bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification and functional characterization of a flax UDP-glycosyltransferase glucosylating secoisolariciresinol (SECO) into secoisolariciresinol monoglucoside (SMG) and diglucoside (SDG)
Authors: Ghose Kaushik , Selvaraj Kumarakurubaran , McCallum Jason , Kirby Chris W , Sweeney-Nixon Marva , Cloutier Sylvie J , Deyholos Michael , Datla Raju , Fofana Bourlaye 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background
Lignans are a class of diphenolic nonsteroidal phytoestrogens often found glycosylated in planta. Flax seeds are a rich source of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) lignans. Glycosylation is a process by which a glycosyl group is covalently attached to an aglycone substrate and is catalyzed by uridine diphosphate glycosyltransferases (UGTs). Until now, very little information was available on UGT genes that may play a role in flax SDG biosynthesis. Here we report on the identification, structural and functional characterization of 5 putative UGTs potentially involved in secoisolariciresinol (SECO) glucosylation in flax.

Results
Five UGT genes belonging to the glycosyltransferases’ family 1 (EC 2.4.x.y) were cloned and characterized. They fall under four UGT families corresponding to five sub-families referred to as UGT74S1, UGT74T1, UGT89B3, UGT94H1, UGT712B1 that all display the characteristic plant secondary product glycosyltransferase (PSPG) conserved motif. However, diversity was observed within this 44 amino acid sequence, especially in the two peptide sequences WAPQV and HCGWNS known to play a key role in the recognition and binding of diverse aglycone substrates and in the sugar donor specificity. In developing flax seeds, UGT74S1 and UGT94H1 showed a coordinated gene expression with that of pinoresinol-lariciresinol reductase (PLR) and their gene expression patterns correlated with SDG biosynthesis. Enzyme assays of the five heterologously expressed UGTs identified UGT74S1 as the only one using SECO as substrate, forming SECO monoglucoside (SMG) and then SDG in a sequential manner.

Conclusion
We have cloned and characterized five flax UGTs and provided evidence that UGT74S1 uses SECO as substrate to form SDG in vitro. This study allowed us to propose a model for the missing step in SDG lignan biosynthesis.
Addressing the needs of traumatic brain injury with clinical proteomics
Authors: Shen Sean , Loo Rachel R Ogorzalek , Wanner Ina-Beate , Loo Joseph A 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundNeurotrauma or injuries to the central nervous system (CNS) are a serious public health problem worldwide. Approximately 75% of all traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are concussions or other mild TBI (mTBI) forms. Evaluation of concussion injury today is limited to an assessment of behavioral symptoms, often with delay and subject to motivation. Hence, there is an urgent need for an accurate chemical measure in biofluids to serve as a diagnostic tool for invisible brain wounds, to monitor severe patient trajectories, and to predict survival chances. Although a number of neurotrauma marker candidates have been reported, the broad spectrum of TBI limits the significance of small cohort studies. Specificity and sensitivity issues compound the development of a conclusive diagnostic assay, especially for concussion patients. Thus, the neurotrauma field currently has no diagnostic biofluid test in clinical use.ContentWe discuss the challenges of discovering new and validating identified neurotrauma marker candidates using proteomics-based strategies, including targeting, selection strategies and the application of mass spectrometry (MS) technologies and their potential impact to the neurotrauma field.SummaryMany studies use TBI marker candidates based on literature reports, yet progress in genomics and proteomics have started to provide neurotrauma protein profiles. Choosing meaningful marker candidates from such ‘long lists’ is still pending, as only few can be taken through the process of preclinical verification and large scale translational validation. Quantitative mass spectrometry targeting specific molecules rather than random sampling of the whole proteome, e.g., multiple reaction monitoring (MRM), offers an efficient and effective means to multiplex the measurement of several candidates in patient samples, thereby omitting the need for antibodies prior to clinical assay design. Sample preparation challenges specific to TBI are addressed. A tailored selection strategy combined with a multiplex screening approach is helping to arrive at diagnostically suitable candidates for clinical assay development. A surrogate marker test will be instrumental for critical decisions of TBI patient care and protection of concussion victims from repeated exposures that could result in lasting neurological deficits.
Evaluation of the efficacy of DDT indoor residual spraying and long-lasting insecticidal nets against insecticide resistant populations of Anopheles arabiensis Patton (Diptera: Culicidae) from Ethiopia using experimental huts
Authors: Asale Abebe , Getachew Yehenew , Hailesilassie Weriessaw , Speybroeck Niko , Duchateau Luc , Yewhalaw Delenasaw 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background
Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) and Long-Lasting Insecticidal nets (LLINs) are major malaria vector control tools in Ethiopia. However, recent reports from different parts of the country showed that populations of Anopheles arabiensis, the principal malaria vector, have developed resistance to most families of insecticides recommended for public health use which may compromise the efficacy of both of these key vector control interventions. Thus, this study evaluated the efficacy of DDT IRS and LLINs against resistant populations of An. arabiensis using experimental huts in Asendabo area, southwestern Ethiopia.

Methods
The susceptibility status of populations of An. arabiensis was assessed using WHO test kits to DDT, deltamethrin, malathion, lambda-cyhalothrin, fenitrothion and bendiocarb. The efficacy of LLIN (PermaNet® 2.0), was evaluated using the WHO cone bioassay. Moreover, the effect of the observed resistance against malaria vector control interventions (DDT IRS and LLINs) were assessed using experimental huts.

Results
The findings of this study revealed that populations of An. arabiensis were resistant to DDT, deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin and malathion with mortality rates of 1.3%, 18.8%, 36.3% and 72.5%, respectively but susceptible to fenitrothion and bendiocarb with mortality rates of 98.81% and 97.5%, respectively. The bio-efficacy test of LLIN (PermaNet® 2.0) against An. arabiensis revealed that the mosquito population showed moderate knockdown (64%) and mortality (78%). Moreover, mosquito mortalities in DDT sprayed huts and in huts with LLINs were not significantly different (p > 0.05) from their respective controls.

Conclusion
The evaluation of the efficacy of DDT IRS and LLINs using experimental huts showed that both vector control tools had only low to moderate efficacy against An. arabiensis populations from Ethiopia. Despite DDT being replaced by carbamates for IRS, the low efficacy of LLINs against the resistant population of An. arabiensis is still a problem. Thus, there is a need for alternative vector control tools and implementation of appropriate insecticide resistance management strategies as part of integrated vector management by the national malaria control program.
Treatment with echinocandins during continuous renal replacement therapy
Authors: González de Molina Francisco Javier , Martínez-Alberici MariadeLosÁngeles , Ferrer Ricard 
Published: March 2014

AbstractEchinocandins are indicated as first-line treatment for invasive candidiasis in moderate to severe illness. As sepsis is the main cause of acute kidney injury, the combination of echinocandin treatment and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is common. Optimizing antibiotic dosage in critically ill patients receiving CRRT is challenging. The pharmacokinetics of echinocandins have been studied under various clinical conditions; however, data for CRRT patients are scarce. Classically, drugs like echinocandins with high protein binding and predominantly non-renal elimination are not removed by CRRT, indicating that no dosage adjustment is required. However, recent studies report different proportions of echinocandins lost by filter adsorption. Nevertheless, the clinical significance of these findings remains unclear.
The mechanisms of up-regulation of dendritic cell activity by oxidative stress
Authors: Batal Ibrahim , Azzi Jamil , Mounayar Marwan , Abdoli Rozita , Moore Robert , Lee Jack Y , Rosetti Florencia , Wang Chang , Fiorina Paolo , Sackstein Robert , Ichimura Takaharu , Abdi Reza 
Published: March 2014

AbstractWhereas DC have increasingly been recognized for their role in activating the inflammatory cascades during IRIs, the mechanisms by which oxidative stress enhances DC activation remain to be explored. We examined the role of oxidative stress on two important features of DC: T cell activation and trafficking. Bone marrow-derived OS-DC were compared with untreated DC. DC exposed to oxidative stress augmented allogeneic T cell proliferation and showed increased migration in a chemotaxis chamber. These results were confirmed by using hypoxanthine and xanthine oxidase as another inducer of oxidative stress. We used OT-II and OT-I mice to assess the effect of oxidative stress on DC activation of OVA-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, respectively. Oxidative stress increased DC capacity to promote OVA-specific CD4+ T cell activity, demonstrated by an increase in their proliferation and production of IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-2 proinflammatory cytokines. Whereas oxidative stress increased the DC ability to stimulate IFN-γ production by OVA-specific CD8+ T cells, cellular proliferation and cytotoxicity were not affected. Compared with untreated DC, oxidative stress significantly reduced the capacity of DC to generate Tregs, which were restored by using anti-IL-6. With regard to DC trafficking, whereas oxidative stress increased DC expression of p-Akt and p-NF-κB, targeting PI3Kγ and NF-κB pathways abrogated the observed increase in DC migration. Our data propose novel insights on the activation of DC by oxidative stress and provide rationales for targeted therapies, which can potentially attenuate IRI.
Use of the swim bladder and lateral line in near-field sound source localization by fishes
Authors: Coffin Allison B. , Zeddies David G. , Fay Richard R. , Brown Andrew D. , Alderks Peter W. , Bhandiwad Ashwin A. , Mohr Robert A. , Gray Michael D. , Rogers Peter H. , Sisneros Joseph A. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractWe investigated the roles of the swim bladder and the lateral line system in sound localization behavior by the plainfin midshipman fish (Porichthys notatus). Reproductive female midshipman underwent either surgical deflation of the swim bladder or cryoablation of the lateral line and were then tested in a monopolar sound source localization task. Fish with nominally "deflated" swim bladders performed similar to sham-deflated controls; however, post-experiment evaluation of swim bladder deflation revealed that a majority of "deflated" fish (88%, 7 of the 8 fish) that exhibited positive phonotaxis had partially inflated swim bladders. In total, 95% (21/22) of fish that localized the source had at least partially inflated swim-bladders, indicating that pressure reception is likely required for sound source localization. In lateral line experiments, no difference was observed in the proportion of females exhibiting positive phonotaxis with ablated- (37%) versus sham-ablated (47%) lateral line systems. These data suggest that the lateral line system is likely not required for sound source localization, although this system may be important for fine-tuning the approach to the sound source. We found that midshipman can solve the 180° ambiguity of source direction in the shallow water of our test tank, which is similar to their nesting environment. We also found that the potential directional cues (phase relationship between pressure and particle motion) in shallow water differs from a theoretical free-field. Therefore, the general question of how fish use acoustic pressure cues to solve the 180° ambiguity of source direction from the particle motion vector remains unresolved.
Trans-generational plasticity in physiological thermal tolerance is modulated by maternal pre-reproductive environment in the polychaeteOphryotrocha labronica
Authors: Massamba-N'Siala Gloria , Prevedelli Daniela , Simonini Roberto 
Published: March 2014

AbstractMaternal temperature is known to affect many aspects of offspring phenotype, but its effect on offspring physiological thermal tolerance has received less attention, despite the importance of physiological traits in defining organismal ability to cope with temperature changes. To fill this gap, we used the marine polychaete, Ophryotrocha labronica, to investigate the influence of maternal temperature on offspring upper and lower thermal tolerance limits, and assess whether maternal influence changed according to the stage of offspring pre-zygotic development at which a thermal cue was provided. Measurements were taken on adult offspring acclimated to 18°C or 30°C, produced by mothers previously reared at 24°C and then exposed to 18°C or 30°C at an early and late stage of oogenesis. When the shift from 24°C was provided early during oogenesis, mothers produced offspring with greater cold and heat tolerance whenever mother-offspring temperatures did not match, respect to when they matched, suggesting the presence of an anticipatory maternal effect triggered by the thermal variation. Conversely, when the cue was provided later during oogenesis, more tolerant offspring were observed when temperatures persisted across generations. In this case, maternal exposure to 18°C or 30°C may have benefited offspring performance, while limitations in the transmission of the thermal cue may account for the lack of correlation between maternal experiences and offspring performance when mother-offspring environments did not match. Our results provided evidence for a trans-generational effect of temperature on physiological performance characterised by a high context-dependency, and were discussed in the light of maternal pre-reproductive experiences.
Growth hormone transgenesis and polyploidy increase metabolic rate, alter the cardiorespiratory response and influence HSP expression to acute hypoxia in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) yolk-sac alevins
Authors: Polymeropoulos Elias T. , Plouffe Debbie , LeBlanc Sacha , Currie Suzie , Elliott Nick G. , Frappell Peter B. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractGrowth hormone (GH) transgenic Atlantic salmon display accelerated growth rates compared to non-transgenics. GH-transgenic fish also display cardiorespiratory and metabolic modifications that accompany the increased growth rate. An elevated routine metabolism has been described for pre- and post-smolt GH-transgenic salmon that also display improvements in oxygen delivery to support the increased aerobic demand. The early ontogenic effects of GH-transgenesis on the respiratory and cellular physiology of fish, especially during adverse environmental conditions and the effect of polyploidy, are unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of GH-transgenesis and polyploidy on metabolic, heart and ventilation rates and heat shock protein (HSP) levels, after exposure to acute hypoxia in post-hatch Atlantic salmon yolk-sac alevins. Metabolic rate decreased with decreasing partial pressures of oxygen in all genotypes. In normoxia, triploid transgenics displayed the highest mass specific metabolic rates in comparison to diploid transgenics and non-transgenic triploids, which in contrast had higher rates than diploid non-transgenics. In hypoxia, we observed a lower mass-specific metabolic rate in diploid non-transgenics compared to all other genotypes. However, no evidence for improved O2 uptake through heart or ventilation rate was found. Heart rate decreased in diploid non-transgenics while ventilation rate decreased in both diploid non-transgenics and triploid transgenics in severe hypoxia. Regardless of genotype or treatment, inducible HSP70 was not expressed in alevins. Following hypoxia, the constitutive isoform of HSP70, HSC70 decreased in transgenics and HSP90 expression decreased in all genotypes. These data suggest that physiological changes through GH-transgenesis and polyploidy are manifested during early ontogeny in Atlantic salmon.
Inhibition of photosynthetic CO2 fixation in the coral Pocillopora damicornis and its relationship to thermal bleaching
Authors: Hill Ross , Szabó Milán , Rehman Ateeq ur , Vass Imre , Ralph Peter J. , Larkum Anthony W. D. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Two inhibitors of the Calvin-Benson cycle (glycolaldehyde, GA, and potassium cyanide, KCN) were used in cultured Symbiodinium cells and in nubbins of the coral Pocillopora damicornis to test the hypothesis that inhibition of the Calvin-Benson cycle triggers coral bleaching. Inhibitor concentration range-finding trials aimed to determine the appropriate concentration to generate inhibition of the Calvin-Benson cycle, but avoid other metabolic impacts to the symbiont and the animal host. Both 3 mM GA and 20 μM KCN caused minimal inhibition of host respiration, but did induce photosynthetic impairment, measured by a loss of photosystem II function and oxygen production. GA did not affect the severity of bleaching, nor induce bleaching in the absence of thermal stress, suggesting inhibition of the Calvin-Benson cycle by GA does not initiate bleaching in P. damicornis. In contrast, KCN did activate a bleaching response through symbiont expulsion, which occurred in the presence and absence of thermal stress. While KCN is an inhibitor of the Calvin-Benson cycle, it also promotes reactive oxygen species formation, and it is likely that this was the principal agent in the coral bleaching process. These findings do not support the hypothesis that temperature-induced inhibition of the Calvin-Benson cycle alone induces coral bleaching.
Adsorption Properties of Vermiculite with In Situ—Immobilized Polyaniline with Respect to Cr(VI), Mo(VI), W(VI), V(V) and P(V) Anions
Authors: Ryabchenko K.V. , Yanovska E.S. , Tertykh V.A. , Kichkiruk O.Yu. , Sternik D. 
Published: March 2014

Immobilization of a polyaniline (PANI) on a natural vermiculite surface immediately after polymer formation ( in situ immobilization) has been performed. The adsorption properties of the modified adsorbent with respect to Cr(VI), Mo(VI), W(VI), V(V) and P(V) anions were studied. We found differences in physicochemical properties of clay samples using isotherms of nitrogen adsorption, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The experiments showed intercalation of PANI molecules into the inter-layer space of vermiculite. Adsorption isotherms and kinetics of adsorption were measured for the anionic form of ‘d’ metals of Groups V and VI in the Periodic Table from aqueous solutions by the static method. The results indicated that the synthesized composite had a high adsorption capacity with respect to Cr(VI) and Mo(VI) anions in acidic medium through the formation of dichromate anions (Cr2O72–) and an equilibrium mixture of molybdate (MoO42–) and polymolybdates ([Mo6O21]6– [Mo7O24]6–). The modified adsorbent effected the quantitative removal of W(VI) anions in the whole pH range (pH = 1–9). The kinetic data showed that the adsorbent quantitatively removes chromium and molybdenum ions from solution in 1 hour.
The Afterlife of a Dream and the Ritual System of the Epidaurian Asklepieion
Authors: Ahearne-Kroll Stephen P. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract This study looks at the ways that the healing inscriptions at the Epidauran Asklepieion transfer the private experience of a supplicant into the public realm of the life of the sanctuary. This process imbues the individual dream with a potential for influence that can honor the god in unforeseen ways well into the future. The study then examines the role of one god, Mnēmosyne, in the afterlife of the dream in order to gain an appreciation of the overall ritual system at the Asklepieion. It will be argued that Mnēmosyne plays a key role ritually not just in preserving the memory of the dream for the individual, but also in intellectually ordering the mind for the dreamer to articulate the dream to the sanctuary officials, in enabling the construction and inscription of the account for public display, and in creating opportunities for others to honor Asklepios well into the future and well beyond Epidaurus. Mnēmosyne’s involvement at the Epidauran Asklepieion attests to a complex ritual system of human action within a perceived divine group-effort to benefit the divine and human worlds.
Dreams in Cicero’s De Divinatione
Authors: Berge Bram ten 
Published: March 2014

Abstract This paper proposes an explanation for the surprisingly extensive treatment of dreams in Cicero’s De divinatione. It suggests that Cicero saw an opportunity to become the first Roman author to write extensively on dreams. The paper rejects the notion that Cicero voices his personal opinion about (dream) divination, and suggests, rather, that he wished to provide for his readers a comprehensive debate of Stoic and Academic views on dreams. Finally, Cicero points to the value of this discussion when he implies that dreams have become a source of anxiety and that his account may relieve the reader of such apprehension.
Circulating and adipose tissue matrix metalloproteinases in cardiometabolic risk environments: pathophysiological aspects
Authors: Berg Gabriela , Schreier Laura , Miksztowicz Veronica 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role during physiological tissue remodeling in embryonic development and angiogenesis, as well as in pathophysiological conditions such as obesity and development and vulnerability of atherosclerotic plaque. Moreover, MMP circulating levels have emerged as potential biomarkers of cardiovascular disease. MMP expression and activity are regulated by different factors such as insulin resistance and obesity. Expanded fat tissue has been demonstrated to be an active organ, where MMPs also exert a role in adipogenesis, angiogenesis, and proliferation of extracellular matrix (ECM). However, the lack of association between adipose tissue and plasma levels of some MMPs, specifically MMP-2 and MMP-9, suggests that this tissue is not a major contributor to circulating gelatinases. MMPs are also co-expressed or co-repressed in response to inflammatory adipocytokines, like adiponectin and leptin. Adiponectin may also play a protective role in plaque rupture through selectively increasing the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) expression. Leptin induces the expression of MMP-2 activators as well as the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 in different human cells. Furthermore, sex hormones also participate in MMP regulation. In postmenopausal women, hormone replacement therapy produces an increase in MMP activity, leading to a breakdown in ECM homeostasis and accelerated progression of vascular pathologies. Besides, in men, an inverse relationship between testosterone levels and MMP-2 activity has been described. It is still necessary to go forward in the study of MMPs in different metabolic situations to corroborate their role as vulnerable plaque biomarkers.