bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The alunite supergroup under high pressure: the case of natrojarosite, NaFe3(SO4)2(OH)6
Authors: Nestola F. , Mills S. J. , Periotto B. , Scandolo L. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractA single crystal of natrojarosite, NaFe3(SO4)2(OH)6, was investigated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction at high-pressure conditions (up to 8.8 GPa) using a diamond-anvil cell. The unit-cell parameters were determined at 11 different pressures and no indications of a phase transition were found up to the maximum pressure reached. The volume and axial moduli were fitted to a third-order Birch–Murnaghan equation-of-state which gave the following values: V0 = 769.6(2) Å3, KT0 = 50.6(9) GPa, K' = 9.9(4); a = 7.3172(6) Å, KT0 = 104(2), K' = 7.6(9); c = 16.5965(20) Å, KT0 = 24.6(4) and K' = 7.1(2). The crystal structure of natrojarosite was refined at seven different pressures up to 8.779(11) GPa [a = 7.3170(4), c = 16.5955(5) Å and V = 769.46(9) Å3 in Rm at 0.00010(1) GPa and a = 7.1594(8), c = 15.6003(17) Å and V = 692.49(8) Å3 at 8.779(11) GPa]. The structural analysis shows that the 12-fold Na polyhedron accommodates most of the deformation by a large volume decrease (14%) and strong polyhedral distortion (63%). Our results indicate that natrojarosite has the most compressible structure of the supergroup studied so far, and has a very strong axial anisotropy.
Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 2A enhances MYC-driven cell cycle progression in a mouse model of B lymphoma
Authors: Fish Kamonwan , Chen Jia , Longnecker Richard 
Published: October 2013

Key Points
Latent membrane protein 2A augments MYC oncogene in driving the cell cycle by increasing protein instability of a tumor suppressor p27kip1. Latent membrane protein 2A potentiates MYC expression to overcome a cell cycle checkpoint without disrupting p53 tumor suppressor pathway.
Serum bilirubin is associated with lung function in a Swiss general population sample
Authors: Curjuric Ivan , Imboden Medea , Adam Martin , Bettschart Robert W. , Gerbase Margaret W. , Künzli Nino , Rochat Thierry , Rohrer Lucia , Rothe Thomas B. , Schwartz Joel , Stolz Daiana , Tschopp Jean-Marie , von Eckardstein Arnold , Kronenberg Florian , Probst-Hensch Nicole M. 
Published: November 2013

Bilirubin is a strong antioxidant. Increased serum levels have been associated with lower respiratory disease and mortality risk. We studied the association of bilirubin with lung function in the Swiss study on Air Pollution and Lung Disease in adults (SAPALDIA) cohort.Associations between natural logarithmised bilirubin and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC and mean forced expiratory flow between 25%–75% of FVC (FEF25–75%) were tested using multiple linear regression in the whole study population (n=4195) and strata of ever-smoking and high body mass index (BMI, defined by the highest distribution quartile). Associations were retested with single nucleotide polymorphism rs6742078, a genetic determinant of bilirubin.High bilirubin levels were significantly associated with higher FEV1/FVC and FEF25–75%overall. Upon stratification, significant associations persisted in ever-smokers, amounting to 1.1% (95% CI 0.1–2.2%) increase in FEV1/FVC, and 116.2 mL·s−1(95% CI -15.9–248.4 mL·s−1) in FEF25–75%per interquartile range of bilirubin exposure in smokers with high BMI. Associations were positive but nonsignificant in never-smokers with high BMI. Similarly, rs6742078 genotype TT was associated with increased FEV1/FVC and FEF25–75%.Our results suggest a possible protective role of bilirubin on lung tissue, which could be important for prevention and therapy.
The 4-metre gait speed in COPD: responsiveness and minimal clinically important difference
Authors: Kon Samantha S.C. , Canavan Jane L. , Nolan Claire M. , Clark Amy L. , Jones Sarah E. , Cullinan Paul , Polkey Michael I. , Man William D-C. 
Published: November 2013

Usual gait speed is a consistent predictor of adverse outcomes in community-dwelling elderly people. The reliability and validity of the 4-m gait speed (4MGS) has recently been demonstrated in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aims of this study were to assess the responsiveness of the 4MGS and to estimate the minimal clinically important difference (MCID).In 301 COPD patients, 4MGS and incremental shuttle walk (ISW) were measured before and after pulmonary rehabilitation. 4MGS and ISW were also measured at baseline and 1 year later in a separate cohort of 162 COPD patients. The MCID of 4MGS was estimated using distribution and anchor-based methods.4MGS improved significantly with pulmonary rehabilitation (mean change 0.08 m·s−1, p<0.001). The minimal detectable change at 95% confidence was 0.11 m·s−1. The MCID was estimated at 0.11 m·s−1(anchored against ISW) and 0.08 m·s−1(anchored against self-reported improvement). The effect size for 4MGS was greatest in frail individuals. After 12 months, mean 4MGS declined by 0.04 m·s−1. When anchored against a decline of more than the MCID for ISW, change in 4MGS was −0.11 m·s−1.The 4MGS is responsive to pulmonary rehabilitation and longitudinal change in COPD, and has potential as a simple functional assessment tool in COPD. The 4MGS may be particularly useful in frail individuals with COPD.
Serum lysyl oxidase-like 2 levels and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis disease progression
Authors: Chien Jason W. , Richards Thomas J. , Gibson Kevin F. , Zhang Yingze , Lindell Kathleen O. , Shao Lixin , Lyman Susan K. , Adamkewicz Joanne I. , Smith Victoria , Kaminski Naftali , O’Riordan Thomas 
Published: November 2013

We evaluated whether lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2), which promotes cross-linking of collagen in pathological stroma, was detectable in serum from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients, and assessed its relationship with IPF disease progression.Patients from the ARTEMIS-IPF (n=69) and the Genomic and Proteomic Analysis of Disease Progression in IPF (GAP) (n=104) studies were analysed. Baseline serum LOXL2 (sLOXL2) levels were compared with baseline clinical and physiological surrogates of disease severity, and the association with IPF disease progression was assessed using a classification and regression tree (CART) method.sLOXL2 correlated weakly with forced vital capacity and carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (r -0.24–0.05) in both cohorts. CART-determined thresholds were similar: ARTEMIS-IPF 800 pg·mL−1and GAP 700 pg·mL−1. In ARTEMIS-IPF, higher sLOXL2 (>800 pg·mL−1) was associated with increased risk for disease progression (hazard ratio (HR) 5.41, 95% CI 1.65–17.73). Among GAP subjects with baseline spirometric data (n=70), higher sLOXL2 levels (>700 pg·mL−1) were associated with more disease progression events (HR 1.78, 95% CI 1.01–3.11). Among all GAP subjects, higher sLOXL2 levels were associated with increased risk for mortality (HR 2.28, 95% CI 1.18–4.38).These results suggest that higher sLOXL2 levels are associated with increased risk for IPF disease progression. However, due to multiple limitations, these results require validation.
Deletion of the GI-2 integrase and the wbkA flanking transposase improves the stability of Brucella melitensis Rev 1 vaccine
Authors: Mancilla Marcos , Grilló María-Jesús , de Miguel María-Jesús , López-Goñi Ignacio , San-Román Beatriz , Zabalza-Baranguá Ana , Moriyón Ignacio 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Brucella melitensis Rev 1 is the best vaccine available for the prophylaxis of small ruminant brucellosis and, indirectly, for reducing human brucellosis. However, Rev 1 shows anomalously high rates of spontaneous dissociation from smooth (S) to rough (R) bacteria, the latter being inefficacious as vaccines. This S-R instability results from the loss of the O-polysaccharide. To overcome this problem, we investigated whether some recently described mechanisms promoting mutations in O-polysaccharide genes were involved in Rev 1 S-R dissociation. We found that a proportion of Rev 1 R mutants result from genome rearrangements affecting the wbo O-polysaccharide loci of genomic island GI-2 and the wbkA O-polysaccharide glycosyltransferase gene of the wbk region. Accordingly, we mutated the GI-2 int gene and the wbk IS transposase involved in those arrangements, and found that these Rev 1 mutants maintained the S phenotype and showed lower dissociation levels. Combining these two mutations resulted in a strain (Rev 2) displaying a 95% decrease in dissociation with respect to parental Rev 1 under conditions promoting dissociation. Rev 2 did not differ from Rev 1 in the characteristics used in Rev 1 typing (growth rate, colonial size, reactivity with O-polysaccharide antibodies, phage, dye and antibiotic susceptibility). Moreover, Rev 2 and Rev 1 showed similar attenuation and afforded similar protection in the mouse model of brucellosis vaccines. We conclude that mutations targeting genes and DNA sequences involved in spontaneous O-polysaccharide loss enhance the stability of a critical vaccine phenotype and complement the empirical stabilization precautions taken during S Brucella vaccine production.
Wedelolactone inhibits LPS-induced pro-inflammation via NF-kappaB Pathway in RAW 264.7 cells
Authors: Yuan Fang , Chen Jie , Sun Ping-ping , Guan Su , Xu Jing 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Wedelolactone (WEL), a major coumestan ingredient in Wedelia chinensis, has been used to treat septic shock, hepatitis and venom poisoning in traditional Chinese medicines. The objective of the study was to elucidate the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanism of WEL with a cellular model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells.

Results
To study the role of WEL in pro-inflammation, we measured key inflammation mediators and end products including nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) by using the Griess method, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting. Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) transcription activity was detected by luciferase reporter assay. The important pro-inflammatory transcription factors, NF-κB p65 and inhibitory kappaB alpha (IκB-α); and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPK (p38) were analyzed by Western blotting. Our study showed that WEL (0.1, 1, 10 μM) significantly inhibited the protein expression levels of iNOS and COX-2 in LPS-stimulated cells, as well as the downstream products, including NO, PGE2 and TNF-α. Moreover, WEL also inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB p65 activation via the degradation and phosphorylation of IκB-α and subsequent translocation of the NF-κB p65 subunit to the nucleus.

Conclusions
Our results revealed that WEL has a potential to be a novel anti-inflammatory agent targeting on the NF-κB signaling pathway.
IL-22 contributes to TGF-β1-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition in asthmatic bronchial epithelial cells
Authors: Johnson Jill R , Nishioka Michiyoshi , Chakir Jamila , Risse Paul-André , Almaghlouth Ibrahim , Bazarbashi Ahmad N , Plante Sophie , Martin James G , Eidelman David , Hamid Qutayba 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Allergic asthma is characterized by airway inflammation in response to antigen exposure, leading to airway remodeling and lung dysfunction. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) may play a role in airway remodeling through the acquisition of a mesenchymal phenotype in airway epithelial cells. TGF-β1 is known to promote EMT; however, other cytokines expressed in severe asthma with extensive remodeling, such as IL-22, may also contribute to this process. In this study, we evaluated the contribution of IL-22 to EMT in primary bronchial epithelial cells from healthy and asthmatic subjects.

Methods
Primary bronchial epithelial cells were isolated from healthy subjects, mild asthmatics and severe asthmatics (n=5 patients per group). The mRNA and protein expression of epithelial and mesenchymal cell markers and EMT-associated transcription factors was evaluated following stimulation with TGF-β1, IL-22 and TGF-β1+IL-22.

Results
Primary bronchial epithelial cells stimulated with TGF-β1 underwent EMT, demonstrated by decreased expression of epithelial markers (E-cadherin and MUC5AC) and increased expression of mesenchymal markers (N-cadherin and vimentin) and EMT-associated transcription factors. IL-22 alone had no effect on epithelial or mesenchymal gene expression. However, IL-22+TGF-β1 promoted the expression of some EMT transcription factors (Snail1 and Zeb1) and led to a more profound cadherin shift, but only in cells obtained from severe asthmatics.

Conclusion
The impact of IL-22 on airway epithelial cells depends on the cytokine milieu and the clinical phenotype of the patient. Further studies are required to determine the molecular mechanism of IL-22 and TGF-β1 cooperativity in driving EMT in primary human bronchial epithelial cells.
Molecular phylogenetic analyses support the monophyly of Hexapoda and suggest the paraphyly of Entognatha
Authors: Sasaki Go , Ishiwata Keisuke , Machida Ryuichiro , Miyata Takashi , Su Zhi-Hui 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundMolecular phylogenetic analyses have revealed that Hexapoda and Crustacea form a common clade (the Pancrustacea), which is now widely accepted among zoologists; however, the origin of Hexapoda remains unresolved. The main problems are the unclear relationships among the basal hexapod lineages, Protura (proturans), Collembola (springtails), Diplura (diplurans), and Ectognatha (bristletails, silverfishes, and all winged insects). Mitogenomic analyses have challenged hexapod monophyly and suggested the reciprocal paraphyly of Hexapoda and Crustacea, whereas studies based on nuclear molecular data support the monophyletic origin of hexapods. Additionally, there are significant discrepancies with respect to these issues between the results of morphological and molecular studies. To investigate these problems, we performed phylogenetic analyses of Pancrustacea based on the protein sequences of three orthologous nuclear genes encoding the catalytic subunit of DNA polymerase delta and the largest and second largest subunits of RNA polymerase II from 64 species of arthropods, including representatives of all hexapod orders.ResultsPhylogenetic analyses were conducted based on the inferred amino acid (aa) sequences (~3400 aa in total) of the three genes using the maximum likelihood (ML) method and Bayesian inference. Analyses were also performed with additional datasets generated by excluding long-branch taxa or by using different outgroups. These analyses all yielded essentially the same results. All hexapods were clustered into a common clade, with Branchiopoda as its sister lineage, whereas Crustacea was paraphyletic. Within Hexapoda, the lineages Ectognatha, Palaeoptera, Neoptera, Polyneoptera, and Holometabola were each confirmed to be monophyletic with robust support, but monophyly was not supported for Entognatha (Protura + Collembola + Diplura), Ellipura (Protura + Collembola), or Nonoculata (Protura + Diplura). Instead, our results showed that Protura is the sister lineage to all other hexapods and that Diplura or Diplura + Collembola is closely related to Ectognatha.ConclusionThis is the first study to include all hexapod orders in a phylogenetic analysis using multiple nuclear protein-coding genes to investigate the phylogeny of Hexapoda, with an emphasis on Entognatha. The results strongly support the monophyletic origin of hexapods but reject the monophyly of Entognatha, Ellipura, and Nonoculata. Our results provided the first molecular evidence in support of Protura as the sister group to other hexapods. These findings are expected to provide additional insights into the origin of hexapods and the processes involved in the adaptation of insects to life on land.
Inflammatory responses in primary muscle cell cultures in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Pooley Nicholas J , Tacchi Luca , Secombes Christopher J , Martin Samuel AM 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe relationship between fish health and muscle growth is critical for continued expansion of the aquaculture industry. The effect of immune stimulation on the expression of genes related to the energy balance of fish is poorly understood. In mammals immune stimulation results in major transcriptional changes in muscle, potentially to allow a reallocation of amino acids for use in the immune response and energy homeostasis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of immune stimulation on fish muscle gene expression.ResultsAtlantic salmon (Salmo salar) primary muscle cell cultures were stimulated with recombinant (r)IL-1β, a major proinflammatory cytokine, for 24 h in order to simulate an acute immune response. The transcriptomic response was determined by RNA hybridization to a 4 × 44 K Agilent Atlantic salmon microarray platform. The rIL-1β stimulation induced the expression of genes related to both the innate and adaptive immune systems. In addition there were highly significant changes in the expression of genes related to regulation of the cell cycle, growth/structural proteins, proteolysis and lipid metabolism. Of interest were a number of IGF binding proteins that were differentially expressed, which may demonstrate cross talk between the growth and immune systems.ConclusionWe show rIL-1β modulates the expression of not only immune related genes, but also that of genes involved in processes related to growth and metabolism. Co-stimulation of muscle cells with both rIGF-I and rIL-1β demonstrates cross talk between these pathways providing potential avenues for further research. This study highlights the potential negative effects of inflammation on muscle protein deposition and growth in fish and extends our understanding of energy allocation in ectothermic animals.
Protective immunity against Toxoplasma gondiiinduced by DNA immunization with the gene encoding a novel vaccine candidate: calcium-dependent protein kinase 3
Authors: Zhang Nian-Zhang , Huang Si-Yang , Zhou Dong-Hui , Chen Jia , Xu Ying , Tian Wei-Peng , Lu Jing , Zhu Xing-Quan 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundToxoplasma gondiican infect almost all warm-blood animals including human beings. The plant-like calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) harbored byT. gondiiare involved in gliding motility, cell invasion, egress and some other developmental processes, and so have been implicated as important virulence factors.MethodsIn the present study, we constructed a DNA vaccine expressingT. gondiiCDPK3 (TgCDPK3) and evaluated its protective efficacy againstT. gondiiinfection in Kunming mice. The gene sequence encoding TgCDPK3 was inserted into the eukaryotic expression vector pVAX I, and mice were immunized with pVAX-CDPK3 intramuscularly.ResultsThe results showed that mice immunized with pVAX-CDPK3 developed a high level of specific antibodies and a strong lymphoproliferative response. The significantly increased levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-12 (p70) and IL-23 and high ratio of IgG2a to IgG1 antibody titers indicated that a Th1 type response was elicited after immunization with pVAX-CDPK3. Furthermore, the percentage of CD4+ T cells in mice vaccinated with pVAX-CDPK3 was significantly increased. After lethal challenge with the tachyzoites of the virulentT. gondiiRH strain, the mice immunized with pVAX-CDPK3 prolonged the survival time from 10 days to 24 days (13.5 ± 4.89) compared to untreated mice or those received PBS or pVAX I which died within 7 days (P < 0.05). In chronic infection model (10 cysts of theT. gondiiPRU strain), the numbers of brain cysts of the mice immunized with pVAX-CDPK3 reduced significantly when compared with those in control groups (P < 0.05), and the rate of reduction could reach to about 50%.ConclusionsTgCDPK3 can generate protective immunity against acute and chronicT. gondiiinfection in Kunming mice and is a promising vaccine candidate for further development of an effective vaccine againstT. gondii.
The basidiomycetous yeast Trichosporon may cause severe lung exacerbation in cystic fibrosis patients – clinical analysis of Trichosporonpositive patients in a Munich cohort
Authors: Kröner Carolin , Kappler Matthias , Grimmelt Ann-Christin , Laniado Gudrun , Würstl Benjamin , Griese Matthias 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe relevance ofTrichosporonspecies for cystic fibrosis (CF) patients has not yet been extensively investigated.MethodsThe clinical course of CF patients withTrichosporon spp.in their respiratory secretions was analysed between 2003 and 2010 in the Munich CF center. All respiratory samples of 360 CF patients (0 – 52.4 years; mean FEV1 2010 81.4% pred) were investigated.ResultsIn 8 patients (2.2%, 3 male, mean age 21.8 years)Trichosporonwas detected at least once. One patient carriedT. asahii.One patient carriedT. mycotoxinivoransand one patientT. inkinas determined by DNA sequencing. As potential risk factors forTrichosporoncolonization steroid treatment, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and CF associated diabetes were identified in 6, 5, and 2 patients respectively. For one patient, the observation period was not long enough to determine the clinical course. One patient had only a single positive specimen and exhibited a stable clinical course determined by change in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), body-mass-index (BMI), C-reactive protein (CRP) and immunoglobulin G (IgG). Of 6 patients with repeatedly positive specimen (mean detection period 4.5 years), 4 patients had a greater decline in FEV1 than expected, 2 of these a decline in BMI and 1 an increase in IgG above the reference range. 2 patients received antimycotic treatment: one patient with a tormenting dry cough subjectively improved under Amphotericin B inhalation; one patient with a severe exacerbation due toT. inkinwas treated with i.v. Amphotericin B, oral Voriconazole and Posaconazole which stabilized the clinical condition.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the potential association ofTrichosporon spp.with severe exacerbations in CF patients.
Risk factors for early postoperative cognitive dysfunction after non-coronary bypass surgery in Chinese population
Authors: Xu Tao , Bo Lulong , Wang Jiafeng , Zhao Zhenzhen , Xu Zhiyun , Deng Xiaoming , Zhu Wenzhong 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
The present study was performed to investigate the incidence of early postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) after non-coronary bypass surgery and the potential risk factors in Chinese population.

Methods
We performed a prospective study in a teaching tertiary hospital from May 2012 to August 2012. One hundred and seventy-six adult patients undergoing non-coronary bypass surgery were recruited. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score was evaluated before and 3 to 5 days after surgery. Patients with a MMSE score reduction of 2 was diagnosed with POCD.

Results
The general incidence of POCD was 33.0%, with no significant difference between the types of surgeries. In the univariate analysis, POCD associated factors included age, duration of surgery, anesthesia, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), cross-clamp and rewarming, and sevoflurane concentration. However, only age, cross-clamp duration and sevoflurane concentration were demonstrated to be independent risk factors for POCD.

Conclusion
Incidence of early POCD after non-coronary bypass surgery was relatively high in Chinese population. Advanced age, longer aortic cross-clamp duration and lower sevoflurane concentration was associated with a higher incidence of POCD.