bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Critical Role of Truncated α‐Synuclein and Aggregates in Parkinson's Disease and Incidental Lewy Body Disease
Authors: Prasad Kavita , Beach Thomas G. , Hedreen John , Richfield Eric K. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe role of Lewy bodies, Lewy neurites and α‐synuclein (αSYN) in the pathophysiology and diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD) is unclear. We used postmortem human tissue, a panel of antibodies (Abs) and confocal microscopy to examine the three‐dimensional neurochemical anatomy of the nigrostriatal system. Abs were specific to truncated (tαSYN), phosphorylated and full‐length αSYN. The findings demonstrate the critical role of tαSYN in initiating aggregation, a role for other forms of αSYN in aggregate expansion, a reason for the wide variety of proteins present in different aggregates, an explanation for the laminar appearance of aggregates described historically using different methods, the existence of proximal greater than distal aggregation in the vulnerable nigrostriatal pathway, the independent transport of different forms of αSYN as cargo along axons and a possible sequence for the formation of Lewy bodies. Findings differed between incidental Lewy body disease and PD only quantitatively. These findings have implications for understanding the pathogenesis and treatment of PD.
Microbial resource management of one‐stage partial nitritation/anammox
Authors: Vlaeminck S. E. , De Clippeleir H. , Verstraete W. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryAbout 30 full‐scale partial nitritation/anammox plants are established, treating mostly sewage sludge reject water, landfill leachate or food processing digestate. Although two‐stage and one‐stage processes each have their advantages, the one‐stage configuration is mostly applied, termed here as oxygen‐limited autotrophic nitrification/denitrification (OLAND), and is the focus of this review. The OLAND application domain is gradually expanding, with technical‐scale plants on source‐separated domestic wastewater, pre‐treated manure and sewage, and liquors from organic waste bioenergy plants. A ‘microbial resource management’ (MRM) OLAND framework was elaborated, showing how the OLAND engineer/operator (1: input) can design/steer the microbial community (2: biocatalyst) to obtain optimal functionality (3: output). In the physicochemical toolbox (1), design guidelines are provided, as well as advantages of different reactor technologies. Particularly the desirable aeration regime, feeding regime and shear forces are not clear yet. The development of OLAND trickling filters, membrane bioreactors and systems with immobilized biomass is awaited. The biocatalyst box (2) considers ‘Who’: biodiversity and its dynamic patterns, ‘What’: physiology, and ‘Where’: architecture creating substrate gradients. Particularly community dynamics and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) still require insights. Performant OLAND (3) comprises fast start‐up (storage possibility; fast growth of anammox bacteria), process stability (endured biomass retention; stress resilience), reasonable overall costs, high nitrogen removal efficiency and a low environmental footprint. Three important OLAND challenges are elaborated in detailed frameworks, demonstrating how to maximize nitrogen removal efficiency, minimize NO and N2O emissions and obtain through OLAND a plant‐wide net energy gain from sewage treatment.
Phospholemman Deficiency in Postinfarct Hearts: Enhanced Contractility but Increased Mortality
Authors: Mirza M. Ayoub , Lane Susan , Yang Zequan , Karaoli Themis , Akosah Kwame , Hossack John , McDuffie Marcia , Wang JuFang , Zhang Xue‐Qian , Song Jianliang , Cheung Joseph Y. , Tucker Amy L. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractPhospholemman (PLM) regulates [Na+]i, [Ca2+]i and contractility through its interactions with Na+‐K+‐ATPase (NKA) and Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX1) in the heart. Both expression and phosphorylation of PLM are altered after myocardial infarction (MI) and heart failure. We tested the hypothesis that absence of PLM regulation of NKA and NCX1 in PLM‐knockout (KO) mice is detrimental. Three weeks after MI, wild‐type (WT) and PLM‐KO hearts were similarly hypertrophied. PLM expression was lower but fractional phosphorylation was higher in WT‐MI compared to WT‐sham hearts. Left ventricular ejection fraction was severely depressed in WT‐MI but significantly less depressed in PLM‐KO‐MI hearts despite similar infarct sizes. Compared with WT‐sham myocytes, the abnormal [Ca2+], transient and contraction amplitudes observed in WT‐MI myocytes were ameliorated by genetic absence of PLM. In addition, NCX1 current was depressed in WT‐MI but not in PLM‐KO‐MI myocytes. Despite improved myocardial and myocyte performance, PLM‐KO mice demonstrated reduced survival after MI. Our findings indicate that alterations in PLM expression and phosphorylation are important adaptations post‐MI, and that complete absence of PLM regulation of NKA and NCX1 is detrimental in post‐MI animals. Clin Trans Sci 2012; Volume #: 1–8
Developing a Practice‐Based Research Network by Integrating Quality Improvement: Challenges and Ingredients for Success
Authors: Baldwin Laura‐Mae , Keppel Gina A. , Davis Ardis , Guirguis‐Blake Janelle , Force Rex W. , Berg Alfred O. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractImproving patient outcomes in community‐based settings is the goal of both the Clinical Translational Science Award program and practice‐based quality improvement (QI) programs. Given this common goal, integrating QI and outcomes research is a promising strategy for developing, implementing, and evaluating clinical interventions. This article describes the challenges and strengths illuminated by the conduct of a combined research/QI study in a nascent practice‐based research network. Challenges include research's exclusion of clinic patients who might benefit from the intervention; QI programs’ less uniform approach to intervention implementation; and the need for both academic and clinically relevant products and publications. A major strength is the increased likelihood of both engaging clinical practices in research and developing successful clinical interventions. Required elements for success include identification of enthusiastic clinical research “champions,” involvement of researchers with clinical experience, and adequate funding to support both research and clinical resources and dissemination. Combined Ql/research projects in the practice‐based research environment have the potential to improve and shorten the cycle from good idea to improved clinical outcomes in real‐world settings. Clin Trans Sci 2012; Volume 5: 351–355
Permanent Genetic Resources added to Molecular Ecology Resources Database 1 December 2011 – 31 January 2012
Authors:   Molecular Ecology Resources Primer Development Consortium,, ARIAS M. C. , ARNOUX E. , BELL JAMES J. , BERNADOU ABEL , BINO GIORGIA , BLATRIX R. , BOURGUET DENIS , CARREA CECILIA , CLAMENS ANNE‐LAURE , CUNHA HAYDÉE A. , D’ALENÇON E. , DING YI , DJIETO‐LORDON C. , DUBOIS M. P. , DUMAS P. , ERAUD C. , FAIVRE B. , FRANCISCO F. O. , FRANÇOSO E. , GARCIA M. , GARDNER JONATHAN P. A. , GARNIER S. , GIMENEZ S. , GOLD JOHN R. , HARRIS D. J. , HE GUANGCUN , HELLEMANS B. , HOLLENBECK CHRISTOPHER M. , JING SHENGLI , KERGOAT G. J. , LIU BINGFANG , McDOWELL JAN R. , McKEY D. , MILLER TERRENCE L. , NEWTON ERICA , PAGENKOPP LOHAN KATRINA M. , PAPETTI CHIARA , PATERSON IAN , PECCOUD J. , PENG XINXIN , PIATSCHECK F. , PONSARD SERGINE , REECE KIMBERLY S. , REISSER CÉLINE M. O. , RENSHAW MARK A. , RUZZANTE DANIEL E. , SAUVE M. , SHIELDS JEFFREY D. , SOLÉ‐CAVA ANTONIO , SOUCHE E.L. , VAN HOUDT J.K.J. , VASCONCELLOS ANDERSON , VOLCKAERT F. A. M. , WANG SHUZHEN , XIAO JIE , YU HANGJIN , ZANE LORENZO , ZANNATO BARBARA , ZEMLAK TYLER S. , ZHANG CHUNXIAO , ZHAO YAN , ZHOU XI , ZHU LILI 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThis article documents the addition of 473 microsatellite marker loci and 71 pairs of single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sequencing primers to the Molecular Ecology Resources Database. Loci were developed for the following species: Barteria fistulosa, Bombus morio, Galaxias platei, Hematodinium perezi, Macrocentrus cingulum Brischke (a.k.a. M. abdominalis Fab., M. grandii Goidanich or M. gifuensis Ashmead), Micropogonias furnieri, Nerita melanotragus, Nilaparvata lugens Stål, Sciaenops ocellatus, Scomber scombrus, Spodoptera frugiperda and Turdus lherminieri. These loci were cross‐tested on the following species: Barteria dewevrei, Barteria nigritana, Barteria solida, Cynoscion acoupa, Cynoscion jamaicensis, Cynoscion leiarchus, Cynoscion nebulosus, Cynoscion striatus, Cynoscion virescens, Macrodon ancylodon, Menticirrhus americanus, Nilaparvata muiri and Umbrina canosai. This article also documents the addition of 116 sequencing primer pairs for Dicentrarchus labrax.
SLOW CONTINUOUS ULTRAFILTRATION IN A PATIENT WITH ANOMALY OF A PERSISTENT LEFT SUPERIOR VENA CAVA
Authors: Aperis Georgios , Paliouras Christos , Moschos Nikitas , Tsampikaki Eirini , Alivanis Polichronis 
Published: March 2012

SUMMARYThis paper describes an uncommon case of a patient with anomaly of a persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC). A 54‐year‐old man with a history of chronic kidney disease, heart failure, diabetes mellitus and hypertension was admitted to the hospital for worsening dyspnoea. During his hospital stay, heart failure was further deteriorated and he became anuric. Renal replacement therapy was then required. After multiple unsuccessful attempts of right subclavian vein catheterisation, a catheter was placed in the left subclavian vein. Chest X‐ray revealed the catheter in the left side of the thorax. Transthoracic cardiac ultrasound with agitated saline and chest MRI confirmed the diagnosis of PLSVC. The patient had nine sessions of slow continuous ultrafiltration. His heart and renal function were gradually improved. Nephrologists and health care professionals must be aware of this uncommon anatomic variant. Unnecessary manipulations can lead to serious complications, such as cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac arrest and venous sinus thrombosis.
In vitro and in vivo antitumoral action of metformin on hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Qu Zhan , Zhang Yangde , Liao Mingmei , Chen Yuxiang , Zhao Jinfeng , Pan Yifeng 
Published: March 2012

Aims:  Metformin is a biguanide that has been widely used to treat type 2 diabetes. Several studies have shown that metformin is also effective in treating cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The objective of this study was to evaluate the antitumor effects of metformin in HCC, and to investigate the potential molecular target(s) of metformin‐mediated antitumor activity.Methods:  The antiproliferative effects of metformin were assessed in human HCC cell lines and normal human liver cells at various concentrations. Orthotopic xenograft tumors were established in athymic nude mice, and tumor growth was monitored after metformin treatment. Western blot analysis and cell cycle regulation were performed to determine the involvement of various mediators of apoptosis.Results:  Metformin specifically inhibited the growth of HCC cells without affecting the growth of normal liver cells both in vitro and in vivo. Metformin caused cell cycle arrest in HCC cells, which resulted in caspase‐3 activation. Livin levels decreased in a dose‐dependent manner upon metformin treatment. Metformin activated 5′‐adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase, inhibited the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway and downregulated Livin protein expression.Conclusion:  Our findings indicate that metformin is effective at initiating apoptosis and inhibiting key survival signaling pathways in HCC cells. These data provide a foundation for further studies to evaluate metformin in the clinic either as a single agent or in combination with other first‐line agents as a treatment option for HCC.
Hepatitis A, B, C and E virus markers in Chinese residing in Tokyo, Japan
Authors: Yan Jun , Kanda Tatsuo , Wu Shuang , Imazeki Fumio , Yokosuka Osamu 
Published: March 2012

Aim:  Recently, the number of foreigners living in Japan has been increasing, with the majority originating from China. It is important for us to know the prevalence of hepatitis virus markers among them, as proper medical practices and vaccinations should be prepared when seeing them and their offspring.Methods:  We examined the relationship between the prevalence of hepatitis virus markers: hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti‐HBs, anti‐hepatitis C virus (HCV), anti‐hepatitis A virus (HAV) and anti‐hepatitis E virus immunoglobulin (Ig)G, and background such as age, birthplace and length of stay in Japan, of 568 Chinese residing in Tokyo, and also of 55 indigenous Japanese.Results:  The prevalence of HBV and HAV markers in Chinese staying in Tokyo is higher than in indigenous Japanese (HBsAg, 10% vs 1.8%; anti‐HBs, 45% vs 9.0%; anti‐HAV, 90% vs 14%). There were no differences in anti‐HCV and anti‐HEV IgG between the two groups.Conclusion:  Indigenous Japanese subjects have less immunity against HAV and HBV. The HBV carrier rate is higher in Chinese subjects, and attention should be paid to this issue in clinical practice. It might be important to control hepatitis viruses in Chinese subjects when doctors see them in Japan.
Evaluation of thrombelastographic platelet‐mapping in healthy cats
Authors: Blois Shauna L. , Banerjee Amrita , Darren Wood R. 
Published: March 2012

BackgroundThrombelastography (TEG) permits analysis of clot formation but it is not specific for platelet activity. TEG PlateletMapping (TEG‐PM) is a modification of TEG that uses adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and arachidonic acid (AA) as platelet agonists to define the contribution of platelets to clot formation.ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to determine values for TEG‐PM in healthy cats and the interassay variation of TEG‐PM.MethodsTEG‐PM analysis was performed on blood specimens collected from 12 healthy cats and was repeated using a second blood specimen collected 2 hours later. Maximum amplitudes generated by thrombin (MAthrombin), fibrin (MAfibrin), ADP‐stimulated platelet activity (MAADP), and AA‐stimulated platelet activity (MAAA) were recorded.ResultsMean ± SD for MAthrombin was 51.1 ± 8.5 mm, for MAfibrin was 32.3 ± 17.7 mm, for MAADP was 32.3 ± 15.0 mm, and for MAAA was 24.5 ± 12.2 mm. Mean MAADP and MAfibrin were not significantly different, whereas mean MAAA was significantly lower than mean MAfibrin. Results from the first and second specimens were not significantly different. Correlation between the first and second specimens was moderate for MAthrombin, MAfibrin, and MAADP, but was poor for MAAA. A high degree of variability (coefficient of variation 47.7–60.0%) was observed for MAfibrin, MAADP, and MAAA.ConclusionsAs MAADP and MAAAAA were the same as or lower than MAfibrin, a valid baseline to determine platelet‐stimulated clot formation could not be established. Considerable interassay variation and wide intervals for MAfibrin, MAADP, and MAAA values in this study indicate that TEG‐PM should be used cautiously in feline patients. Several preanalytical factors should be examined in further detail.
Improvement of glycemic control after periodontal treatment by resolving gingival inflammation in type 2 diabetic patients with periodontal disease
Authors: Katagiri Sayaka , Nagasawa Toshiyuki , Kobayashi Hiroaki , Takamatsu Hideyuki , Bharti Pariksha , Izumiyama Hajime , Uchimura Isao , Tagami Tadashi , Suzuki Takafumi , Nanbara Hiromi , Taniguchi Youichi , Hayakumo Sae , Koyanagi Tatsuro , Himeno‐Ando Akiko , Goto Maki , Kajio Hiroshi , Takahashi Yoshihiko , Izumi Yuichi , Noda Mitsuhiko 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAims/Introduction:  Chronic inflammation aggravates glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. An increase or decrease in the release and activities of various inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6, and C‐reactive protein (CRP), are presumed to be responsible for inducing insulin resistance. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of non‐surgical periodontal treatment incorporating topical antibiotics on glycemic control and serum inflammatory mediators in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with periodontitis.Materials and Methods:  Periodontal inflammation and periodontal tissue destruction were evaluated by bleeding on probing (BOP) and the probing pocket depth (PPD), respectively. A total of 41 patients with type 2 diabetes and periodontitis received periodontal treatment with the topical application of antibiotics four times within a 2‐month period. A periodontal examination, including PPD and BOP, and venous blood sampling were carried out at baseline and at 2 and 6 months after periodontal treatment. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and serum levels of high‐sensitivity (hs)‐CRP, TNF‐α and IL‐6 were analyzed.Results:  A generalized linear model showed significant associations between the change in the HbA1c values at 6 months after periodontal treatment, and the change in the BOP, baseline TNF‐α levels and the baseline mean PPD.Conclusions:  As BOP is a marker of total gingival inflammation, these results suggest that non‐surgical periodontal therapy with topical antibiotics in patients with mild periodontitis might improve glycemic control by resolving periodontal inflammation. Such treatments might be insufficient for the amelioration of insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients with severe periodontitis. This trial was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network (no. UMIN000006693). (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2012.00209.x, 2012)
β-Cryptoxanthin suppresses UVB-induced melanogenesis in mouse: involvement of the inhibition of prostaglandin E2 and melanocyte-stimulating hormone pathways
Authors: Shimoda Hiroshi , Shan Shao-Jie , Tanaka Junji , Maoka Takashi 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Objective
β-cryptoxanthin (β-CPX) is a carotenoid that is widely contained in the fruits of citrus plants. We evaluated the effect of β-CPX on UVB-induced pigmentation and mRNA expression related to melanogenesis in mouse skin. In addition, changes in melanogenic molecules were evaluated in cultured melanocytes stimulated with prostaglandin (PG) E2, melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) and endothelin (ET)-1.

Methods
Mice were irradiated with UVB and were given β-CPX (0.1, 1 and 10 mg/kg) orally for 14 days. Pigmentation was evaluated by skin colour change and microscopic observation. Total RNA was obtained from the skin and the expression of melanogenic mRNA was evaluated by RT-PCR. In cell culture studies, human melanocytes were cultured with β-CPX and melanogenic stimulants (PGE2, MSH and ET-1) for 6–10 days. Melanin contents, dendricity, melanogenic mRNA and phosphorylation of cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB) were evaluated.

Key findings
β-CPX (10 mg/kg) significantly suppressed skin pigmentation and mRNA expression of cyclooxygenase-2, ET-1 receptors, low-affinity neurotrophin receptor, PGE2 receptor (EP1), melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), tyrosinase (Tyr), tyrosinase-related protein (Tyrp) 1 and microphthalmia transcription factor. β-CPX (10 µg/ml) suppressed melanogenesis induced by PGE2, MSH and ET-1. In the PGE2-stimulated melanocytes, mRNA expressions of EP-1, Tyr and Tyrp1 and phosphorylation of CREB protein were suppressed. In the ET-1-stimulated cells, only expression of CREB protein was suppressed. In the MSH-induced cells, mRNA expression of MC1R and Tyrp1 and protein expression of CREB were suppressed.

Conclusion
Oral administration of β-CPX was found to suppress UVB-induced melanogenesis. Suppression of melanogenic enzymes, receptors of melanogenic stimulators, expression and phosphorylation of CREB are thought to be involved in the mechanism.
Activation of AQP4, p66Shc and endoplasmic reticulum stress is involved in inflammation by carrageenan and is suppressed by argirein, a derivative of rhein
Authors: Cong Xiao-Dong , Wu You , Dai De-Zai , Ding Ming-Jian , Zhang Yun , Dai Yin 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Objectives
We investigated the effect of argirein on acute inflammation edema and examined that aquaporin 4 (AQP4), p66Shc and activating transcription factor (ATF-6) might be involved in carrageenan-induced rat paw inflammation and be reversed by argirein, rhein and indometacin, but not l-arginine.

Methods
Inflammation was produced by carrageenan injected into rat paw and treated orally with argirein (100 mg/kg), rhein (100 mg/kg), l-arginine (100 mg/kg) or indometacin (5 mg/kg). Inflammatory oedema and biomarkers were examined.

Key findings
Swelling was reduced by argirein, rhein and indometacin; argirein was more effective than rhein at 1 h following medication. Activation of AQP4, p66Shc, ATF-6, NADPH oxidase subunits p22phox, gp91phox and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (P &lt; 0.01) was significant and was suppressed by arginine, rhein and indometacin but not by l-arginine.

Conclusions
Activated AQP4, endoplasmic reticulum stress and p66Shc were actively implicated in the inflammation and these were suppressed by argirein, and its activity is favorable due to synergism in combination with l-arginine.
Native Valve Endocarditis Caused by Corynebacterium striatum with Heterogeneous High-Level Daptomycin Resistance: Collateral Damage from Daptomycin Therapy?
Authors: Tran Truc T. , Jaijakul Siraya , Lewis Cole T. , Diaz Lorena , Panesso Diana , Kaplan Heidi B. , Murray Barbara E. , Wanger Audrey , Arias Cesar A. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACT

We describe a patient who developed
Corynebacterium striatum
native valve endocarditis after receiving two 6-week courses of daptomycin for the treatment of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
bacteremia and osteomyelitis. The organism exhibited
in vitro
heteroresistance to daptomycin, with two subpopulations showing daptomycin susceptibility (MIC of ≤0.094 μg/ml) and high-level resistance to daptomycin (MIC of ≥256 μg/ml). The selection of daptomycin-resistant Gram-positive skin flora with the potential of causing invasive disease may be a concern during prolonged courses of daptomycin.
Membrane-Active Action Mode of Polybia-CP, a Novel Antimicrobial Peptide Isolated from the Venom of Polybia paulista
Authors: Wang Kairong , Yan Jiexi , Chen Ru , Dang Wen , Zhang Bangzhi , Zhang Wei , Song Jingjing , Wang Rui 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACT

The extensive use of antibiotics in medicine, the food industry, and agriculture has resulted in the frequent emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria, which creates an urgent need for new antibiotics. It is now widely recognized that antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) could play a promising role in fighting multidrug-resistant bacteria. Antimicrobial peptide polybia-CP was purified from the venom of the social wasp
Polybia paulista
. In this study, we synthesized polybia-CP and studied its action mode of antibacterial activity. Our results revealed that polybia-CP has potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The results from both the real bacterial membrane and the
in vitro
model membrane showed that polybia-CP is membrane active and that its action target is the membrane of bacteria. It is difficult for bacteria to develop resistance to polybia-CP, which may thus offer a new strategy for defending against resistant bacteria in medicine and the food and farming industries.