bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mesangial cells are responsible for orchestrating the renal podocytes injury in the context of malignant hypertension
Authors: Berman Sylvia , Abu Hamad Ramzia , Efrati Shai 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimTwo populations of renal cells fully possess functional contractile cell apparatus: mesangial cells and podocytes. Previous studies demonstrated that in the context of malignant hypertension overproduction of Angiotensin‐II by the contracting mesangial cells aggravated hypercellularity and apoptosis of adjacent cell populations. The role of podocytes in pathogenesis of malignant hypertension is unclear. We investigated responsiveness of normal vs. hyperglycaemic podocytes to pressure in a model of malignant hypertension.MethodsRat renal podocytes and mesangial cells were subjected to high hydrostatic pressure, using an in vitro model of malignant hypertension. Part of them was pre‐exposed to hyperglycaemic medium. Alternatively, the cells were cultured in conditioned medium collected from mesangial cells pre‐exposed to pressure.ResultsAngiotensin‐II was significantly increased in normoglycaemic mesangial cells subjected to pressure, triggering enhanced proliferation and apoptosis. No augmented Angiotensin‐II, proliferation or apoptosis were evident in pressure‐exposed normoglycaemic podocytes. In hyperglycaemic mesangial cells, but not podocytes, basal Angiotensin‐II and apoptosis were augmented, along with abrogated proliferation. Challenge with exogenous Angiotensin‐II or Angiotensin‐II‐containing conditioned medium, induced apoptosis both in podocytes and mesangial cells.Conclusions1. Unlike mesangial cells, podocytes do not respond to high pressure or hyperglycaemia per se. Resultantly, neither high pressure nor hyperglycaemia, trigger apoptosis of podocytes in vitro. However, surplus of Angiotensin‐II, amply produced in vivo by the adjacent mesangial cells, would seem to be sufficient for initiating apoptosis of both mesangial cells and podocytes. 2. Hyperglycaemia abrogates cell replication. Resultantly, in diabetic patients regeneration of renal tissue damaged by the incidence of malignant hypertension may become compromised or completely lost.
An observational outcomes study from 1966–2008, examining pregnancy and neonatal outcomes from dialysed women using data from the ANZDATA Registry
Authors: Shahir Ahmed Kaithal , Briggs Nancy , Katsoulis John , Levidiotis Vicki 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimsTo conduct an observational outcomes study examining pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of dialysed women aged 15–49, from 1966–2008, using data from the ANZDATA Registry.MethodsData from the ANZDATA Registry were captured and analysed from 1966–2008. Specific pregnancy outcomes included: live birth (LB), spontaneous abortion, stillbirth (SB) or termination of pregnancy. Delivery and neonatal outcomes, since 2001, were also analysed.ResultsThere were 23 700 person‐years (PY) of observational data during the study period with 49 pregnancies, of which 30 (79%) resulted in a LB, once terminations were excluded. Pregnancy rates: Overall the pregnancy rate was 2.07 per 1000 PY for the study interval. A significant increase in the pregnancy rate was noted for the 1996–2008 time interval (3.3 per 1000 PY, compared with 0.54 and 0.67 in the eras 1976–1985 and 1986–1995, respectively; P = 0.004). Most pregnancies were observed in the 25–29 age group: 20–24, 25–29 and 30–34 (5.31, 5.61 and 3.87 per 1000 PY, respectively). Patients on peritoneal dialysis were less likely to achieve a pregnancy compared with haemodialysis patients (P < 0.02). Live birth rates: The overall LB rate was 1.26 per 1000 PY. The rate for each of the age brackets was as follows: 3.54 for 20–24, 3.61 for 25–29, and 2.39 per 1000 PY for 30–34, compared with 0 in the 15–19 group, and 1.22, 0.2 and 0.16 per 1000 PY among the groups 35–39, 40–44 and 45–49 years, respectively. LB rates were more favourable in the younger age groups. There was no significant era, disease, dialysis modality or race effect on LB rates. Excluding terminations, the LB rate was 79%. Age‐effect on pregnancy outcomes: Pregnancy outcome was not affected by age (mean ages shown): spontaneous abortions, 28.7 years (n = 3); LB, 29.3 years (n = 24); SB, 32.4 years (n = 5); terminations 30.6 years (n = 11). Maternal mortality and complications: The preeclampsia rate was 19.4% (6/31). No post‐partum maternal deaths were reported. Neonatal outcomes: Since 2001, 21 neonatal outcomes were reported. One baby developed polyhydramnios, one had a congenital malformation and one post‐natal death was reported. In total 53.4% were born preterm; 65% had a birthweight <2.5 kg (low birthweight) and 35% <1.5 kg (very low birthweight). Low birthweight correlated with prematurity.ConclusionSeventy‐nine per cent of women achieving a pregnancy in our cohort achieved a LB, although 53.4% of babies were born preterm and 65% were of low birthweight (<2.5 kg).
Functional analysis of the novel mycorrhiza‐specific phosphate transporter AsPT1 and PHT1 family from Astragalus sinicus during the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis
Authors: Xie Xianan , Huang Wu , Liu Fengchuan , Tang Nianwu , Liu Yi , Lin Hui , Zhao Bin 
Published: February 2013

Summary

Arbuscular mycorrhizas contribute significantly to inorganic phosphate (Pi) uptake in plants. Gene networks involved in the regulation and function of the Pht1 family transporters in legume species during AM symbiosis are not fully understood.

In order to characterize the six distinct members of Pht1 transporters in mycorrhizal Astragalus sinicus, we combined cellular localization, heterologous functional expression in yeast with expression/subcellular localization studies and reverse genetics approaches in planta. Pht1;1 and Pht1;4 silenced lines were generated to uncover the role of the newly discovered dependence of the AM symbiosis on another phosphate transporter AsPT1 besides AsPT4.

These Pht1 transporters are triggered in Pi‐starved mycorrhizal roots. AsPT1 and AsPT4 were localized in arbuscule‐containing cells of the cortex. The analysis of promoter sequences revealed conserved motifs in both AsPT1 and AsPT4. AsPT1 overexpression showed higher mycorrhization levels than controls for parameters analysed, including abundance of arbuscules. By contrast, knockdown of AsPT1 by RNA interference led to degenerating or dead arbuscule phenotypes identical to that of AsPT4 silencing lines. AsPT4 but not AsPT1 is required for symbiotic Pi uptake.

These results suggest that both, AsPT1 and AsPT4, are required for the AM symbiosis, most importantly, AsPT1 may serve as a novel symbiotic transporter for AM development.
Characterization of the sterol 14α‐demethylases of Fusarium graminearum identifies a novel genus‐specific CYP51 function
Authors: Fan Jieru , Urban Martin , Parker Josie E. , Brewer Helen C. , Kelly Steven L. , Hammond‐Kosack Kim E. , Fraaije Bart A. , Liu Xili , Cools Hans J. 
Published: February 2013

Summary

CYP51 encodes the cytochrome P450 sterol 14α‐demethylase, an enzyme essential for sterol biosynthesis and the target of azole fungicides. In Fusarium species, including pathogens of humans and plants, three CYP51 paralogues have been identified with one unique to the genus. Currently, the functions of these three genes and the rationale for their conservation within the genus Fusarium are unknown.

Three Fusarium graminearum CYP51s (FgCYP51s) were heterologously expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Single and double FgCYP51 deletion mutants were generated and the functions of the FgCYP51s were characterized in vitro and in planta.

FgCYP51A and FgCYP51B can complement yeast CYP51 function, whereas FgCYP51C cannot. FgCYP51A deletion increases the sensitivity of F. graminearum to the tested azoles. In ΔFgCYP51B and ΔFgCYP51BC mutants, ascospore formation is blocked, and eburicol and two additional 14‐methylated sterols accumulate. FgCYP51C deletion reduces virulence on host wheat ears.

FgCYP51B encodes the enzyme primarily responsible for sterol 14α‐demethylation, and plays an essential role in ascospore formation. FgCYP51A encodes an additional sterol 14α‐demethylase, induced on ergosterol depletion and responsible for the intrinsic variation in azole sensitivity. FgCYP51C does not encode a sterol 14α‐demethylase, but is required for full virulence on host wheat ears. This is the first example of the functional diversification of a fungal CYP51.
Early evolution of Declinognathodus close to the Mid‐Carboniferous Boundary interval in the Barcaliente type section (Spain)
Authors: Sanz‐López Javier , Blanco‐Ferrera Silvia 
Published: February 2013

AbstractUpper Serpukhovian to lower Bashkirian conodonts studied from the lower and middle part of the Barcaliente Formation type section (NW Spain) are not abundant, but the sedimentary record seems unusually well represented. The first occurrence of Declinognathodus bernesgae occurs more than 140 m below the first occurrence of D. inaequalis, the taxon of the D. noduliferus species group appearing in the bed of the Global Standard Stratotype‐section and Point (GSSP) for the Mid‐Carboniferous Boundary (Arrow Canyon, Nevada). P1 elements transitional between D. bernesgae and D. inaequalis are described and considered relevant to the global correlation of the Mid‐Carboniferous Boundary. In addition, D. praenoduliferus, D. cf. noduliferus, D. lateralis, Idiognathoides asiaticus, I. corrugatus and Neognathodus sp. are described and illustrated from the Barcaliente Formation. A phylogeny is proposed for the early species of these genera on the basis of the morphological changes of the P1 element, where the rostral parapet and area, the surface roughness and the length and depth of the adcarinal troughs are diagnostic characters at the specific level, while caudal ornamentation is a secondary taxonomic character.
An Unusual Mucocutaneous Syndrome with Sensorineural Deafness Due to Connexin 26 Mutations
Authors: Ibáñez María M. , Alcalde María M. , Jiménez María R. , Muñoz María D. , Díez‐Delgado Francisco J. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractMutations of the GJB2 gene, which encodes connexin 26, are related to a range of conditions associated with sensorineural deafness and keratinization disorders. We present the case of a newborn girl with sensorineural deafness, erythematous hyperkeratotic plaques on intertriginous areas, and parakeratosis on the oral and esophageal mucosa. She had an F142L mutation in exon 1 of the GJB2 gene, which was described previously in a patient with a similar phenotype.
Ten yr of pediatric heart transplantation: A report from the Pediatric Heart Transplant Study
Authors: Dipchand Anne I. , Kirk Richard , Mahle William T. , Tresler Margaret A. , Naftel David C. , Pahl Elfriede , Miyamoto Shelley D. , Blume Elizabeth , Guleserian Kristine J. , White‐Williams Connie , Kirklin James K. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe PHTS was founded in 1991 as a not‐for‐profit organization dedicated to the advancement of the science and treatment of children during listing for and following heart transplantation. Now, 21 yr later, the PHTS has contributed significantly to the field, most notably in the form of outcomes analyses and risk factor assessment, in addition to amassing the most detailed dataset on pediatric heart transplant recipients worldwide. The purpose of this report is to review the last decade of pediatric patients listed for heart transplantation (January 1, 2000–December 31, 2009) and summarize the changes, trends, outcomes, and lessons learned.
Examining the Use of Mass Transplantation of Brooding and Spawning Corals to Support Natural Coral Recruitment in Sulawesi/Indonesia
Authors: Ferse Sebastian C. A. , Nugues Maggy M. , Romatzki Sascha B. C. , Kunzmann Andreas 
Published: February 2013

AbstractCoral transplantation is frequently advocated as a possible means of coral reef rehabilitation. One of the purported benefits of transplantation is a positive effect of transplants on coral recruitment by sexual reproduction of transplants (“seeding”) and/or settlement cues generated by the presence of live coral (“attraction”). However, evidence for this assertion is scarce. Here, we investigated the effect of coral transplantation on larval recruitment. A total of 6,164 fragments of four coral species (acroporids and pocilloporids) were transplanted at three sites in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Coral recruitment onto limestone settlement plates was examined every 3 months and on concrete structures at the end of the study (≥15 months) in the presence and absence of transplants. Transplant survival after 1 year ranged between 20 and 30% for pocilloporids and between 40 and 80% for acroporids. Transplantation had no consistent effect on the number of coral recruits on the settlement plates or on the concrete structures. Recruitment was relatively high compared to other locations in the region and fluctuated seasonally, with increased rates in all treatments during peaks of reproduction. We conclude that, in the presence of high background recruitment and detrimental environmental conditions, coral transplantation may not be an effective method to boost coral recruitment. The provision of stable substrate for settlement in the form of artificial reefs, combined with improved management to reduce chronic stressors, constitutes a better use of resources.
Comparison of Designed Channel Restoration and Riparian Buffer Restoration Effects on Riparian Soils
Authors: Laub Brian G. , McDonough Owen T. , Needelman Brian A. , Palmer Margaret A. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractStream restoration is often employed in efforts to stabilize eroding channel banks. Banks are stabilized through a designed channel approach, which involves grading and armoring of stream banks using heavy machinery, or alternatively through planting of seedlings and saplings to establish forested riparian buffers. We hypothesized that designed channel restoration would have detrimental impacts on riparian soils but that soils would recover over time, and we hypothesized that riparian buffer restoration would not impact riparian soils. We tested these hypotheses by comparing soil attributes (bulk density, soil organic matter, and root biomass) at reaches that had undergone designed channel and riparian buffer restoration in different years (project ages ranged from 2 to 16 years) to paired urban (unrestored) control reaches. Soil properties in sub‐surface soil layers (10–20 and 20–30 cm depth) at both recent (<10 years old) and older (>10 years old) designed channel reaches differed significantly from paired urban control soils; bulk density was higher and root biomass lower in manipulated reaches compared to urban control reaches. At many designed channel reaches, bulk density exceeded values known to restrict root growth. These results indicate that compaction and disturbance of riparian soils may be a significant unintended consequence of designed channel restoration and can persist for at least a decade. In contrast, we found no significant differences in soil properties between riparian buffer restoration reaches and urban control reaches. Thus, the results indicate that riparian buffer restoration is a more ecologically favorable method than designed channel restoration for bank stabilization.
Posttransfusion platelet increments after different platelet products in neonates: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Honohan Áine , van't Ende Ella , Hulzebos Christian , Lopriore Enrico , van't Verlaat Ellen , Govaert Paul , Brand Anneke , van der Bom Johanna 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundIn the Netherlands different platelet (PLT) products are used for neonatal transfusions: volume‐reduced PLTs, PLT additive solution (PAS) II PLTs, and plasma PLTs. These are standard products at three different neonatal intensive care units where local transfusion guidelines apply. Here we assess the posttransfusion count increments with these products.Study Design and MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study of neonates who received, in the first month after birth, between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2008, at least one PLT transfusion. Seventy‐four neonates who received 197 volume‐reduced PLTs transfusions, 68 neonates who received 105 PASII PLT transfusions, and eight neonates who received eight plasma PLT transfusions were analyzed. Early (within 8 hr after transfusion) and follow‐up count increments (16‐24 hr after transfusion) were evaluated for 191 and 81 volume‐reduced PLTs, 77 and 56 PASII PLTs, and six and five plasma PLT transfusions, respectively, using a random‐effects model.ResultsVolume‐reduced PLTs were transfused at twice the dose in one‐fifth the volume of PASII and plasma PLTs. The early posttransfusion count increment was higher for volume‐reduced PLTs at 111 × 109/L (95% confidence interval [CI], 86‐135) compared to PASII PLTs at 62 × 109/L (95% CI, 40‐84; p = 0.000) and plasma PLTs at 47 × 109/L (95% CI, 14‐79). The follow‐up count increment was also higher for volume‐reduced PLTs at 60 × 109/L (95% CI, 19‐100) compared to PASII PLTs at 38 × 109/L (95% CI, −0.2 to 77; p = 0.082) and plasma PLTs at 4 × 109/L (95% CI, −38 to 46).ConclusionNeonates who received twice the PLT dose by volume‐reduced PLTs had twice as high early and follow‐up count increment showing similar efficacy of products.
Intramuscular corpora amylacea adjacent to ileal low-grade neuroendocrine tumours (typical carcinoids): a light microscopic, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study
Authors: Hechtman Jaclyn Frances , Gordon Ronald E , Harpaz Noam 
Published: February 2013

AimsThe purposes of this study are to (1) document the prevalence of intracytoplasmic inclusions adjacent to ileal well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumours (WNETs), (2) examine whether and how tumour and patient characteristics are associated with inclusions and (3) investigate their properties on special stains and electron microscopy in comparison with corpora amylacea (CA).MethodsWe examined the resection slides from 26 ileal, 5 gastric and 5 rectal cases of WNET. Inclusions were readily identified with H&E staining. Histochemical, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural evaluations were performed on the block with the highest number of inclusions.ResultsIntracytoplasmic inclusions occurred adjacent (<1 mm) to 15 of 26 (57.7%) ileal WNETs. Patients with and without inclusions were of similar mean ages (59.5 vs 57.4 years; p=0.88), but NETs with inclusions were larger than those without inclusions (3.3 vs 1.7 cm, p=0.03). Inclusions were neither associated with gastric (mean age=65 years, mean diameter=1.5 cm) or rectal WNETs (mean age=47.8 years, mean diameter=0.5 cm) (p=0.01), nor were they present >1 mm from ileal NETs. CA stained strongly for ubiquitin, DPAS and Alcian blue; faintly and peripherally for desmin and smooth muscle actin and negatively for calcium. Ultrastructurally, their appearance was consistent with filaments, some with cores of particle matter.ConclusionsOur results suggest that these inclusions are virtually identical to CA and present adjacent to the majority of ileal WNET. They may be the result of a degenerative process, possibly due to chronic myocyte stress from an infiltrating slow growing tumour mass or local hormonal effects.
HER2 Drives Luminal Breast Cancer Stem Cells in the Absence of HER2 Amplification: Implications for Efficacy of Adjuvant Trastuzumab
Authors: Ithimakin Suthinee , Day Kathleen C. , Malik Fayaz , Zen Qin , Dawsey Scott J. , Bersano-Begey Tom F. , Quraishi Ahmed A. , Ignatoski Kathleen Woods , Daignault Stephanie , Davis April , Hall Christopher L. , Palanisamy Nallasivam , Heath Amber N. , Tawakkol Nader , Luther Tahra K. , Clouthier Shawn G. , Chadwick Whitney A. , Day Mark L. , Kleer Celina G. , Thomas Dafydd G. , Hayes Daniel F. , Korkaya Hasan , Wicha Max S. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Although current breast cancer treatment guidelines limit the use of HER2-blocking agents to tumors with HER2 gene amplification, recent retrospective analyses suggest that a wider group of patients may benefit from this therapy. Using breast cancer cell lines, mouse xenograft models and matched human primary and metastatic tissues, we show that HER2 is selectively expressed in and regulates self-renewal of the cancer stem cell (CSC) population in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+), HER2− luminal breast cancers. Although trastuzumab had no effects on the growth of established luminal breast cancer mouse xenografts, administration after tumor inoculation blocked subsequent tumor growth. HER2 expression is increased in luminal tumors grown in mouse bone xenografts, as well as in bone metastases from patients with breast cancer as compared with matched primary tumors. Furthermore, this increase in HER2 protein expression was not due to gene amplification but rather was mediated by receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK)-ligand in the bone microenvironment. These studies suggest that the clinical efficacy of adjuvant trastuzumab may relate to the ability of this agent to target the CSC population in a process that does not require HER2 gene amplification. Furthermore, these studies support a CSC model in which maximal clinical benefit is achieved when CSC targeting agents are administered in the adjuvant setting. Cancer Res; 73(5); 1635–46. ©2012 AACR.
Notch Pathway Activity Identifies Cells with Cancer Stem Cell–like Properties and Correlates with Worse Survival in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Hassan Khaled A. , Wang Luo , Korkaya Hasan , Chen Guoan , Maillard Ivan , Beer David G. , Kalemkerian Gregory P. , Wicha Max S. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Purpose: The cancer stem cell theory postulates that tumors contain a subset of cells with stem cell properties of self-renewal, differentiation, and tumor initiation. The purpose of this study is to determine the role of Notch activity in identifying lung cancer stem cells.
Experimental Design: We investigated the role of Notch activity in lung adenocarcinoma using a Notch GFP reporter construct and a γ-secretase inhibitor (GSI), which inhibits Notch pathway activity.
Results: Transduction of lung cancer cells with Notch GFP reporter construct identified a subset of cells with high Notch activity (GFP-bright). GFP-bright cells had the ability to form more tumor spheres in serum-free media and were able to generate both GFP-bright and GFP-dim (lower Notch activity) cell populations. GFP-bright cells were resistant to chemotherapy and were tumorigenic in serial xenotransplantation assays. Tumor xenografts of mice treated with GSI had decreased expression of downstream effectors of Notch pathway and failed to regenerate tumors upon reimplantation in NOD/SCID mice. Using multivariate analysis, we detected a statistically significant correlation between poor clinical outcome and Notch activity (reflected in increased Notch ligand expression or decreased expression of the negative modulators), in a group of 443 patients with lung adenocarcinoma. This correlation was further confirmed in an independent group of 89 patients with adenocarcinoma in which Hes-1 overexpression correlated with poor overall survival.
Conclusions: Notch activity can identify lung cancer stem cell–like population and its inhibition may be an appropriate target for treating lung adenocarcinoma. Clin Cancer Res; 19(8); 1972–80. ©2013 AACR.