bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Scavenger receptors: a key player in cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Ashraf Mohammad Z. , Sahu Anita 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe scavenger receptor (SR) super family consists of integral membrane glycoproteins that are involved in recognition of polyanionic structures of either endogenous (e.g., oxidized low-density lipoprotein) or exogenous (e.g., bacterial lipopolysaccharides) origin. SRs are structurally diverse and can be classified into seven different classes (A–G) based on the multidomain structure of the individual members. SRs are present on various types of tissues, such as vascular, adipose, and steroidogenic tissues. In addition to modified lipoprotein uptake, these proteins are also known to regulate apoptotic cell clearance, initiate signal transduction, and serve as pattern recognition receptors for pathogens. Different SRs are involved in many physiological and pathological processes; more importantly, the function of SRs is highly implicated in the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic plaque. Targeting the SR gene products that mediate the response to and uptake of modified lipids holds great promise in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Inhibition of SR expression using a combined gene therapy and RNA interference strategy also appears to be an option for long-term therapy. The present review focuses on the involvement of SRs in atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and other cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, the role of SRs is not restricted to vascular lesions; it is also implicated in a number of different cellular functions.
Reflective testing: adding value to laboratory testing
Authors: Verboeket-van de Venne Wilhelmine P.H.G. , Aakre Kristin M. , Watine Joseph , Oosterhuis Wytze P. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Reflective testing is a procedure in which the laboratory specialist adds additional tests and/or comments to an original request, after inspection (reflection) of the results. It can be considered as an extension of the authorization process where laboratory tests are inspected before reporting to the physician. The laboratory specialist will inevitably find inconclusive results, and additional testing can contribute to make the appropriate diagnosis. Several studies have been published on the effects of reflective testing. Some studies focus on the opinion of the general practitioners or other clinicians, whereas other studies were intended to determine the patient’s perspective. Overall, reflective testing was judged as a useful way to improve the process of diagnosing (and treating) patients. There is to date scarce high quality scientific evidence of the effectiveness of this procedure in terms of patient management. A randomized clinical trial investigating this aspect is however ongoing. Cost effectiveness of reflective testing still needs to be determined in the future. In conclusion, reflective testing can be seen as a new dimension in the service of the clinical chemistry laboratory to primary health care. Additional research is needed to deliver the scientific proof of the effectiveness of reflective testing for patient management.
Validation of a fast and reliable liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization method for simultaneous quantitation of voriconazole, itraconazole and its active metabolite hydroxyitraconazole in human plasma
Authors: Xiong Xin , Zhai Suodi , Duan Jingli 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background: Voriconazole and itraconazole are two broad-spectrum antifungal triazole derivates administered for the prevention and in the treatment of invasive fungal infections. Their broad inter- and intra-individual pharmacokinetic variability and the high probability of drug-drug interactions justify therapeutic drug monitoring.

Methods: After liquid-liquid extraction with tert-butyl methyl ether, chromatographic separation was achieved on a Zorbax Eclipse XDB-C18 column using gradient elution with 10 mM ammonium formate and acetonitrile. Detection was performed by a tandem mass spectrometer coupled to LC via an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) and quantification was performed using selected reaction monitoring (SRM) transitions

Results: Total run time was 4.5 min. The method was validated for concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 10 μg/mL for voriconazole and from 0.025 to 5 μg/mL for itraconazole and hydroxyitraconazole, respectively. The intra- and inter-day correlation coefficients of variation were <7.7%–<9.2%, respectively. The accuracy ranged from 92.6% to 109%.

Conclusions: A rapid and simple liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-APCI-MS/MS) method has been developed and validated to measure voriconazole itraconazole and hydroxyitraconazole in human plasma. This method is successfully applied to samples from patients receiving antifungal treatment.
Informatics competencies for healthcare professionals: the Technology Informatics Guiding Education Reform (TIGER) Initiative model
Authors: Hebda Toni L. , Calderone Terri L. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract:
A growing awareness exists that informatics competencies are essential skills for healthcare professionals today, yet the development of these competencies lags behind the need. The Technology Informatics Guiding Education Reform (TIGER) Initiative represents a comprehensive, interdisciplinary effort that is well suited to the integration of informatics into education, practice, administration, and research environments. This article briefly discusses the background and significance of the TIGER Initiative and why it may be used as a model to instill informatics among the healthcare professionals globally.
Computing Borel's regulator
Authors: Choo Zacky , Mannan Wajid , Sánchez-García Rubén J. , Snaith Victor P. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
We present an infinite series formula based on the Karoubi–Hamida integral, for the universal Borel class evaluated on H
2n+1(GL(ℂ)). For a cyclotomic field F we define a canonical set of elements in K
3(F) and present a novel approach (based on a free differential calculus) to constructing them. Indeed, we are able to explicitly construct their images in
H
3(GL(ℂ)) under the Hurewicz map. Applying our formula to these images yields a value V
1(F), which coincides with the Borel regulator R
1(F) when our set is a basis of K
3(F) modulo torsion. For
F = ℚ(e
2πi/3) a computation of V
1(F) has been made based on our techniques.
One-pot synthesis of acenaphtho[1,2-b]pyrroles in the presence of supported ionic liquid catalyst
Authors: Sandaroos Reza , Goldani Mohammad Taghi , Damavandi Saman 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Eleven new 8-[(alkyl or aryl)amino]-9-(alkyl or aryl)acenaphtho[1,2-b]pyrroles were synthesized by one-pot reaction of (acenaphthylen-1-yloxy)trimethylsilane, alkyl or aryl aldehyde, ammonium acetate, and aryl or alkyl isocyanide in refluxing DMF.
Iodine-catalyzed synthesis of 5-arylanthra[2,1-c][2,7]naphthyridine derivatives via three-component reaction
Authors: Jiang Hong , Wang Wei , Wang Xiang-Shan 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
A series of ethyl 5-aryl-1,2-dihydroanthra[2,1-c][2,7]naphthyridine-3(4H)-carboxylate derivatives was prepared by a three-component reaction of aromatic aldehyde, anthracen-2-amine and ethyl 4-oxopiperidine-1-carboxylate using iodine as catalyst. This iodine-catalyzed procedure has the advantages of mild reaction conditions, good yields, operational simplicity and metal-free catalyst.
Simple and efficient synthesis of novel N-dichloroacetyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazines
Authors: Fu Ying , Qu Li-Hua , Zhang Shan-Shan , Ye Fei , Zhao Li-Xia , Gao Shuang , Xing Zhi-Yong 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
An easy synthetic route to N-dichloroacetyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine derivatives 3 involves cyclization of 2-aminophenols 1 with 1,2-dibromoethane and subsequent acylation of the resultant 3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine derivatives 2 with dichloroacetyl chloride. All compounds were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, ESI-MS and elemental analysis. The structure of 3a was determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis.
Coarse graining of wood cell arrangement and density dependence of elasticity
Authors: Nakano Takato 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Elastic moduli in each direction have been formulated based on a cell wall model considering a high-order structure of wood. Parameters in the equations are confirmed by comparison to best-fit experimental data, and simulation validates the model presented. The relationship between the logarithmic plots “elastic modulus vs. wood density” is linear in each direction for many wood species and the intercept in the derived equations is constant. The variations within a limited region can be neglected, i.e., they can be coarse-grained. The following parameters were considered: elastic modulus of the cell wall, the fraction of latewood in the transverse section, the density ratio of latewood to earlywood, and the ratio of radial length to tangential length.
Antimicrobial activity of human islet amyloid polypeptides: an insight into amyloid peptides’ connection with antimicrobial peptides
Authors: Wang Lan , Liu Qian , Chen Jin-Chun , Cui Yi-Xian , Zhou Bing , Chen Yong-Xiang , Zhao Yu-Fen , Li Yan-Mei 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) shows an antimicrobial activity towards two types of clinically relevant bacteria. The potency of hIAPP varies with its aggregation states. Circular dichroism was employed to determine the interaction between hIAPP and bacteria lipid membrane mimic. The antimicrobial activity of each aggregate species is associated with their ability to induce membrane disruption. Our findings provide new evidence revealing the antimicrobial activity of amyloid peptide, which suggest a possible connection between amyloid peptides and antimicrobial peptides.
Redox Biology on the rise
Authors: Herrmann Johannes M. , Dick Tobias P. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Redox reactions are at the heart of bioenergetics, yet their biological role is not restricted to metabolism. One specific focus of contemporary Redox Biology is the study of how the folding, stability, activity, and interactivity of proteins are subject to redox control. Key questions pertain to the chemical nature of physiological redox changes and their exact location inside the cell, the nature and distribution of protein redox modifications, and their meaning for cellular physiology. In recent years, Redox Biology has developed novel methodological directions, for example, the proteomic profiling of protein redox modifications and the noninvasive monitoring of redox processes in vivo. These and other approaches allow asking new questions for which the answers are almost completely unknown. To stimulate exchange of technical knowledge and the appreciation of Redox Biology in general, the German Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (GBM) recently founded a Study Group for Redox Biology.
A plant Kunitz-type inhibitor mimics bradykinin-induced cytosolic calcium increase and intestinal smooth muscle contraction
Authors: Andrade Sheila Siqueira , Smaili Soraya Soubhi , Monteforte Priscila Totarelli , Miranda Antônio , Kouyoumdjian Maria , Sampaio Misako Uemura , Lopes Guiomar Silva , Oliva Maria Luiza V. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract:
BbKI is a kallikrein inhibitor with a reactive site sequence similar to that of kinins, the vasoactive peptides inserted in kininogen moieties. This structural similarity probably contributes to the strong interaction with plasma kallikrein, the enzyme that releases, from high-molecular weight kininogen (HMWK), the proinflammatory peptide bradykinin, which acts on B2 receptors (B2R). BbKI was examined on smooth muscle contraction and Ca2+ mobilization, in which the kallikrein-kinin system is involved. Contrary to expectations, BbKI (1.8 μm) increased [Ca2+]cand contraction, as observed with BK (2.0 μm). Not blocked by B1 receptors (B1R), the BbKI agonistic effect was blocked by the B2R antagonist, HOE-140 (6 μm), and the involvement of B2R was confirmed in B2R-knockout mice intestine. The same tissue response was obtained using a synthetic peptide derived from the BbKI reactive site structure, more resistant than BK to angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) hydrolysis. Depending on the concentration, BbKI has a dual effect. At a low concentration, BbKI acts as a potent kallikrein inhibitor; however, due to the similarity to BK, in high concentrations, BbKI greatly increases Ca2+ release from internal storages, as a consequence of its interaction with B2R. Therefore, the antagonistic and agonistic effects of BbKI may be considered in conditions of B2R involvement.
Zinc networks: the cell-specific compartmentalization of zinc for specialized functions
Authors: Hennigar Stephen R. , Kelleher Shannon L. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Zinc (Zn2+) is the most abundant trace element in cells and is essential for a vast number of catalytic, structural, and regulatory processes. Mounting evidence indicates that like calcium (Ca2+), intracellular Zn2+ pools are redistributed for specific cellular functions. This occurs through the regulation of 24 Zn2+ transporters whose localization and expression is tissue and cell specific. We propose that the complement and regulation of Zn2+ transporters expressed within a given cell type reflects the function of the cell itself and comprises a ‘Zn2+ network.’ Importantly, increasing information implicates perturbations in the Zn2+ network with metabolic consequences and disease. Herein, we discuss our current understanding of Zn2+ transporters from the perspective of a Zn2+ network in four specific tissues with unique Zn2+ requirements (mammary gland, prostate, pancreas, and brain). Delineating the entire Zn2+ transporting network within the context of unique cellular Zn2+ needs is important in identifying critical gaps in our knowledge and improving our understanding of the consequences of Zn2+ dysregulation in human health and disease.
Understanding the substrate specificity of conventional calpains
Authors: Sorimachi Hiroyuki , Mamitsuka Hiroshi , Ono Yasuko 
Published: August 2012

Abstract:
Calpains are intracellular Ca2+-dependent Cys proteases that play important roles in a wide range of biological phenomena via the limited proteolysis of their substrates. Genetic defects in calpain genes cause lethality and/or functional deficits in many organisms, including humans. Despite their biological importance, the mechanisms underlying the action of calpains, particularly of their substrate specificities, remain largely unknown. Studies show that certain sequence preferences influence calpain substrate recognition, and some properties of amino acids have been related successfully to substrate specificity and to the calpains’ 3D structure. The full spectrum of this substrate specificity, however, has not been clarified using standard sequence analysis algorithms, e.g., the position-specific scoring-matrix method. More advanced bioinformatics techniques were used recently to identify the substrate specificities of calpains and to develop a predictor for calpain cleavage sites, demonstrating the potential of combining empirical data acquisition and machine learning. This review discusses the calpains’ substrate specificities, introducing the benefits of bioinformatics applications. In conclusion, machine learning has led to the development of useful predictors for calpain cleavage sites, although the accuracy of the predictions still needs improvement. Machine learning has also elucidated information about the properties of calpains’ substrate specificities, including a preference for sequences over secondary structures and the existence of a substrate specificity difference between two similar conventional calpains, which has never been indicated biochemically.
Complicated N-linked glycans in simple organisms
Authors: Schiller Birgit , Hykollari Alba , Yan Shi , Paschinger Katharina , Wilson Iain B.H. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Although countless genomes have now been sequenced, the glycomes of the vast majority of eukaryotes still present a series of unmapped frontiers. However, strides are being made in a few groups of invertebrate and unicellular organisms as regards their N-glycans and N-glycosylation pathways. Thereby, the traditional classification of glycan structures inevitably approaches its boundaries. Indeed, the glycomes of these organisms are rich in surprises, including a multitude of modifications of the core regions of N-glycans and unusual antennae. From the actually rather limited glycomic information we have, it is nevertheless obvious that the biotechnological, developmental and immunological relevance of these modifications, especially in insect cell lines, model organisms and parasites means that deciphering unusual glycomes is of more than just academic interest.
TMPRSS4 is a type II transmembrane serine protease involved in cancer and viral infections
Authors: Ohler Anke , Becker-Pauly Christoph 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Proteolytic enzymes are involved in almost all biological processes reflecting their importance in health and disease. The human genome contains nearly 600 protease-encoding genes forming more than 2% of the total human proteome. The serine proteases, with about 180 members, built the oldest and second largest family of human proteases. Ten years ago, a novel serine protease family named the type II transmembrane family (TTSP) was identified. This minireview summarizes the up-to-date knowledge about the still growing TTSPs, particularly focusing on the pathophysiological functions of the family member type II transmembrane serine protease (TMPRSS) 4. Recent studies provided important data on TMPRSS4 activity associated with the spreading of influenza viruses, mediated by the cleavage of hemagglutinin. Progression and metastatic potential of several cancers is concordant with an increased expression of TMPRSS4, though being a possible diagnostic marker. However, to benefit from TMPRSS4 as a therapeutic target, more data concerning its physiological relevance are needed, as done by a specific morpholino knockdown in zebrafish embryos.
Protease-dependent mechanisms of complement evasion by bacterial pathogens
Authors: Potempa Michal , Potempa Jan 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
The human immune system has evolved a variety of mechanisms for the primary task of neutralizing and eliminating microbial intruders. As the first line of defense, the complement system is responsible for rapid recognition and opsonization of bacteria, presentation to phagocytes and bacterial cell killing by direct lysis. All successful human pathogens have mechanisms of circumventing the antibacterial activity of the complement system and escaping this stage of the immune response. One of the ways in which pathogens achieve this is the deployment of proteases. Based on the increasing number of recent publications in this area, it appears that proteolytic inactivation of the antibacterial activities of the complement system is a common strategy of avoiding targeting by this arm of host innate immune defense. In this review, we focus on those bacteria that deploy proteases capable of degrading complement system components into non-functional fragments, thus impairing complement-dependent antibacterial activity and facilitating pathogen survival inside the host.
Modular structure of HEL protein from Arabidopsis reveals new potential functions for PR-4 proteins
Authors: Bertini Laura , Proietti Silvia , Aleandri Maria Pia , Mondello Francesca , Sandini Silvia , Caporale Carlo , Caruso Carla 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Plants possess an innate immune system enabling them to defend themselves against pathogen attack. The accumulation of newly synthesized pathogenesis-related proteins (PRs) is one of the most studied inducible plant defence response. In this paper, we report on the characterization of a class I PR4 vacuolar protein from Arabidopsis, named AtHEL. The protein has a modular structure consisting of an N-terminal hevein-like domain (CB-HEL) and a C-terminal domain (CD-HEL) that are posttranslationally processed. Both domains show a strong antifungal activity, but they do not have chitinolitic properties. CD-HEL was found to be endowed with RNase, but not DNase activity. Molecular modeling carried out on both domains revealed that CB-HEL possesses a chitin binding site strictly conserved between hevein-type peptides and that the cavity involved in substrate interaction of CD-HEL do not show any residue substitution with respect to the orthologous wheatwin1 from wheat. Using a fishing for partners approach, CB-HEL was found to interact with a fungal fruiting body lectin. According to literature, we can hypothesize that CB-HEL could cross the pathogen hyphal membrane and that its interaction with a fungal lectin could knock out one of the weapons that the fungus uses.
Speaking of shape: The effects of language-specific encoding on semantic representations
Authors: Perniss Pamela , Vinson David , Seifart Frank , Vigliocco Gabriella 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe question of whether different linguistic patterns differentially influence semantic and conceptual representations is of central interest in cognitive science. In this paper, we investigate whether the regular encoding of shape within a nominal classification system leads to an increased salience of shape in speakers' semantic representations by comparing English, (Amazonian) Spanish, and Bora, a shape-based classifier language spoken in the Amazonian regions of Columbia and Peru. Crucially, in displaying obligatory use, pervasiveness in grammar, high discourse frequency, and phonological variability of forms corresponding to particular shape features, the Bora classifier system differs in important ways from those in previous studies investigating effects of nominal classification, thereby allowing better control of factors that may have influenced previous findings. In addition, the inclusion of Spanish monolinguals living in the Bora village allowed control for the possibility that differences found between English and Bora speakers may be attributed to their very different living environments. We found that shape is more salient in the semantic representation of objects for speakers of Bora, which systematically encodes shape, than for speakers of English and Spanish, which do not. Our results are consistent with assumptions that semantic representations are shaped and modulated by our specific linguistic experiences.