bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hypolipidemic effects of lactic acid bacteria fermented cereal in rats
Authors: Banjoko Immaculata Oyeyemi , Adeyanju Muinat Moronke , Ademuyiwa Oladipo , Adebawo Olugbenga Obajimi , Olalere Rahman Abiodun , Kolawole Martin Oluseye , Adegbola Ibrahim Akorede , Adesanmi Tope Adebusola , Oladunjoye Tosin Oluyinka , Ogunnowo Adeyemi Adeola , Shorinola Ahmeed Adekola , Daropale Oluwasetemi , Babatope Esther Bunmi , Osibogun Adeboye Olufemi , Ogunfowokan Deborah Tolulope , Jentegbe Temitope Adeola , Apelehin Tinuola Gbemi , Ogunnowo Oluwaseyi , Olokodana Oluwanifemi , Fetuga Falilat Yetunde , Omitola Morenike , Okafor Linda Adugo , Ebohon Catherine Lohi , Ita James Oluwafemi , Disu Kazeem Ayoola , Ogherebe Omokaro , Eriobu Stella Uche , Bakare Anthony Alaba 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
The objectives of the present study were to investigate the efficacy of the mixed culture of Lactobacillus acidophilus (DSM 20242), Bifidobacterium bifidum (DSM 20082) and Lactobacillus helveticus (CK60) in the fermentation of maize and the evaluation of the effect of the fermented meal on the lipid profile of rats.

Methods
Rats were randomly assigned to 3 groups and each group placed on a Diet A (high fat diet into which a maize meal fermented with a mixed culture of Lb acidophilus (DSM 20242), B bifidum (DSM 20082) and Lb helveticus (CK 60) was incorporated), B (unfermented high fat diet) or C (commercial rat chow) respectively after the first group of 7 rats randomly selected were sacrificed to obtain the baseline data. Thereafter 7 rats each from the experimental and control groups were sacrificed weekly for 4 weeks and the plasma, erythrocytes, lipoproteins and organs of the rats were assessed for cholesterol, triglyceride and phospholipids.

Results
Our results revealed that the mixed culture of Lb acidophilus (DSM 20242), B bifidum (DSM 20082) and Lb helveticus (CK 60) were able to grow and ferment maize meal into ‘ogi’ of acceptable flavour. In addition to plasma and hepatic hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia, phospholipidosis in plasma, as well as cholesterogenesis, triglyceride constipation and phospholipidosis in extra-hepatic tissues characterized the consumption of unfermented hyperlipidemic diets. However, feeding the animals with the fermented maize diet reversed the dyslipidemia.

Conclusion
The findings of this study indicate that consumption of mixed culture lactic acid bacteria (Lb acidophilus (DSM 20242), Bifidobacterium bifidum (DSM 20082) and Lb helveticus (CK 60) fermented food results in the inhibition of fat absorption. It also inhibits the activity of HMG CoA reductase. This inhibition may be by feedback inhibition or repression of the transcription of the gene encoding the enzyme via activation of the sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP) transcription factor. It is also possible that consumption of fermented food enhances conversion of cholesterol to bile acids by activating cholesterol-7α-hydroxylase.
Sleeve lobectomy versus pneumonectomy for non-small cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Shi Woda , Zhang Wei , Sun Haoliang , Shao Yongfeng 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Aim
It is controversial that whether sleeve lobectomy (SL) should be promoted more worthy than pneumonectomy (PN) in suitable patients.

Methods
We searched all studies that had been published in English from PUBMED and Embase which compared the short-term and long-term outcomes of SL and pneumonectomy (PN) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Results
Nineteen studies met our criteria with a combined total of 3878 subjects, of which 1316 (33.9%) underwent SL and 2562 (66.1%) underwent PN. The odds ratio was 0.50 (95% CI: 0.34-0.72) for postoperative mortality, 1.17 (95% CI: 0.82-1.67) for postoperative complications, 0.78 (95% CI: 0.47-1.29) for locoregional recurrences. The risk difference for 1-, 3-, 5- year was 0.11 (95% CI: 0.07-0.14), 0.15 (95% CI: 0.06-0.24), 0.15 (95% CI: 0.09-0.20),respectively. The pooled hazard ratio was 0.63 (95% CI: 0.56-0.71) in favor of SL group.

Conclusion
SL is more worthy to be done than PN in suitable patients with less mortality and better long-term survival.
Optimization of Acid Black 172 decolorization by electrocoagulation using response surface methodology
Authors: Taheri Mahsa , Moghaddam Mohammad Reza Alavi , Arami Mokhtar 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
This paper utilizes a statistical approach, the response surface optimization methodology, to determine the optimum conditions for the Acid Black 172 dye removal efficiency from aqueous solution by electrocoagulation. The experimental parameters investigated were initial pH: 4–10; initial dye concentration: 0–600 mg/L; applied current: 0.5-3.5 A and reaction time: 3–15 min. These parameters were changed at five levels according to the central composite design to evaluate their effects on decolorization through analysis of variance. High R2 value of 94.48% shows a high correlation between the experimental and predicted values and expresses that the second-order regression model is acceptable for Acid Black 172 dye removal efficiency. It was also found that some interactions and squares influenced the electrocoagulation performance as well as the selected parameters. Optimum dye removal efficiency of 90.4% was observed experimentally at initial pH of 7, initial dye concentration of 300 mg/L, applied current of 2 A and reaction time of 9.16 min, which is close to model predicted (90%) result.
Endotoxin- and ATP-neutralizing activity of alkaline phosphatase as a strategy to limit neuroinflammation
Authors: Huizinga Ruth , Kreft Karim L , Onderwater Sabina , Boonstra Joke G , Brands Ruud , Hintzen Rogier Q , Laman Jon D 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Alkaline phosphatase (AP) is a ubiquitously expressed enzyme which can neutralize endotoxin as well as adenosine triphosphate (ATP), an endogenous danger signal released during brain injury. In this study we assessed a potential therapeutic role for AP in inhibiting neuroinflammation using three complementary approaches.

Methods
Mice were immunized to induce experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and treated with AP for seven days during different phases of disease. In addition, serological assays to determine AP activity, endotoxin levels and endotoxin-reactive antibodies were performed in a cohort of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and controls. Finally, the expression of AP and related enzymes CD39 and CD73 was investigated in brain tissue from MS patients and control subjects.

Results
AP administration during the priming phase, but not during later stages, of EAE significantly reduced neurological signs. This was accompanied by reduced proliferation of splenocytes to the immunogen, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide. In MS patients, AP activity and isoenzyme distribution were similar to controls. Although endotoxin-reactive IgM was reduced in primary-progressive MS patients, plasma endotoxin levels were not different between groups. Finally, unlike AP and CD73, CD39 was highly upregulated on microglia in white matter lesions of patients with MS.

Conclusions
Our findings demonstrate that: 1) pre-symptomatic AP treatment reduces neurological signs of EAE; 2) MS patients do not have altered circulating levels of AP or endotoxin; and 3) the expression of the AP-like enzyme CD39 is increased on microglia in white matter lesions of MS patients.
Defective pro-IL-1β responses in macrophages from aged mice
Authors: Ramirez Alejandro , Rathinam Vijay , Fitzgerald Katherine A , Golenbock Douglas T , Mathew Anuja 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Cytokines regulated by the inflammasome pathway have been extensively implicated in various age-related immune pathologies. We set out to elucidate the contribution of the nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway to the previously described deficiencies in IL-1β production by macrophages from aged mice. We examined the production of pro-IL-1β and its conversion into IL-1β as two separate steps and compared these cytokine responses in bone marrow derived macrophages from young (6–8 weeks) and aged (18–24 months) C57BL/6 mice.

Findings
Relative to macrophages from young mice, macrophages from aged mice produced less pro-IL-1β after TLR4 stimulation with LPS. However upon activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome with ATP, macrophages from young and aged mice were able to efficiently convert and secrete intracellular pro-cytokines as functional cytokines.

Conclusions
Lower levels of IL-1β production are a result of slower and lower overall production of pro-IL-1β in macrophages from aged mice.
Identification of a 3-aminoimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine inhibitor of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase
Authors: Elleder Daniel , Baiga Thomas J , Russell Rebecca L , Naughton John A , Hughes Stephen H , Noel Joseph P , Young John AT 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Despite the effectiveness of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), there remains an urgent need to develop new human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) inhibitors with better pharmacokinetic properties that are well tolerated, and that block common drug resistant virus strains.

Methods
Here we screened an in-house small molecule library for novel inhibitors of HIV-1 replication.

Results
An active compound containing a 3-aminoimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine scaffold was identified and quantitatively characterized as a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI).

Conclusions
The potency of this compound coupled with its inexpensive chemical synthesis and tractability for downstream SAR analysis make this inhibitor a suitable lead candidate for further development as an antiviral drug.
Synthesis of some potent immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory metabolites by fungal transformation of anabolic steroid oxymetholone
Authors: Khan Naik Tameen , Bibi Marium , Yousuf Sammer , Qureshi Izhar Husain , Atta-ur-Rahman  , Al-Majid Abdullah Mohammad , Mesaik Muhammad Ahmed , Khalid Ahmed Shukralla , Sattar Samina A , Atia-tul-Wahab  , Choudhary M Iqbal 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Biotransformation of organic compounds by using microbial whole cells provides an efficient approach to obtain novel analogues which are often difficult to synthesize chemically. In this manuscript, we report for the first time the microbial transformation of a synthetic anabolic steroidal drug, oxymetholone, by fungal cell cultures.

Results
Incubation of oxymetholone (1) with Macrophomina phaseolina, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifer, and Fusarium lini produced 17β-hydroxy-2-(hydroxy-methyl)-17α-methyl-5α-androstan-1-en-3-one (2), 2α,17α-di(hydroxyl-methyl)-5α-androstan-3β,17β-diol (3), 17α-methyl-5α-androstan-2α,3β,17β-triol (4), 17β-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-17α-methyl-androst-1,4-dien-3-one (5), 17β-hydroxy-2α-(hydroxy-methyl)-17α-methyl-5α-androstan-3-one (6), and 2α-(hydroxymethyl)-17α-methyl-5α-androstan-3β-17β-diol (7). Their structures were deduced by spectral analyses, as well as single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Compounds 2–5 were identified as the new metabolites of 1. The immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities and cytotoxicity of compounds 1–7 were evaluated by observing their effects on T-cell proliferation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and normal cell growth in MTT assays, respectively. These compounds showed immunosuppressant effect in the T-cell proliferation assay with IC50 values between 31.2 to 2.7 μg/mL, while the IC50 values for ROS inhibition, representing anti-inflammatory effect, were in the range of 25.6 to 2.0 μg/mL. All the compounds were found to be non-toxic in a cell-based cytotoxicity assay.

Conclusion
Microbial transformation of oxymetholone (1) provides an efficient method for structural transformation of 1. The transformed products were obtained as a result of de novo stereoselective reduction of the enone system, isomerization of double bond, insertion of double bond and hydroxylation. The transformed products, which showed significant immunosuppressant and anti-inflammatory activities, can be further studied for their potential as novel drugs.
OsRap2.6 transcription factor contributes to rice innate immunity through its interaction with Receptor for Activated Kinase-C 1 (RACK1)
Authors: Wamaitha Mwathi Jane , Yamamoto Risa , Wong Hann Ling , Kawasaki Tsutomu , Kawano Yoji , Shimamoto Ko 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
The rice small GTPase OsRac1 is a molecular switch in rice innate immunity. The Receptor for Activated Kinase C-1 (RACK1) interacts with OsRac1 to suppress the growth of the rice blast fungus, Magnaporthe oryzae. RACK1 has two homologs in rice, RACK1A and RACK1B. Overexpressing RACK1A enhances resistance to the rice blast fungus. However, RACK1A downstream signals are largely unknown.

Results
Here, we report the identification of OsRap2.6, a transcription factor that interacts with RACK1A. We found a 94% similarity between the OsRap2.6 AP2 domain and Arabidopsis Rap2.6 (AtRap2.6). Bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays in rice protoplasts using tagged OsRap2.6 and RACK1A with the C-terminal and N-terminal fragments of Venus (Vc/Vn) indicated that OsRap2.6 and RACK1A interacted and localized in the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Moreover, OsRap2.6 and OsMAPK3/6 interacted in the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Expression of defense genes PAL1 and PBZ1 as well as OsRap2.6 was induced after chitin treatment. Disease resistance analysis using OsRap2.6 RNAi and overexpressing (Ox) plants infected with the rice blast fungus indicated that OsRap2.6 RNAi plants were highly susceptible, whereas OsRap2.6 Ox plants had an increased resistance to the compatible blast fungus.

Conclusions
OsRap2.6 contributes to rice innate immunity through its interaction with RACK1A in compatible interactions.
The 11S globulin Sin a 2 from yellow mustard seeds shows IgE cross‐reactivity with homologous counterparts from tree nuts and peanut
Authors: Sirvent Sofía , Akotenou Martial , Cuesta‐Herranz Javier , Vereda Andrea , Rodríguez Rosalía , Villalba Mayte , Palomares Oscar 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe 11S globulin Sin a 2 is a marker to predict severity of symptoms in mustard allergic patients. The potential implication of Sin a 2 in cross‐reactivity with tree nuts and peanut has not been investigated so far. In this work, we studied at the IgG and IgE level the involvement of the 11S globulin Sin a 2 in cross‐reactivity among mustard, tree nuts and peanut.MethodsEleven well‐characterized mustard‐allergic patients sensitized to Sin a 2 were included in the study. A specific anti‐Sin a 2 serum was obtained in rabbit. Skin prick tests (SPT), enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunoblotting and IgG or IgE‐inhibition immunoblotting experiments using purified Sin a 2, Sin a 1, Sin a 3, mustard, almond, hazelnut, pistachio, walnut or peanut extracts were performed.ResultsThe rabbit anti‐Sin a 2 serum showed high affinity and specificity to Sin a 2, which allowed us to demonstrate that Sin a 2 shares IgG epitopes with allergenic 11S globulins from tree nuts (almond, hazelnut, pistachio and walnut) but not from peanut. All the patients included in the study had positive skin prick test to tree nuts and/or peanut and we subdivided them into two different groups according to their clinical symptoms after ingestion of such allergenic sources. We showed that 11S globulins contain conserved IgE epitopes involved in cross‐reactivity among mustard, tree nuts and peanut as well as species‐specific IgE epitopes.ConclusionsThe allergenic 11S globulin Sin a 2 from mustard is involved in cross‐reactivity at the IgE level with tree nuts and peanut. Although the clinical relevance of the cross‐reactive IgE epitopes present in 11S globulins needs to be investigated in further detail, our results contribute to improve the diagnosis and management of mustard allergic patients sensitized to Sin a 2.
Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of 40 mg/day of atorvastatin in reducing the severity of sepsis in ward patients (ASEPSIS Trial)
Authors: Patel Jaimin M , Snaith Catherine , Thickett David R , Linhartova Lucie , Melody Teresa , Hawkey Peter , Barnett Anthony H , Jones Alan , Hong Tan , Cooke Matthew W , Perkins Gavin D , Gao Fang 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Several observational studies suggest that statins modulate the pathophysiology of sepsis and may prevent its progression. The aim of this study was to determine if the acute administration of atorvastatin reduces sepsis progression in statin naïve patients hospitalized with sepsis.

Methods
A single centre phase II randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Patients with sepsis were randomized to atorvastatin 40 mg daily or placebo for the duration of their hospital stay up to a maximum of 28-days. The primary end-point was the rate of sepsis progressing to severe sepsis during hospitalization.

Results
100 patients were randomized, 49 to the treatment with atorvastatin and 51 to placebo. Patients in the atorvastatin group had a significantly lower conversion rate to severe sepsis compared to placebo (4% vs. 24% p = 0.007.), with a number needed to treat of 5. No significant difference in length of hospital stay, critical care unit admissions, 28-day and 12-month readmissions or mortality was observed. Plasma cholesterol and albumin creatinine ratios were significantly lower at day 4 in the atorvastatin group (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.049 respectively). No difference in adverse events between the two groups was observed (p = 0.238).

Conclusions
Acute administration of atorvastatin in patients with sepsis may prevent sepsis progression. Further multi-centre trials are required to verify these findings.

Trial Registration
International Standard Randomized Control Trial Registry ISRCTN64637517.
Seismic attenuation from recordings of ambient noise
Authors: Weemstra Cornelis , Boschi Lapo , Goertz Alexander , Artman Brad 
Published: December 2012

We applied seismic interferometry to data from an ocean-bottom survey offshore Norway and found that ambient seismic noise can be used to constrain subsurface attenuation on a reservoir scale. By crosscorrelating only a few days of recordings by broadband ocean bottom seismometers, we were able to retrieve empirical Green’s functions associated with surface waves in the frequency range between 0.2 and 0.6 Hz and acoustic waves traveling through the sea water between 1.0 and 2.5 Hz. We discovered that the decay of these surface waves cannot be explained by geometrical spreading alone and required an additional loss of energy with distance. We quantified this observed attenuation in the frequency domain using a modified Bessel function to describe the cross-spectrum in a stationary field. We averaged cross-spectra of equally spaced station couples and sorted these azimuthally averaged cross-spectra with distance. We then obtained frequency-dependent estimates of attenuation by minimizing the misfit of the real parts to a damped Bessel function. The resulting quality factors as function of frequency are indicative of the depth variation of attenuation and correlated with the geology in the survey area.
Increased levels of reduced cytochrome b and mitophagy components are required to trigger nonspecific autophagy following induced mitochondrial dysfunction
Authors: Deffieu Maika , Bhatia-Kiššová Ingrid , Salin Bénédicte , Klionsky Daniel J. , Pinson Benoît , Manon Stéphen , Camougrand Nadine 
Published: December 2012

Summary
Mitochondria are essential organelles producing most of the energy required for the cell. A selective autophagic process called mitophagy removes damaged mitochondria, which is critical for proper cellular homeostasis; dysfunctional mitochondria can generate excess reactive oxygen species that can further damage the organelle as well as other cellular components. Although proper cell physiology requires the maintenance of a healthy pool of mitochondria, little is known about the mechanism underlying the recognition and selection of damaged organelles. In this study, we investigated the cellular fate of mitochondria damaged by the action of respiratory inhibitors (antimycin A, myxothiazol, KCN) that act on mitochondrial respiratory complexes III and IV, but have different effects with regard to the production of reactive oxygen species and increased levels of reduced cytochromes. Antimycin A and potassium cyanide effectively induced nonspecific autophagy, but not mitophagy, in a wild-type strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae; however, low or no autophagic activity was measured in strains deficient for genes that encode proteins involved in mitophagy, including ATG32, ATG11 and BCK1. These results provide evidence for a major role of specific mitophagy factors in the control of a general autophagic cellular response induced by mitochondrial alteration. Moreover, increased levels of reduced cytochrome b, one of the components of the respiratory chain, could be the first signal of this induction pathway.
N-terminal truncation of Lats1 causes abnormal cell growth control and chromosomal instability
Authors: Yabuta Norikazu , Mukai Satomi , Okamoto Ayumi , Okuzaki Daisuke , Suzuki Hirokazu , Torigata Kosuke , Yoshida Kaori , Okada Nobuhiro , Miura Daisaku , Ito Akihiko , Ikawa Masahito , Okabe Masaru , Nojima Hiroshi 
Published: December 2012

Summary
The tumor suppressors Lats1 and Lats2 are mediators of the Hippo pathway that regulates tissue growth and proliferation. Their N-terminal non-kinase regions are distinct except for Lats conserved domains 1 and 2 (LCD1 and LCD2), which may be important for Lats1/2-specific functions. Lats1 knockout mice were generated by disrupting the N-terminal region containing LCD1 (Lats1ΔN/ΔN). Some Lats1ΔN/ΔN mice were born safely and grew normally. However, mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) from Lats1ΔN/ΔN mice displayed mitotic defects, centrosomal overduplication, chromosomal misalignment, multipolar spindle formation, chromosomal bridging and cytokinesis failure. They also showed anchorage-independent growth and continued cell cycles and cell growth, bypassing cell-cell contact inhibition similar to tumor cells. Lats1ΔN/ΔN MEFs produced tumors in nude mice after subcutaneous injection, although the tumor growth rate was much slower than that of ordinary cancer cells. Yap, a key transcriptional coactivator of the Hippo pathway, was overexpressed and stably retained in Lats1ΔN/ΔN MEFs in a cell density independent manner, and Lats2 mRNA expression was downregulated. In conclusion, N-terminally truncated Lats1 induced Lats2 downregulation and Yap protein accumulation, leading to chromosomal instability and tumorigenesis.