue Hammonds Linda , Godfrey Nelda , Bryant Terry , Mata Margaret , Fessenden Corinne , Farrah Shirley , Vogelsmeier Amy , L'Ecuyer Kristine , Johnson Karen , Kliethermes Jill , Lucas Heidi , Harris Karen
Published: February 2019

The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health was published by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academies in 2011. The Missouri Nurses Foundation and Missouri nurses modeled a sustainable project, the Early Career Nurse Innovator Project, exemplifying the intent of that report. The Missouri Nurses Foundation Executive Board comprises experienced nurses, nurse educators, nurses in other leadership roles, retired nurses, public members of the board, and administrative support staff. This article describes a project that was developed, implemented, and evaluated to recognize and encourage early-career nurses who have designed and led innovations to improve and promote the health of Missourians. Five of these early-career nurses were the recipients of monetary awards to encourage future innovations; the second recognition cycle is in the planning phase. Through the work of the Missouri Nurses Foundation, the scholarship of bedside nurses was recognized.
The LOTUS: A Journey to Value-Based, Patient-Centered Care
Authors: Barbarello Andrews Liza , Roberts Nina , Ash Carol , Jones Natalie , Rolston Meghan , Hughes Melina , Pelligrino Joanne , Taylor Ted
Published: February 2019

In response to the merger of our 248-bed community hospital with a new health system, a multidisciplinary team began a journey of holistic transformation via the evolution of a new rounding process called Leadership, Ownership, Transformation, Unity, and Sustainability (LOTUS) in the 20-bed ICU. Morphing from a hierarchical practice structure with limited engagement of multidisciplinary members, the LOTUS initiative (named for the blossom whose petals surround its core, the patient) afforded each discipline (petal) an equal voice and allowed a once-fragmented team to work cohesively, collaboratively, and at the highest level of the scope of practice for each discipline, thus affording expert guidance during care planning while providing a method to collect quality metrics. LOTUS allows us to view our patients in a new way as we refocused goal determination on patients and their families. The restructuring and evolution into a high-functioning team was targeted with the goal of enhancing quality critical care for patients, which, in the literature, has correlated with improved patient safety and decreased mortality and ICU length of stay.
Operationalizing the Bridge Care Model—Advocating for At-Risk Students
Authors: Sutter-Barrett Rebecca E. , Sutter-Dalrymple Caroline J. , Skurpski Lea M.
Published: February 2019

The inability to meet local, state, and federal health requirements for school entry can delay enrollment for uninsured, registering students. For at-risk, vulnerable students and families, limited access to health care providers, funding, and transportation, as well as inflexible work schedules, can create barriers to their ability to access required health services in a timely manner, thus delaying immediate student enrollment. This article focuses on the implementation of the Bridge Care Model through an innovative and unique partnership between an academic nurse-mananaged clinic network and a local school system. Through collaboration, data analysis, and process planning, these partners established a Memorandum of Agreement allowing each to address their programmatic missions, visions, and goals to meet the needs of at-risk, uninsured, vulnerable students and to remove barriers to school entry. Through this mutually beneficial approach, direct health services were provided at an on-site, central student registration location through a cost-effective, sustainable partnership. This article highlights how implementation of the Bridge Care model at a central student registration site allowed a local school system to reduce barriers to school entry for vulnerable at-risk students; provide access to medical navigation support for uninsured families; and create a streamlined communication system to allow school-based staff to support students with significant physical and behavioral health needs following enrollment.