bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lipopolysaccharide induces a fibrotic‐like phenotype in endothelial cells
Authors: Echeverría César , Montorfano Ignacio , Sarmiento Daniela , Becerra Alvaro , Nuñez‐Villena Felipe , Figueroa Xavier F. , Cabello‐Verrugio Claudio , Elorza Alvaro A. , Riedel Claudia , Simon Felipe 
Published: May 2013

AbstractEndothelial dysfunction is crucial in endotoxaemia‐derived sepsis syndrome pathogenesis. It is well accepted that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces endothelial dysfunction through immune system activation. However, LPS can also directly generate actions in endothelial cells (ECs) in the absence of participation by immune cells. Although interactions between LPS and ECs evoke endothelial death, a significant portion of ECs are resistant to LPS challenge. However, the mechanism that confers endothelial resistance to LPS is not known. LPS‐resistant ECs exhibit a fibroblast‐like morphology, suggesting that these ECs enter a fibrotic programme in response to LPS. Thus, our aim was to investigate whether LPS is able to induce endothelial fibrosis in the absence of immune cells and explore the underlying mechanism. Using primary cultures of ECs and culturing intact blood vessels, we demonstrated that LPS is a crucial factor to induce endothelial fibrosis. We demonstrated that LPS was able and sufficient to promote endothelial fibrosis, in the absence of immune cells through an activin receptor–like kinase 5 (ALK5) activity–dependent mechanism. LPS‐challenged ECs showed an up‐regulation of both fibroblast‐specific protein expression and extracellular matrix proteins secretion, as well as a down‐regulation of endothelial markers. These results demonstrate that LPS is a crucial factor in inducing endothelial fibrosis in the absence of immune cells through an ALK5‐dependent mechanism. It is noteworthy that LPS‐induced endothelial fibrosis perpetuates endothelial dysfunction as a maladaptive process rather than a survival mechanism for protection against LPS. These findings are useful in improving current treatment against endotoxaemia‐derived sepsis syndrome and other inflammatory diseases.
Stapling of the botulinum type A protease to growth factors and neuropeptides allows selective targeting of neuroendocrine cells
Authors: Arsenault Jason , Ferrari Enrico , Niranjan Dhevahi , Cuijpers Sabine A. G. , Gu Chunjing , Vallis Yvonne , O'Brien John , Davletov Bazbek 
Published: May 2013

AbstractPrecise cellular targeting of macromolecular cargos has important biotechnological and medical implications. Using a recently established ‘protein stapling’ method, we linked the proteolytic domain of botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) to a selection of ligands to target neuroendocrine tumor cells. The botulinum proteolytic domain was chosen because of its well‐known potency to block the release of neurotransmitters and hormones. Among nine tested stapled ligands, the epidermal growth factor was able to deliver the botulinum enzyme into pheochromocytoma PC12 and insulinoma Min6 cells; ciliary neurotrophic factor was effective on neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y and Neuro2A cells, whereas corticotropin‐releasing hormone was active on pituitary AtT‐20 cells and the two neuroblastoma cell lines. In neuronal cultures, the epidermal growth factor‐ and ciliary neurotrophic factor‐directed botulinum enzyme targeted distinct subsets of neurons whereas the whole native neurotoxin targeted the cortical neurons indiscriminately. At nanomolar concentrations, the retargeted botulinum molecules were able to inhibit stimulated release of hormones from tested cell lines suggesting their application for treatments of neuroendocrine disorders.
Enzyme use in kibble diets formulated with wheat bran for dogs: effects on processing and digestibility
Authors: Sá F. C. , Vasconcellos R. S. , Brunetto M. A. , Filho F. O. R. , Gomes M. O. S. , Carciofi A. C. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryRecently, there is an interest in technologies that favour the use of coproducts for animal nutrition. The effect of adding two enzyme mixtures in diets for dogs formulated with wheat bran (WB) was evaluated. Two foods with similar compositions were formulated: negative control (NC; without WB) and test diet (25% of WB). The test diet was divided into four treatments: without enzyme (positive control), enzyme mixture 1 (ENZ1; added before extrusion β‐glucanase, xylanase, cellulase, glucoamylase, phytase); enzyme mixture 2 (ENZ2; added before extrusion the ENZ1 more α‐amylase); enzyme mixture 2 added after the extrusion (ENZ2ex). ENZ1 and ENZ2 were used to evaluate the enzyme effect on extruder pre‐conditioner (processing additive) and ENZ2ex to evaluate the effect of enzyme supplementation for the animal. Digestibility was measured through total collection of faeces and urine. The experiment followed a randomized block design with five treatments (diets) and six dogs per diet, totalling 30 dogs (7.0 ± 1.2 years old and 11.0 ± 2.2 kg of body weight). Data were submitted to analysis of variance and means compared by Tukey's test and orthogonal contrasts (p < 0.05). Reducing sugars showed an important reduction after extrusion, suggesting the formation of carbohydrate complexes. The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, acid‐hydrolysed fat and energy was higher in NC than in diets with WB (p < 0.001), without effects of enzyme additions. WB diets resulted in higher faecal production and concentration of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) and reduced pH and ammonia concentration (p < 0.01), with no effect of enzyme addition. The enzyme addition did not result in improved digestibility of a diet high in non‐starch polysaccharides; however, only ATTD was measured and nutrient fermentation in the large intestine may have interfered with the results obtained. WB modified fermentation product formation in the colon of dogs.
Motivated Behaviors and Levels of 3α,5α-THP in the Midbrain are Attenuated by Knocking Down Expression of Pregnane Xenobiotic Receptor in the Midbrain Ventral Tegmental Area of Proestrous Rats
Authors: Frye Cheryl Anne , Koonce Carolyn J. , Walf Alicia A. , Rusconi Jamie C. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Progesterone (P4) and its product, 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one (3α,5α-THP), act in the midbrain ventral tegmental area (VTA) to alter motivated behaviors, such as mating, and motor and anxiety behavior. Of interest is whether 3α,5α-THP formation requires the pregnane xenobiotic receptor (PXR), which is expressed in the midbrain of rats.

Aim
The role of PXR in the midbrain for 3α,5α-THP formation, which precedes modulation of motivated behaviors, was investigated.

Methods
Rats had estrous cycle phase determined and were assessed when they were in diestrus or proestrus. Diestrous and proestrous rats were infused with control or antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotides (AS-ODNs) targeted against PXR to the VTA.

Main Outcome Measures
In pilot studies, PXR gene and protein expression in the midbrain were determined with quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. Diestrous and proestrous rats infused with control or AS-ODNs to the VTA were tested for anxiety (open field and plus maze), social (social interaction), and sexual (paced mating) behavior. Expression of PXR in the midbrain was verified with Western blotting. Plasma estradiol, P4, dihydroprogesterone (DHP), and 3α,5α-THP levels, and brain P4, DHP, and 3α,5α-THP levels were measured. We predicted that proestrous rats infused with PXR AS-ODNs would have decreased anti-anxiety, social, and sexual behavior, lower midbrain expression of PXR, and lower midbrain levels of 3α,5α-THP compared with controls.

Results
Results supported the hypothesis that formation of 3α,5α-THP requires PXR and may be important for motivated behaviors. PXR AS-ODN, compared with control, infusions to the VTA reduced PXR expression and 3α,5α-THP levels in the midbrain and attenuated sexual receptivity of proestrous rats.

Conclusions
Knockdown of PXR in the midbrain reduces 3α,5α-THP levels and sexual receptivity of proestrous rats. Thus, PXR in the midbrain may be required for the observed increase in 3α-5α-THP during proestrus, which has subsequent effects on motivated, reproductive behaviors.
Critical incidents among intensive care unit nurses and their need for support: explorative interviews
Authors: de Boer Jacoba , van Rikxoort Simone , Bakker Arnold B , Smit Bert J 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimsThis article aims (a) to get insight into intensive care nurses' most critical work‐related incidents, (b) their reactions and coping and (c) perceived support, in a Dutch intensive care unit.BackgroundResearch about the impact of critical incidents has largely been aimed at ambulance and emergency nurses; knowledge about intensive care nurses in this respect is scarce. Persistent stress reactions after critical incidents may cause symptoms of post‐traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety. Unresolved problems may also cause poor behaviour towards patients. In response, nurses reduce work hours or even resign. Social support alleviates emotional problems, but little is known about actual support perceived.DesignThis study is a qualitative explorative study.MethodThematic analysis of semi‐structured interviews was performed among a purposive sample of 12 intensive care nurses in a university hospital in The Netherlands.FindingsFour main themes have been identified in critical incidents: high emotional involvement in patient‐related incidents (in contrast to major life‐threatening events as such), avoidable incidents, sub‐standard patient care and intimidation. Themes discerned in nurses' reactions after critical incidents were physical reactions, emotional reactions and cognitive/behavioural reactions. After critical incidents, nurses talked with colleagues, friends or relatives, but would have appreciated additional support.ConclusionsIncidents under emotionally demanding circumstances are among the most difficult situations, but may not be recognized as critical incidents by colleagues. Both adequate and inadequate coping strategies, with long‐lasting problems after critical incidents, were reported. Feelings of anger, shame and powerlessness, may have hindered recovery. Talking to colleagues was perceived to be helpful, but intensive care nurses' need for support was insufficiently met.Relevance to clinical practiceManagers should acknowledge the effects of critical incidents on intensive care nurses and take preventive measures: reducing critical incidents, improving open communication, imposing a buddy‐system for collegial support, and timely evaluating the necessity of professional help.
Lived experience of patients being cared for in ICUs in Southern Thailand
Authors: Locsin Rozzano C , Kongsuwan Waraporn 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTBackgroundTechnologies in ICUs are increasingly saving human lives. The challenge for nursing in ICUs is to use technologies competently in order to know patients more fully within the harmonized view of technology, nursing and human care.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to describe the meaning of the experiences of patients who were dependent on technologies while being cared for in ICUs.MethodA hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used to describe the experiences of 10 participants who were discharged from adult ICU units in Southern Thailand. Lincoln and Guba's criteria for trustworthiness was used to establish the rigour of the study.FindingsFour thematic categories structured the meaning of the participants' experiences: Living suffering; Harmonizing living; Being in trust and security; and Transitioning to a better life. These thematic categories were reflective of the four lived worlds of corporeality, relationality, spatiality and temporality.ConclusionThe description of being cared for was based on the narratives of patients who were discharged from ICUs in Southern Thailand. In conclusion, the lived experience of being cared for with technologies in ICU was described as living suffering within trust and security, and harmonizing living while transitioning to a better life.Relevance to clinical practiceThe findings of the study could be used to design innovative nursing strategies and interventions to enhance understanding of human health and well‐being while maintaining and advancing competencies in the use of technologies for human care.
Fundamental Quantification and the Language of the Ontology Room
Authors: Korman Daniel Z. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractNihilism is the thesis that no composite objects exist. Some ontologists have advocated abandoning nihilism in favor ofdeep nihilism, the thesis that composites do not existO, where to existOis to be in the domain of the most fundamental quantifier. By shifting from an existential to an existentialOthesis, the deep nihilist seems to secure all the benefits of a composite‐free ontology without running afoul of ordinary belief in the existence of composites. I argue that, while there are well‐known reasons for accepting nihilism, there appears to be no reason at all to accept deep nihilism. In particular, deep nihilism draws no support either from the usual arguments for nihilism or from considerations of parsimony.
The metabolite chemotype of Nicotiana benthamiana transiently expressing artemisinin biosynthetic pathway genes is a function of CYP71AV1 type and relative gene dosage
Authors: Ting Hieng‐Ming , Wang Bo , Rydén Anna‐Margareta , Woittiez Lotte , van Herpen Teun , Verstappen Francel W. A. , Ruyter‐Spira Carolien , Beekwilder Jules , Bouwmeester Harro J. , van der Krol Alexander 
Published: May 2013

Summary

Artemisia annua, which produces the anti‐malaria compound artemisinin, occurs as high‐artemisinin production (HAP) and low‐artemisinin production (LAP) chemotypes. Understanding the basis of the difference between these chemotypes would assist breeding and optimising artemisinin biosynthesis.

Here we present a systematic comparison of artemisinin biosynthesis genes that may be involved in determining the chemotype (CYP71AV1, DBR2 and ALDH1). These genes were isolated from the two chemotypes and characterized using transient expression in planta. The enzyme activity of DBR2 and ALDH1 from the two chemotypes did not differ, but structural differences in CYP71AV1 from LAP and HAP chemotypes (AMOLAP and AMOHAP, respectively) resulted in altered enzyme activity.

AMOLAP displays a seven amino acids N‐terminal extension compared with AMOHAP. The GFP fusion of both proteins show equal localization to the ER but AMOHAP may have reduced stability.

Upon transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana, AMOLAP displayed a higher enzyme activity than AMOHAP. However, expression in combination with the other pathway genes also resulted in a qualitatively different product profile (‘chemotype’); that is, in a shift in the ratio between the unsaturated and saturated (dihydro) branch of the pathway.
Protein actors sustaining arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis: underground artists break the silence
Authors: Recorbet Ghislaine , Abdallah Cosette , Renaut Jenny , Wipf Daniel , Dumas‐Gaudot Eliane 
Published: May 2013

SummaryThe roots of most land plants can enter a relationship with soil‐borne fungi belonging to the phylum Glomeromycota. This symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi belongs to the so‐called biotrophic interactions, involving the intracellular accommodation of a microorganism by a living plant cell without causing the death of the host. Although profiling technologies have generated an increasing depository of plant and fungal proteins eligible for sustaining AM accommodation and functioning, a bottleneck exists for their functional analysis as these experiments are difficult to carry out with mycorrhiza. Nonetheless, the expansion of gene‐to‐phenotype reverse genetic tools, including RNA interference and transposon silencing, have recently succeeded in elucidating some of the plant‐related protein candidates. Likewise, despite the ongoing absence of transformation tools for AM fungi, host‐induced gene silencing has allowed knockdown of fungal gene expression in planta for the first time, thus unlocking a technological limitation in deciphering the functional pertinence of glomeromycotan proteins during mycorrhizal establishment. This review is thus intended to draw a picture of our current knowledge about the plant and fungal protein actors that have been demonstrated to be functionally implicated in sustaining AM symbiosis mostly on the basis of silencing approaches.

Contents

Summary
26

I.
Casting for a scenario
26

II.
Nominees for a preliminary role
27

III.
Nominees for a leading role
32

IV.
Future artists
37

Acknowledgements
38

References
38
The stem xylem of Patagonian shrubs operates far from the point of catastrophic dysfunction and is additionally protected from drought‐induced embolism by leaves and roots
Authors: BUCCI SANDRA J. , SCHOLZ FABIAN G. , PESCHIUTTA MARIA LAURA , ARIAS NADIA S. , MEINZER FREDERICK C. , GOLDSTEIN GUILLERMO 
Published: May 2013

AbstractHydraulic architecture was studied in shrub species differing in rooting depth in a cold desert in Southern Argentina. All species exhibited strong hydraulic segmentation between leaves, stems and roots with leaves being the most vulnerable part of the hydraulic pathway. Two types of safety margins describing the degree of conservation of the hydraulic integrity were used: the difference between minimum stem or leaf water potential (Ψ) and the Ψ at which stem or leaf hydraulic function was reduced by 50% (Ψ – Ψ50), and the difference between leaf and stem Ψ50. Leaf Ψ50 – stem Ψ50 increased with decreasing rooting depth. Large diurnal decreases in root‐specific hydraulic conductivity suggested high root vulnerability to embolism across all species. Although stem Ψ50 became more negative with decreasing species‐specific Ψsoil and minimum stem Ψ, leaf Ψ50 was independent of Ψ and minimum leaf Ψ. Species with embolism‐resistant stems also had higher maximum stem hydraulic conductivity. Safety margins for stems were >2.1 MPa, whereas those for leaves were negative or only slightly positive. Leaves acted as safety valves to protect the integrity of the upstream hydraulic pathway, whereas embolism in lateral roots may help to decouple portions of the plant from the impact of drier soil layers.
A biomarker based on gene expression indicates plant water status in controlled and natural environments
Authors: MARCHAND GWENAËLLE , MAYJONADE BAPTISTE , VARÈS DIDIER , BLANCHET NICOLAS , BONIFACE MARIE‐CLAUDE , MAURY PIERRE , ANDRIANASOLO FETY NAMBININA , BURGER PHILIPPE , DEBAEKE PHILIPPE , CASADEBAIG PIERRE , VINCOURT PATRICK , LANGLADE NICOLAS B. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractPlant or soil water status is required in many scientific fields to understand plant responses to drought. Because the transcriptomic response to abiotic conditions, such as water deficit, reflects plant water status, genomic tools could be used to develop a new type of molecular biomarker. Using the sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) as a model species to study the transcriptomic response to water deficit both in greenhouse and field conditions, we specifically identified three genes that showed an expression pattern highly correlated to plant water status as estimated by the pre‐dawn leaf water potential, fraction of transpirable soil water, soil water content or fraction of total soil water in controlled conditions. We developed a generalized linear model to estimate these classical water status indicators from the expression levels of the three selected genes under controlled conditions. This estimation was independent of the four tested genotypes and the stage (pre‐ or post‐flowering) of the plant. We further validated this gene expression biomarker under field conditions for four genotypes in three different trials, over a large range of water status, and we were able to correct their expression values for a large diurnal sampling period.
GOLLUM [FeFe]‐hydrogenase‐like proteins are essential for plant development in normoxic conditions and modulate energy metabolism
Authors: MONDY SAMUEL , LENGLET AURORE , COSSON VIVIANE , PELLETIER SANDRA , PATEYRON STÉPHANIE , GILARD FRANÇOISE , SCHOLTE MARIJE , BROCARD LYSIANE , COUZIGOU JEAN‐MALO , TCHERKEZ GUILLAUME , PÉAN MICHEL , RATET PASCAL 
Published: May 2013

Abstract[FeFe]‐hydrogenase‐like genes encode [Fe4S4]‐containing proteins that are ubiquitous in eukaryotic cells. In humans, iron‐only hydrogenase‐like protein 1 (IOP1) represses hypoxia inducible factor‐1α subunit (HIF1‐α) at normal atmospheric partial O2 pressure (normoxia, 21 kPa O2). In yeasts, the nar1 mutant cannot grow at 21 kPa O2, but can develop at a lower O2 pressure (2 kPa O2). We show here that plant [FeFe]‐hydrogenase‐like GOLLUM genes are essential for plant development and cell cycle progression. The mutant phenotypes of these plants are seen in normoxic conditions, but not under conditions of mild hypoxia (5 kPa O2). Transcriptomic and metabolomic experiments showed that the mutation enhances the expression of some hypoxia‐induced genes under normal atmospheric O2 conditions and changes the cellular content of metabolites related to energy metabolism. In conclusion, [FeFe]‐hydrogenase‐like proteins play a central role in eukaryotes including the adaptation of plants to the ambient O2 partial pressure.
Improvement of the methods for skin mechanical properties evaluation through correlation between different techniques and factor analysis
Authors: Neto Patrícia , Ferreira Marta , Bahia Fernanda , Costa Paulo 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundIn the past decades, many instruments have been developed to measure skin elasticity and firmness. The offer is extensive and is constantly increasing, becoming difficult to decide which equipment and mechanical property measurement are better to portrait the desired characteristics. The aim of this study was to compare and correlate parameters assessed with different probes, based on different methodologies, to understand which probe characterizes each skin elasticity property.MethodsMeasurements were performed in the abdomen region of 34 female volunteers, with three different probes: Cutometer® SEM575, Reviscometer® RVM600 and Frictiometer® FR700. Statistical data analysis was performed by Factor Analysis on IBM SPSS Statistics 17.0.ResultsFrictiometer® and Reviscometer® measurements showed significant correlations with Cutometer's Uf, Ua, Ur and Ue parameters. Ue was strongly and significantly correlated to Uf and Ur. Ua was strongly and significantly correlated with Ur, Uf and Ue. Reviscometer® measurements were similar along the same axis, and measurements performed in a specific direction are significantly correlated with age.ConclusionA simpler and faster methodology for the complete assessment of elasticity and firmness of human skin is possible, in alternative to elaborate and time consuming methods, involving several equipments and parameters. The simpler methodology does not reduce the information obtained about the skin properties.