bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kallistatin reduces vascular senescence and aging by regulating microRNA‐34a‐SIRT1 pathway
Authors: Guo Youming , Li Pengfei , Gao Lin , Zhang Jingmei , Yang Zhirong , Bledsoe Grant , Chang Eugene , Chao Lee , Chao Julie 
Published: May 2017

SummaryKallistatin, an endogenous protein, protects against vascular injury by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation in hypertensive rats and enhancing the mobility and function of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). We aimed to determine the role and mechanism of kallistatin in vascular senescence and aging using cultured EPCs, streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic mice, and Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Human kallistatin significantly decreased TNF‐α‐induced cellular senescence in EPCs, as indicated by reduced senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase activity and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 expression, and elevated telomerase activity. Kallistatin blocked TNF‐α‐induced superoxide levels, NADPH oxidase activity, and microRNA‐21 (miR‐21) and p16INK4a synthesis. Kallistatin prevented TNF‐α‐mediated inhibition of SIRT1, eNOS, and catalase, and directly stimulated the expression of these antioxidant enzymes. Moreover, kallistatin inhibited miR‐34a synthesis, whereas miR‐34a overexpression abolished kallistatin‐induced antioxidant gene expression and antisenescence activity. Kallistatin via its active site inhibited miR‐34a, and stimulated SIRT1 and eNOS synthesis in EPCs, which was abolished by genistein, indicating an event mediated by tyrosine kinase. Moreover, kallistatin administration attenuated STZ‐induced aortic senescence, oxidative stress, and miR‐34a and miR‐21 synthesis, and increased SIRT1, eNOS, and catalase levels in diabetic mice. Furthermore, kallistatin treatment reduced superoxide formation and prolonged wild‐type C. elegans lifespan under oxidative or heat stress, although kallistatin's protective effect was abolished in miR‐34 or sir‐2.1 (SIRT1 homolog) mutant C. elegans. Kallistatin inhibited miR‐34, but stimulated sir‐2.1 and sod‐3 synthesis in C. elegans. These in vitro and in vivo studies provide significant insights into the role and mechanism of kallistatin in vascular senescence and aging by regulating miR‐34a‐SIRT1 pathway.
Implant dentistry in Australia: the present and future. A survey of Australian dentists and specialists
Authors: Guo YN , Dudley JE , Logan RM , Richards LC 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundIn recent years, implant dentistry has become a routine part of many general dental practices in Australia. However, there has been little information regarding its extent and scope. This investigation aimed to address this issue by surveying Australian general dental practitioners (GDP) and relevant specialists regarding their practice of implant dentistry.MethodsAnonymous electronic surveys were designed online using SurveyMonkey™ and delivered to the following professional bodies: all seven state/territory branches of the Australian Dental Association, the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Periodontists, the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and prosthodontist members of the Australian Prosthodontic Society. The surveys were completed online via SurveyMonkey in 2014.ResultsThe response rates were 7.61% (N = 801) for GDP, 41.76% (N = 38) for prosthodontists, 34.16% (N = 55) for periodontists and 34.07% (N = 46) for oral and maxillofacial (OMF) surgeons. Among the respondents, 66.37% (N = 521) of GDP, 86.11% (N = 31) of prosthodontists, 82.98% (N = 39) of periodontists and 97.67% (N = 42) of OMF surgeons indicated that they currently practise implant dentistry. A strong perceived need for further education in this field was also expressed by the respondents.ConclusionsImplant dentistry presently appears to be practised by a significant proportion of GDP across Australia. This is likely to continue to grow in the future.
Robotic radiosurgery of head and neck paragangliomas: a single institution experience
Authors: Tosun İlker , Atalar Banu , Şahin Bilgehan , Güngör Görkem , Aydin Gökhan , Yapici Bülent , Özyar Enis 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAimCyberKnife® is a robotic stereotactic radiotherapy system. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and the safety of CyberKnife® on treating head and neck paragangliomas and to report our results.MethodsBetween March 2009 and June 2014, 12 patients with head and neck paragangliomas have been referred to our clinic: in three cases had jugular paragangliomas, five cases had carotid body paragangliomas and three cases had tympanic paragangliomas. One patient had bilateral neck paragangliomas (right neck; carotid body paraganglioma, left neck; jugular pargangliomas). All of them received fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy with CyberKnife® up to a total median dose of 24 Gy (reference isodose 67–90%). The median tumor volume was 35.5 cc (range, 5.3—113.8 cc). The median follow up was 30 months (range, 0–66 months). Local tumor control was assessed according to RECIST criteria on follow‐up imaging studies.ResultsThere were no acute or late toxicity related with stereotactic radiotherapy after treatment. No local tumor progression was observed on magnetic resonance imaging and none of our patients showed progressive clinical status. Seven tumors shrinked in size (54%). Five tumors (46%) had stable size during follow up. Local control rate was 100%.ConclusionStereotactic radiotherapy is a good alternative to surgery for the treatment of head and neck paragangliomas coming up with a clear benefit of acute and late side effects. CyberKnife® seems to be a safe and efficient system treating head and neck paragangliomas.
Acute toll‐like receptor 4 activation impairs rat renal microvascular autoregulatory behaviour
Authors: Van Beusecum J. P. , Zhang S. , Cook A. K. , Inscho E. W. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAimLittle is known about how toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) influences the renal microvasculature. We hypothesized that acute TLR4 stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) impairs afferent arteriole autoregulatory behaviour, partially through reactive oxygen species (ROS).MethodsWe assessed afferent arteriole autoregulatory behaviour after LPS treatment (1 mg kg−1; i.p.) using the in vitro blood‐perfused juxtamedullary nephron preparation. Autoregulatory behaviour was assessed by measuring diameter responses to stepwise changes in renal perfusion pressure. TLR4 expression was assessed by immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis in the renal cortex and vasculature.ResultsBaseline arteriole diameter at 100 mmHg averaged 15.2 ± 1.2 μm and 12.2 ± 1.0 μm for control and LPS groups (P < 0.05) respectively. When perfusion pressure was increased in 15 mmHg increments from 65 to 170 mmHg, arteriole diameter in control kidneys decreased significantly to 69 ± 6% of baseline diameter. In the LPS‐treated group, arteriole diameter remained essentially unchanged (103 ± 9% of baseline), indicating impaired autoregulatory behaviour. Pre‐treatment with anti‐TLR4 antibody or the TLR4 antagonist, LPS‐RS, preserved autoregulatory behaviour during LPS treatment. P2 receptor reactivity was normal in control and LPS‐treated rats. Pre‐treatment with Losartan (angiotensin type 1 receptor blocker; (AT1) 2 mg kg−1; i.p.) increased baseline afferent arteriole diameter but did not preserve autoregulatory behaviour in LPS‐treated rats. Acute exposure to Tempol (10−3 mol L−1), a superoxide dismutase mimetic, restored pressure‐mediated vasoconstriction in kidneys from LPS‐treated rats.ConclusionThese data demonstrate that TLR4 activation impairs afferent arteriole autoregulatory behaviour, partially through ROS, but independently of P2 and AT1 receptor activation.
Polymorphism of TLR5 rs5744174 is associated with disease progression in Chinese patients with chronic HBV infection
Authors: Cao Lina , Zhang Tong , Zhu Junping , Li Aixin , Zheng Kai , Zhang Nan , Su Bin , Xia Wei , Wu Hao , Li Ning , He Qiushui 
Published: May 2017

Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) play a crucial role in innate and adaptive immunity, protecting the host from viral pathogens. Studies have implicated that TLR5 is associated with various diseases such as autoimmune and inflammation related diseases. However, little is known about the relationship between TLR5 and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. We studied the effect of TLR5 gene polymorphisms on susceptibility to and disease progression of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection in Chinese. Blood samples were taken from 636 patients with CHB, HBV‐related liver cirrhosis (LC) or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and 273 controls. Polymorphisms of TLR5 (1775A>G rs2072493 and 1846T>C rs5744174) were analyzed by PCR‐based sequencing. No difference in genotypic and allelic frequencies of TLR5 rs2072493 and rs5744174 was observed between patients and controls. Significant difference was found in frequency of TLR5 rs5744174 TT genotype between men with CHB and LC (p = 0.035). Frequency of TT genotype of TLR5 rs5744174 in patients positive for HBeAg was increased from 53.2% in patients with CHB to 74.1% in those with HCC (p = 0.024). Our results indicate that in Chinese genetic variation of TLR5 may be not a determinant of susceptibility to HBV‐related diseases but may play a role in development of HBV‐related severe liver diseases.
Climate change decouples marine and freshwater habitats of a threatened migratory fish
Authors: Lin Hsien‐Yung , Bush Alex , Linke Simon , Possingham Hugh P. , Brown Christopher J. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAimTo assess how climate change may decouple the ecosystems used by a migratory fish, and how decoupling influences priorities for stream restoration.LocationAustralia.MethodsWe modelled changes in habitat suitability under climate change in both riverine and marine habitats for a threatened diadromous species, the Australian Grayling Prototroctes maraena, using niche models. The loss of riverine habitats for Grayling was compared with or without considering the impact of climate change on adjacent marine habitats. We also asked whether considering marine climate change changed the locations where removing dams had the greatest benefit for Grayling conservation.ResultsClimate change is expected to cause local extinction in both marine and river habitats regardless of whether dams are retained or removed at the trailing edge of the Grayling's range (north‐eastern). Decoupling of habitats was most apparent in the eastern and south‐eastern portion of the Grayling's range, where ocean warming may cause a decline in the suitability of marine habitats for larvae, while many freshwater habitats retained suitable habitat for adults. Removing dams to restore connectivity between ocean and freshwater habitats was predicted to have the greatest benefit for Grayling in southern portions of their range. Under climate change, the priorities for barrier removal gradually shift towards dams at higher elevation because of increasing suitability of freshwater habitats at higher elevations.Main conclusionsOur study highlights the importance of assessing climate range shifts in multiple ecosystems for migratory species and can help inform priorities for stream restoration under a changing climate.
Motor function domains in alternating hemiplegia of childhood
Authors: Masoud Melanie , Gordon Kelly , Hall Amanda , Jasien Joan , Lardinois Kara , Uchitel Julie , Mclean Melissa , Prange Lyndsey , Wuchich Jeffrey , Mikati Mohamad A 
Published: May 2017

AimTo characterize motor function profiles in alternating hemiplegia of childhood, and to investigate interrelationships between these domains and with age.MethodWe studied a cohort of 23 patients (9 males, 14 females; mean age 9y 4mo, range 4mo–43y) who underwent standardized tests to assess gross motor, upper extremity motor control, motor speech, and dysphagia functions.ResultsGross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), Gross Motor Function Measure‐88 (GMFM‐88), Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), and Revised Melbourne Assessment (MA2) scales manifested predominantly mild impairments; motor speech, moderate to severe; Modified Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale (M‐DOSS), mild‐to moderate deficits. GMFCS correlated with GMFM‐88 scores (Pearson's correlation, p=0.002), MACS (p=0.038), and MA2 fluency (p=0.005) and accuracy (p=0.038) scores. GMFCS did not correlate with motor speech (p=0.399), MA2 dexterity (p=0.247), range of motion (p=0.063), or M‐DOSS (p=0.856). Motor speech was more severely impaired than the GMFCS (p<0.013). There was no correlation between any of the assessment tools and age (p=0.210‐0.798).InterpretationOur data establish a detailed profile of motor function in alternating hemiplegia of childhood, argue against the presence of worse motor function in older patients, identify tools helpful in evaluating this population, and identify oropharyngeal function as the more severely affected domain, suggesting that brain areas controlling this function are more affected than others.
Downregulation of cholesteryl ester transfer protein by glucocorticoids: a randomised study on HDL
Authors: Werumeus Buning Jorien , Dimova Lidya G. , Perton Frank G. , Tietge Uwe J. F. , van Beek André P. , Dullaart Robin P. F. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundHigh density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is not decreased in hypercortisolism despite high triglycerides, which may be ascribed to effects on the cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) pathway. We explored if CETP mRNA expression is modulated by glucocorticoid treatment in vitro. Effects of doubling the hydrocortisone (HCT) replacement dose on plasma CETP activity, and HDL characteristics were tested in patients with secondary adrenal insufficiency.Materials and methodsHuman THP‐1 macrophages were incubated with corticosterone in vitro in the presence or absence of a liver X receptor (LXR) agonist, followed by determination of CETP mRNA levels by quantitative real‐time PCR. In addition, a randomised double‐blind cross‐over study was performed in 47 patients with secondary adrenal insufficiency (university medical setting; 10 weeks exposure to a higher HCT dose (0·4–0·6 mg/kg body weight) vs. 10 weeks of a lower HCT dose (0·2–0·3 mg/kg body weight).ResultsCorticosterone dose dependently decreased CETP mRNA in THP‐1 macrophages. Corticosterone also decreased CETP mRNA expression after LXR pretreatment. In patients, CETP activity decreased with doubling of the HCT dose (P = 0·049), coinciding with an increase in HDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein A‐I and the HDL cholesterol/apolipoprotein A‐I ratio (reflecting HDL size; P < 0·01 for each). The increase in the HDL cholesterol/apolipoprotein A‐I ratio was correlated with the decrease in plasma CETP activity (r = −0·442, P = 0·002).ConclusionGlucocorticoids downregulate CETP gene expression in a human macrophage cell system. In line, a higher glucocorticoid replacement dose decreases plasma CETP activity in patients, thereby contributing to higher HDL cholesterol and an increase in estimated HDL size.
Tone identification behavior in Rattus norvegicus: muscarinic receptor blockage lowers responsiveness in nontarget selective neurons, while nicotinic receptor blockage selectively lowers target responses
Authors: Carpenter‐Hyland Ezekiel P. , Griffeth Jackson , Bunting Kristopher , Terry Alvin , Vazdarjanova Almira , Blake David T. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractLearning to associate a stimulus with reinforcement causes plasticity in primary sensory cortex. Neural activity caused by the associated stimulus is paired with reinforcement, but population analyses have not found a selective increase in response to that stimulus. Responses to other stimuli increase as much as, or more than, responses to the associated stimulus. Here, we applied population analysis at a new time point and additionally evaluated whether cholinergic receptor blockers interacted with the plastic changes in cortex. Three days of tone identification behavior caused responsiveness to increase broadly across primary auditory cortex, and target responses strengthened less than overall responsiveness. In pharmacology studies, behaviorally impairing doses of selective acetylcholine receptor blockers were administered during behavior. Neural responses were evaluated on the following day, while the blockers were absent. The muscarinic group, blocked by scopolamine, showed lower responsiveness and an increased response to the tone identification target that exceeded both the 3‐day control group and task‐naïve controls. Also, a selective increase in the late phase of the response to the tone identification stimulus emerged. Nicotinic receptor antagonism, with mecamylamine, more modestly lowered responses the following day and lowered target responses more than overall responses. Control acute studies demonstrated the muscarinic block did not acutely alter response rates, but the nicotinic block did. These results lead to the hypothesis that the decrease in the proportion of the population spiking response that is selective for the target may be explained by the balance between effects modulated by muscarinic and nicotinic receptors.
Structural and biochemical insights into the 2′‐O‐methylation of pyrimidines 34 in tRNA
Authors: Pang Panjiao , Deng Xiangyu , Wang Zhong , Xie Wei 
Published: May 2017

tRNA molecules undergo extensive modifications during their maturation and these modifications play important cellular roles. TrmL is a tRNA‐modification enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group to the 2′‐hydroxyl group of the pyrimidines at the wobble position 34 in two tRNALeu isoacceptors, but the mechanism remains elusive. In this study, we determined the crystal structure of TrmL from Thermus thermophilus (TtTrmL) to 1.7 Å. The enzyme contains only the conserved minimal SPOUT fold, but displays distinct biochemical behavior from its Escherichia coli counterpart, EcTrmL. Interestingly, a fortuitous ligand of 5′‐methylthioadenosine was consistently found at the SAM‐binding pocket in the crystal structures, which probably came from the expression host. Both TtTrmL and EcTrmL were capable of methylating each other's tRNA substrates, but the latter exhibited much higher activity than the former. Enzymatic activity assays showed that the reaction catalyzed by TtTrmL greatly depends on the reaction pH and is also affected by salt concentration. Via sequence alignment and structural superposition, we discovered that a universally conserved glutamate residue is likely to fulfill the role of the general base for the initial proton abstraction from the 2′‐hydroxyl group of pyrimidines 34. Lastly, based on our structural and biochemical data, we proposed the dimer interface to be the tRNA‐binding site for TtTrmL.DatabaseThe atomic coordinates and structural factors have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank with accession number 5CO4.
Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and brown trout (Salmo trutta) differ in their suitability as hosts for the endangered freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) in northern Fennoscandian rivers
Authors: Salonen Jouni K. , Luhta Pirkko‐Liisa , Moilanen Eero , Oulasvirta Panu , Turunen Jarno , Taskinen Jouni 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

European populations of the freshwater pearl mussel (FPM, Margaritifera margaritifera) have collapsed across much of the species’ geographic range and, despite many types of conservation intervention, the number of successful restoration efforts has been low. The goal of this study was to determine whether there were population‐specific differences in the suitability of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and brown trout (S. trutta) as hosts for the parasitic glochidium larvae of FPM. We predicted that such differences would depend on the historical occurrence of these salmonid species in FPM habitats.

We studied the potential host specificity both in the field and in laboratory by exposing salmonid fish to FPM glochidia originating from nine populations in different types of streams and rivers within three large river basins in northern Fennoscandia.

The exposures showed remarkable population‐specific differences in the suitability of host species. In large main channels, previously colonised by Atlantic salmon but mostly now dammed for hydropower production, the occurrence of FPM glochidia was always highest on salmon. Moreover, glochidia on salmon were often larger than the conspecifics on brown trout. Conversely, in small tributaries with no salmon history, brown trout was generally the best, or the only suitable, host for FPM.

The adaptation of certain FPM populations to salmon is a highly significant finding, which offers — together with the hydropower dam construction and the salmonid stocking practices that often favour brown trout — an explanation for the collapse of FPM populations living in former Atlantic salmon rivers.

This study illustrates the indirect but substantial effects that dams and changes in fish communities may induce, and emphasises the need to determine the most suitable host species for each FPM population in order to inform conservation and management actions.
Long and branched polyamines are required for maintenance of the ribosome, tRNAHis and tRNATyr in Thermus thermophilus cells at high temperatures
Authors: Nakashima Misa , Yamagami Ryota , Tomikawa Chie , Ochi Yuki , Moriya Toshiyuki , Asahara Haruichi , Fourmy Dominique , Yoshizawa Satoko , Oshima Tairo , Hori Hiroyuki 
Published: May 2017

Thermus thermophilus is an extremely thermophilic eubacterium that produces various polyamines. Aminopropylagmatine ureohydrolase (SpeB) and SAM decarboxylase‐like protein 1 (SpeD1) are involved in the biosynthesis of spermidine from arginine. Because long and branched polyamines in T. thermophilus are synthesized from spermidine, the speB and speD1 gene‐deleted strains (ΔspeB and ΔspeD1, respectively) cannot synthesize long and branched polyamines. Although neither strain grew at high temperatures (>75°C) in minimal medium, both strains survived at 80°C when they were cultured at 70°C until the mid‐log phase and then shifted to 80°C. We therefore prepared the ΔspeB and ΔspeD1 cells using this culture method. Microscopic analysis showed that both strains can survive for 10 h after the temperature shift. Although the modification levels of 2′‐O‐methylguanosine at position 18, N7‐methylguanosine at position 46, 5‐methyluridine at position 54 and N1‐methyladenosine at position 58 in the class I tRNA from both strains were normal, amounts of tRNATyr, tRNAHis, rRNAs and 70S ribosomes were decreased after the temperature shift. Furthermore, in vivo protein synthesis in both strains was completely lost 10 h after the temperature shift. Thus, long and branched polyamines are required for at least the maintenance of 70S ribosome and some tRNA species at high temperatures.