bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative ethnoentomology of edible stinkbugs in southern Africa and sustainable management considerations
Authors: Dzerefos Catherine Maria , Witkowski Ed Tadeusz Fernando , Toms Rob 
Published: March 2013

AbstractInsects, such as stinkbugs, are able to produce noxious defence chemicals to ward off predators, nevertheless, some ethnic groups have recipes to render them delicious. We provide an example of edible stinkbugs (Encosternum delegorguei) used by two locally separate ethnic groups in South Africa, the Vhavenda and Mapulana, with a third group, the Bolobedu using them for commercial purposes. Structured interview schedules and observations with 106 harvesters were conducted to determine differences in use, nomenclature and oral history, methods of collection and preparation as well as perceptions pertaining to availability. The stinkbugs’ foul defence chemical and flight response necessitates nocturnal harvesting when the insect is immobilised by cold. The defence chemical stains the skin and affects vision yet protective gear is not worn. Damage to host trees was recorded when harvesters poached from plantations or private land, whereas, in communal-lands, sustainable methods were preferred. The legitimisation of stinkbug harvesting and introduction of a collection funnel could reduce conflicts with managers of plantations and private land. Two methods to remove the defence chemical for increased palatability were used. Preparation methods differed in whether or not water was used and also whether the head was left intact or removed. Stinkbugs have numerous medicinal uses, in particular as a hangover cure. Awareness and optimal use of beneficial insects, such as stinkbugs, in rural areas could lead to a reconsideration of current environmental management strategies, where harvesters act as habitat stewards and clearing, grazing or burning indigenous vegetation is kept to a minimum.
Long term enzyme replacement therapy for Fabry disease: effectiveness on kidney, heart and brain
Authors: Rombach Saskia M , Smid Bouwien E , Bouwman Machtelt G , Linthorst Gabor E , Dijkgraaf Marcel G W , Hollak Carla E M 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by α-galactosidase A deficiency leading to renal, cardiac, cerebrovascular disease and premature death. Treatment with α-galactosidase A (enzyme replacement therapy, ERT) stabilises disease in some patients, but long term effectiveness is unclear.

Methods
Renal, cardiac, and cerebral outcomes were prospectively studied in males and females with Fabry disease treated with ERT. Additionally, the occurrence of major cardiac events, stroke, end-stage renal disease and death was compared to a natural history (NH) cohort meeting treatment criteria.

Results
Of 75 patients on ERT (median treatment duration 5.2 years, range 0.05-11.0), prospective follow-up was available for 57 adult patients (30 males) and 6 adolescents. Renal function declined in males (-3.4 ml/min/1.73 m2 per year, SE 0.2; p < 0.001) despite ERT, but followed the normal course in females (-0.8 ml/min/1.73 m2 per year, SE 0.3; p = 0.001). Cardiac mass increased during ERT in males (+ 1.2 gram/m2.7, SE 0.3; p < 0.001), but remained stable in females (-0.3 gram/m2.7 per year, SE 0.4; p = 0.52). ERT did not prevent the occurrence of cerebral white matter lesions. Comparison of ERT treated to untreated patients revealed that the odds to develop a first complication increased with age (OR 1.05 (95% CI: 1.0-1.1) per year, p = 0.012). For development of a first or second complication the odds declined with longer treatment duration (OR 0.81 (95% CI: 0.68-0.96) per year of ERT, p = 0.015;OR 0.52 (0.31-0.88), p = 0.014 respectively).

Conclusions
Long term ERT does not prevent disease progression, but the risk of developing a first or second complication declines with increasing treatment duration. ERT in advanced Fabry disease seems of doubtful benefit.
The effect of ethanol and acetaldehyde on brain ependymal and respiratory ciliary beat frequency
Authors: Smith Claire Mary , Radhakrishnan Priya , Sikand Kulvinder , O’Callaghan Chris 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Ethanol has been shown to stimulate the beat frequency of respiratory cilia at concentrations encountered during social drinking, while one of its metabolites, acetaldehyde, has been shown to cause a marked decrease in ciliary beat frequency. The aim of this study was to determine whether short-term exposure to ethanol stimulated ependymal cilia and whether exposure to acetaldehyde had a toxic effect on ependymal and respiratory cilia.

Methods
Using ex vivo rat ependymal brain slice and human nasal brush biopsy models, we investigated the effect of exposure of cilia to various concentrations of ethanol and acetaldehyde at either 37°C or 24°C. Ciliary beat frequency was measured using digital high-speed video analysis.

Results
Exposure of ependymal and respiratory cilia to control, 0.1%, 0.5% and 1% ethanol solutions resulted in a maximal increase of 15% in the ciliary beat frequency from baseline values, compared with the control of 6%. A one-way analysis of variance comparing the mean slopes for the three concentrations of ethanol and control showed no significant differences between the groups (P >0.05). Exposure of ependymal and respiratory cilia to 100 and 250 μM acetaldehyde solutions resulted in a maximal increase of 15% in the ciliary beat frequency from baseline, compared with the control of 12%. A one-way analysis of variance performed to compare the mean slopes in these groups showed no significant differences (P >0.05).

Conclusions
Short-term exposure of brain ependymal and respiratory cilia to the concentrations of ethanol likely to be encountered during episodes of heavy drinking and to acetaldehyde at concentrations well above those encountered by man did not have a significant effect on ciliary beat frequency.
In vitro gene silencing of independent phosphoglycerate mutase (iPGM) in the filarial parasite Brugia malayi
Authors: Singh Prashant Kumar , Kushwaha Susheela , Mohd Shahab , Pathak Manisha , Misra-Bhattacharya Shailja 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
The phosphoglycerate mutase (PGM) enzyme catalyzes the interconversion of 2- and 3-phosphoglycerate in the glycolytic /gluconeogenic pathways that are present in the majority of cellular organisms. They can be classified as cofactor-dependent PGM (dPGM) or cofactor-independent PGM (iPGM). Vertebrates, yeasts, and many bacteria have only dPGM, while higher plants, nematodes, archaea, and many other bacteria have only iPGM. A small number of bacteria, including Escherichia coli and certain archaea and protozoa, contain both forms. The silencing of ipgm in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) has demonstrated the importance of this enzyme in parasite viability and, therefore, its potential as an anthelmintic drug target. In this study, the role of the Brugia malayi (B. malayi) ipgm in parasite viability, microfilaria release, embryogenesis, and in vivo development of infective larvae post-gene silencing was explored by applying ribonucleic acid (RNA) interference studies.

Results
The in vitro ipgm gene silencing by small interfering RNA (siRNA) leads to severe phenotypic deformities in the intrauterine developmental stages of female worms with a drastic reduction (~90%) in the motility of adult parasites and a significantly reduced (80%) release of microfilariae (mf) by female worms in vitro. Almost half of the in vitro- treated infective L3 displayed sluggish movement. The in vivo survival and development of siRNA-treated infective larvae (L3) was investigated in the peritoneal cavity of jirds where a ~45% reduction in adult worm establishment was observed.

Conclusion
The findings clearly suggest that iPGM is essential for both larval and adult stages of B. malayi parasite and that it plays a pivotal role in female worm embryogenesis. The results thus validate the Bm-iPGM as a putative anti-filarial drug target.
Anvirzel™ in combination with cisplatin in breast, colon, lung, prostate, melanoma and pancreatic cancer cell lines
Authors: Apostolou Panagiotis , Toloudi Maria , Chatziioannou Marina , Ioannou Eleni , Knocke Dennis R , Nester Joe , Komiotis Dimitrios , Papasotiriou Ioannis 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Platinum derivatives are used widely for the treatment of many cancers. However, the toxicity that is observed makes imperative the need for new drugs, or new combinations. Anvirzel™ is an extract which has been demonstrated with experimental data that displays anticancer activity. The aim of the present study is to determine whether the combination of Cisplatin and Anvirzel™ has a synergistic effect against different types of cancer.

Materials and methods
To measure the efficacy of treatment with Cisplatin and Anvirzel™, methyl-tetrazolium dye (MTT) chemosensitivity assays were used incorporating established human cancer cell lines. Measurements were performed in triplicates, three times, using different incubation times and different concentrations of the two formulations in combination or on their own. t-test was used for statistical analysis.

Results
In the majority of the cell lines tested, lower concentrations of Anvirzel™ induced a synergistic effect when combined with low concentrations of Cisplatin after an incubation period of 48 to 72 h. The combination of Anvirzel™/Cisplatin showed anti-proliferative effects against a wide range of tumours.

Conclusion
The results showed that the combination of Anvirzel™ and Cisplatin is more effective than monotherapy, even when administered at low concentrations; thus, undesirable toxic effects can be avoided.
When is reacquisition necessary due to high extra-cardiac uptake in myocardial perfusion scintigraphy?
Authors: Johansen Allan , Lomsky Milan , Gerke Oke , Edenbrandt Lars , Johansson Lena , Hansen Gunhild , Jensen Birgitte , Reid Maria Sallerup , Johansson Lise-Lott , Olofsson Camilla , Minarik David , Nyström Karin , Wollmer Per , Trägårdh Elin 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Technetium-labeled agents, which are most often used for assessing myocardial perfusion in myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS), are cleared by the liver and excreted by the biliary system. Spillover from extra-cardiac activity into the myocardium, especially the inferior wall, might conceal defects and lower the diagnostic accuracy of the study. The objective was to determine rules of thumb for when reacquisition is useful due to high extra-cardiac uptake, i.e., when interpretation of the studies was affected by poor image quality.

Methods
Patients admitted to MPS at any of the three study sites, who also underwent a reacquisition due to high extra-cardiac uptake were included. Image quality was assessed by ten technologists on a scale ranging from 1 to 5. Interpretations regarding the presence/absence of ischemia/infarction, including the certainty of the diagnosis, were made by three physicians.

Results
There was a statistically significant increase in image quality between the first and the repeated acquisition (1,256 cases of increased quality at the repeated study (66%), 134 cases of decreased quality at the repeated study (7%), 510 cases of unchanged quality (27%) P < 0.0001). The number of equivocal studies, interpreted by physicians, decreased when evaluating the repeated studies compared to the first studies for all physicians, both for the interpretations of ischemia and for infarction. Receiver operating characteristic analyses revealed that for both endpoints (ischemia, infarction) and all physicians, the optimal cutoff point for performing a reacquisition was between quality categories 2 and 3.

Conclusion
This study indicates that repeat acquisition is useful when (1) the intensity of the extra-cardiac uptake is equal to or higher than the cardiac uptake when there is no separation between the extra-cardiac uptake and the inferior cardiac wall and (2) when the intensity of the extra-cardiac uptake is higher than the cardiac uptake when there is a separation between the extra-cardiac uptake and the inferior wall of less than one cardiac wall.
Redistribution of H3K27me3 upon DNA hypomethylation results in de-repression of Polycomb target genes
Authors: Reddington James P , Perricone Sara M , Nestor Colm E , Reichmann Judith , Youngson Neil A , Suzuki Masako , Reinhardt Diana , Dunican Donncha S , Prendergast James G , Mjoseng Heidi , Ramsahoye Bernard H , Whitelaw Emma , Greally John M , Adams Ian R , Bickmore Wendy A , Meehan Richard R 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Background
DNA methylation and the Polycomb repression system are epigenetic mechanisms that play important roles in maintaining transcriptional repression. Recent evidence suggests that DNA methylation can attenuate the binding of Polycomb protein components to chromatin and thus plays a role in determining their genomic targeting. However, whether this role of DNA methylation is important in the context of transcriptional regulation is unclear.

Results
By genome-wide mapping of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2-signature histone mark, H3K27me3, in severely DNA hypomethylated mouse somatic cells, we show that hypomethylation leads to widespread H3K27me3 redistribution, in a manner that reflects the local DNA methylation status in wild-type cells. Unexpectedly, we observe striking loss of H3K27me3 and Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 from Polycomb target gene promoters in DNA hypomethylated cells, including Hox gene clusters. Importantly, we show that many of these genes become ectopically expressed in DNA hypomethylated cells, consistent with loss of Polycomb-mediated repression.

Conclusions
An intact DNA methylome is required for appropriate Polycomb-mediated gene repression by constraining Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 targeting. These observations identify a previously unappreciated role for DNA methylation in gene regulation and therefore influence our understanding of how this epigenetic mechanism contributes to normal development and disease.
KISS1R Induces Invasiveness of Estrogen Receptor-Negative Human Mammary Epithelial and Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Cvetković Donna , Dragan Magdalena , Leith Sean J. , Mir Zuhaib M. , Leong Hon S. , Pampillo Macarena , Lewis John D. , Babwah Andy V. , Bhattacharya Moshmi 
Published: March 2013

AbstractKisspeptins (KPs), peptide products of the KISS1 metastasis-suppressor gene, are endogenous ligands for a G protein-coupled receptor (KISS1R). KISS1 acts as a metastasis suppressor in numerous human cancers. However, recent studies have demonstrated that an increase in KISS1 and KISS1R expression in patient breast tumors correlates with higher tumor grade and metastatic potential. We have shown that KP-10 stimulates invasion of estrogen receptor α (ERα)-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells via transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Here, we report that either KP-10 treatment of ERα-negative nonmalignant mammary epithelial MCF10A cells or expression of KISS1R in MCF10A cells induced a mesenchymal phenotype and stimulated invasiveness. Similarly, exogenous expression of KISS1R in ERα-negative SKBR3 breast cancer cells was sufficient to trigger invasion and induced extravasation in vivo. In contrast, KP-10 failed to transactivate EGFR or stimulate invasiveness in the ERα-positive MCF7 and T47D breast cancer cells. This suggested that ERα negatively regulates KISS1R-dependent breast cancer cell migration, invasion, and EGFR transactivation. In support of this, we found that these KP-10-induced effects were ablated upon exogenous expression of ERα in the MDA-MB-231 cells, by down-regulating KISS1R expression. Lastly, we have identified IQGAP1, an actin cytoskeletal binding protein as a novel binding partner of KISS1R, and have shown that KISS1R regulates EGFR transactivation in breast cancer cells in an IQGAP1-dependent manner. Overall, our data strongly suggest that the ERα status of mammary cells dictates whether KISS1R may be a novel clinical target for treating breast cancer metastasis.
Sensitive and Specific Time-Resolved Fluorescence Immunoassay of Rat C-Peptide for Measuring Hormone Secretory and Storage Capacity of β-Cells In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: van Genderen Farah T. , Gorus Frans K. , Pipeleers Daniel G. , van Schravendijk Christiaan F. H. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe limitations of current rat C-peptide assays led us to develop a time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay for measurements in plasma, incubation media, and tissue/cell extracts. The assay uses 2 monoclonal antibodies, binding to different parts of the C-peptide molecule, and allowing, respectively, capture of the peptide and its detection by europium-labeled streptavidin. It is performed on 25-μL samples for a dynamic range from 66pM up to 3900pM C-peptide and displays over 95% recovery of added peptide in the range of 111pM to 2786pM. Its inter- and intra-assay coefficients of variations are, respectively, lower than 7.6% and 4.8%. Cross-reactivities by rat insulin and by human and porcine C-peptide are negligible, and cross-reactivity by mouse C-peptide is 6% ± 2%. The assay has been validated for in vivo and in vitro measurements of C-peptide release and cellular content. Release patterns were similar to those for insulin and occurred in equimolar concentrations for both peptides. The molar C-peptide contents in purified β-cells and isolated islets were similar to the corresponding insulin contents. This was also the case for pancreatic extracts containing protease inhibitors.
Elaborate Metallosupramolecular Architectures through Desymmetrization Self-assembly of Symmetric Building Blocks
Authors: Nakamura Takashi , Ube Hitoshi , Shionoya Mitsuhiko 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Desymmetrization self-assembly of symmetric building blocks is a powerful method to construct elaborate metallosupramolecular architectures. Herein several examples are given to discuss how to build up self-assembled complexes with low symmetry, focusing on 1) stabilization of local structural motifs by template molecules and/or interligand interactions, 2) rigidity regulation of ligand scaffolds, and 3) control of intermediate complexation conditions. Unsymmetrically assembled supramolecular host complexes exhibit unique functions reflecting their structural frameworks.
The redox chemistry of neptunium inγ-irradiated aqueous nitric acid
Authors: Mincher Bruce J. , Precek Martin , Mezyk Stephen P. , Elias Gracy , Martin Leigh R. , Paulenova Alena 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe redox chemistry of neptunium in irradiated 4 M nitric acid was investigated usingγ-ray irradiation and UV/Vis spectroscopic measurements. Irradiation caused changes in the abundances of Np(V) and Np(VI) regardless of the initial fractional components of these oxidation states. At low absorbed doses Np(V) was oxidized to Np(VI) in irradiated solution, due to its reaction with oxidizing, radiolytically-produced, free radicals. However, when sufficient radiolytically-produced nitrous acid accumulated, the reduction of Np(VI) to Np(V) occurred, even at this high nitric acid concentration. Neptunium(IV) was not produced. A kinetic model which incorporates the standard water radiolysis reactions, estimated radical yields for 4 M HNO3, and rate constants for neptunium reactions available from the literature was used to successfully reproduce the experimental results.
Ab Initio Study of Cooperative Effects in Complexes X:HBO:Z, with X, Z=LiH, HNC, HF, HCN, HCl, ClF, and HBO: Structures, Binding Energies, and Spin-Spin Coupling Constants across Intermolecular Bonds
Authors: Del Bene Janet Elaine , Alkorta Ibon , Sánchez-Sanz Goar , Elguero José 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
A systematic ab initio investigation has been carried out to determine the structures, binding energies, and spin-spin coupling constants of ternary complexes X:HBO:Z for X, Z= LiH, HNC, HF, HCN, HCl, ClF, and HBO. All complexes X:HBO:Z are linear with C∞ v symmetry, except for HCl:HBO:Z and ClF:HBO:Z which have Cs symmetry, thereby reflecting the structures of the corresponding X:HBO and HBO:Z complexes. Cooperative effects on energies are synergistic in all ternary complexes. The enhanced binding energies of complexes X:HBO:Z correlate with the binding energies of the X:HBO and HBO:Z complexes. Coupling constants 1J(B-H) and 2hJ(B-A) across B-H···sA hydrogen bonds correlate with the B-A distance, and exhibit synergistic effects due to the presence of Z. 1hJ(H-A) indicates that these bonds have little proton-shared character. Coupling constants across D-H···sO hydrogen bonds, H-Li···sO lithium bonds, and F-Cl···sO halogen bonds are also sensitive to the synergistic effects arising from the presence of X. D-H···sO hydrogen bonds in ternary complexes are traditional (normal) hydrogen bonds.
Surface Dilational Properties of Sodium 4-(1-methyl)-Alkyl Benzene Sulfonates: Effect of Alkyl Chain Length
Authors: Zhang Ji-Chao , Guo Lan-Lei , Zhang Lei , Dong Lin-Fang , Zhang Lu , Luo Lan , Zhao Sui 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe dilational properties of absorbed film of three sodium 4-(1-methyl)-alkyl benzene sulfonates at the air-water interface have been investigated by drop shape analysis method. The influences of time, dilational frequency and surfactant bulk concentration on surface dilational modulus and phase angle have been expounded. The nature of interfacial film depends on the molecular structure of surfactants. For 2Φ-14 and 2Φ-16, the diffusion-exchange process controls the dilational properties and the film shows viscoelastic character. As an increase of the hydrophobic chain, the dilational modulus of 2Φ-18 is independent on applied frequency in the studied bulk concentration except for 1 × 105mol/L, which indicates the adsorbed layer behaves nearly purely elastic. Furthermore, the phase angle of 2Φ-14 and 2Φ-16 are remarkably higher than those of 2Φ-18, confirming that the presence of strong interactions between hydrophobic chains of 2Φ-18. Best agreements with the experimental data have been obtained from the curves of dilational modulusvs.surface pressure.
Oxygen and Hydrogen Isotopic Preference in Hydration Spheres of Chloride and Sulfate Ions
Authors: Oi Takao , Morimoto Hiroaki 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Molecular orbital calculations were performed to estimate the 18O/16O and D/H isotopic reduced partition function ratios (RPFRs) of water molecules around chloride and sulfate ions. Cl-(H2O)
n
and SO4
2-(H2O)
n
clusters with n up to 120 were considered as models of aqueous solution containing those anions. The calculations indicated that the decreasing order of the 18O preference over 16O in the primary hydration sphere is: (bulk water) > SO4
2- > Cl-. That is, water molecules in the primary hydration spheres of those anions are expected to be depleted in the heavier isotope of oxygen relative to water molecules in bulk, and the degree of the depletion is larger for the chloride ion than for the sulfate ion. Similar tendency was also observed for the isotope preference of hydrogen. No such isotopic preference was observed either for oxygen or for hydrogen in the secondary and outer hydration spheres.