bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Attenuation of urokinase activity during experimental ischaemia protects the cerebral barrier from damage through regulation of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and NAD(P)H oxidase
Authors: Rakkar Kamini , Srivastava Kirtiman , Bayraktutan Ulvi 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIschaemic injury impairs the integrity of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). In this study, we investigated the molecular causes of this defect with regard to the putative correlations among NAD(P)H oxidase, plasminogen–plasmin system components, and matrix metalloproteinases. Hence, the activities of NAD(P)H oxidase, matrix metalloproteinase‐2, urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (uPA), and tissue‐type plasminogen activator (tPA), and superoxide anion levels, were assessed in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) exposed to oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) alone or OGD followed by reperfusion (OGD + R). The integrity of an in vitro model of BBB comprising HBMECs and astrocytes was studied by measuring transendothelial electrical resistance and the paracellular flux of albumin. OGD with or without reperfusion (OGD ± R) radically perturbed barrier function while concurrently enhancing uPA, tPA and NAD(P)H oxidase activities and superoxide anion release in HBMECs. Pharmacological inactivation of NAD(P)H oxidase attenuated OGD ± R‐mediated BBB damage through modulation of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and tPA, but not uPA activity. Overactivation of NAD(P)H oxidase in HBMECs via cDNA electroporation of its p22‐phox subunit confirmed the involvement of tPA in oxidase‐mediated BBB disruption. Interestingly, blockade of uPA or uPA receptor preserved normal BBB function by neutralizing both NAD(P)H oxidase and matrix metalloproteinase‐2 activities. Hence, selective targeting of uPA after ischaemic strokes may protect cerebral barrier integrity and function by concomitantly attenuating basement membrane degradation and oxidative stress.
Induction of sexual reproduction and genetic diversity in the cheese fungus Penicillium roqueforti
Authors: Ropars Jeanne , López‐Villavicencio Manuela , Dupont Joëlle , Snirc Alodie , Gillot Guillaume , Coton Monika , Jany Jean‐Luc , Coton Emmanuel , Giraud Tatiana 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe emblematic fungus Penicillium roqueforti is used throughout the world as a starter culture in the production of blue‐veined cheeses. Like other industrial filamentous fungi, P. roqueforti was thought to lack a sexual cycle. However, an ability to induce recombination is of great economic and fundamental importance, as it would make it possible to transform and improve industrial strains, promoting the creation of novel phenotypes and eliminating the deleterious mutations that accumulate during clonal propagation. We report here, for the first time, the induction of the sexual structures of P. roqueforti — ascogonia, cleistothecia and ascospores. The progeny of the sexual cycle displayed clear evidence of recombination. We also used the recently published genome sequence for this species to develop microsatellite markers for investigating the footprints of recombination and population structure in a large collection of isolates from around the world and from different environments. Indeed, P. roqueforti also occurs in silage, wood and human‐related environments other than cheese. We found tremendous genetic diversity within P. roqueforti, even within cheese strains and identified six highly differentiated clusters that probably predate the use of this species for cheese production. Screening for phenotypic and metabolic differences between these populations could guide future development strategies.
The effect of treatment with immune modulators on endometrial cytokine expression in mares susceptible to persistent breeding‐induced endometritis
Authors: Woodward E. M. , Christoffersen M. , Horohov D. , Squires E. L. , Troedsson M. H. T. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryReasons for performing studyResearch has shown that 6 h after breeding is a critical time during the uterine innate immune response, and the failure to respond appropriately will result in persistent breeding‐induced endometritis. This presents a potential opportunity to modulate the course of inflammation towards a timely resolution.ObjectivesTo evaluate the effects of immune modulation on endometrialmRNAexpression of inflammatory genes in susceptible mares 6 h after breeding. The hypothesis was that immune modulation alters endometrial cytokine expression in susceptible mares.Study designA randomised controlled study to evaluate the effects of mycobacterial cell wall extract and dexamethasone on endometrial gene expression after insemination in 6 mares susceptible to persistent breeding‐induced endometritis.MethodsSix susceptible mares were selected based on their uterine inflammatory response to insemination. Mares were inseminated during 3 oestrous cycles with 1 × 109nonviable spermatozoa and 1) no additional treatment (control), or in combination with 2) dexamethasone (50 mg i.v.) at the time of insemination, or 3) with mycobacterial cell wall extract (1.5 ml i.v.) administered 24 h prior to insemination. Mares received one treatment per cycle in randomised order, and each mare served as her own control. Endometrial biopsies were collected 6 h after breeding, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis for interleukin (IL)1β,IL6, interferon γ,IL10andIL1RAwas performed. Relative quantification values reported fold changes inmRNAexpression from the control. Data were analysed using anANOVAand significance was set at P<0.05.ResultsExpression ofIL1β mRNAwas lower after treatment with dexamethasone (P<0.001) and mycobacterial cell wall extract (P<0.05) when compared with control. No differences were detected in themRNAexpression of the other cytokines after any of the treatments.ConclusionsTreatment with immune modulators alters endometrialmRNAexpression ofIL1βafter insemination. A better understanding of the mechanisms of immune modulation in the equine uterus can help to improve treatments for persistent breeding‐induced endometritis.
Special Licorice Extracts Containing Lowered Glycyrrhizin and Enhanced Licochalcone A Prevented Helicobacter pylori‐Initiated, Salt Diet‐Promoted Gastric Tumorigenesis
Authors: Park Jong‐Min , Park Sang‐Ho , Hong Kyung‐Sook , Han Young‐Min , Jang Sang‐Ho , Kim Eun‐Hee , Hahm Ki‐Baik 
Published: March 2014

AbstractObjectiveIn spite of cytoprotective and anti‐inflammatory actions, conventional licorice extracts (c‐lico) were limitedly used due to serious side effects of glycyrrhizin. As our group had successfully isolated special licorice extracts (s‐lico) lowering troublesome glycyrrhizin, but increasing licochalcone A, we have compared anti‐inflammatory, antioxidative, and cytoprotective actions of s‐lico and c‐lico against either in vitro or in vivo Helicobacter pylori infection.MethodsRT‐PCR and Western blot were performed to check anti‐inflammatory action and electron spin resonance (ESR) and DCFDA spectroscopy to check antioxidative action. s‐lico or c‐lico was pretreated 1 hours before H. pylori infection on AGS cells. Interleukin‐10 deficient mice inoculated H. pylori and followed with high salt containing pallet diets to produce H. pylori‐associated chronic atrophic gastritis and gastric tumors, during which s‐lico or c‐lico‐containing pellet diets were administered up to 24 weeks.Resultss‐lico had fabulous efficacy on scavenging ROS which was further confirmed by DCFDA study and ESR measurement. The expressions of COX‐2, iNOS, VEGF, and IL‐8 were increased after H. pylori infection, of which levels were significantly decreased with s‐lico in a dose‐dependent manner. s‐lico significantly ameliorated hypoxia‐induced or H. pylori‐induced angiogenic activities. s‐lico significantly ameliorated H. pylori‐induced gastric damages as well as gastritis. Our animal model showed significant development of gastric tumors including adenoma and dysplasia relevant to H. pylori infection, and s‐lico administration significantly attenuated incidence of H. pylori‐induced gastric tumorigenesis.ConclusionsSpecial licorice extracts can be anticipating substance afforded significant attenuation of either H. pylori‐induced gastritis or tumorigenesis based on potent antioxidative, anti‐inflammatory, and antimutagenic actions.
Altitudinal trends in species richness and diversity of Mesoamerican parasitoid wasps (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)
Authors: Veijalainen Anu , Sääksjärvi Ilari E. , Tuomisto Hanna , Broad Gavin R. , Bordera Santiago , Jussila Reijo 
Published: March 2014

AbstractUtilising short‐term but geographically extensive sampling in Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, we examined altitudinal trends in species richness and diversity of ichneumonid parasitoid wasps. This study covered 19 subfamilies, including four globally large subfamilies that have not yet been taxonomically revised in the Neotropics.Sampling was done at 25 sites classified into three elevational categories on the basis of the average elevation of traps at each site (low 34–659 m a.s.l., middle 1033–1709 m a.s.l., and high 1930–2565 m a.s.l.). A total of 2847 ichneumonid individuals were captured and sorted into 751 morphospecies, most of which were identified to the genus level.We found a clear compositional gradient in ichneumonid communities along the elevational gradient, as the majority of species were restricted to either one elevational zone or two adjacent zones. In our data, mid‐ and high‐elevation sites had generally higher ichneumonid species richness and diversity than low‐elevation sites. These trends were largely similar to those found in larger scale Mesoamerican ichneumonid studies.Yet, the low ichneumonid richness at low elevations may partly be a sampling artefact. This provides a new piece of evidence for the suggestion that extensive sampling is needed for uncovering the real diversity of ichneumonids in tropical lowland forests, and that the reputation of Ichneumonidae as a notable example of a reversed latitudinal diversity gradient may be undeserved.
Usefulness of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in predicting positive biopsy after high‐intensity focused ultrasound for treatment of localized prostate cancer
Authors: Muto Satoru , Kaminaga Tatsuro , Horiuchi Akira , Kitamura Kousuke , Saito Keisuke , Isotani Shuji , Yamaguchi Raizo , Ide Hisamitsu , Furui Shigeru , Horie Shigeo 
Published: March 2014

ObjectivesTo investigate the clinical effectiveness of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in predicting local recurrence or residual disease after high‐intensity focused ultrasound for treatment of localized prostate cancer.MethodsThe present study included patients with localized prostate cancer who underwent high‐intensity focused ultrasound of whole‐gland ablation as primary therapy. Clinicopathological variables including proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging, and prostate‐specific antigen and its derivatives were analyzed to predict the positive prostate biopsy results using univariate and multivariate analyses. Furthermore, the presence of tumor in each of the 12 prostate sectors by T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy were evaluated and compared with prostate biopsy results in each of the 12 prostate sectors in order to evaluate the local cancer distribution in the prostate after high‐intensity focused ultrasound.ResultsOverall, we carried out 85 prostate biopsies in 52 patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the positive finding of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy was the only statistically significant prognostic parameter of pathological tumor progression in patients after high‐intensity focused ultrasound. Prostate biopsy cores were obtained from 952 prostate sectors of 52 patients and 85 prostate biopsies. Compared with T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (sensitivity 52.8%, specificity 97.4%, positive predictive value 44.2% and negative predictive value 98.1%, P < 0.001) has higher values to predict local tumor progression in prostate sectors after high‐intensity focused ultrasound.ConclusionsProton magnetic resonance spectroscopy is a useful, non‐invasive diagnostic modality that predicts local tumor progression in patients after high‐intensity focused ultrasound, as well as local cancer distribution at each of the prostate sectors with pinpoint accuracy.
Changes in Quality and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities of Bunched and Topped Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) Plants during Storage at 5 or 10C
Authors: Tsouvaltzis Pavlos , Brecht Jeffrey K. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractQuality changes of bunched and topped radishes (Raphanus sativus L.) during postharvest storage were investigated. Bunched radish plants, topped roots and detached leaves were stored at 5 or 10C for 9 days. Yellowing and wilting of leaves during storage at 10C were the main visual quality deteriorations in bunched radishes. Leaf detachment reduced respiration and ethylene production rates and weight loss of roots, and resulted in lower ascorbic acid, antioxidant capacity and phenolic content especially during storage at 10C. Root color did not change during storage, with or without leaf detachment. Leaf color did not change at 5C, whereas lightness and chroma increased and hue angle decreased at 10C, with larger changes observed in detached leaves. H2O2 content as well as peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase and catalase activities in the root tissue were unaffected by leaf detachment, but increased during storage especially at 10C after 9 days of storage.Practical ApplicationsRadishes are marketed with the leaves attached on the enlarged root, which is the edible part of the plant, or are topped so that leaves are removed from the root. Consumers prefer to purchase radishes with the leaves attached because their green color is an indication of freshness. In retail market, higher than recommended temperatures are often encountered, resulting in yellowing of leaves; therefore, plants are topped and only the root is distributed. However, the effects of storage temperature as well as the removal of leaves on nutritional compounds of the edible roots have not been investigated and need to be determined, because nutritional quality is of increasing interest to the consumers. This study provides information on the effect of temperature and leaves removal on metabolism and quality of radish plants during storage, which can be applicable to sustain the quality and increase commercial marketing of radishes.
Antitoxin Characteristic of Licorice Extract: The Inhibitory Effect on Aflatoxin Production in Aspergillus parasiticus
Authors: Mohseni Rashin , Noorbakhsh Fatemeh , Moazeni Maryam , Nasrollahi Omran Ayatolah , Rezaie Sassan 
Published: March 2014

AbstractRecent investigations revealed the effects of herbal extracts on both fungal growth as well as aflatoxins production. In the present study, we tried to evaluate antifungal activity as well as antitoxin activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) extract. Strain American Type Culture Collection 15517 of Aspergillus parasiticus was used to perform antifungal susceptibility test according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute document M27‐A3, and the rate of aflatoxin production was determined using high‐performance liquid chromatography technique after exposure to different concentrations of licorice extract. Quantitative changes in the expression of the aflR gene were analyzed by measuring the cognate aflR mRNA level with quantitative real‐time reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction assay. Our obtained results demonstrated the inhibitory effect of licorice extract on Aspergillus parasiticus growth at 500 mg/mL of licorice extract. In addition, a significant decrease in aflatoxin production was revealed at the same concentration. However, the production of aflatoxin B1 was entirely inhibited in 10 g/mL of licorice extract. The level of aflR gene expression was significantly decreased after the exposure of fungal cells to 500 g/mL of licorice extract. Evaluation of the antifungal and antitoxin activity of licorice extract on Aspergillus parasiticus revealed its antifungal properties as well as its effective ability to decrease aflatoxin production.Practical ApplicationSeveral classes of synthetic antifungal drugs are used today to treat fungal infections in humans and crops. However, this antifungal therapy is not always effective because of emerging of drug‐resistant strains. Therefore, using effective natural antifungal agents with fewer side effects is a promising approach to combat fungal diseases either in medicine or in agriculture. In the present study, we introduced the licorice extract as a novel natural compound to inhibit the growth and production of aflatoxin in the filamentous fungi Aspergillus parasiticus and evaluated this natural herbal extract as an antifungal agent.
Humbling Turkishness: Undoing the Strategies of Exclusion and Inclusion of Turkish Modernity
Authors: Demir Ipek 
Published: March 2014

AbstractKurds make up about a fifth of Turkey's population. Turkey has taken steps – albeit slowly and reluctantly – towards increased recognition of Kurdish cultural and linguistic rights. However, within Turkey there is also a steeply rising tide of Turkish nationalism, prejudice and intolerance towards Kurds, and increasing anti‐Kurdish sentiment. This article brings studies of Kurdishness and Turkishness into a single conversation and traces the relationship between Turkish modernity, Orientalized Kurdishness and the construction of Turkishness as the efendi (master) identity. It does this by drawing attention to “strategies of exclusion and inclusion” in the construction of official Turkish history, and relates these to the way in which the tense borders between Kurds and Turks are maintained and currently reproduced. It also presents a normative argument in favour of “humbling Turkishness” and “solidarity trading zones”.
MEDICINE NON‐ADHERENCE IN KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION
Authors: Williams Allison Fiona , Manias Elizabeth , Gaskin Cadeyrn J. , Crawford Kimberley 
Published: March 2014

SUMMARYBackgroundThe increasing prevalence of chronic kidney disease, the relative shortage of kidney donors and the economic‐ and health‐related costs of kidney transplant rejection make the prevention of adverse outcomes following transplantation a healthcare imperative. Although strict adherence to immunosuppressant medicine regimens is key to preventing kidney rejection, evidence suggests that adherence is sub‐optimal. Strategies need to be developed to help recipients of kidney transplants adhere to their prescribed medicines.FindingsThis review has found that a number of factors contribute to poor adherence, for example, attitudes towards medicine taking and forgetfulness. Few investigations have been conducted, however, on strategies to enhance medicine adherence in kidney transplant recipients. Strategies that may improve adherence include pharmacist‐led interventions (incorporating counselling, medicine reviews and nephrologist liaison) and nurse‐led interventions (involving collaboratively working with recipients to understand their routines and offering solutions to improve adherence). Strategies that have shown to have limited effectiveness include supplying medicines free of charge and providing feedback on a participant's medicine adherence without any educational or behavioural interventions.ConclusionTransplantation is the preferred treatment option for people with end‐stage kidney disease. Medicine non‐adherence in kidney transplantation increases the risk of rejection, kidney loss and costly treatments. Interventions are needed to help the transplant recipient take all their medicines as prescribed to improve general well‐being, medicine safety and reduce healthcare costs.
Melatonin synergizes with citalopram to induce antidepressant‐like behavior and to promote hippocampal neurogenesis in adult mice
Authors: Ramírez‐Rodríguez Gerardo , Vega‐Rivera Nelly Maritza , Oikawa‐Sala Julián , Gómez‐Sánchez Ariadna , Ortiz‐López Leonardo , Estrada‐Camarena Erika 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAdult hippocampal neurogenesis is affected in some neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression. Numerous evidence indicates that plasma levels of melatonin are decreased in depressed patients. Also, melatonin exerts positive effects on the hippocampal neurogenic process and on depressive‐like behavior. In addition, antidepressants revert alterations of hippocampal neurogenesis present in models of depression following a similar time course to the improvement of behavior. In this study, we analyzed the effects of both, citalopram, a widely used antidepressant, and melatonin in the Porsolt forced swim test. In addition, we investigated the potential antidepressant role of the combination of melatonin and citalopram (MLTCITAL), its type of pharmacological interaction on depressive behavior, and its effect on hippocampal neurogenesis. Here, we found decreased immobility behavior in mice treated with melatonin (<14–33%) and citalopram (<17–30%). Additionally, the MLTCITAL combination also decreased immobility (<22–35%) in comparison with control mice, reflecting an antidepressant‐like effect after 14 days of treatment. Moreover, MLTCITAL decreased plasma corticosterone levels (≤13%) and increased cell proliferation (>29%), survival (>39%), and the absolute number of ‐associated new neurons (>53%) in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. These results indicate that the MLTCITAL combination exerts synergism to induce an antidepressant‐like action that could be related to the modulation of adult hippocampal neurogenesis. This outcome opens the opportunity of using melatonin to promote behavioral benefits and hippocampal neurogenesis in depression and also supports the use of the MLTCITAL combination as an alternative to treat depression.
Survival and reproduction of plant species in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: SUN Hang , NIU Yang , CHEN Yong‐Sheng , SONG Bo , LIU Chang‐Qiu , PENG De‐Li , CHEN Jian‐Guo , YANG Yang 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) is the highest and largest plateau in the world. It covers correspondingly wide geological, topographical, and climatic gradients, and thus hosts greater biodiversity than surrounding lowlands and other high elevation regions. Due to its extreme environmental and biological diversity, the QTP is an ideal region for studying adaptations of plant species under harsh environmental conditions at multiple evolutionary levels. Many recent ecological studies have revealed functions of distinctive morphological features of various plants in the region that improve their reproductive success. Examples include large and showy bracts, hairy inflorescences, and drooping flowers. Numerous other investigations have examined QTP plants' sexual systems, patterns of biomass allocations, and biotic interactions. This paper summarizes recent advances in understanding of morphological adaptations, plant–plant interactions, plant–pollinator interactions, floral color patterns, pollination adaptations, and resource allocation patterns of alpine plants of the QTP. The overall aim is to synthesize current knowledge of the general mechanisms of plant survival and reproduction in this fascinating region.