bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increase of high mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 in eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Authors: Chen Daishi , Mao Mingfeng , Bellussi Luisa M. , Passali Desiderio , Chen Lei 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundChronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is characterized by eosinophil‐dominant infiltration in Europe and the United States. However, CRSwNP in Asia has shown different immunopathologic features. High‐mobility group protein box 1 (HMGB1) is a DNA‐binding protein that has been suggested to be involved in various chronic inflammatory diseases. The objective of this study is to investigate whether HMGB1 is augmented in the Chinese eosinophilic CRSwNP and if non‐eosinophilic CRSwNP is associated with interleukin 5 (IL‐5), IL‐8, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α).MethodsNasal polyps specimens were collected from 41 patients with CRSwNP (20 eosinophilic and 21 non‐eosinophilic) undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). Biopsies of uncinate process, and ethmoidal mucosa from 9 non‐CRS patients were used as controls by means of immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, Western blotting, and quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR).ResultsHMGB1‐positive expression was significantly increased in the epithelium and among the large inflammatory cells infiltration in Eos CRSwNP and non‐Eos CRSwNP as compared with controls (p < 0.001). The HMGB1 protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of HMGB1, IL‐5, IL‐8, and TNF‐α were significantly higher in eosinophilic CRSwNP than those from controls and non‐eosinophilic CRSwNP, but no significant differences in these markers were found between non‐eosinophilic CRSwNP and controls. HMGB1 expression levels correlated significantly and positively with IL‐5, IL‐8, and TNF‐α (rs = 0.665, 0.771, and 0.724, respectively; p < 0.001) and slightly with eosinophil infiltration (rs = 0.149; p = 0.012) and the blood eosinophils count (rs = 0.225; p = 0.001) in all samples.ConclusionUpregulation of HMGB1 could be a significant marker typically in eosinophilic CRSwNP and it may also contribute to the pathogenesis of CRSwNP along with IL‐5, IL‐8, and TNF‐α.
Genetics of low spinal muscular atrophy carrier frequency in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Sangaré Modibo , Hendrickson Brant , Sango Hammadoun Ali , Chen Kelian , Nofziger Jonathan , Amara Abdelbasset , Dutra Amalia , Schindler Alice B. , Guindo Aldiouma , Traoré Mahamadou , Harmison George , Pak Evgenia , Yaro Fatoumata N'Go , Bricceno Katherine , Grunseich Christopher , Chen Guibin , Boehm Manfred , Zukosky Kristen , Bocoum Nouhoum , Meilleur Katherine G. , Daou Fatoumata , Bagayogo Koumba , Coulibaly Yaya Ibrahim , Diakité Mahamadou , Fay Michael P. , Lee Hee‐Suk , Saad Ali , Gribaa Moez , Singleton Andrew B. , Maiga Youssoufa , Auh Sungyoung , Landouré Guida , Fairhurst Rick M. , Burnett Barrington G. , Scholl Thomas , Fischbeck Kenneth H. 
Published: February 2014

ObjectiveSpinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is one of the most common severe hereditary diseases of infancy and early childhood in North America, Europe, and Asia. SMA is usually caused by deletions of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. A closely related gene, SMN2, modifies the disease severity. SMA carriers have only 1 copy of SMN1 and are relatively common (1 in 30–50) in populations of European and Asian descent. SMN copy numbers and SMA carrier frequencies have not been reliably estimated in Malians and other sub‐Saharan Africans.MethodsWe used a quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay to determine SMN1 and SMN2 copy numbers in 628 Malians, 120 Nigerians, and 120 Kenyans. We also explored possible mechanisms for SMN1 and SMN2 copy number differences in Malians, and investigated their effects on SMN mRNA and protein levels.ResultsThe SMA carrier frequency in Malians is 1 in 209, lower than in Eurasians. Malians and other sub‐Saharan Africans are more likely to have ≥3 copies of SMN1 than Eurasians, and more likely to lack SMN2 than Europeans. There was no evidence of gene conversion, gene locus duplication, or natural selection from malaria resistance to account for the higher SMN1 copy numbers in Malians. High SMN1 copy numbers were not associated with increased SMN mRNA or protein levels in human cell lines.InterpretationSMA carrier frequencies are much lower in sub‐Saharan Africans than in Eurasians. This finding is important to consider in SMA genetic counseling in individuals with black African ancestry. Ann Neurol 2014;75:525–532
Mitochondrial DNA and traumatic brain injury
Authors: Bulstrode Harry , Nicoll James A. R. , Hudson Gavin , Chinnery Patrick F. , Di Pietro Valentina , Belli Antonio 
Published: February 2014

ObjectiveTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is a multifactorial pathology with great interindividual variability in response to injury and outcome. Mitochondria contain their own DNA (mtDNA) with genomic variants that have different physiological and pathological characteristics, including susceptibility to neurodegeneration. Given the central role of mitochondria in the pathophysiology of neurological injury, we hypothesized that its genomic variants may account for the variability in outcome following TBI.MethodsWe undertook an analysis of mitochondrial haplogroups in a large, well‐characterized cohort of 1,094 TBI patients. A proportional odds model including age, brain computed tomography characteristics, injury severity, pupillary reactivity, mitochondrial haplogroups, and APOE was applied to Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) data.ResultsmtDNA had a significant association with 6‐month GOS (p = 0.008). Haplogroup K was significantly associated with favorable outcome (odds ratio = 1.64, 95% confidence interval = 1.08–2.51, p = 0.02). There was also a significant interaction between mitochondrial genome and age (p = 0.002), with a strong protective effect of both haplogroups T (p = 0.015) and K (p = 0.017) with advancing age. We also found a strong interaction between APOE and mitochondrial haplogroups (p = 0.001), indicating a protective effect of haplogroup K in carriers of the APOE ε4 allele.InterpretationThese findings reveal an interplay between mitochondrial DNA, pathophysiology of TBI, and aging. Haplogroups K and T, which share a common maternal ancestor, are shown as protective in TBI. The data also suggest that the APOE pathways interact with genetically regulated mitochondrial functions in the response to acute injury, as previously reported in Alzheimer disease. Ann Neurol 2014;75:186–195
Characterization of the Simultaneous Decay Kinetics of Metarhodopsin States II and III in Rhodopsin by Solution‐State NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Stehle Jochen , Silvers Robert , Werner Karla , Chatterjee Deep , Gande Santosh , Scholz Frank , Dutta Arpana , Wachtveitl Josef , Klein‐Seetharaman Judith , Schwalbe Harald 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe mammalian visual dim‐light photoreceptor rhodopsin is considered a prototype G protein‐coupled receptor. Here, we characterize the kinetics of its light‐activation process. Milligram quantities of α,ε‐15N‐labeled tryptophan rhodopsin were produced in stably transfected HEK293 cells. Assignment of the chemical shifts of the indole signals was achieved by generating the single‐point‐tryptophan to phenylalanine mutants, and the kinetics of each of the five tryptophan residues were recorded. We find kinetic partitioning in rhodopsin decay, including three half‐lives, that reveal two parallel processes subsequent to rhodopsin activation that are related to the photocycle. The meta II and meta III states emerge in parallel with a relative ratio of about 3:1. Transient formation of the meta III state was confirmed by flash photolysis experiments. From analysis of the site‐resolved kinetic data we propose the involvement of the E2‐loop in the formation of the meta III state.
Makrocyclische Peptide mit dem Zielprotein angepassten Kohlenwasserstoffbrücken: Inhibitoren einer pathogenen Protein‐Protein‐Wechselwirkung
Authors: Glas Adrian , Bier David , Hahne Gernot , Rademacher Christoph , Ottmann Christian , Grossmann Tom N. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBioaktive Peptidkonformationen können durch Makrocyclisierung stabilisiert werden, was zu einer Erhöhung der biologischen Aktivität führen kann. Solche makrocyclischen Peptide wurden bereits für die Modulation einer Reihe von biologischen Funktionen, im Besonderen als Inhibitoren von Protein‐Protein‐Interaktionen (PPIs) verwendet. Allerdings handelt es sich bei den meisten Peptid‐abgeleiteten PPI‐Inhibitoren um stabilisierte α‐Helices, wodurch eine Vielzahl von Sekundärstrukturen nicht berücksichtigt wird. Hier präsentieren wir einen rationalen Ansatz zur Stabilisierung von Peptiden mit irregulärer Struktur durch die Einführung einer hydrophoben Kohlenwasserstoffbrücke. Diese Brücke ersetzt dabei Aminosäureseitenketten, welche für die Bindung an das Zielprotein essentiell sind. Die Wechselwirkung wurde im molekularen Detail durch Röntgenstrukturanalyse und isotherme Titrationskalorimetrie untersucht. Als Ergebnis entstanden intramolekular verbrückte Peptide, die die Interaktion zwischen dem humanen Adapterprotein 14‐3‐3 und dem Virulenzfaktor Exoenzym S inhibieren. Da irreguläre Peptidstrukturen vielfach in PPIs vorkommen, bietet unser Ansatz Zugang zu neuen Peptid‐basierten Inhibitoren.
Ligand‐Controlled α‐ and β‐Arylation of Acyclic N‐Boc Amines
Authors: Millet Anthony , Dailler David , Larini Paolo , Baudoin Olivier 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe palladium‐catalyzed ligand‐controlled arylation of α‐zincated acyclic amines, obtained by directed α‐lithiation and transmetalation, is described. Whereas PtBu3 gave rise to α‐arylated Boc‐protected amines, more flexible N‐phenylazole‐based phosphine ligands induced major β‐arylation through migrative cross‐coupling.
Degradation kinetics of photopolymerizable poly(lactic acid) films
Authors: Miller Kent R. , Soucek Mark D. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTA series of acrylic poly(lactic acid) (PLA) films were produced via photopolymerization. Enzymatic degradation of the films was investigated by submerging or spraying the films with a solution of proteinase K, Chromobacterium viscosum (CvL), Rhizomucor miehei (RmL), or Candida cylindracea (CcL). Degradation was monitored by titration of the carboxylic acid groups, MS, and MS/MS. It was found that the degradation rate of the films was dependent on the water uptake of the film and enzyme solution used. The highest degradation rates, for both systems, were obtained by use of a proteinase K solution. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40475.
Study on antimicrobial potential of neem oil nanoemulsion against Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in Labeo rohita
Authors: Mishra Prabhakar , R. S Suresh Kumar , Jerobin Jayakumar , Thomas John , Mukherjee Amitava , Chandrasekaran Natarajan 
Published: February 2014

AbstractPresence of several biochemical constituents in neem makes it an efficient antimicrobial agent for pathogenic diseases. The current investigation was aimed to assess the therapeutic potential of neem nanoemulsion as a control measure for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in freshwater fish Labeo rohita. The median lethal concentration (LC50) for the neem oil and neem nanoemulsion was 73.9 and 160.3 mg/L, respectively. The biomarker enzymes of treated fish tissues showed a significant difference in the level of glutathione reductase, catalase, and lipid peroxidation in neem oil‐treated samples than in neem nanoemulsion‐treated samples at P < 0.05. The results were corroborative with histopathology and ultrastructural analysis. The bacterial infection of P. aeruginosa treated using neem nanoemulsion was more effective in both in vitro and in vivo methods. Present findings suggest that neem‐based nanoemulsion has negligible toxicity to Rohu fishes. This makes neem‐based nanoemulsion as an efficient therapeutic agent against P. aeruginosa infection, leading to its possible usage in the aquaculture industry.
Characterization of the 5′ flanking region of lipase gene from Penicillium expansum and its application in molecular breeding
Authors: Zhang Tian , Peng Ying , Yu Qingsheng , Wang Jieliang , Tang Kexuan 
Published: February 2014

AbstractA major challenge for further promotion of lipase productivity in Penicillium expansum PE‐12 is to find a suitable promoter that can function efficiently in this industrial strain. In this study, the 5′ flanking region of P. expansum lipase (Ppel) containing a putative novel promoter sequence was characterized by fusing to ‐glucuronidase (GUS) and subsequently introducing into P. expansum. As a result, all the transformants showed blue color quickly after incubation in GUS detection buffer, suggesting a strong promoter activity of this fragment. Glucose repression was identified for the promoter, whereas olive oil acted as a positive regulator. Facilitated by this novel promoter, P. expansum PE‐12 was genetically modified, with an improved lipase yield, via a recombinant plasmid with P. expansum lipase gene (PEL) under the control of Ppel promoter and TtrpC terminator. The highest lipase yield among the modified strains could attain 2,100 U/mL, which is more than twofold of the previous industrial strain (900 U/mL). The engineered strain through molecular breeding method as well as this new promoter has great value in lipase industry.
Pavlovian‐conditioned alcohol‐seeking behavior in rats is invigorated by the interaction between discrete and contextual alcohol cues: implications for relapse
Authors: Remedios Jessica , Woods Catherine , Tardif Catherine , Janak Patricia H. , Chaudhri Nadia 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIntroductionDrug craving can be independently stimulated by cues that are directly associated with drug intake (discrete drug cues), as well as by environmental contexts in which drug use occurs (contextual drug cues). We tested the hypothesis that the context in which a discrete alcohol‐predictive cue is experienced can influence how robustly that cue stimulates alcohol‐seeking behavior.MethodsMale, Long‐Evans rats received Pavlovian discrimination training (PDT) sessions in which one conditioned stimulus (CS+; 16 trials/session) was paired with ethanol (0.2 mL/CS+) and a second stimulus (CS−; 16 trials/session) was not. PDT occurred in a specific context, and entries into a fluid port where ethanol was delivered were measured during each CS. Next, rats were acclimated to an alternate (nonalcohol) context where cues and ethanol were withheld. Responses to the nonextinguished CS+ and CS− were then tested without ethanol in the alcohol‐associated PDT context, the nonalcohol context or a third, novel context.ResultsAcross PDT the CS+ elicited more port entries than the CS−, indicative of Pavlovian discrimination learning. At test, the CS+ elicited more port entries than the CS− in all three contexts: however, alcohol seeking driven by the CS+ was more robust in the alcohol‐associated context. In a separate experiment, extinguishing the context‐alcohol association did not influence subsequent CS+ responding but reduced alcohol seeking during non‐CS+ intervals during a spontaneous recovery test.ConclusionThese results indicate that alcohol‐seeking behavior driven by a discrete Pavlovian alcohol cue is strongly invigorated by an alcohol context, and suggest that contexts may function as excitatory Pavlovian conditioned stimuli that directly trigger alcohol‐seeking behavior.
The Surprising Features of the TEAD4‐Vgll1 Protein–Protein Interaction
Authors: Mesrouze Yannick , Hau Jean Christophe , Erdmann Dirk , Zimmermann Catherine , Fontana Patrizia , Schmelzle Tobias , Chène Patrick 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe Hippo signaling pathway, which controls organ size in animals, is altered in various human cancers. The TEAD transcription factors, the most downstream elements in this pathway, are regulated by different cofactors, such as the Vgll (vestigial‐like) proteins. Having studied the interaction between Vgll1‐derived peptides and human TEAD4, we show that, although it lacks a key secondary structure element required for tight binding by two other TEAD cofactors (YAP and TAZ), Vgll1‐derived peptides bind to TEAD with nanomolar affinity. We identify a β‐strand:loop:α‐helix motif as the minimal Vgll binding site. Finally, we reveal an unexpected difference between mouse and human Vgll1‐derived peptides.
Expansion of the polyQ repeats in THAP11 forms intranuclear aggregation and causes cell G0/G1 arrest
Authors: Yin Rong‐Hua , Li Yang , Yang Fan , Zhan Yi‐Qun , Yu Miao , Ge Chang‐Hui , Xu Wang‐Xiang , Tang Liu‐Jun , Wang Xiao‐Hui , Chen Biao , Yang Yang , Li Jian‐Jie , Li Chang‐Yan , Yang Xiao‐Ming 
Published: February 2014

AbstractPolyglutamine diseases are a group of neurodegenerative disorders caused by expansion of a CAG repeat that encodes polyglutamine in each respective disease gene. The transcription factor THAP11, a member of THAP family, is involved in cell growth, ES cell pluripotency and embryogenesis. Previous studies suggest that THAP11 protein contains a 29‐residue repeat polyglutamine motif and the number of polyglutamine ranges from 20 to 41 in Indian population. We have investigated the CAG numbers at the THAP11 locus in normal individuals and neurodegenerative disease patients of Chinese Han population and a 38Q expansion (THAP11(38Q)) was found in patients. Using fluorescence confocal‐based cell imaging, THAP11(38Q) protein formed intranuclear inclusions easier than THAP11(29Q) in PC12 cells. Enhanced toxicity was investigated in THAP11(38Q)‐expressing cells by growth inhibition and G0/G1 arrest. CREB‐mediated transcription activity was inhibited by THAP11(38Q). The transcription factor, TBP, coactivator CBP, and chaperon protein, HSP70, could be recruited to THAP11(38Q). These results indicate that expansion of the polyglutamine in THAP11 forms intracellular aggregation and is toxic in PC12 cells, suggesting a putative role of THAP11 in polyglutamine disease.
Crucial role of Notch signaling in osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells in osteoporotic rats
Authors: Li Ying , Li SQ , Gao YM , Li Jin , Zhang Bin 
Published: February 2014

AbstractEstrogen deficiency‐induced osteoporosis typically occurs in postmenopausal women and has been strongly associated with periodontal diseases. Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) isolated from the periodontal ligament can differentiate into many types of specialized cells, including osteoblast‐like cells that contribute to periodontal tissue repair. The Notch signaling pathway is highly conserved and associated with self‐renewal potential and cell‐fate determination. Recently, several studies have focused on the relationship between Notch signaling and osteogenic differentiation. However, the precise mechanisms underlying this relationship are largely unknown. We have successfully isolated PDLSCs from both ovariectomized (OVX) and sham‐operated rats. Both the mRNA and protein levels of Notch1 and Jagged1 were upregulated when PDLSCs were cultured in osteogenic induction media. Mineralization assays showed decreased calcium deposits in OVX‐PDLSCs treated with a γ‐secretase inhibitor compared with control cells. Thus Notch signaling is important in maintaining the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs in osteoporotic rats, which help in the development of a potential therapeutic strategy for periodontal disease in postmenopausal women.
Prenatal phenotype of Williams–Beuren syndrome and of the reciprocal duplication syndrome
Authors: Marcato Livia , Turolla Licia , Pompilii Eva , Dupont Celine , Gruchy Nicolas , De Toffol Simona , Bracalente Gabriella , Bacrot Severine , Troilo Enzo , Tabet Anne C. , Rossi Sabrina , Delezoïde Anne L. , Baldo Demetrio , Leporrier Nathalie , Maggi Federico , Molin Arnaud , Pilu Gianluigi , Simoni Giuseppe , Vialard Francois , Grati Francesca R. 
Published: February 2014

Key Clinical MessageCopy losses/gains of the Williams–Beuren syndrome (WBS) region cause neurodevelopmental disorders with variable expressivity. The WBS prenatal diagnosis cannot be easily performed by ultrasound because only few phenotypic features can be assessed. Three WBS and the first reciprocal duplication prenatal cases are described with a review of the literature.
Solvent‐ and Ligand‐free Diboration of Alkynes and Alkenes Catalyzed by Platinum Nanoparticles on Titania
Authors: Alonso Francisco , Moglie Yanina , Pastor‐Pérez Laura , Sepúlveda‐Escribano Antonio 
Published: February 2014

AbstractPlatinum nanoparticles supported on titania efficiently catalyzed the diboration of alkynes and alkenes under solvent‐ and ligand‐free conditions in air. The cis‐1,2‐diborylalkenes and 1,2‐diborylalkanes were obtained in moderate to excellent yields following, in most cases, a simple filtration workup protocol. The versatility of the cis‐1,2‐diboronvinyl compounds was demonstrated in a series of organic transformations, including the Suzuki–Miyaura cross coupling and the boron–halogen exchange.
Simulation of Membrane Distillation for Purifying Water Containing 1,1,1‐Trichloroethane
Authors: Ghadiri Mehdi , Abkhiz Vahid , Parvini Mehdi , Marjani Azam 
Published: February 2014

AbstractVacuum membrane distillation is modeled for the purification of water containing organic matter. The separation medium is a hollow‐fiber membrane contactor that is simplified to a two‐dimensional structure with a single porous membrane wall. The model considers the transport phenomena of a vacuum membrane distillation system in porous media, in which the aqueous volatile organic solution was considered as an incompressible and steady fluid. The numerical simulation of the two‐dimensional model of vacuum membrane distillation for an aqueous solution of 1,1,1‐trichloroethane was established under steady state. The effects of the bulk feed temperature and the feed flow rate on the percentage of 1,1,1‐trichloroethane removal from an aqueous solution are discussed.
Quinoline‐Based p300 Histone Acetyltransferase Inhibitors with Pro‐apoptotic Activity in Human Leukemia U937 Cells
Authors: Lenoci Alessia , Tomassi Stefano , Conte Mariarosaria , Benedetti Rosaria , Rodriguez Veronica , Carradori Simone , Secci Daniela , Castellano Sabrina , Sbardella Gianluca , Filetici Patrizia , Novellino Ettore , Altucci Lucia , Rotili Dante , Mai Antonello 
Published: February 2014

AbstractChemical manipulations performed on 2‐methyl‐3‐carbethoxyquinoline (1), a histone acetyltransferase inhibitor previously identified by our research group and active at the sub‐millimolar/millimolar level, led to compounds bearing higher alkyl groups at the C2‐quinoline or additional side chains at the C6‐quinoline positions. Such compounds displayed at least threefold improved inhibitory potency toward p300 protein lysine acetyltransferase activity; some of them decreased histone H3 and H4 acetylation levels in U937 cells and induced high degrees of apoptosis (three compounds >10‐fold higher than compound 1) after treatment of U937 cells.