bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Melatonin promotes osteoblast differentiation and mineralization of MC3T3‐E1 cells under hypoxic conditions through activation of PKD/p38 pathways
Authors: Son Jang‐Ho , Cho Yeong‐Cheol , Sung Iel‐Yong , Kim In‐Ryoung , Park Bong‐Soo , Kim Yong‐Deok 
Published: September 2014

AbstractOsteoblastic differentiation and bone‐forming capacity are known to be suppressed under hypoxic conditions. Melatonin has been shown to influence cell differentiation. A number of in vitro and in vivo studies have suggested that melatonin also has an anabolic effect on bone, by promoting osteoblastic differentiation. However, the precise mechanisms and the signaling pathways involved in this process, particularly under hypoxic conditions, are unknown. This study investigated whether melatonin could promote osteoblastic differentiation and mineralization of preosteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 cells under hypoxic conditions. Additionally, we examined the molecular signaling pathways by which melatonin mediates this process. We found that melatonin is capable of promoting differentiation and mineralization of MC3T3‐E1 cells cultured under hypoxic conditions. Melatonin upregulated ALP activity and mRNA levels of Alp, Osx, Col1, and Ocn in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner. Alizarin red S staining showed that the mineralized matrix in hypoxic MC3T3‐E1 cells formed in a manner that was dependent on melatonin concentration. Moreover, melatonin stimulated phosphorylation of p38 Mapk and Prkd1 in these MC3T3‐E1 cells. We concluded that melatonin promotes osteoblastic differentiation of MC3T3‐E1 cells under hypoxic conditions via the p38 Mapk and Prkd1 signaling pathways.
‘Melatonin isomer’ in wine is not an isomer of the melatonin but tryptophan‐ethylester
Authors: Gardana Claudio , Iriti Marcello , Stuknytė Milda , De Noni Ivano , Simonetti Paolo 
Published: September 2014

AbstractMelatonin is a neurohormone, chronobiotic, and antioxidant compound found in wine and deriving directly from grapes and/or synthesized by yeast during alcoholic fermentation. In addition, a melatonin isomer has been detected in different foods, wine among them. The special interest for melatonin isomer related to the fact that it was found in greater quantities than melatonin and probably shares some of its biological properties. Despite this, its chemical structure has not yet been defined; although some researchers hypothesize, it could be melatonin with the ethylacetamide group shifted into position N1. Thus, the aim of our study was to identify the structures of the melatonin isomer. For this purpose, melatonin and melatonin isomer in Syrah wine were separated chromatographically by a sub‐2 μm particle column and detected by tandem mass spectrometry. The sample was then purified and concentrated by solid‐phase extraction, hydrolyzed with alkali or esterase, and substrates and products quantified by UPLC‐MS/MS. Moreover, melatonin, melatonin isomer, and their product ions were evaluated by high‐resolution mass spectrometry. The amount of melatonin isomer and melatonin in the wine was 84 ± 4 and 3 ± 0 ng/mL, respectively. In the solutions, containing diluted alkali or esterase, melatonin isomer was hydrolyzed in about 8 min. Correspondingly, tryptophan was detected, and its amount increased and reached the maximum concentration in about 8 min. Melatonin concentration was not affected by diluted alkali or esterase. The fragmentation pattern of melatonin isomer was different from that of melatonin but comparable to that of tryptophan‐ethylester. Finally, the so‐called melatonin isomer identity was verified by cochromatography with authentic standard of tryptophan‐ethylester.
Five Cyanophora (Cyanophorales, Glaucophyta) species delineated based on morphological and molecular data
Authors: Takahashi Toshiyuki , Sato Mayuko , Toyooka Kiminori , Matsuzaki Ryo , Kawafune Kaoru , Kawamura Mai , Okuda Kazuo , Nozaki Hisayoshi 
Published: September 2014

Cyanophora is an important glaucophyte genus of unicellular biflagellates that may have retained ancestral features of photosynthetic eukaryotes. The nuclear genome of Cyanophora was recently sequenced, but taxonomic studies of more than two strains are lacking for this genus. Furthermore, no study has used molecular methods to taxonomically delineate Cyanophora species. Here, we delimited the species of Cyanophora using light and electron microscopy, combined with molecular data from several globally distributed strains, including one newly established. Using a light microscope, we identified two distinct morphological groups: one with ovoid to ellipsoidal vegetative cells and another with dorsoventrally flattened or broad, bean‐shaped vegetative cells containing duplicated plastids. Our light and scanning electron microscopy clearly distinguished three species with ovoid to ellipsoidal cells (C. paradoxa Korshikov, C. cuspidata Tos.Takah. & Nozaki sp. nov., and C. kugrensii Tos.Takah. & Nozaki sp. nov.) and two species with broad, bean‐shaped cells (C. biloba Kugrens, B.L.Clay, C.J.Mey. & R.E.Lee and C. sudae Tos.Takah. & Nozaki sp. nov.) based on differences in cell shape and surface ornamentations of the vegetative cells under the field‐emission scanning electron microscope. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of P700 chl a apoprotein A2 (psaB) genes and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA), as well as a comparison of secondary structures of nuclear rDNA ITS‐2 and genetic distances of psaB genes, supported the delineation of five morphological species of Cyanophora.
Time‐dependent effects of transcription‐ and translation‐halting drugs on the spatial distributions of the Escherichia coli chromosome and ribosomes
Authors: Bakshi Somenath , Choi Heejun , Mondal Jagannath , Weisshaar James C. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryPreviously observed effects of rifampicin and chloramphenicol indicate that transcription and translation activity strongly affect the coarse spatial organization of the bacterial cytoplasm. Single‐cell, time‐resolved, quantitative imaging of chromosome and ribosome spatial distributions and ribosome diffusion in live Escherichia coli provides insight into the underlying mechanisms. Monte Carlo simulations of model DNA‐ribosome mixtures support a novel nucleoid‐ribosome mixing hypothesis. In normal conditions, 70S‐polysomes and the chromosomal DNA segregate, while 30S and 50S ribosomal subunits are able to penetrate the nucleoids. Growth conditions and drug treatments determine the partitioning of ribosomes into 70S‐polysomes versus free 30S and 50S subunits. Entropic and excluded volume effects then dictate the resulting chromosome and ribosome spatial distributions. Direct observation of radial contraction of the nucleoids 0–5 min after treatment with either transcription‐ or translation‐halting drugs supports the hypothesis that simultaneous transcription, translation, and insertion of proteins into the membrane (‘transertion’) exerts an expanding force on the chromosomal DNA. Breaking of the DNA‐RNA polymerase‐mRNA‐ribosome‐membrane chain in either of two ways causes similar nucleoid contraction on a similar timescale. We suggest that chromosomal expansion due to transertion enables co‐transcriptional translation throughout the nucleoids.
Spatiotemporal organization of standing postprandial contractions in the distal ileum of the anesthetized pig
Authors: Janssen P. W. M. , Lentle R. G. , Chambers P. , Reynolds G. W. , De Loubens C. , Hulls C. M. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundSpatiotemporal (ST) mapping has mainly been applied to ex vivo preparations of the gut. We report the results of ST mapping of the spontaneous and remifentanil‐induced motility of circular and longitudinal muscles of the distal ileum in the postprandial anaesthetized pig.MethodsSpatiotemporal maps of strain rate were derived from image sequences of an exteriorized loop of ileum on a superfusion tray at laparotomy. Parameters were obtained by direct measurement from these maps, and by auto‐ and cross‐correlation of map segments.Key ResultsLocalized domains of standing longitudinal and circular activity that alternated between neighboring domains occurred spontaneously and both were promptly extinguished following intraluminal dosage with lidocaine. Longitudinal or circular contractions within a domain typically occurred at times that would coincide with every second or third cycle of the slow wave but propagated within the domain at a rate consistent with that reported within spike patches. Shortly after intravenous administration of remifentanil, longitudinal and circular contractions at the reported slow wave frequency propagated over longer distances at a high speed before slowing to a rate similar to that reported for slow waves.Conclusions & InferencesST mapping based on cross‐correlation is a robust tool for the analysis of intestinal movement and minimizing movement artefacts. We propose that the ST pattern of standing longitudinal and circular contractions arises from variation in the refractory period of smooth muscle, and hence, in its response to successive slow waves with neural stimuli influencing the former and having a mainly permissive role.
Coexistence of neuroblastoma detected on staging of Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: Shiohama Tadashi , Ochiai Hidemasa , Hishiki Tomoro , Yoshida Hideo , Kohno Yoichi 
Published: September 2014

AbstractLangerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare proliferative disease accompanied by the accumulation of pathological Langerhans cells, which often spreads into multi‐site and multi‐organ systems. We here describe a girl with a history of Kawasaki disease and cervical lymphadenopathy who presented with occipital LCH. Adrenal tumor was detected on staging evaluation of LCH and was diagnosed as neuroblastoma on resection using laparoscopic surgery. Neither tumor relapsed following chemotherapy for LCH and resection of neuroblastoma. Although LCH often spreads into multi‐organ lesions, invasive biopsy may be needed for tumors with atypical localization for LCH in consideration of the synchronous occurrence of malignancies.
First pediatric case of Chromobacterium haemolyticum causing proctocolitis
Authors: Tanpowpong Pornthep , Charoenmuang Rarong , Apiwattanakul Nopporn 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBloody diarrhea in children is usually due to either infectious or inflammatory etiology, but infection is far more common than inflammatory bowel disease in children worldwide. If, however, the patient has unfavorable response to antibiotics and a definite infectious agent has yet to be identified; colonoscopy should be performed. The current patient presented with acute onset of mucous bloody diarrhea. Stool culture was initially identified as Vibrio mimicus and later identified as Aeromonas schubertii but the biochemistry did not fit well with either organism. After a prolonged course of hematochezia despite i.v. antibiotics, colonoscopy was performed that showed inflammation in the rectosigmoid area. Meanwhile, the final biochemistry tests and 16s rRNA sequencing of the organism confirmed Chromobacterium haemolyticum infection. Twelve weeks after the initial colonoscopy, repeat colonoscopy showed post‐infectious colitis. Herein we report on the first pediatric case of C. haemolyticum infection causing proctocolitis.
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia: Rare cause of meningitis
Authors: Correia Cátia Rodrigues , Ferreira Sara Tavares , Nunes Paula 
Published: September 2014

AbstractStenotrophomonas maltophilia is a Gram‐negative bacillus, which is an extremely rare cause of meningitis. To our knowledge, there are only five previous pediatrics cases. Here, we describe the case of a 4‐year‐old boy who developed meningitis associated with this organism, after several neurosurgical procedures and previous treatment with a broad‐spectrum antibiotic. He was treated successfully with a combination of trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole, ceftazidime and levofloxacin. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia should be considered as a potential cause of meningitis, especially among severely debilitated or immunosuppressed patients. Antimicrobial therapy is complicated by the high resistance of the organism to multiple antibiotics.
Incidence of death from congenital toxoplasmosis in 0–4‐year‐old children in Japan
Authors: Hoshino Tatsuji , Kita Masato , Imai Yukihiro , Yamakawa Masaru 
Published: September 2014

AbstractCongenital toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii. The incidence of death due to congenital toxoplasmosis in Japan from 1974 to 2007 was calculated using the autopsy database of the Japanese Society of Pathology and vital statistics from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Two neonatal deaths due to congenital toxoplasmosis were reported during that time. As there were 161 195 neonatal deaths during this period and 32 465 autopsies were performed, the yearly neonatal death from congenital toxoplasmosis was calculated as 2 × 161 195/32 465/34 = 0.29 and the autopsy rate as 32 465/161 195 = 0.2014 (20.14%). The calculated number of annual deaths in infants was 0.82 and in children aged 1–4 years it was 2.09; thus, although few, deaths from congenital toxoplasmosis do still occur in neonates, infants, and young children. Therefore, obstetricians and pediatricians should be aware of the potential for congenital toxoplasmosis, and pregnant women should make every effort to avoid T. gondii infection.
Novel mutation in the TMPRSS6 gene with iron‐refractory iron deficiency anemia
Authors: Kodama Koya , Noguchi Atsuko , Adachi Hiroyuki , Hebiguchi Miwa , Yano Michihiro , Takahashi Tsutomu 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIron‐refractory iron deficiency anemia (IRIDA) is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by congenital hypochromic microcytic anemia, low transferrin saturation, low serum iron, normal–high serum ferritin, and increased hepcidin. This disease is caused by loss‐of‐function mutations in TMPRSS6 that lead to high hepcidin and result in severe anemia. We report our experience with an 11‐year‐old Japanese girl with hypochromic microcytic anemia, low serum iron, and high serum ferritin, with anemia that was refractory to the oral iron that was prescribed frequently from early childhood. Presence of high hepcidin suggested a diagnosis of IRIDA, which was eventually confirmed by identification of a novel homozygous mutation, p.Pro354Leu, in the TMPRSS6 gene. This case suggests that serum hepcidin should be routinely measured for differential diagnosis when patients with IDA are unresponsive to oral iron or have unusual clinical features.
Unrelated cord blood and bone marrow transplantation in pediatric leukemia
Authors: Arakawa Yuki , Kato Motohiro , Koh Katsuyoshi , Hanada Ryoji 
Published: September 2014

AbstractTo investigate the role of cord blood as an alternative stem cell source for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for pediatric acute leukemia, we retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of 35 unrelated cord blood transplantations (UCBT) and 56 unrelated bone marrow transplantations (UBMT) with myeloablative conditioning. The 5 year overall survival (OS) probability was 49.8% (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 35.6–62.4%) for UBMT and 53.8% (95%CI: 34.0–70.1%) for UCBT (P = 0.92). The 5 year event‐free survival (EFS) probability was 47.3% (33.6–59.8%) for UBMT and 33.0% (15.9–51.2%) for UCBT (P = 0.38). OS and EFS were not significantly different between the groups. On multivariate analysis there was no significant difference between the groups. In conclusion, UCBT can have a role as important as that of UBMT in pediatric acute leukemia.
An alternatively spliced heat shock transcription factor, OsHSFA2dI, functions in the heat stress‐induced unfolded protein response in rice
Authors: Cheng Q. , Zhou Y. , Liu Z. , Zhang L. , Song G. , Guo Z. , Wang W. , Qu X. , Zhu Y. , Yang D. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAs sessile organisms, plants have evolved a wide range of defence pathways to cope with environmental stress such as heat shock. However, the molecular mechanism of these defence pathways remains unclear in rice. In this study, we found that OsHSFA2d, a heat shock transcriptional factor, encodes two main splice variant proteins, OsHSFA2dI and OsHSFA2dII in rice. Under normal conditions, OsHSFA2dII is the dominant but transcriptionally inactive spliced form. However, when the plant suffers heat stress, OsHSFA2d is alternatively spliced into a transcriptionally active form, OsHSFA2dI, which participates in the heat stress response (HSR). Further study found that this alternative splicing was induced by heat shock rather than photoperiod. We found that OsHSFA2dI is localised to the nucleus, whereas OsHSFA2dII is localised to the nucleus and cytoplasm. Moreover, expression of the unfolded protein response (UNFOLDED PROTEIN RESPONSE) sensors, OsIRE1, OsbZIP39/OsbZIP60 and the UNFOLDED PROTEIN RESPONSE marker OsBiP1, was up‐regulated. Interestingly, OsbZIP50 was also alternatively spliced under heat stress, indicating that UNFOLDED PROTEIN RESPONSE signalling pathways were activated by heat stress to re‐establish cellular protein homeostasis. We further demonstrated that OsHSFA2dI participated in the unfolded protein response by regulating expression of OsBiP1.
Occurrence and induction of a ultraviolet‐absorbing substance in the cyanobacterium Fischerella muscicola TISTR8215
Authors: Rastogi Rajesh P. , Incharoensakdi Aran 
Published: September 2014

SummaryThe filamentous cyanobacterium Fischerella muscicola TISTR8215 was tested for the presence of ultraviolet (UV)‐absorbing mycosporine‐like amino acids (MAAs) and their induction by UV radiation. Reverse‐phase high performance liquid chromatographic coupled with photodiode‐array detection studies revealed the presence of a MAA having an absorption maximum at 332 nm and a retention time of around 16.1 min. Based on absorption maximum, the compound was designated as M‐332. This is the first report for the occurrence of a MAA and its inducibility as influenced by UV radiation in Fischerella strains studied so far. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) had no significant impact on MAA induction. PAR + UV‐A radiation significantly induced the synthesis of M‐332; however, PAR + UV‐A + UV‐B radiation conferred highest impact on MAA synthesis. The cultures exposed to alternate light and dark conditions showed the induction of M‐332 synthesis mostly during the light period in contrast to the decreased levels of M‐322 during the dark period suggesting a circadian induction of its synthesis. Overall results indicate that F. muscicola may protect itself from deleterious short wavelength UV radiation by synthesizing the photoprotective compounds particularly during summer time in its natural brightly‐lit habitats.
Effects of Flunixin Meglumine and Prostaglandin F2αTreatments on the Development and Quality of Bovine EmbryosIn Vitro
Authors: Kim S‐S , Bang J‐I , Fakruzzaman M , Lee K‐L , Ko D‐H , Ghanem N , Wang Z , Kong I‐K 
Published: September 2014

ContentsAssisted reproduction procedures, such as embryo transfer (ET) and artificial insemination (AI), in cattle could induce the secretion of prostaglandin F2‐alpha (PGF2α) from uterine horns which may in turn interrupt embryo development and implantation. This study investigated the effect of flunixin meglumine (FM), prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2α) andFMcombined withPGF2αsupplementation in culture medium (IVC‐II) on the development and quality ofin vitroproduced bovine embryos. The development rate of embryos was significantly higher in theFMgroup (33.3%) than in control (24.3%),PGF2α(23.9%) andFM + PGF2αgroups (24.5%). The percentage of hatched blastocysts was also higher (p < 0.05) in theFMgroup (41.2%) than in the control (27.8%) andPGF2αgroups (19.8%). While, there was no significant difference in total cell number in all experimental groups, the number of apoptotic cells was significantly higher in thePGF2αgroup (8.2 ± 6.6) than in the control (4.7 ± 3.2),FM(4.7 ± 2.5) andFM + PGF2α(4.9 ± 3.4) groups. Detected by real‐timePCR, secreted vesicle seminal protein 1 (SSLP1) and prostaglandin G/H synthase 2 (PTGS2) gene expression decreased (p < 0.05) in thePGF2αgroup. However,SSLP1 andPTGS2 gene expression in theFM + PGF2αgroup returned to their baseline levels, similar to the control andFMgroups. Caspase 3 (CAPS3) gene expression increased in thePGF2αgroup compared with other groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, addition ofFMin vitroculture significantly improved embryo development as well as alleviated the negative impact ofPGF2α.
Fertility of a High‐Altitude Sheep Model is Compromised by Deficiencies in Both Preovulatory Follicle Development and Plasma LH Availability
Authors: Parraguez VH , Diaz F , Cofré E , Urquieta B , De Los Reyes M , Astiz S , Gonzalez‐Bulnes A 
Published: September 2014

ContentsAt high altitude, hypoxia and/or oxidative stress may compromise fertility. This study tested the relative effect of short‐ or long‐term exposure to high‐altitude hypobaric hypoxia and oxidative stress in sheep on preovulatory follicle dynamics and gonadotrophin secretion. Thus, growth dynamics, stereidogenic function and competence to ovulate of preovulatory follicles, as well as FSH and LH availability throughout the entire oestrous cycle, were compared among sheep native from low and high altitude, and sheep newcomers to high altitude. The results indicates that short‐term exposure in sheep newcomers to high altitude has a deleterious effect on both the ovarian function (affecting preovulatory follicular development) and the pituitary function (diminishing plasma LH availability). On the other hand, there were no detected differences in the preovulatory follicular development in sheep adapted to high altitude for generations and, conversely, LH secretion was increased, which suggests an adaptive mechanism. The treatment with antioxidant agents during a relative short period for the time of folliculogenesis (approximately 1 month and a half) changed substantially the development of preovulatory follicles in short‐term exposed sheep to similar patterns than in sheep native and living to both high and low altitude. These results highlight the role of oxidative stress in the detriment of the reproductive function in individuals recently exposed to high‐altitude hypoxic environment.
Accurate Ultrasonographic Prediction of Progesterone Concentrations Greater than 1 ng/ml in Holstein lactating dairy cows
Authors: Kaneko K , Takagi N 
Published: September 2014

ContentsTo develop an ultrasonographic assay for determining plasma progesterone concentration (P4) as < 1 ng/ml or ≥ 1 ng/ml, the corpus luteum (CL) area and P4 were measured in 1094 multiparous Holstein cows. The area‐measuring function and frozen images were used to outline and measure CL imaged via ultrasonography, and CL area was estimated as a polygon of a continuation straight line. A significant correlation was found between CL area and P4 (p < 0.001), and this analysis resulted in the following correlation equation: y = −0.35 + 1.02x (r = 0.81). According to the correlation equation, a CL area of 1.3 cm2 indicated a P4 of 1 ng/ml. Based on this relationship, each animal was categorized into one of six groups, groups differed based on CL area, and the area ranges were as follows: < 1.3 cm2 (Group A), 1.3–2.2 cm2 (Group B), 2.3–3.2 cm2 (Group C), 3.3–4.2 cm2 (Group D), 4.3–5.2 cm2 (Group E) and > 5.2 cm2 (Group F). For each group, the proportion of cows whose P4 was 1 ng/ml or more was 1.5% in Group A, 83.3% in Group B, 76.6% in Group C, 96.6% in Group D, 99.2% in Group E and 100% in Group F. There was a significant difference between Group A and the other five groups, and between Groups B or C and Groups D, E or F (p < 0.005). These results indicate that a functional CL does not exist when the CL area is less than 1.3 cm2 and that it exists when the CL area is 3.3 cm2 or more.