bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The C-Terminal Disulfide Bonds of Helicobacter pylori GroES Are Critical for IL-8 Secretion via the TLR4-Dependent Pathway in Gastric Epithelial Cells
Authors: Su Yu-Lin , Yang Jyh-Chin , Lee Haur , Sheu Fuu , Hsu Chun-Hua , Lin Shuei-Liong , Chow Lu-Ping 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Helicobacter pylori GroES (HpGroES), a potent immunogen, is a secreted virulence factor that stimulates production of proinflammatory cytokines and may contribute to gastric carcinogenesis. HpGroES is larger than other bacterial orthologs because of an additional C-terminal region, known as domain B. We found that the HpGroES-induced IL-8 release by human gastric epithelial cells was dependent on activation of the MAPK and NF-κB pathways. HpGroES lacking domain B was unable to induce IL-8 release. Additionally, a TLR4 inhibitor significantly inhibited IL-8 secretion and reduced HpGroES-induced activation of MAPKs. Furthermore, HpGroES-induced IL-8 release by primary gastric epithelial cells from TLR4−/− mice was significantly lower than from wild-type mice. We also found that HpGroES bound to TLR4 in cell lysates and colocalized with TLR4 on the cell membrane only when domain B was present. We then constructed two deletion mutants lacking C-terminal regions and mutants with point mutations of two of the four cysteine residues, C111 and C112, in domain B and found that the deletion mutants and a double mutant lacking the C94–C111 and C95–C112 disulfide bonds were unable to interact with TLR4 or induce IL-8 release. We conclude that HpGroES, in which a unique conformational structure, domain B, is generated by these two disulfide bonds, induces IL-8 secretion via a TLR4-dependent mechanism.
Cutting Edge: Identification of Autoreactive CD4+ and CD8+ T Cell Subsets Resistant to PD-1 Pathway Blockade
Authors: Pauken Kristen E. , Nelson Christine E. , Martinov Tijana , Spanier Justin A. , Heffernan James R. , Sahli Nathanael L. , Quarnstrom Clare F. , Osum Kevin C. , Schenkel Jason M. , Jenkins Marc K. , Blazar Bruce R. , Vezys Vaiva , Fife Brian T. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Programmed death-1 (PD-1) promotes T cell tolerance. Despite therapeutically targeting this pathway for chronic infections and tumors, little is known about how different T cell subsets are affected during blockade. We examined PD-1/PD ligand 1 (PD-L1) regulation of self-antigen–specific CD4 and CD8 T cells in autoimmune-susceptible models. PD-L1 blockade increased insulin-specific effector CD4 T cells in type 1 diabetes. However, anergic islet-specific CD4 T cells were resistant to PD-L1 blockade. Additionally, PD-L1 was critical for induction, but not maintenance, of CD8 T cell intestinal tolerance. PD-L1 blockade enhanced functionality of effector T cells, whereas established tolerant or anergic T cells were not dependent on PD-1/PD-L1 signaling to remain unresponsive. This highlights the existence of Ag-experienced T cell subsets that do not rely on PD-1/PD-L1 regulation. These findings illustrate how positive treatment outcomes and autoimmunity development during PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition are linked to the differentiation state of a T cell.
Adipose-Derived Stem Cells From Diabetic Mice Show Impaired Vascular Stabilization in a Murine Model of Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Cronk Stephen M. , Kelly-Goss Molly R. , Ray H. Clifton , Mendel Thomas A. , Hoehn Kyle L. , Bruce Anthony C. , Dey Bijan K. , Guendel Alexander M. , Tavakol Daniel N. , Herman Ira M. , Peirce Shayn M. , Yates Paul A. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy is characterized by progressive vascular dropout with subsequent vision loss. We have recently shown that an intravitreal injection of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) can stabilize the retinal microvasculature, enabling repair and regeneration of damaged capillary beds in vivo. Because an understanding of ASC status from healthy versus diseased donors will be important as autologous cellular therapies are developed for unmet clinical needs, we took advantage of the hyperglycemic Akimba mouse as a preclinical in vivo model of diabetic retinopathy in an effort aimed at evaluating therapeutic efficacy of adipose-derived stem cells (mASCs) derived either from healthy, nondiabetic or from diabetic mice. To these ends, Akimba mice received intravitreal injections of media conditioned by mASCs or mASCs themselves, subsequent to development of substantial retinal capillary dropout. mASCs from healthy mice were more effective than diabetic mASCs in protecting the diabetic retina from further vascular dropout. Engrafted ASCs were found to preferentially associate with the retinal vasculature. Conditioned medium was unable to recapitulate the vasoprotection seen with injected ASCs. In vitro diabetic ASCs showed decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis compared with healthy mASCs. Diabetic ASCs also secreted less vasoprotective factors than healthy mASCs, as determined by high-throughput enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Our findings suggest that diabetic ASCs are functionally impaired compared with healthy ASCs and support the utility of an allogeneic injection of ASCs versus autologous or conditioned media approaches in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy.

Significance
This work addresses the therapeutic potential of stem cells that are obtained from diabetic donors, and the clinical focus of our work is diabetic retinopathy. This work examined how injected murine adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) affect the retinal microvasculature in a mouse model of diabetic retinopathy. Results show that ASCs obtained from healthy mice secrete angiogenic growth factors and promote retinal vascular stability when they are injected intravitreally. The findings further suggest that ASCs obtained from diabetic mice have a diminished ability to support the retinal vasculature in this mouse model of retinal vasculopathy.
Fetal Endothelial and Mesenchymal Progenitors From the Human Term Placenta: Potency and Clinical Potential
Authors: Shafiee Abbas , Fisk Nicholas M. , Hutmacher Dietmar W. , Khosrotehrani Kiarash , Patel Jatin 
Published: March 2015

Summary

Since the isolation of fetal stem cell populations from perinatal tissues, such as umbilical cord blood and placenta, interest has been growing in understanding their greater plasticity compared with adult stem cells and exploring their potential in regenerative medicine. The phenomenon of fetal microchimerism (FMC) naturally occurring during pregnancy through the transfer of fetal stem/progenitor cells to maternal blood and tissues has been integral in developing this dogma. Specifically, microchimeric mesenchymal stem cells and endothelial progenitors of fetal origin have now demonstrated a capacity for tissue repair in the maternal host. However, the use of similar fetal stem cells in therapy has been significantly hampered by the availability of clinically relevant cell numbers and/or contamination with cells of maternal origin, particularly when using the chorionic and decidual placenta. In the present prospective review, we highlight the importance of FMC to the field of fetal stem cell biology and issues of maternal contamination from perinatal tissues and discuss specific isolation strategies to overcome these translational obstacles.

Significance
Over the last decade, fetal stem cells from a variety of sources have been reported and have shown potential clinical applications. This study briefly reviews recent findings in the fetal stem cell arena, and particularly human term placenta as a robust cell source that harbors large quantities of both fetal and maternal stem cells of various types. It also appraises prospective isolation of large quantities of fetal endothelial progenitor cells and pure preparations of fetal or maternal mesenchymal stromal cells from the same placenta.
Dual Optical Recordings for Action Potentials and Calcium Handling in Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Models of Cardiac Arrhythmias Using Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Indicators
Authors: Song LouJin , Awari Daniel W. , Han Elizabeth Y. , Uche-Anya Eugenia , Park Seon-Hye E. , Yabe Yoko A. , Chung Wendy K. , Yazawa Masayuki 
Published: March 2015

Abstract

Reprogramming of human somatic cells to pluripotency has been used to investigate disease mechanisms and to identify potential therapeutics. However, the methods used for reprogramming, in vitro differentiation, and phenotyping are still complicated, expensive, and time-consuming. To address the limitations, we first optimized a protocol for reprogramming of human fibroblasts and keratinocytes into pluripotency using single lipofection and the episomal vectors in a 24-well plate format. This method allowed us to generate multiple lines of integration-free and feeder-free induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from seven patients with cardiac diseases and three controls. Second, we differentiated human iPSCs derived from patients with Timothy syndrome into cardiomyocytes using a monolayer differentiation method. We found that Timothy syndrome cardiomyocytes showed slower, irregular contractions and abnormal calcium handling compared with the controls. The results are consistent with previous reports using a retroviral method for reprogramming and an embryoid body-based method for cardiac differentiation. Third, we developed an efficient approach for recording the action potentials and calcium transients simultaneously in control and patient cardiomyocytes using genetically encoded fluorescent indicators, ArcLight and R-GECO1. The dual optical recordings enabled us to observe prolonged action potentials and abnormal calcium handling in Timothy syndrome cardiomyocytes. We confirmed that roscovitine rescued the phenotypes in Timothy syndrome cardiomyocytes and that these findings were consistent with previous studies using conventional electrophysiological recordings and calcium imaging with dyes. The approaches using our optimized methods and dual optical recordings will improve iPSC applicability for disease modeling to investigate mechanisms underlying cardiac arrhythmias and to test potential therapeutics.

Significance
This study found that dual optical recording using genetically encoded fluorescent indicators is a useful approach for identifying new lead chemical compounds in human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell-based models of not only cardiac diseases but also neuronal disorders. It will facilitate drug development and personalized medicine using iPS technology.
The Environmental Impact of the Sanitary Landfills of Bayawan City and Bais City, Negros Oriental, Philippines
Authors: CABALLERO LIZA J. 
Published: March 2015

The use of a sanitary landfill represents a viable and most commonlyused method for solid waste disposal worldwide. This study determined theenvironmental impact of the solid wastes disposed of in the sanitary landfillsof Bayawan City and Bais City, Negros Oriental, Philippines. It also aimed todetermine the significant differences on the volume of its type of wastes disposedof and the comparison of the air quality present in the two landfills. The studymade use of the laboratory methods, namely the membrane filter technique,Atomic Absorption Spectrometric Method and a descriptive method for wastescharacterization. Results showed that type1 waste is higher in Bayawan City thanin Bais City and type 3 wastes are higher in Bais City than in Bayawan City. Thisis supported on the significant difference of the volume of wastes as to its type,type 1 and 3 are significantly different in the two landfills. On the other hand,carbon dioxide of the two sampling sites is on its acceptable value. However,the carbon dioxide emitted in Bais City landfill is significantly higher than in Bayawan City. Moreover, results on “too numerous to count coliforms” and the level of carbon dioxide must be considered for further study. Thus, a study onthe presence of E-coli and other forms of bacteria and leachate collection of otherheavy metals must be conducted for further study.Keywords - Environmental science, environmental impact, total coliforms, carbondioxide level, lead content
Warming Trends in Legazpi City, Philippines
Authors: FRANCISCO RAQUEL V. 
Published: March 2015

Concern about global warming led to this study of determining the extentof changing climate in Legazpi City, Philippines. Daily surface minimum andmaximum temperatures from 1951 to 2010 were used to interpret the temperaturechange. The temperatures were annually averaged and subjected to regressionanalyses. The results showed there was a significant increase of minimumtemperature at the rate of 0.26C per decade. When the whole period was dividedinto 30-year periods spaced ten years apart, the corresponding distribution curvesshowed higher range of variability compared to earlier periods suggesting moreextreme temperatures. Among the months, May had the warmest nights and thehighest rate of warming of 0.42oC/decade. On the other hand, December hadthe coolest nights and lowest rate of warming of 0.24oC/decade. With regards tomaximum temperature, there was no significant change since 1951.Keywords - Climate, temperature change, warming, descriptive design, Legazpi City,Philippines
Performance of Seahorses in Glass Tanks Fed with Different Food Materials
Authors: QUEVEDO BERNARDITA G. 
Published: March 2015

Performance of seahorses in glass tanks fed with different food materials atSurigao del Sur State University-Lianga Campus,Lianga, Surigao del Sur, EasternMindanao, Philippines was conducted to determine the growth and survivalrate of seahorses cultured in glass tanks condition with consideration on thefood materials like artemia, fry and combination of both fry and artemia andthe physico-chemical parameters. Due to high demand of the commodity andrampant gleaning is observable, thus this study is directed for sustainable supply.This experimental study has three set ups glass tanks with replicates done in onemonth. A 100% survival rate of seahorses was observed after four weeks culturefed with different food materials. Weight and length increment of seahorseswith combined feeds; fry and artemia has better result compared with singlefeed provision. Seahorses fed with fry and artemia alone showed less weight and length increment. The potential impact of the study is to conserve, preserve andprotect the seahorse species due to rampant collection and trading locally andoutside the region for its economic, medicinal and ornamental importance. Anintensified information education campaign on the resource should be initiatedto enhance people’s awareness and encourage active participation in the properstewardship on all existing coastal resources. A bigger project shall be conductedon seahorse species to sustain its species kind. Keywords - Aquatic Biology, sustainability, experimental study, glass tank study,Philippines
Prevalence, Agronomic Characteristics and Biology of Weedy Rice Biotypes of Nueva Ecija, Philippines
Authors: MARTIN EDWIN C. 
Published: March 2015

A survey of different weedy rice biotypes was conducted in rice field areasof Nueva Ecija from CY 2004-2006 to determine their prevalence, agronomiccharacteristics and biology. Surveys and quadrat samplings were conducted inrandom alongside of the roads to gather data on prevalence, height, numberof panicles/plant and density/m of weedy rice as well as the cultivated onesthey were associated. Studies on seed germination test, biology and agronomical characteristics of different weedy rice biotypes were also conducted at thelaboratory and screenhouse of Crop Protection Division, Philippine Rice ResearchInstitute. Five weedy rice biotypes designated as WR-NE 1, WR-NE 2, WR-NE3, WR-NE 4 and WR-NE 5 were found distributed almost everywhere in ricefields of Nueva Ecija. Among the biotypes, WR-NE 1 was the most common inmany rice fields. Prevalence of all biotypes around the province ranged from 1to 17%. In the field, all biotypes were found taller but had fewer panicles plantthan cultivated rice varieties. In the laboratory, all weedy rice biotypes emergedearlier than PSB Rc82 and IR64. Under screenhouse condition, all weedy ricebiotypes were taller, produced more leaves and culms plant than the cultivatedrice. WR-NE 5 was the tallest biotype while WR-NE 1 and WR-NE 2 had themost number of leaves and culms plant-1-1. All biotypes matured earlier but hadno seed shattering characteristics. The biotypes had comparable values in termsof flag leaf areas and LAI/plant with PSB Rc82. Shoot dry weight and number ofpanicles/plant of all biotypes was significantly higher than the control varieties.WR-NE 4 and WR-NE 5 had the longest panicles, longer and wider grains.Grains/panicle was highest in WR-NE 5 (102 grains/panicle). Grain lengthwidthratio (GLWR)of all biotypes, however,weresignificantly lowerthan thetwocontrolvarieties.WR-NE1 and WR-NE4 had the longest length of awnwhileWR-NE4 and WR-NE5 had the highest grain weight(both at 24 g/1000grains).The growthand developmentof the fiveweedyrice biotypes weremuchadvantageouscomparedto selected cultivarssuggesting their competitivenessandthreatin achieving the potential yield and quality of harvestedcultivatedrice. Keywords - Plant ecology, prevalence, agronomic characteristics, weed biology, biotype,Oryza sativa L., weedy rice, experimental design, Philippines
Nickel Accumulation in Vegetation of Serpentine Soils in Tanauan, Leyte, Philippines
Authors: CARNICE PEARL APHRODITE BOBON 
Published: March 2015

Serpentinite belongs to the ultramafic group of rocks which contains naturallyoccurring heavy metals such as nickel (Ni). This study is based on the hypothesisthat Ni is present in high amounts in the soil, and it could be taken up by theplants including food crops. The study aims to evaluate the Ni content of the soiland native crops growing in the hill of Adil, Pago, Tanauan, Leyte, Philippineswhere serpentinite rocks are found. Composite soil samples from the surface soil(0-20 cm depth) and plant tissues (roots and leaf samples) were collected anddetermined their pH and Ni content using atomic absorption spectrophotometer.Results revealed that a level of extractable Ni in soils is 27.19 mg/kg-1 on averagebetween food plants and 6.35 mg/kg-1 on soils around bamboo. In terms of root Ni accumulation, pineapple rendered the highest concentration of 84.35 mg/kg-1 and bamboo with 81.15 mg/kg-1. Bamboo and guava leaves accumulated17.45 mg/kg-1 and 15.9 mg/kg-1, respectively. Since Ni is present in thenative plants grown in the area, there is a possible implication that Ni could bebiologically accumulated by people. However, no plants sampled quantified ashyperaccumulator.Keywords - Ecology and conservation, nickel accumulation in serpentinite, experimentalsurvey study, Philippines
Prevalence of Lowland Ecotype Cyperus rotundus L. and Weed Management of Rice Farmers in Aliaga, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
Authors: DONAYRE DINDO KING M. , MARTIN EDWIN C. , CASIMERO MADONNA C. , JULIANO LEYLANI M. , BELTRAN JESUSA C. 
Published: March 2015

Cyperus rotundus L. was reported as dominant weed in upland rice areas and a minor problem in the rainfed lowland. However, it has evolved as second mostdominant weed in rainfed and irrigated lowland rice fields (rice-vegetable system) in three villages of San Jose City, Nueva Ecija. Its occurrence in the monoculture rice production system has never been explored especially in irrigated lowland rice fields of Nueva Ecija. Field surveys and interviews were conducted in 2005- 2006 to determine the prevalence of lowland ecotype C. rotundus and how farmers manage it in irrigated lowland rice fields of Aliaga, Nueva Ecija. In 2004, lowland rice fields of Nueva Ecija where the rice-rice cropping system was commonly established were surveyed. Aliaga was surveyed to calculate the incidence and map the distribution of the weed. To check whether C. rotundus was a problem, 40 randomly selected rice farmers were interviewed using a guided questionnaire. Results of the survey revealed that 9 of 26 villages in Aliaga had 1 - 10% infestation of C. rotundus; 3 had 11 - 20%; and 5 had more than 20%. Infestation was high in areas with low elevations. Even taller than cultivated rice, C. rotundus was the most commonly encountered and dominant weed species and had already existed for 5-20 years in the field. Herbicide application (MCPA at a rate of 1-1.5 L ha) was the most commonly used weed management practice against the weed. Keywords - Cyperus rotundus, weed control, herbicide, prevalence, farmers’ practices, ecotype, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
Development of Authentic Information Education and Communication (IEC) Materials to Increase Public Awareness on Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape (MMPL) Conservation Initiatives in the Philippines
Authors: ROBLES AVA CLARE MARIE O. , GUNAY GEORGE S. , ALJIBE MAXIMO C. , OCONER EDNA P. 
Published: March 2015

Environmental conservation advocacy forms an important step towards environmental preservation. It serves as a benchmark in coming up with strategies to protect and preserve species that have been marked as threatened or endangered. In the Philippine context, pressing concerns on overexploitation of biological resources and caustic harvesting techniques in Mt. Matutum have been altering the distribution and abundance of its flora and fauna. Thus, the preservation of Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape (MMPL) is considered an imperative. In response, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has recently funded a program for the biodiversity assessment of MMPL. However, provision for a more responsive initiative is needed. It is on this premise that this study was conducted to develop IEC materials to increase the biodiversity conservation awareness of the local people in the MMPL. In addition, the developed materials were validated by various experts in order to ensure that local people became more environmentally knowledgeable and dedicated to maintaining or sustaining the quality of life and biodiversity of the MMPL. Nonetheless, there were 130 randomly selected respondents from the local communities in MMPL. The research design is descriptive and utilized quantitative and qualitative methods of data gathering. The findings of the study showed that the IEC materials had a high extent of content validity (wm=4.03 for video and wm=4.14 for printed). Moreover, the evaluators considered the materials as very highly usable (wm=4.10 for video and wm=4.25 for printed materials). This indicates that IEC materials were very useful to increase the public awareness of the local people in conserving MMPL. Keywords - Information Education and Communication (IEC) Materials, public awareness, Mt Matutum Protected Landscape (MMPL), conservation in the Philippines