bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Escherichia coli divisome: born to divide
Authors: Natale Paolo , Pazos Manuel , Vicente Miguel 
Published: August 2013

SummarySeptation in Escherichia coli involves complex molecular mechanisms that contribute to the accuracy of bacterial division. The proto‐ring, a complex made up by the FtsZ, FtsA and ZipA proteins, forms at the beginning of the process and directs the assembly of the full divisome. Central to this complex is the FtsZ protein, a GTPase able to assemble into a ring‐like structure that responds to several modulatory inputs including mechanisms to position the septum at midcell. The connection with the cell wall synthesising machinery stabilizes the constriction of the cytoplasmic membrane. Although a substantial amount of evidence supports this description, many details on how individual divisome elements are structured or how they function are subjected to controversial interpretations. We discuss these discrepancies arising from incomplete data and from technical difficulties imposed by the small size of bacteria. Future work, including more powerful imaging and reconstruction technologies, will help to clarify the missing details on the architecture and function of the bacterial division machinery.
Identification and characterization of two novel toxins expressed by the lethal honey bee pathogen Paenibacillus larvae, the causative agent of American foulbrood
Authors: Fünfhaus Anne , Poppinga Lena , Genersch Elke 
Published: August 2013

SummaryPaenibacillus larvae is a Gram‐positive bacterial pathogen causing the epizootic American foulbrood in honey bee larvae. Four so‐called enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC) genotypes of P. larvae exist with P. larvae genotypes ERIC I and ERIC II being responsible for disease outbreaks all over the world. Very few molecular data on the pathogen, on pathogenesis or on virulence factors exist. We now identified two genomic loci in P. larvae ERIC I coding for two binary AB toxins, Plx1 and Plx2. In silico analyses revealed that Plx1 is the third member of an enigmatic family of AB toxins so far only comprising MTX1 of Lysinibacillus sphaericus and pierisin‐like toxins expressed by several butterflies. Plx2 is also remarkable because the A‐domain is highly similar to C3 exoenzymes, which normally are single domain proteins, while the B‐domain is homologous to B‐domains of C2‐toxins. We constructed P. larvae mutants lacking expression of Plx1, Plx2 or both toxins and demonstrated that these toxins are important virulence factors for P. larvae ERIC I.
Phylogeny and phenotypes of clinical and environmental Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli O174
Authors: Zhang Wenlan , Nadirk Julia , Kossow Annelene , Bielaszewska Martina , Leopold Shana R. , Witten Anika , Fruth Angelika , Karch Helge , Ammon Andrea , Mellmann Alexander 
Published: August 2013

SummaryShiga toxin (Stx)‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) of serogroup O174 are human pathogenic intimin gene (eae)‐negative STEC. To facilitate diagnosis and subtyping, we genotypically and phenotypically characterized 25 STEC O174 isolates from humans with different clinical outcomes and from animals and the environment. fliC genotyping resulted in four different genotypes (fliCH2: n = 5; fliCH8: n = 8; fliCH21: n = 11; fliCH46: n = 1). Twenty‐three strains were motile expressing the corresponding H antigen; two non‐motile isolates possessed fliCH8. The stx genotypes and non‐stx virulence loci, including toxins, serine‐proteases and adhesins correlated well with serotypes but showed no differences with respect to the isolates' origins. Multilocus sequence typing identified seven sequence types that correlated with serotypes. Core gene typing further specified the four serotypes, including a previously unknown O174:H46 combination, and revealed distant relationships of the different serotypes within serogroup O174 and in relation to other haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)‐associated STEC. Only serotype O174:H21 was associated with HUS. Differences in virulence factors and in the adherence capacity of STEC O174 corroborated this separation into four distinct groups. Our study provides a basis for O174 subtyping, unravels considerable genotypic and phenotypic heterogeneity and sheds light to potential environmental and animal reservoirs.
Is Asia Decoupling from the United States (Again)?
Authors: Leduc Sylvain , Spiegel Mark M. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe recovery from the recent global financial crisis exhibited a decline in the synchronization of Asian output with the rest of the world. However, a simple model based on output gaps demonstrates that the decline in business cycle synchronization during the recovery from the global financial crisis was exceptionally steep by historical standards. We posit two potential reasons for this exceptionally steep decline. First, financial markets during this recovery improved from particularly distressed conditions relative to previous downturns. Second, monetary policy during the recovery from the crisis was constrained in developed economies by the zero bound, but less so in Asia. To test these potential explanations, we examine the implications of an increase in corporate bond spreads similar to that which took place during the recent European financial crisis in a three‐region open‐economy dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model. Our results confirm that global business cycle synchronization is reduced when zero‐bound constraints across the world differ. However, we find that the impact of reduced financial contagion actually goes modestly against our predictions.
Capital Market Openness and Output Volatility
Authors: Hwang Kwang‐Myoung , Park Donghyun , Shin Kwanho 
Published: August 2013

AbstractIn this paper, using data from 21 advanced and 81 developing countries during 1971–2010, we empirically examine the impact of capital market openness on output volatility. We find that opening of capital markets increases the output volatility of developing countries. Furthermore, we find that the main channel through which capital market openness increases volatility is currency and external‐debt crisis. Finally, we find that while Asian countries are less likely to experience a crisis, they become even more unstable than other developing countries once a crisis occurs. Our evidence strengthens the case for caution in developing countries' opening up of their capital markets.
The Border as a Resource in the Global Urban Space: A Contribution to the Cross‐Border Metropolis Hypothesis
Authors: Sohn Christophe 
Published: August 2013

AbstractIn a globalized urban world, cross‐border metropolises represent a spatial configuration emblematic of the interplay between the space of flows and the space of places. The multiplicity of contexts and processes at work can complicate the identification of what constitutes the singularity of the concept. In order to contribute to these reflections the present article hypothesizes that the specificity of cross‐border metropolises does not fundamentally stem from the form they take or the nature of the cross‐border integration at work, but rather from the particular role played by national borders in their formation. Opening up borders offers new opportunities for border cities and urban border regions to reinforce their positions at the heart of global economic networks, and to affirm their autonomy as cross‐border regional entities. Without minimizing the possible obstructive effects of borders, it is helpful to recognize that they might also represent a resource in the composition of cross‐border metropolitan regions.
Differences in the efficacy of S‐1 monotherapy according to histological type in pretreated patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Hisamatsu Yasushi , Murakami Haruyasu , Akamatsu Hiroaki , Kimura Madoka , Mori Keita , Imai Hisao , Ono Akira , Shukuya Takehito , Taira Tetsuhiko , Kenmotsu Hirotsugu , Naito Tateaki , Endo Masahiro , Nakajima Takashi , Takahashi Toshiaki , Yamamoto Nobuyuki 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundS‐1 is a novel antimetabolic agent that inhibits thymidylate synthase. The expression of thymidylate synthase is higher in squamous (Sq) non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) than in non‐Sq NSCLC. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the efficacy of S‐1 monotherapy for advanced NSCLC according to the histological subtype.MethodsWe reviewed the clinical records of patients with advanced NSCLC treated with S‐1 monotherapy as second‐ or third‐line therapy between May 2005 and July 2012 at the Shizuoka Cancer Center.ResultsA total of 71 patients were included in this retrospective study. Patient characteristics were similar in the Sq NSCLC (n = 15) and non‐Sq NSCLC (n = 56) groups, except with regard to gender and smoking status. The overall response rates were 0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0–17%) for Sq NSCLC and 11% (95% CI 3–19%) for non‐Sq NSCLC (P = 0.33). For Sq NSCLC and non‐Sq NSCLC, the median progression‐free survival times were 2.1 and 2.8 months (P = 0.02), respectively, and the median overall survival times were 6.1 and 10.1 months (P = 0.01), respectively.ConclusionS‐1 monotherapy may be more effective in patients with non‐Sq NSCLC than in those with Sq NSCLC.
Sodium molybdate prevents hypertension and vascular prostanoid imbalance in fructose‐overloaded rats
Authors: Peredo H. A. , Andrade V. , Donoso A. S. , Lee H. J. , Puyó A. M. 
Published: August 2013

Summary

Fructose (F) overload produces elevated blood pressure (BP), hyperglycaemia, hypertriglyceridemia and insulin resistance, resembling human metabolic syndrome. Previously, we found altered vascular prostanoid (PR) production in this model.
Sodium molybdate (Mo), as well as sodium tungstate, causes insulin‐like effects and normalizes plasma glucose levels in streptozotocin‐treated diabetic rats. We studied the effects of Mo on BP, metabolic parameters and release of PR from the mesenteric vascular bed (MVB) in F‐overloaded rats.
Four groups of male Sprague‐Dawley rats were analysed: Control, tap water to drink; F, F solution 10% W/V to drink; CMo, Mo 100 mg kg day−1 and FMo, both treatments. After 9 weeks, the animals were killed and MVBs removed and the released PRs measured.
F increased BP, glycemia, triglyceridemia and insulinemia. Mo treatment prevented the increases in BP and glycemia, but did not modify triglyceridemia or insulinemia. In addition, Mo decreased BP in controls.
Prostaglandins (PG) F2alpha and E2, PG 6‐ketoF1alpha and thromboxane (TX) B2, as well as inactive metabolites of prostacyclin (PGI2) and TXA2 were detected. F decreased the production of vasodilator PRs PGI2 and PGE2 in MVB. Mo prevented these alterations and increased PGE2 in controls. Vasoconstrict or PRs PGF2alpha and TXA2 release was not modified.
Mo treatment, beyond its known lowering effect on glycemia, prevents the reduction in the vascular release of vasodilator PR observed in this model. This could be one of the mechanisms by which Mo avoids the increase in BP caused by F overload in the rat.
Chronobiology of mood disorders
Authors: Malhi G. S. , Kuiper S. 
Published: August 2013

ObjectiveAs part of a series of papers examining chronobiology [‘Getting depression clinical guidelines right: time for change?’ Kuiper et al. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2013;128(Suppl. 444):24–30; and ‘Manipulating melatonin in managing mood’ Boyce & Hopwood. ActaPsychiatrScand 2013;128(Suppl. 444):16–23], in this article, we review and synthesise the extant literature pertaining to the chronobiology of depression and provide a preliminary model for understanding the neural systems involved.MethodA selective literature search was conducted using search engines such as MEDLINE/PubMed, combining terms associated with chronobiology and mood disorders.ResultsWe propose that understanding of sleep–wake function and mood can be enhanced by simultaneously considering the circadian system, the sleep homoeostat and the core stress system, all of which are likely to be simultaneously disrupted in major mood disorders. This integrative approach is likely to allow flexible modelling of a much broader range of mood disorder presentations and phenomenology.ConclusionA preliminary multifaceted model is presented, which will require further development and testing. Future depression research should aim to examine multiple systems concurrently in order to derive a more sophisticated understanding of the underlying neurobiology.
Manipulating melatonin in managing mood
Authors: Boyce P. , Hopwood M. 
Published: August 2013

ObjectiveDisturbances in circadian rhythms have been associated with major depression and may be an underlying mechanism for the disorder. Resynchronisation of circadian rhythms may provide a new approach to treatment, especially by manipulating melatonin secretion. Melatonin is secreted at night and is a stable marker of circadian rhythms. The timing of its secretion can be changed by exogenous melatonin, agonism of specific melatonin receptors in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, its suppression by light and by sleep deprivation.MethodAs part of a series of papers [‘Chronobiology of mood disorders’ Malhi & Kuiper. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2013;128 (Suppl. 444): 2–15; and ‘Getting depression clinical practice guidelines right: time for change?’ Kuiper et al. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2013;128 (Suppl. 444): 24–30.] addressing chronobiology, in this article, we conducted a selective review of studies that have examined the antidepressant effects of exogenous melatonin, light therapy, sleep deprivation and melatonin receptor agonists.ResultsAntidepressant effects were identified for bright light therapy, especially for seasonal affective disorder; sleep deprivation, although its antidepressant effect is time limited; and for the novel antidepressant agomelatine with agonistic properties for the MT1 and MT2 receptors and antagonism of 5HT2c receptor. The role of melatonin as an antidepressant has yet to be demonstrated.ConclusionShifting the circadian secretion of melatonin using the strategies reviewed offers a new approach to treating depression.
Getting depression clinical practice guidelines right: time for change?
Authors: Kuiper S. , McLean L. , Fritz K. , Lampe L. , Malhi G. S. 
Published: August 2013

ObjectiveAs part of a series of papers [‘Chronobiology of mood disorders’ Malhi & Kuiper. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2013;128(Suppl. 444):2–15; and ‘It's time we managed depression: The emerging role of chronobiology’ Malhi et al. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2013;128(Suppl. 444):1] examining chronobiology in the context of depression, this article examines recent western clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for the treatment of depression with respect to the recommendations they make, in particular as regards chronobiological treatments, and briefly considers the implications of their methodology and approach.MethodFive international treatment guidelines, which had been published in the past 5 years, were identified, representing North American and European views. Chosen guidelines were reviewed by the authors, and the relevant recommendations were distributed for discussion and subsequent synthesis.ResultsMost current guidelines do not address chronobiology in detail. Chronotherapeutic recommendations are tentative, although agomelatine is considered as an option for major depression and bright light therapy for seasonal affective disorder. Sleep deprivation is not routinely recommended.ConclusionRecommendations are limited by the lack of reliable therapeutic markers for chronotherapeutics. Current evidence supports use of light therapy in seasonal depression, but in non‐seasonal depression there is insufficient evidence to support reliance on chronotherapeutics over existing treatment modalities.
Maternal Floor Infarction/Massive Perivillous Fibrin Deposition: A Manifestation of Maternal Antifetal Rejection?
Authors: Romero Roberto , Whitten Amy , Korzeniewski Steven J. , Than Nandor Gabor , Chaemsaithong Piya , Miranda Jezid , Dong Zhong , Hassan Sonia S. , Chaiworapongsa Tinnakorn 
Published: August 2013

ObjectiveMassive perivillous fibrin deposition (MPFD) and maternal floor infarction (MFI) are related placental lesions often associated with fetal death and fetal growth restriction. A tendency to recur in subsequent pregnancies has been reported. This study was conducted to determine whether this complication of pregnancy could reflect maternal antifetal rejection.MethodsPregnancies with MPFD were identified (n = 10). Controls consisted of women with uncomplicated pregnancies who delivered at term without MPFD (n = 175). Second‐trimester maternal plasma was analyzed for panel‐reactive anti‐HLA class I and class II antibodies. The prevalence of chronic chorioamnionitis, villitis of unknown etiology, and plasma cell deciduitis was compared between cases and controls. Immunohistochemistry was performed on available umbilical vein segments from cases with MPFD (n = 4) to determine whether there was evidence of complement activation (C4d deposition). Specific maternal HLA‐antibody and fetal HLA‐antigen status were also determined in paired specimens (n = 6). Plasma CXCL‐10 concentrations were measured in longitudinal samples of cases (n = 28 specimens) and controls (n = 749 specimens) by ELISA. Linear mixed‐effects models were used to test for differences in plasma CXCL‐10 concentration.Results(i) The prevalence of plasma cell deciduitis in the placenta was significantly higher in cases with MPFD than in those with uncomplicated term deliveries (40% versus 8.6%, P = 0.01), (ii) patients with MPFD had a significantly higher frequency of maternal anti‐HLA class I positivity during the second trimester than those with uncomplicated term deliveries (80% versus 36%, P = 0.01); (iii) strongly positive C4d deposition was observed on umbilical vein endothelium in cases of MPFD, (iv) a specific maternal antibody against fetal HLA antigen class I or II was identified in all cases of MPFD; and 5) the mean maternal plasma concentration of CXCL‐10 was higher in patients with evidence of MPFD than in those without evidence of MFPD (P < 0.001).ConclusionA subset of patients with MPFD has evidence of maternal antifetal rejection.
Susceptibility difference between methicillin‐susceptible and methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus to a bovine myeloid antimicrobial peptide (BMAP‐28)
Authors: Takagi Shiaki , Nishimura Junko , Bai Lanlan , Miyagi Hikaru , Kuroda Kengo , Hayashi Shunji , Yoneyama Hiroshi , Ando Tasuke , Isogai Hiroshi , Isogai Emiko 
Published: August 2013

AbstractA bovine myeloid antimicrobial peptide antimicrobial peptide (BMAP‐28) is a member of the cathelicidin family and acts as a component of innate immunity. There are few reports of susceptibility difference of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and susceptible strains (MSSA) against BMAP‐28. This study aims to clarify how a few amino acid substitutions of BMAP‐28 are related to its antimicrobial activity using four analog peptides of BMAP‐28. We also compared cellular fatty acid components of MSSA and MRSA using gas chromatography. We found that a few amino acid substitutions of BMAP‐28 do not change antimicrobial activity. It was also revealed that the percentage of cis‐11‐eicosenoic acid in total detected fatty acids of MRSA was significantly higher than that of MSSA. In addition, the percentage of palmitic acid in total detected fatty acids of MRSA tended to be lower than that of MSSA. Our results will provide new information to deal with the question of differences in bacterial susceptibility against BMAP‐28.
Leptin and ghrelin levels in colostrum, milk and blood plasma of sows and pig neonates during the first week of lactation
Authors: Woliński Jarosław , Słupecka Monika , Romanowicz Katarzyna 
Published: August 2013

AbstractRadioimmunology was used to determine leptin and ghrelin levels in sow colostrum and milk in relation to those in sow and neonatal pig blood plasma and to the body weight of piglets during the first week of lactation. The highest concentration of leptin was found in colostrum on the second day of lactation (69.3 ± 6.3 ng/mL). Leptin concentrations in sow plasma were significantly lower than in colostrum/milk (2.19 ± 0.9 ng/mL, P = 0.7692) and were stable in the first 7 days of lactation. Total and active ghrelin concentrations in colostrum/milk were stable in the measured time points (6734 ± 261 pg/mL, P = 0.3397; 831 ± 242 pg/mL, P = 0.3988, respectively). Total ghrelin concentrations in sow plasma were lower than in colostrum/milk. These results indicate that pigs follow a unique species‐specific pattern of leptin and ghrelin synthesis, release and existence, and that the mammary gland is an important source of leptin and ghrelin contained in colostrum/milk.
Effect of muscle type and vacuum chiller ageing period on the chemical compositions, meat quality, sensory attributes and volatile compounds of Korean native cattle beef
Authors: Ba Hoa Van , Park KyoungMi , Dashmaa Dashdorj , Hwang Inho 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe present study demonstrates the effects of different muscle types and chiller ageing periods on the chemical composition, meat quality parameters, sensory characteristics and volatile compounds of Karean native cattle beed. Longissimus dorsi (LD) and Semitendinosus (ST) muscles aged for 7 days and 28 days were used. Moisture, cooking loss, total collagen and Warner‐Bratzler shear force (WBSF) values for the ST were higher than the LD muscle regardless of ageing period (P < 0.05). The LD muscle had higher intramuscular fat (IMF) (P < 0.05). Ageing for 28 days decreased WBSF values whereas it increased thiobarbituric acid of both muscles. Moreover, tenderness, juiciness and flavor scores were significantly higher for the LD muscle at both ageing periods. Increased ageing time improved tenderness of both muscles, and increased juiciness of the LD muscle, whereas there was decreased flavor score of ST muscle (P < 0.05). The majority of the volatile compounds formed from the oxidation of lipids showed differences between the two muscles. Ageing for 28 days increased in the amounts of many volatile compounds; however, the amounts of some important volatile compounds were decreased. These results clearly demonstrate that muscle type and ageing have a potential effect on meat quality, sensory characteristics and volatile profile.
Increase in plasma total antioxidant capacity of grazing Japanese Black heifers and cows in forestland in Japan
Authors: Haga Satoshi , Ishizaki Hiroshi , Nakano Miwa , Nakao Seiji , Hirano Kiyoshi , Yamamoto Yoshito , Kitagawa Miya , Sasaki Hiroyuki , Kariya Yoshihiro 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBlood total antioxidant capacity (TAC) has become a key bio‐marker for animal health. Forest‐grazing cattle are known to forage various native plants that have high TAC. This study evaluated differences of plasma TAC between forest‐grazing (FG) and pasture‐grazing cattle (PG). Experiment 1 monitored the plasma TAC levels of 32 Japanese Black cattle. The level in PG did not change throughout the grazing period. However, that in FG, which increased from summer, was significantly higher than that in PG through fall (P < 0.05). In experiment 2, we used nine Japanese Black heifers and investigated their blood antioxidant parameters and the TAC in plants that the cattle consumed in late June and September. The plasma TAC levels in FG were significantly higher than those in PG in both periods (P < 0.05). Plasma levels of lipid peroxidation in FG tended to be lower than that in PG (P = 0.098). Furthermore, the TAC levels in various species of shrubs and trees consumed by FG were higher than those in pasture grasses. Results of this study show that plasma TAC of grazing Japanese Black cattle in forestland increase from summer through fall.