bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vacuolar transporter Avt4 is involved in excretion of basic amino acids from the vacuoles of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Sekito Takayuki , Chardwiriyapreecha Soracom , Sugimoto Naoko , Ishimoto Masaya , Kawano-Kawada Miyuki , Kakinuma Yoshimi 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Basic amino acids (lysine, histidine and arginine) accumulated in Saccharomyces cerevisiae vacuoles should be mobilized to cytosolic nitrogen metabolism under starvation. We found that the decrease of vacuolar basic amino acids in response to nitrogen starvation was impaired by the deletion of AVT4 gene encoding a vacuolar transporter. In addition, overexpression of AVT4 reduced the accumulation of basic amino acids in vacuoles under nutrient-rich condition. In contrast to AVT4, the deletion and overexpression of AVT3, which encodes the closest homologue of Avt4p, did not affect the contents of vacuolar basic amino acids. Consistent with these, arginine uptake into vacuolar membrane vesicles was decreased by Avt4p-, but not by Avt3p-overproduction, whereas various neutral amino acids were excreted from vacuolar membrane vesicles in a manner dependent on either Avt4p or Avt3p. These results suggest that Avt4p is a vacuolar amino acid exporter involving in the recycling of basic amino acids.
SptP106–136 plays a role in the complex formation with SptP-specific chaperone SicP
Authors: Hayashi Fumio , Kawashima Yurie , Takeuchi Shinobu , Okimori Kensuke , Inobe Eri , Oosawa Kenji 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
SptP is a virulence effector protein of Salmonella that is involved in bacterial invasion into a host cell. For effective secretion, SptP forms a complex with SptP-specific chaperone SicP through its chaperone-binding domain, residues 35–139. Here, we suggest the possibility that residues 106–136 of SptP are important for complex formation with SicP by in vitro reconstitution experiments.
Optimization of culture conditions of Fusarium solani for the production of neoN-methylsansalvamide
Authors: Lee Hee-Seok , Phat Chanvorleak , Nam Woo-Seon , Lee Chan 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
The aim of this study was to optimize the culture conditions of Fusarium solani KCCM90040 on cereal grain for the production of neoN-methylsansalvamide, a novel low-molecular-weight cyclic pentadepsipeptide exhibiting cytotoxic and multidrug resistance reversal effects. From the analysis of variance results using response surface methodology, temperature, initial moisture content, and growth time were shown to be important parameters for the production of neoN-methylsansalvamide on cereal grain. A model was established in the present study to describe the relationship between environmental conditions and the production of neoN-methylsansalvamide on rice, the selected cereal grain. The optimal culture conditions were determined at 25.79 °C with the initial moisture content of 40.79%, and 16.19 days of growth time. This report will give important information concerning the optimization of environmental conditions using statistic methodology for the production of a new cyclic pentadepsipeptide from fungi.
Bisphenol A exerts estrogenic effects by modulating CDK1/2 and p38 MAP kinase activity
Authors: Lee Hee-Seok , Park Eun-Jung , Oh Jae-Ho , Moon Guiim , Hwang Myung-Sil , Kim Sang-Yub , Shin Min-Ki , Koh Young-Ho , Suh Jin-Hyang , Kang Hui-Seung , Jeon Ju-Hong , Rhee Gyu-Seek , Hong Jin-Hwan 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is considered to be an endocrine disruptor, but the mechanisms by which it disrupts endocrine functions are poorly understood. Here, we have shown that BPA binds both estrogen receptor (ER)-α and ER-beta (ER-β) using a fluorescence polarization competitive binding assay. In addition, we found that BPA induced cell proliferation by modulating cell cycle-related genes in the MCF-7 human mammary cancer cell line. Moreover, using a BG1 luciferase ER transactivation assay, we found that BPA has estrogenic activity. Modulating the MAPK pathway by using an ERK inhibitor (PD98059) or a JNK inhibitor (SP600125) had no effect on the ability of BPA to induce estrogenic activity. However, the antiestrogen, ICI 182,780, and the p38 inhibitor, PD 169316 successfully blocked BPA-induced estrogenic activity. Our findings suggest that BPA mimics ER-dependent estrogenic activity by targeting proteins that regulate the cell cycle and p38 MAPK.
Anti-HIV-1 activity of phlorotannin derivative 8,4‴-dieckol from Korean brown alga Ecklonia cava
Authors: Karadeniz Fatih , Kang Kyong-Hwa , Park Jae W , Park Sun-Joo , Kim Se-Kwon 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
8,4‴-dieckol is a natural product which has been isolated from brown alga, Ecklonia cava. This polyphenolic compound is a phlorotannin derivative with a broad range of bioactivities. Its inhibitory activity on human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) was tested and the results indicated that 8,4‴-dieckol inhibited HIV-1 induced syncytia formation, lytic effects, and viral p24 antigen production at noncytotoxic concentrations. Furthermore, it was found that 8,4‴-dieckol selectively inhibited the activity of HIV-1 reverse trancriptase (RT) enzyme with 91% inhibition ratio at the concentration of 50 μM. HIV-1 entry was also inhibited by 8,4‴-dieckol. According to data from this study, 8,4‴-dieckol is an effective compound against HIV-1 with high potential for further studies. These results suggest that it might be used as a drug candidate for the development of new generation therapeutic agents, although further studies on the mechanism of inhibition should be addressed.
Anti-diabetic properties ofDaphniphyllum macropodumfruit and its active compound
Authors: Koo Hyun Jung , Kwak Jong Hwan , Kang Se Chan 
Published: June 2014

AbstractWe evaluated in vitro anti-diabetic activities of 497 native plants of Jeju Island (South Korea) by measuring the induction of adipocyte differentiation. Among the plants, Daphniphyllum macropodum fruit extract (DME) had the highest peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonist activity and was therefore selected as a potential source of anti-diabetic agents. To elucidate the active components of DME, constituent compounds were purified and their effects on the adipocyte differentiation were studied. Using activity-guided fractionation, four compounds were isolated from DME and their adipogenic effects were evaluated. Among the compounds isolated, 5,7-dihydroxychromone potently induced the differentiation of mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. DME and 5,7-dihydroxychromone increased PPARγ and liver X receptor α (LXRα) mRNA expression levels. To determine whether the adipogenic effects we observed might affect serum glucose levels, we undertook in vivo experiment using streptozotocin-/high-fat diet-induced type 2 diabetes mouse model. DME supplementation reduced serum glucose, total cholesterol, and triacylglycerol levels in diabetes mice. These results suggest that DME may be useful for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Moreover, it was proposed that 5,7-dihydroxychromone isolated from DME is one of the active compounds that may contribute to regulate blood glucose levels.
A cell wall protein (YqgA) is genetically related to the cell wall-degrading dl-endopeptidases in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Hashimoto Masayuki , Fujikura Kentaro , Miyake Yukiko , Higashitsuji Yuhei , Kiriyama Yuuka , Tanaka Tatsuhito , Yamamoto Hiroki , Sekiguchi Junichi 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
The Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis has a thick cell wall. The cell wall contains various proteins, both for secretion and for peptidoglycan (PG) maintenance. Penicillin-binding proteins for PG synthesis, PG hydrolases (autolysins), and regulator proteins for the autolysins are the known components of the PG maintenance system. YqgA was identified as an abundant protein attached to the cell wall of B. subtilis through a proteomics analysis. The YqgA protein was localized at cell division sites during the transition period between the exponential and the stationary phases. YqgA localization was affected by mutations in the dl-endopeptidases (DLEPases), which are the autolysins involved in cell morphogenesis. Furthermore, yqgA mutations on a background of defective DLEPases led to delays in cell growth and cell morphological changes. These results demonstrate that yqgA is genetically related to the genes encoding DLEPases involved in cell morphogenesis.
Radial changes in wood specific gravity of tropical trees: inter‐ and intraspecific variation during secondary succession
Authors: Plourde Benjamin T. , Boukili Vanessa K. , Chazdon Robin L. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryVariation in wood specific gravity (WSG) within and across species of tropical trees is poorly studied in relation to vegetation change during tropical forest succession. We investigated WSG of 91 species in eight long‐term plots along a successional chronosequence in north‐eastern Costa Rica.Radial changes in WSG were described by the rate of change (slope) along the stem radius. Significant radial changes were found in 42 of 74 species, with 37 species exhibiting increases from inner to outer wood, and five exhibiting decreases. Radial increases were commonly observed in species with inner WSG below 0·5, whereas radial decreases were observed in species with inner WSG above 0·7.Wood specific gravity weighted by cross‐sectional area (wWSG) varied four‐fold among species. Species classified as second‐growth specialists had lower wWSG, lower inner and outer WSG, and higher slopes than old‐growth specialists; successional generalists showed intermediate trait values.Among 18 species sampled in both second‐ and old‐growth forests, four species (22%) showed significant variation in wWSG between forest types. Of 33 widely sampled species, seven species (21%) showed a significant effect of stem diameter on wWSG.Second‐growth plots had lower stand‐level wWSG and more pronounced radial increases than old‐growth plots. Individual tree biomass for species with radial increases and low WSG was substantially underestimated when based on unweighted WSG compared with wWSG.Wood specific gravity varied with successional stage at multiple levels: within species, among successional specialist groups, and across plots of varying ages. Radial increases in WSG are common among trees in early and intermediate stages of tropical forest succession. This trait may confer growth advantages early in succession and increased resistance to physical or biotic damage during later successional stages.
Soy food and isoflavone intake and endometrial cancer risk: the Japan Public Health Center‐based prospective study
Authors: Budhathoki S , Iwasaki M , Sawada N , Yamaji T , Shimazu T , Sasazuki S , Inoue M , Tsugane S ,   JPHC Study Group
Published: June 2014

ObjectiveCompared with western populations, the consumption of soy foods among Japanese is very high and the incidence of endometrial cancer very low. We evaluated the association of soy food and isoflavone intake with endometrial cancer risk in Japanese women.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingTen public health centre areas in Japan.PopulationForty nine thousand one hundred and twenty‐one women of age 45–74 years who responded to a 5‐year follow‐up survey questionnaire.MethodsIntakes of soy foods as well as other covariates were assessed in 1995–1998 by a self‐administered food frequency questionnaire. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).Main outcome measureIncidence of endometrial cancer.ResultsDuring an average of 12.1 years of follow up, 112 newly diagnosed endometrial cancer cases were identified. Energy‐adjusted intakes of soy food and isoflavone were not associated with the risk of endometrial cancer. The multivariate‐adjusted HR per 25 g/day increase in the intake of soy food was 1.02 (95% CI 0.94–1.10), and the corresponding value for isoflavone intake per 15 mg/day was 1.01 (95% CI 0.84–1.22).ConclusionIn this population‐based prospective cohort study of Japanese women, we observed no evidence of a protective association between soy food or isoflavone intake and endometrial cancer risk.
Intimate Publics: Autoethnographic Meditations on the Micropolitics of Resistance
Authors: Rosario Melissa 
Published: June 2014

SummaryThis article is based on 18 months of fieldwork with a group of male activists who inhabit a nine‐year‐old protest site, blocking a controversial development project. In it, the female author grapples with the contradictions she notes between the stated intentions of the occupation and her own experiences within it. Through careful mix of her own experiences in the space and material she once discarded from her data—silences, rumors, violence—this article demonstrates that possibilities for rescuing public space are limited by interpersonal relationships between campers. By writing in an experimental mode, the author demonstrates how the act of analysis becomes entangled in the very social dilemmas it aims to uncover.
Fine structure in diabetic retinopathy lesions as observed by adaptive optics imaging. A qualitative study
Authors: Bek Toke 
Published: June 2014

AbstractPurposeDiabetic retinopathy is diagnosed by fundus photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanning. However, adaptive optics (AO) imaging can be expected to add new aspects to the knowledge of diabetic retinopathy because photographic resolution is improved by reducing the influence of optical aberrations on retinal imaging.MethodsNineteen patients with diabetes mellitus were subjected to fundus photography, OCT scanning and AO imaging. The fundus photographs were scaled to the same magnification as that of the AO image, and qualitative aspects of AO images of each retinopathy lesion observed on fundus photographs and OCT scans were assessed.ResultsAll red lesions on fundus photographs appeared on AO images as dark hyporeflective elements, but it could not be verified whether lesions represented haemorrhages or microaneurysms. The smallest of these lesions were circular with a size corresponding to that of blood cells. Hard exudates had irregular surfaces with buddings of various sizes protruding from the lesions. Areas of retinal oedema observed by fundus imaging and OCT scanning resulted in blurring of AO images, but cystoid spaces observed by OCT could be seen on AO images to have a sharp delimitation with a darker hyporeflective rim at the internal lining of the cyst wall.ConclusionAO imaging may potentially assist in detecting diabetic retinopathy at an earlier stage, may help elucidating the pathophysiology of the diseases and may be used for evaluating the effects of clinical interventions on diabetic retinopathy and other retinal vascular diseases.
Modulation of Imatinib Cytotoxicity by Selenite in HCT116 Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Abdel‐Aziz Amal Kamal , Azab Samar Saad Eldeen , Youssef Samar Samir , El‐Sayed Abeer Mostafa , El‐Demerdash Ebtehal , Shouman Samia 
Published: June 2014

AbstractImatinib is a principal therapeutic agent for targeting colorectal tumours. However, mono‐targeting by imatinib does not always achieve complete cancer eradication. Selenite, a well‐known chemopreventive agent, is commonly used in cancer patients. In this study, we aimed to explore whether selenite can modulate imatinib cytotoxicity in colorectal cancer cells. HCT116 cells were treated with different concentrations of imatinib and/or selenite for 24, 48 and 72 hr. Imatinib–selenite interaction was analysed using isobologram equation. As indicators of apoptosis, DNA fragmentation, caspase‐3 activity, Bcl‐2 expression were explored. Autophagic machinery was also checked by visualizing acidic vesicular organelles and measuring Beclin‐1 expression. Furthermore, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species were also examined. This study demonstrated that selenite synergistically augmented imatinib cytotoxicity in HCT116 cells as demonstrated by combination and dose reduction indices. Supranutritional dose of selenite when combined with imatinib induced apoptotic machinery by decreasing Bcl‐2 expression, increasing caspase‐3 activity and subsequently fragmenting DNA and blunted cytoprotective autophagy by decreasing Beclin‐1 expression and autophagosomes formation. Moreover, their combination induced cell cycle S‐phase block, increased total thiol content and reduced nitric oxide levels. In conclusion, selenite synergizes imatinib cytotoxicity through multi‐barrelled molecular targeting, providing a novel therapeutic approach for colorectal cancer.
Lenalidomide and dexamethasone for systemic AL amyloidosis following prior treatment with thalidomide or bortezomib regimens
Authors: Mahmood Shameem , Venner Christopher P. , Sachchithanantham Sajitha , Lane Thirusha , Rannigan Lisa , Foard Darren , Pinney Jenny H. , Gibbs Simon D. J. , Whelan Carol J. , Lachmann Helen J. , Gillmore Julian D. , Hawkins Philip N. , Wechalekar Ashutosh D. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryThe outcomes and responses to treatment remain poorly studied among patients with systemic AL amyloidosis who require further treatment following prior novel agent‐based therapy. We report here treatment with lenalidomide‐dexamethasone in 84 AL amyloidosis patients with relapsed/refractory clonal disease following prior treatment with thalidomide (76%) and/or bortezomib (68%). On an intention‐to‐treat (ITT) basis, the overall haematological response rate was 61%, including 20% complete responses. The median overall survival (OS) has not been reached; 2‐year OS and progression‐free survival (PFS) was 84% and 73%, respectively. Achieving a free light chain (FLC) response was an independent good prognostic factor for OS in multivariate analysis. There was no impact of prior thalidomide or bortezomib therapy on response rate, OS or PFS. 16% achieved an organ response at 6 months, with a marked improvement in organ responses in patients on long term therapy (median duration 11 months) and 55% achieving renal responses by 18 months. Lenalidomide/dexamethasone therapy achieves good haematological responses in patients with AL amyloidosis with relapsed/refractory clonal disease. The rate of renal responses among patients who received prolonged treatment was unexpectedly high, raising the possibility that immunomodulatory effects of lenalidomide therapy might enhance the otherwise slow natural regression of amyloid deposits.
A new one‐layer epididymovasostomy technique
Authors: Hussein Alayman 
Published: June 2014

ObjectivesTo describe and evaluate the outcomes of a new epididymovasostomy technique.Patients and MethodsNine patients with obstructive azoospermia were treated at the Minia University Hospital using a new microsurgical bilateral epididymovasostomy technique. The technique involved the opening of a small window in the tunica of the epididymis, making an opening in the underneath epididymal tubule and keeping it open by fixing the edges of the epididymal opening to the edge of the epididymal tunica with four 10/0 nylon sutures. The abdominal cut end of the vas deferens was then anastomosed to the epididymal opening by suturing the epididymal tubule, fixed to its tunica in one layer, to the full thickness vas deferens. The main outcome measure was finding sperm in the ejaculate.ResultsSperm was found in the ejaculate in six out of nine patients after our new, one‐layer, epididymovasostomy technique. Mean ± sd operating time was 176 ± 23 min.ConclusionsThis new, one‐layer, epididymovasostomy technique provides a simple alternative method of epididymovasostomy, with reasonable outcomes. More cases and follow‐up are needed to make meaningful comparisons with conventional epididymovasostomy.
The emerging use of Twitter by urological journals
Authors: Nason Gregory J. , O'Kelly Fardod , Kelly Michael E. , Phelan Nigel , Manecksha Rustom P. , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Murphy Declan G. 
Published: June 2014

ObjectiveTo assess the emerging use of Twitter by urological journals.MethodsA search of the Journal of Citation Reports 2012 was performed to identify urological journals. These journals were then searched on Twitter.com. Each journal website was accessed for links to social media (SoMe). The number of ‘tweets’, followers and age of profile was determined. To evaluate the content, over a 6‐month period (November 2013 to April 2014), all tweets were scrutinised on the journals Twitter profiles. To assess SoMe influence, the Klout score of each journal was also calculated.ResultsIn all, 33 urological journals were identified. Eight (24.2%) had Twitter profiles. The mean (range) number of tweets and followers was 557 (19–1809) and 1845 (82–3692), respectively. The mean (range) age of the twitter profiles was 952 (314–1758) days with an average 0.88 tweets/day. A Twitter profile was associated with a higher mean impact factor of the journal (mean [sd] 3.588 [3.05] vs 1.78 [0.99], P = 0.013). Over a 6‐month period, November 2013 to April 2014, the median (range) number of tweets per profile was 82 (2–415) and the median (range) number of articles linked to tweets was 73 (0–336). Of these 710 articles, 152 were Level 1 evidence‐based articles, 101 Level 2, 278 Level 3 and 179 Level 4. The median (range) Klout score was 47 (19–58). The Klout scores of major journals did not exactly mirror their impact factors.ConclusionSoMe is increasingly becoming an adjunct to traditional teaching methods, due to its convenient and user‐friendly platform. Recently, many of the leading urological journals have used Twitter to highlight significant articles of interest to readers.
Role of emergency ureteroscopy in the management of ureteric stones: analysis of 394 cases
Authors: Zargar‐Shoshtari Kamran , Anderson William , Rice Michael 
Published: June 2014

ObjectiveTo analyse the outcomes of emergency ureteroscopy (URS) cases performed in Auckland City Hospital.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of all emergency URS procedures performed at Auckland City Hospital between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2011. Data on patients, stones and procedures were collected and analysed. Emergency URS failure was defined as fragments >3 mm or the need for a repeat procedure.ResultsA total of 499 URS procedures were identified. Of these 394 (79%) were emergency procedures. The mean (sd; range) patient age was 48 (16; 13–88) years. In all, 83% of emergency URS cases had an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score of 1 or 2, 25% of stones were >9 mm, with a mean (sd) size of 8 (4) mm, and 285 procedures (72%) were successful. These patients were younger (47 vs 51 years), were more likely to have an ASA score of 1 (103 patients in the successful treatment group vs 26 in the failed treatment group), had smaller stones (7 vs 9 mm) and were more likely to have distal stones (P < 0.05). A total of 20 complications (5%) were recorded including six false passages and three mucosal injuries, one of which required radiological intervention, and 50 patients (13%) re‐presented, for pain (76%), bleeding (10%) or infection (14%).ConclusionWe showed that emergency URS is a feasible approach for the routine management of acute ureteric colic with a low complications rate. A subgroup of younger, healthier patients may benefit the most from the procedure.