bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of sphingosine kinase 1 suppresses proliferation of glioma cells under hypoxia by attenuating activity of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase
Authors: Zhang H. , Li W. , Sun S. , Yu S. , Zhang M. , Zou F. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Objectives:  Sphingosine kinase (SphK), which is regulated by hypoxia, catalyses phosphorylation of sphingosine to produce sphingosine‐1‐phosphate, which stimulates invasiveness of gliomas. However, whether SphK is involved in proliferation of glioma cells under hypoxic conditions is not clearly understood. In this study, we have investigated the role of SphK in of proliferation glioma cells under hypoxia.
Materials and methods:  Effects of small interfering RNA (siRNA) on SphKs, SKI (inhibitor of SphK) and U0126 (inhibitor of ERK) on proliferation of glioma cells under hypoxia were studied using CCK‐8 assay and flow cytometry. Protein expression profiles were evaluated by Western blot analysis.
Results: SKI suppressed proliferation of glioma cells under hypoxia. Similarly, downregulation of SphKs by siRNA inhibited glioma cell proliferation, and the cell cycle was arrested in G2/M phase when SphK1 was inhibited. In addition, inhibition of SphK1 attenuated phosphorylation of ERK in hypoxic conditions. Furthermore, U0126 markedly inhibited cell population growth and arrested cells in G2/M as effectively as SKI. However, silencing SphK2 induced cell cycle arrest in the S phase and it showed little effect on hypoxia‐induced activation of ERK.
Conclusions:  SphK1 and SphK2 are involved in proliferation of glioma cells in hypoxic conditions through distinct signalling pathways. SphK1, but not SphK2, promotes cell population expansion in hypoxic conditions by activating ERK.
Specific subcutaneous immunotherapy with recombinant grass pollen allergens: first randomized dose‐ranging safety study
Authors: Klimek L. , Schendzielorz P. , Pinol R. , Pfaar O. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryBackgroundAllergen‐specific immunotherapy (SIT) with native allergen extracts and allergoids has been performed successfully for decades. Preliminary studies revealed the use of recombinant allergen‐preparations as a promising option for SIT.ObjectiveThe present study was designed to investigate the dose‐ranging safety in SCIT with a mixture of five recombinant grass pollen allergens containing equimolar amounts of rPhl p 1, rPhl p2, rPhl p 5a, rPhl p 5b and rPhl p 6, adsorbed to aluminium hydroxide.MethodsA randomized, double blind, placebo‐controlled, dose‐ranging safety study (EudraCT number 2007‐002808‐18) was performed in 50 patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, with or without asthma. Patients were randomized to groups of 10 to receive maximum doses of 20, 40, 80 or 120 μg of total grass pollen recombinant protein or placebo.The primary end‐point of this trial was the number of patients with at least one systemic reaction with possible, probable or definite relationship to the study medication determined at the end of the up‐dosing phase. Secondary end‐points included titrated intracutaneous test with natural six‐grass pollen extract, allergen‐specific conjunctival provocation test as well as IgG and IgE‐levels throughout the study.ResultsEight of the 50 patients revealed systemic reactions grade 1 or 2 corresponding to the primary end‐point definition. No systemic reactions grade 3 or 4 occurred in any dosage group. The systemic reactions were well distributed among the active groups. Results of secondary end‐points imply that the study medication is effective and provokes immunological effects.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceThe first DBPC SCIT‐DRF with a mixture of recombinant Phleum allergens (Phl p 1, 2, 5a, 5b, 6) in patients with rhinoconjunctivitis plus/minus asthma showed no major side effects in very high doses up to 120 μg.
Nutritional potential, bioaccessibility of minerals and antioxidant properties of niger (Guizotia abyssinicacass.) seed protein
Authors: Thatte Prachi , Jyothi Lakshmi A. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryThe investigation aimed at preparing protein isolate from niger seeds and determining its nutritional profile, functional properties and antioxidant potential. Niger seeds with 25.5% protein, 30% fat and 21.8% fibre were used for preparation of dehulled, defatted niger seed flour (DNF) and protein isolate (NPI). Protein content of DNF was 53.8% and NPI was 85.7%. Minerals, crude fiber and carbohydrate content reduced from DNF to NPI. In vitro protein digestibility, iron and zinc dialysability increased significantly from DNF to NPI with a corresponding decrease in fibre, tannin and phytate. Water and fat absorption capacity (FAC) was higher in DNF and foaming and emulsification index was better in NPI. Polyphenol content of NPI was higher than DNP. NPI exhibited significantly higher free radical scavenging ability and metal chelating ability, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity was comparable to DNP. Studies on organo‐leptic evaluation and utilisation of NPI as a protein source in food formulations are warranted.
Tensile and water vapour properties of calcium‐crosslinked alginate‐cashew tree gum films
Authors: Azeredo Henriette M. C. , Magalhães Ulysses S. , Oliveira Samira A. , Ribeiro Hálisson L. , Brito Edy S. , De Moura Márcia R. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryIn this study, sodium alginate films were blended with cashew tree gum (CTG) and immersed in CaCl2 solution. The influence of CTG concentration and immersion time in CaCl2 on tensile properties, water vapour permeability and water solubility (WS) of alginate films was evaluated. Glycerol‐plasticized alginate/CTG films were cast on glass plates, which were then immersed in a 2% CaCl2 solution to crosslink alginate. CTG concentration in the film solution and immersion time in CaCl2 bath were varied according to a central composite design. Tensile strength, Young′s modulus, WS and water vapour barrier of the films were favoured by higher immersion times in CaCl2 and lower CTG concentrations. The negative CTG effects on such properties have been attributed to competition between the polysaccharides for interactions with calcium ions, reducing crosslinking density and loosening the film structure. On the other hand, this loosening effect resulted in higher film flexibility at higher CTG concentrations.
Imported fire ants near the edge of their range: disturbance and moisture determine prevalence and impact of an invasive social insect
Authors: LeBrun Edward G. , Plowes Robert M. , Gilbert Lawrence E. 
Published: January 2012

Summary1. Habitat disturbance and species invasions interact in natural systems, making it difficult to isolate the primary cause of ecosystem degradation. A general understanding requires case studies of how disturbance and invasion interact across a variety of ecosystem – invasive species combinations.2. Dramatic losses in ant diversity followed the invasion of central Texas by red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta). However, recent manipulative studies in Florida revealed no effect on ant diversity following the removal of S. invicta from a disturbed pasture habitat, but moderate loss of diversity associated with their introduction into undisturbed habitat and no invasion occurred without disturbance. Thus, the importance of S. invicta in driving diversity loss and its ability to invade undisturbed systems is unresolved.3. We examine the distribution and abundance of a large monogyne S. invicta population and its association with the co‐occurring ant assemblage at a site in south Texas close to the aridity tolerance limit of S. invicta.4. We document that moisture modulates S. invicta densities. Further, soil disturbing habitat manipulations greatly increase S. invicta population densities. However, S. invicta penetrates all habitats regardless of soil disturbance history. In contrast, controlled burns depress S. invicta densities.5. In habitats where S. invicta is prevalent, it completely replaces native fire ants. However, S. invicta impacts native ants as a whole less strongly. Intriguingly, native ants responded distinctly to S. invicta in different environments. In wet, undisturbed environments, high S. invicta abundance disrupts the spatial structure of the ant assemblage by increasing clumping and is associated with reduced species density, while in dry‐disturbed habitats, sites with high S. invicta abundance possess high numbers of native species. Analyses of co‐occurrence indicate that reduced species density in wet‐undisturbed sites arises from negative species interactions between native ants and S. invicta. However, these same data suggest that the high native species density of abundant S. invicta sites in dry‐disturbed environments does not result from facilitation.6. Monogyne S. invicta populations play different roles in different environments, driving ant diversity loss in some, but being largely symptomatic of habitat disturbance in others.
Using TPACK as a framework to understand teacher candidates' technology integration decisions
Authors: Graham C.R. , Borup J. , Smith N.B. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThis research uses the technological pedagogical and content knowledge (TPACK) framework as a lens for understanding how teacher candidates make decisions about the use of information and communication technology in their teaching. Pre‐ and post‐treatment assessments required elementary teacher candidates at Brigham Young University to articulate how and why they would integrate technology in three content teaching design tasks. Researchers identified themes from student rationales that mapped to the TPACK constructs. Rationales simultaneously supported subcategories of knowledge that could be helpful to other researchers trying to understand and measure TPACK. The research showed significant student growth in the use of rationales grounded in content‐specific knowledge and general pedagogical knowledge, while rationales related to general technological knowledge remained constant.
Influence of landscape and social interactions on transmission of disease in a social cervid
Authors: VANDER WAL ERIC , PAQUET PAUL C. , ANDRÉS JOSÉ A. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe mechanisms of pathogen transmission are often social behaviours. These occur at local scales and are affected by landscape‐scale population structure. Host populations frequently exist in patchy and isolated environments that create a continuum of genetic and social familiarity. Such variability has an important multispatial effect on pathogen spread. We assessed elk dispersal (i.e. likelihood of interdeme pathogen transmission) through spatially explicit genetic analyses. At a landscape scale, the elk population was composed of one cluster within a southeast‐to‐northwest cline spanning three spatially discrete subpopulations of elk across two protected areas in Manitoba (Canada). Genetic data are consistent with spatial variability in apparent prevalence of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in elk. Given the existing population structure, between‐subpopulation spread of disease because of elk dispersal is unlikely. Furthermore, to better understand the risk of spread and distribution of the TB, we used a combination of close‐contact logging biotelemetry and genetic data, which highlights how social intercourse may affect pathogen transmission. Our results indicate that close‐contact interaction rate and duration did not covary with genetic relatedness. Thus, direct elk‐to‐elk transmission of disease is unlikely to be constrained to related individuals. That social intercourse in elk is not limited to familial groups provides some evidence pathogen transmission may be density‐dependent. We show that the combination of landscape‐scale genetics, relatedness and local‐scale social behaviours is a promising approach to understand and predict landscape‐level pathogen transmission within our system and within all social ungulate systems affected by transmissible diseases.
Involvement of TatD nuclease during programmed cell death in the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Gannavaram Sreenivas , Debrabant Alain 
Published: January 2012

SummaryIn this report, we describe the involvement of TatD nuclease during programmed cell death (PCD) in the human protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei. T. brucei TatD nuclease showed intrinsic DNase activity, was localized in the cytoplasm and translocated to the nucleus when cells were treated with inducers previously demonstrated to cause PCD in T. brucei. Overexpression of TatD nuclease resulted in elevated PCD and conversely, loss of TatD expression by RNAi conferred significant resistance to the induction of PCD in T. brucei. Co‐immunoprecipitation studies revealed that TatD nuclease interacts with endonucleaseG suggesting that these two nucleases could form a DNA degradation complex in the nucleus. Together, biochemical activity, RNAi and subcellular localization results demonstrate the role of TatD nuclease activity in DNA degradation during PCD in these evolutionarily ancient eukaryotic organisms. Further, in conjunction with endonucleaseG, TatD may represent a critical nuclease in a caspase‐independent PCD pathway in trypanosomatid parasites since caspases have not been identified in these organisms.
GDNF‐treated acellular nerve graft promotes motoneuron axon regeneration after implantation into cervical root avulsed spinal cord
Authors: Chu T‐H. , Wang L. , Guo A. , Chan V. W‐K. , Wong C. W‐M. , Wu W. 
Published: January 2012

T‐H. Chu, L. Wang, A. Guo, V. W‐K. Chan, C. W‐M. Wong and W. Wu (2012) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology38, 681–695GDNF‐treated acellular nerve graft promotes motoneuron axon regeneration after implantation into cervical root avulsed spinal cordIt is well known that glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a potent neurotrophic factor for motoneurons. We have previously shown that it greatly enhanced motoneuron survival and axon regeneration after implantation of peripheral nerve graft following spinal root avulsion. Aims: In the current study, we explore whether injection of GDNF promotes axon regeneration in decellularized nerve induced by repeated freeze‐thaw cycles. Methods: We injected saline or GDNF into the decellularized nerve after root avulsion in adult Sprague–Dawley rats and assessed motoneuron axon regeneration and Schwann cell migration by retrograde labelling and immunohistochemistry. Results: We found that no axons were present in saline‐treated acellular nerve whereas Schwann cells migrated into GDNF‐treated acellular nerve grafts. We also found that Schwann cells migrated into the nerve grafts as early as 4 days after implantation, coinciding with the first appearance of regenerating axons in the grafts. Application of GDNF outside the graft did not induce Schwann cell infiltration nor axon regeneration into the graft. Application of pleiotrophin, a trophic factor which promotes axon regeneration but not Schwann cell migration, did not promote axon infiltration into acellular nerve graft. Conclusions: We conclude that GDNF induced Schwann cell migration and axon regeneration into the acellular nerve graft. Our findings can be of potential clinical value to develop acellular nerve grafting for use in spinal root avulsion injuries.
Magnetotelluric image linked to surface geology across the Cape Fold Belt, South Africa
Authors: Weckmann Ute , Ritter Oliver , Chen Xiaoming , Tietze Kristina , de Wit Maarten 
Published: January 2012

Terra Nova, 24, 207–212, 2012AbstractThe subsurface structure of the Cape Fold Belt (CFB) that traverses southern Africa remains largely unknown because it lacks deep‐penetrating, high‐resolution geophysics. This hampers studies from local‐scale exploration for important resources such as water, to continental‐scale modelling, such as Gondwana reconstructions. Our Magnetotelluric (MT) soundings across the CFB provide a high‐resolution crustal‐scale electrical conductivity image. Inversion models of these data correlate well with surface geology, and resolve deep resistive roots of the CFB’s regional Palaeozoic quartzite ridges (Swartberg and Outeniqua Mountains) and thin tectonic wedges of Proterozoic rocks of higher resistivity (Kango and Kaaimans Inliers), separated by 2–3 km of Cretaceous sediments in asymmetric intermontaine basins. One of these basins, the Oudtshoorn Basin, is flanked by a listric normal fault rooted in an upper crustal detachment zone, and is underlain by a massive conductivity anomaly that is likely to be a major saline water reservoir.
Fructokinase is required for carbon partitioning to cellulose in aspen wood
Authors: Roach Melissa , Gerber Lorenz , Sandquist David , Gorzsás András , Hedenström Mattias , Kumar Manoj , Steinhauser Marie Caroline , Feil Regina , Daniel Geoffrey , Stitt Mark , Sundberg Björn , Niittylä Totte 
Published: January 2012

SummarySucrose is the main transported form of carbon in several plant species, including Populus species. Sucrose metabolism in developing wood has therefore a central role in carbon partitioning to stem biomass. Half of the sucrose‐derived carbon is in the form of fructose, but metabolism of fructose has received little attention as a factor in carbon partitioning to walls of wood cells. We show that RNAi‐mediated reduction of FRK2 activity in developing wood of hybrid aspen (Populus tremula × tremuloides) led to the accumulation of soluble neutral sugars and a decrease in hexose phosphates and UDP‐glucose, indicating that carbon flux to cell‐wall polysaccharide precursors is decreased. Reduced FRK2 activity also led to thinner fiber cell walls with a reduction in the proportion of cellulose. No pleiotropic effects on stem height or diameter were observed. The results establish a central role for FRK2 activity in carbon flux to wood cellulose.
46, XY gonadal dysgenesis: new SRY point mutation in two siblings with paternal germ line mosaicism
Authors: Stoppa‐Vaucher S , Ayabe T , Paquette J , Patey N , Francoeur D , Vuissoz J‐M , Deladoëy J , Samuels ME , Ogata T , Deal CL 
Published: January 2012

Stoppa‐Vaucher S, Ayabe T, Paquette J, Patey N, Francoeur D, Vuissoz J‐M, Deladoëy J, Samuels ME, Ogata T, Deal CL. 46, XY gonadal dysgenesis: new SRY point mutation in two siblings with paternal germ line mosaicism.Familial recurrence risks are poorly understood in cases of de novo mutations. In the event of parental germ line mosaicism, recurrence risks can be higher than generally appreciated, with implications for genetic counseling and clinical practice. In the course of treating a female with pubertal delay and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, we identified a new missense mutation in the SRY gene, leading to somatic feminization of this karyotypically normal XY individual. We tested a younger sister despite a normal onset of puberty, who also possessed an XY karyotype and the same SRY mutation. Imaging studies in the sister revealed an ovarian tumor, which was removed. DNA from the father's blood possessed the wild type SRY sequence, and paternity testing was consistent with the given family structure. A brother was 46, XY with a wild type SRY sequence strongly suggesting paternal Y‐chromosome germline mosaicism for the mutation. In disorders of sexual development (DSDs), early diagnosis is critical for optimal psychological development of the affected patients. In this case, preventive karyotypic screening allowed early diagnosis of a gonadal tumor in the sibling prior to the age of normal puberty. Our results suggest that cytological or molecular diagnosis should be applied for siblings of an affected DSD individual.
Prolonged attenuation of acetylcholine‐induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 following sevoflurane exposure
Authors: WIKLUND A. , GUSTAVSSON D. , EBBERYD A. , SUNDMAN E. , SCHULTE G. , JONSSON FAGERLUND M. , ERIKSSON L. I. 
Published: January 2012

BackgroundVolatile anaesthetics are known to affect cholinergic receptors. Perturbation of cholinergic signalling can cause cognitive deficits. In this study, we wanted to evaluate acetylcholine‐induced intracellular signalling following sevoflurane exposure.MethodsPheochromocytoma12 PC12 cells were exposed to 4.6% sevoflurane for 2 h. Subsequently, Western blotting was used to measure acetylcholine‐induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK) 1/2 and basal Protein kinase B (AKT) phosphorylation.ResultsAfter exposure, acetylcholine‐induced ERK 1/2 phosphorylation was reduced to 58 ± 8% [95% confidence interval (CI): 38–77%, P = 0.003] compared with non‐exposed controls. At 30 min after the end of sevoflurane administration [at 0.7% sevoflurane (0.102 mM)], ERK 1/2 phosphorylation remained reduced to 57 ± 7% (95% CI: 39–74%, P = 0.001) and was at 120 min [0.02% (0.003 mM] still reduced to 63 ± 10% (95% CI: 37–88%, P = 0.01), compared with control. At 360 min after exposure, acetylcholine‐induced ERK 1/2 phosphorylation had recovered to 98 ± 16% (95% CI: 45–152%, P = 0.98) compared with control. In contrast, immediately after sevoflurane exposure, basal AKT phosphorylation was increased by 228 ± 37% (95% CI: 133–324%, P = 0.02) but had returned to control levels at 30 min after exposure, 172 ± 67% (95% CI: 0–356%, P = 0.34).ConclusionSevoflurane exposure has differential effects on different intracellular signalling pathways. On one hand, we observed a prolonged attenuation of acetylcholine‐induced ERK 1/2 phosphorylation that persisted even when sevoflurane concentrations close to detection level. On the other hand, basal AKT phosphorylation was increased twofold during sevoflurane exposure, with a rapid return to baseline levels after exposure. We speculate that the effects on acetylcholine‐induced intracellular signalling observed in our in vitro model could be of relevance also for cholinergic signalling in vivo following sevoflurane exposure.
Dynamic variables of fluid responsiveness during pneumoperitoneum and laparoscopic surgery
Authors: HØISETH L. Ø. , HOFF I. E. , MYRE K. , LANDSVERK S. A. , KIRKEBØEN K. A. 
Published: January 2012

BackgroundFew data exist on dynamic variables predicting fluid responsiveness during laparoscopic surgery. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of laparoscopy on four dynamic variables: respiratory variations in pulse pressure (ΔPP), stroke volume variation by Vigileo/FloTrac (SVV
Vigileo), pleth variability index (PVI) and respiratory variations in pulse oximetry plethysmography waveform amplitude (ΔPOP), and their relation to fluid challenges during laparoscopic surgery.MethodsΔPP, SVV
Vigileo, PVI and ΔPOP were studied in 20 adult patients before and during pneumoperitoneum (10–12 mmHg). During ongoing laparoscopic surgery, relations between the dynamic variables and changes in stroke volume oesophageal Doppler, (SVOD) after fluid challenges (250 ml colloid) were evaluated.ResultsPneumoperitoneum changed the dynamic variables as follows {mean [95% confidence interval (CI)]}: ΔPP 0.5 (−1.3, 2.3)%, P = 0.53; SVV
Vigileo 0.6 (−1.3, 2.5)%, P = 0.52; PVI 2.9 (0.4, 5.3)%, P = 0.025. For ΔPOP, median difference (95% CI) was 2.5 (−0.15, 6.7)%, P = 0.058. During laparoscopic surgery, areas under receiver operating characteristics curves (95% CI) were ΔPP 0.53 (0.31–0.75), SVV
Vigileo 0.74 (0.51–0.90), PVI 0.61 (0.38–0.81), ΔPOP 0.63 (0.40–0.82). Correlation coefficients (P‐values) between changes in dynamic variables and changes in SVOD were ΔPP r = −0.65, P = 0.009; SVV
Vigileo r = −0.73, P = 0.002; PVI r = −0.22, P = 0.44; ΔPOP r = −0.32, P = 0.24.ConclusionΔPP and SVV
Vigileo did not change as pneumoperitoneum was established, whereas PVI increased and ΔPOP tended to increase. All four dynamic variables predicted fluid responsiveness relatively poor during ongoing laparoscopic surgery. ΔPP and SVV
Vigileo tracked changes in stroke volume induced by fluid challenges during ongoing laparascopic surgery, whereas ΔPOP and PVI did not.