bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Kin1 kinase and the calcineurin phosphatase cooperate to link actin ring assembly and septum synthesis in fission yeast
Authors: Cadou Angela , Couturier Anne , Le Goff Cathy , Xie Linfeng , Paulson James R. , Le Goff Xavier 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackground informationThe Kin1 protein kinase of fission yeast, which regulates cell surface cohesiveness during interphase cell growth, is also present at the cell division site during mitosis; however, its function in cell division has remained elusive.ResultsIn FK506‐mediated calcineurin deficient cells, mitosis is extended and ring formation is transiently compromised but septation remains normal. Here, we show that Kin1 inhibition in these cells leads to polyseptation and defects in membrane closure. Actomyosin ring disassembly is prevented and ultimately the daughter cells fail to separate. We show that the Pmk1 MAP kinase pathway and the type V myosin Myo4 act downstream of the cytokinetic function of Kin1. Kin1 inhibition also promotes polyseptation in myo3Δ, a type II myosin heavy‐chain mutant defective in ring assembly. In contrast, Kin1 inactivation rescues septation in a myosin light‐chain cdc4–8 thermosensitive mutant. A structure/function analysis of the Kin1 protein sequence identified a novel motif outside the kinase domain that is important for its polarised localisation and its catalytic activity. This motif is remarkably conserved in all fungal Kin1 homologues but is absent in related kinases of metazoans.ConclusionsWe conclude that calcineurin and Kin1 activities must be tightly coordinated to link actomyosin ring assembly with septum synthesis and membrane closure and to ensure separation of the daughter cells.
Discovery of Thiazolidine‐2,4‐Dione/Biphenylcarbonitrile Hybrid as Dual PPAR α/γ Modulator with Antidiabetic Effect: In vitro, In Silico and In Vivo Approaches
Authors: Hidalgo‐Figueroa Sergio , Ramírez‐Espinosa Juan J. , Estrada‐Soto Samuel , Almanza‐Pérez Julio C. , Román‐Ramos Rubén , Alarcón‐Aguilar Francisco J. , Hernández‐Rosado Jesús V. , Moreno‐Díaz Hermenegilda , Díaz‐Coutiño Daniel , Navarrete‐Vázquez Gabriel 
Published: January 2013

A small series of thiazolidine‐2,4‐dione and barbituric acid derivatives 1–4 was prepared using a short synthetic route, and all compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, and NMR (1H, 13C) spectroscopy. Their in vitro relative expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor &agr1; and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor &ggr1; was evaluated. Compound 1 showed an increase in the mRNA expression of both peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor isoforms, as well as the GLUT‐4 levels. The antidiabetic activity of compound 1 was determined at 50 mg/kg single dose using a non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus rat model. The results indicated a significant decrease in plasma glucose levels. Additionally, we performed a molecular docking of compound 1 into the ligand binding pocket of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor &agr1; and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor &ggr1;. In these binding models, compound 1 may bind into the active site of both isoforms showing important short contacts with the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor &ggr1; residues: Tyr 473, His 449, Ser 289, His 323; and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α residues: Tyr 464, His 440, Ser 280 and Tyr 314.
Antibacterial and Synergy of Clavine Alkaloid Lysergol and its Derivatives Against Nalidixic Acid‐Resistant Escherichia coli
Authors: Maurya Anupam , Dwivedi Gaurav R. , Darokar Mahendra P. , Srivastava Santosh K. 
Published: January 2013

Antibacterial activity of lysergol (1) and its semi‐synthetic derivatives (2–14) and their synergy with the conventional antibiotic nalidixic acid (NA) against nalidixic acid‐sensitive (NASEC) and nalidixic acid‐resistant (NAREC) strains of Escherichia coli were evaluated. Lysergol (1) and derivatives (2–14) did not possess antibacterial activity of their own, but in combination, they significantly reduced the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of NA. All the derivatives showed two‐ to eightfold reduction in the MIC of NA against NAREC and NASEC. Further, lysergol (1) and its derivatives 10 and 11 brought down eightfold reductions in the MIC of tetracycline (TET) against multidrug‐resistant clinical isolate of E. coli (MDREC). Treatment of these strains with the combinations of antibiotics and lysergol and its derivatives 10 and 11 (at reduced concentrations) significantly decreased the viability of cells. In an another observation, lysergol and its derivatives 10 and 11 inhibited ATP‐dependent efflux pumps, which was evident by ATPase inhibition and down‐regulation of multidrug ABC transporter ATP‐binding protein (yojI) gene. These results may be of great help in antibacterial drug development from a very common, inexpensive, and non‐toxic natural product.
Femoral neck cross‐sectional geometry and exercise loading
Authors: Narra Nathaniel , Nikander Riku , Viik Jari , Hyttinen Jari , Sievänen Harri 
Published: January 2013

SummaryThe aim of this study was to examine the association between different types of exercise loading and femoral neck cross‐sectional geometry. Our data comprised proximal femur magnetic resonance (MR) images obtained from 91 female athletes and their 20 age‐matched controls. The athletes were categorized according to typical training activity – high impact (high and triple jumping), odd impact (racket and soccer playing), high magnitude (power lifting), repetitive low impact (endurance running) and repetitive non‐impact (swimming). Segmented MR images at two locations, narrowest cross‐section of the femoral neck (narrowFN) and the cross‐section at insertion of articular capsule (distalFN), were investigated to detect between group differences in shape, curvature and buckling ratio derived using image and signal analysis tools. The narrowFN results indicated that the high‐impact group had weaker antero‐superior (33% larger buckling ratio than controls) but stronger inferior weight‐bearing region (32% smaller than controls), while the odd‐impact group had stronger superior, posterior and anterior region (21% smaller buckling ratio than controls). The distalFN results indicated that the high‐impact group had stronger inferior region (37% smaller buckling ratio), but the odd‐impact group had stronger superior region (22% smaller buckling ratio) than the controls. Overall, the results point towards odd‐impact exercise loading, with inherently varying directions of impact, associated with more robust cross‐sectional geometry along the femoral neck. In conclusion, our one‐dimensional polar treatment for geometrical traits and intuitive presentation of differences in trends between exercise groups and controls provides a basis for analysis with high angular accuracy.
All‐trans retinoic acid protects hepatocellular carcinoma cells against serum‐starvation‐induced cell death by upregulating collagen 8A2
Authors: Wang Wen , Xu Gang , Ding Cui‐Ling , Zhao Lan‐Juan , Zhao Ping , Ren Hao , Qi Zhong‐Tian 
Published: January 2013

As a therapeutic or chemopreventative agent for various cancers, all‐trans retinoic acid (atRA) has been reported to inhibit growth, induce apoptosis or cause differentiation. It was found that atRA could protect hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells against cell death induced by serum starvation. Furthermore, it was found that atRA could enhance cell adhesion, but had no effect on the cell cycle and apoptosis. Using an Illumina Human HT‐12 v4 expression microarray, 207 upregulated and 173 downregulated genes were identified in HepG2 cells treated with atRA. The most upregulated genes are cytochrome P450 family 26 subfamily A polypeptide 1 (CYP26A1), histidine triad nucleotide binding protein 3 (HINT3), miR‐1282 and cytochrome P450 family 26 subfamily B polypeptide 1 (CYP26B1), which showed more than fivefold greater expression. Using Gene Ontology analysis, the greatest significance was found in extracellular‐matrix‐related molecular functions and the cellular component in upregulated genes. The upregulation of collagen 8A2 (COL8A2) was further confirmed using quantitative RT‐PCR and western blotting. Knockdown of COL8A2 blocked enhancement in the early stage of cell adhesion by atRA treatment. Re‐expression of COL8A2 in COL8A2‐knocked‐down HCC cells reversed the effect of small interfering RNA–COL8A2. In addition, COL8A2 could increase HCC cell migration and invasion. Thus, COL8A2 was identified as the key protein involved in the enhancement of cell adhesion of atRA under serum‐free conditions. In conclusion, atRA protects HCC cells against serum‐starvation‐induced cell death by enhancing cell adhesion, and COL8A2 plays an important role in HCC cell migration and invasion.
Impact of switching from zidovudine/lamivudine to tenofovir/emtricitabine on lipoatrophy: the RECOMB study
Authors: Ribera E , Larrousse M , Curran A , Negredo E , Clotet B , Estrada V , Sanz J , Berenguer J , Rubio R , Pulido F , Ferrer P , Alvarez ML , Arterburn S , Martínez E 
Published: January 2013

ObjectivesLipoatrophy is a long‐term adverse effect of some antiretrovirals that affects quality of life, compromises adherence and may limit the clinical impact of HIV treatments. This paper explores the effect of tenofovir/emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) on the amount of limb fat in patients with virological suppression.MethodsA randomized, prospective clinical trial was performed to compare continuation on a zidovudine/lamivudine (ZDV/3TC)‐based regimen with switching to a TDF/FTC‐based regimen in terms of the effect on limb fat mass as assessed by DEXA over a 72‐week period.ResultsEighty patients were included (39 in the TDF/FTC arm and 41 in the ZDV/3TC arm) and 73 completed the study (37 and 36, respectively). In the switch arm, limb fat increased by a median of 540 g from baseline (P = 0.022), while in the ZDV/3TC arm it decreased by a median of 379 g (P = 0.112; p between groups = 0.007). Subjects with baseline limb fat ≤ 7200 g, previous time on ZDV > 5 years or a body mass index > 25 kg/m2 experienced higher limb fat gains than other subjects, and these differences were statistically significant. Haemoglobin increased by a median of 1.0 g/dL in the TDF/FTC arm (P < 0.001) and remained unchanged in the ZDV/3TC arm (p between groups = 0.0002). There were no significant differences between groups in other secondary endpoints (body weight, total body and trunk fat content, total body bone mineral density, laboratory parameters, CD4 cell count and viral load).ConclusionsSwitching from a ZDV/3TC‐based to a TDF/FTC‐based regimen led to a statistically significant improvement in limb fat, in contrast to the progressive loss of limb fat in subjects continuing ZDV/3TC.
CD40 ligand and interferon‐γ induce an antimicrobial response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in human monocytes
Authors: Klug‐Micu Georgiana M. , Stenger Steffen , Sommer Andrea , Liu Philip T. , Krutzik Stephan R. , Modlin Robert L. , Fabri Mario 
Published: January 2013

SummaryThe ability of T cells to activate antimicrobial pathways in infected macrophages is essential to host defence against many intracellular pathogens. Here, we compared the ability of two T‐cell‐mediated mechanisms to trigger antimicrobial responses against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in humans, CD40 activation and the release of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ). Given that IFN‐γ activates a vitamin D‐dependent antimicrobial response, we focused on induction of the key components of this pathway. We show that activation of human monocytes via CD40 ligand (CD40L) and IFN‐γ, alone, and in combination, induces the CYP27b1‐hydroxylase, responsible for the conversion of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25D) to the bioactive 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25D), and the vitamin D receptor (VDR). The activation of the vitamin D pathway by CD40L and IFN‐γ results in up‐regulated expression of the antimicrobial peptides, cathelicidin and DEFB4, as well as induction of autophagy. Finally, activation of monocytes via CD40L and IFN‐γ results in an antimicrobial activity against intracellular M. tuberculosis. Our data suggest that at least two parallel T‐cell‐mediated mechanisms, CD40L and IFN‐γ, activate the vitamin D‐dependent antimicrobial pathway and trigger antimicrobial activity against intracellular M. tuberculosis, thereby contributing to human host defence against intracellular infection.
Use of a Percutaneously Controlled Urethral Hydraulic Occluder for Treatment of Refractory Urinary Incontinence in 18 Female Dogs
Authors: Currao Rachael L. , Berent Allyson C. , Weisse Chick , Fox Philip 
Published: January 2013

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of a percutaneously controlled urethral hydraulic occluder (HO) device for the treatment of refractory urinary incontinence (RUI) in female dogs with various urogenital anomalies.Study DesignCase series.AnimalsFemale dogs with RUI (n = 18).MethodsRetrospective evaluation of dogs after a silicone ring (HO) was surgically placed around the proximal urethra. The ring was connected to a subcutaneous injection port with actuating tubing. Residual incontinence was treated with percutaneous infusion of sterile saline into the device to provide extraluminal urethral compression. Dogs were assessed for continence (owner‐assessed 10‐point continence scale) and complications at standard time points.ResultsAll 18 dogs had significantly improved continence scores (P< .001) after HO placement (median and mean score pre‐HO = 2.8 and 3.3; post‐HO = 10 and 8.9, respectively) with a median follow‐up time of 32 months. “Functional” continence (score ≥ 9) was achieved in 67% of dogs after HO placement, though only 13/18 clients were compliant with inflations. Of dogs belonging to compliant owners, 12 (92%) had a functional continence score. Six dogs (33%) did not require inflation to achieve continence. Urethral obstruction occurred as a complication in 3 dogs.ConclusionsUse of an HO device was an effective long‐term treatment for RUI when traditional options failed. The technique was associated with some complications, and these risks should be considered before use.
Fine Mapping of RppP25, a Southern Rust Resistance Gene in Maize
Authors: Zhao Panfeng , Zhang Guobin , Wu Xiaojun , Li Na , Shi Dianyi , Zhang Dengfeng , Ji Chunfang , Xu Mingliang , Wang Shoucai 
Published: January 2013

AbstractSouthern rust (Puccinia polysora Underw.) is a major disease that can cause severe yield losses in maize (Zea mays L.). In our previous study, a major gene RppP25 that confers resistance to southern rust was identified in inbred line P25. Here, we report the fine mapping and candidate gene analysis of RppP25 from the near‐isogenic line F939, which harbors RppP25 in the genetic background of the susceptible inbred line F349. The inheritance of resistance to southern rust was investigated in the BC1F1 and BC3F1 populations, which were derived from a cross between F939 and F349 (as the recurrent parent). The 1:1 segregation ratio of resistance to susceptible plants in these two populations indicated that the resistance is controlled by a single dominant gene. Ten markers, including three simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and seven insertion/deletion (InDel) markers, were developed in the RppP25 region. RppP25 was delimited to an interval between P091 and M271, with an estimated length of 40 kb based on the physical map of B73. In this region, a candidate gene was identified that was predicted to encode a putative nucleotide‐binding site leucine‐rich repeat (NBS‐LRR) protein. Two co‐segregated markers will aid in pyramiding diverse southern rust resistance alleles into elite materials, and thereby improve southern rust resistance worldwide.
Influence of medium‐chain triglycerides on consumption and weight gain in rats: a systematic review
Authors: Ferreira L. , Lisenko K. , Barros B. , Zangeronimo M. , Pereira L. , Sousa R. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryThe use of medium‐chain triglycerides (MCTs) has been studied for years in an attempt to elucidate their effects in food intake and body weight in animals. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is evidence that the use of MCT reduces consumption and body weight gain in rats, a species chosen as it has been widely used as an animal model in different surveys. A search of scientific work was performed in November 2011 on two bases: ‘Web of Science’ and ‘PubMed’. The terms sample size and homogeneity, randomisation, food consumption and weight gain, body composition, enzyme activity and hormonal activity in rats were used as selection criteria. Thirteen papers were selected after the refinement of the research. Twelve studies measured weight gain and among these, seven detected a decrease in weight gain and five found no differences. Twelve papers also measured food intake and among these, four detected a decrease in consumption, one detected an increase and seven found no differences. Based on established criteria for the ranking of scientific papers, it is concluded that there is strong evidence that MCTs can effectively reduce the consumption and subsequent weight gain of animals. However, in the long term, there may not be differences in results depending on the phenotypic adaptation of animals to a new metabolic condition.
Change and Resilience in Welfare State Policy. The Politics of Sickness Insurance in Norway and Sweden
Authors: Hagelund Anniken , Bryngelson Anna 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThis article compares the processes of reforming sickness insurance in Norway and Sweden. Despite the many similarities between the Norwegian and Swedish welfare states, they have taken different paths when it comes to reforming their sickness insurance systems. In the period between 1990 and 2010 Sweden changed its wage replacement levels and levels of employer financing several times, while in Norway they remain basically unchanged since 1978, notwithstanding many reform initiatives by political authorities. Why have the two cases evolved so differently? We address this question by using Peter Starke's review of the retrenchment literature which outlines four major strands of theorizing the politics of welfare reform: neo‐functionalism, conflict theories, institutionalist theories and discourse theory. Rather than treating these as providing competing explanations, the article suggests that elements from all perspectives bring insights to the case. The need for policy reform must always be communicated in a way that can be understood and approved in order to materialize as actual policy change. But discursive change and apparently seductive frames will not always be enough. This comparative analysis illustrates that the chance of success for new frames or discourses depends on the institutional, political and functional context into which they are inserted. Similar attempts at framing the need for reform and cutbacks have had different effects in the two countries depending on the character of the counter forces and extant frames reformers are up against. On the other hand, over time discourses and frames also shape institutions and political relations.
Response of TLD‐100 in mixed fields of photons and electrons
Authors: Lawless Michael J. , Junell Stephanie , Hammer Cliff , DeWerd Larry A. 
Published: January 2013

Purpose:Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) are routinely used for dosimetric measurements of high energy photon and electron fields. However, TLD response in combined fields of photon and electron beam qualities has not been characterized. This work investigates the response of TLD‐100 (LiF:Mg,Ti) to sequential irradiation by high‐energy photon and electron beam qualities.Methods: TLDs were irradiated to a known dose by a linear accelerator with a 6 MV photon beam, a 6 MeV electron beam, and a NIST‐traceable60Co beam. TLDs were also irradiated in a mixed field of the 6 MeV electron beam and the 6 MV photon beam. The average TLD response per unit dose of the TLDs for each linac beam quality was normalized to the average response per unit dose of the TLDs irradiated by the 60Co beam. Irradiations were performed in water and in a Virtual Water™ phantom. The 6 MV photon beam and 6 MeV electron beam were used to create dose calibration curves relating TLD response to absorbed dose to water, which were applied to the TLDs irradiated in the mixed field.Results:TLD relative response per unit dose in the mixed field was less sensitive than the relative response in the photon field and more sensitive than the relative response in the electron field. Application of the photon dose calibration curve to the TLDs irradiated in a mixed field resulted in an underestimation of the delivered dose, while application of the electron dose calibration curve resulted in an overestimation of the dose.Conclusions:The relative response of TLD‐100 in mixed fields fell between the relative response in the photon‐only and electron‐only fields. TLD‐100 dosimetry of mixed fields must account for this intermediate response to minimize the estimation errors associated with calibration factors obtained from a single beam quality.
GacS-Dependent Regulation of Polyhydroxyalkanoate Synthesis in Pseudomonas putida CA-3
Authors: Ryan William J. , O'Leary Niall D. , O'Mahony Mark , Dobson Alan D. W. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT

To date, limited reports are available on the regulatory systems exerting control over bacterial synthesis of the biodegradable polyester group known as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). In this study, we performed random mini-Tn
5
mutagenesis of the
Pseudomonas putida
CA-3 genome and screened transconjugants on nitrogen-limited medium for reduced PHA accumulation phenotypes. Disruption of a GacS sensor kinase in one such mutant was found to eliminate medium-chain-length PHA production in
Pseudomonas putida
CA-3. Recombinant expression of wild-type
gacS
from a pBBRgacS vector fully restored PHA accumulation capacity in the mutant strain. PCR-based screening of the
P. putida
CA-3 genome identified gene homologues of the GacS/GacA-
rsm
small RNA (sRNA) regulatory cascade with 96% similarity to published
P. putida
genomes. However, reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) analyses revealed active transcription of the
rsmY
and
rsmZ
sRNAs in
gacS
-disrupted
P. putida
CA-3, which is atypical of the commonly reported Gac/Rsm regulatory cascade. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR analyses of the
phaC1
synthase responsible for polymer formation in
P. putida
CA-3 indicated no statistically significant difference in transcript levels between the wild-type and
gacS
-disrupted strains. Subsequently, SDS-PAGE protein analyses of these strains identified posttranscriptional control of
phaC1
synthase as a key aspect in the regulation of PHA synthesis by
P. putida
CA-3.