bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Processing of metacaspase into a cytoplasmic catalytic domain mediating cell death in Leishmania major
Authors: Zalila Habib , González Iveth J. , El‐Fadili Amal Kuendig , Delgado Maria Belen , Desponds Chantal , Schaff Cédric , Fasel Nicolas 
Published: October 2010

SummaryMetacaspases are cysteine peptidases that could play a role similar to caspases in the cell death programme of plants, fungi and protozoa. The human protozoan parasite Leishmania major expresses a single metacaspase (LmjMCA) harbouring a central domain with the catalytic dyad histidine and cysteine as found in caspases. In this study, we investigated the processing sites important for the maturation of LmjMCA catalytic domain, the cellular localization of LmjMCA polypeptides, and the functional role of the catalytic domain in the cell death pathway of Leishmania parasites. Although LmjMCA polypeptide precursor form harbours a functional mitochondrial localization signal (MLS), we determined that LmjMCA polypeptides are mainly localized in the cytoplasm. In stress conditions, LmjMCA precursor forms were extensively processed into soluble forms containing the catalytic domain. This domain was sufficient to enhance sensitivity of parasites to hydrogen peroxide by impairing the mitochondrion. These data provide experimental evidences of the importance of LmjMCA processing into an active catalytic domain and of its role in disrupting mitochondria, which could be relevant in the design of new drugs to fight leishmaniasis and likely other protozoan parasitic diseases.
Review: Role of cerebral vessels in ischaemic injury of the brain
Authors: Ogata J. , Yamanishi H. , Ishibashi‐Ueda H. 
Published: October 2010

J. Ogata, H. Yamanishi and H. Ishibashi‐Ueda (2011) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology37, 40–55 Role of cerebral vessels in ischaemic injury of the brainThis review discusses the pathological changes in the heart and vessels underlying brain ischaemic injury, with a major focus on atherosclerotic disease of the brain induced by lesions of the extracranial cervical and major intracranial arteries and small‐vessel disease of the brain. The carotid bifurcation is the primary site for atherosclerotic changes, for which extensive clinical trials and pathological analyses on carotid endarterectomy specimens have been performed. Plaque rupture and erosion give rise to thrombus formation, which leads to brain ischaemic injury. These changes have much in common with atherosclerotic lesions of the subepicardial coronary arteries. Emboli of various types of particles are characteristics of brain ischaemic injury. Thrombi rich in fibrin and red blood cells (red thrombi) that develop in the cardiac chambers are common sources of cerebral emboli. Small‐vessel disease of the brain induces fibrinoid necrosis, microaneurysm, fibrohyalinosis, lipohyalinosis and microatheroma, changes commonly associated with hypertension. The acute hypertensive small‐vessel changes organize to create segmental arterial disorganization and deep small infarcts when they escape from rupture. Some specific vascular diseases responsible for brain ischaemic injury are briefly reviewed also.
A new ‘forma specialis’ of Fusarium solani causing leaf yellowing of Phalaenopsis
Authors: Chung W. C. , Chen L. W. , Huang J. H. , Huang H. C. , Chung W. H. 
Published: October 2010

The pathogenicity of 35 Fusarium solani isolates obtained from diseased leaves of greenhouse‐grown Phalaenopsis plants in Taiwan was tested on different orchids, including Phalaenopsis sp., Cymbidium spp., Oncidium sp., Dendrobium sp. and Cattleya sp., plus pea (Pisum sativum), chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum indicum) and cucurbit [melon (Cucumis melo) and cucmber (C. sativus)] plants. Isolates of F. solani from Phalaenopsis spp. caused severe leaf yellowing on Phalaenopsis and mild symptoms on Cymbidium spp., but no visual symptoms on Oncidium sp., Dendrobium sp., Cattleya sp., pea, chrysanthemum or melon. Fusarium solani isolates collected from Phalaenopsis, pea and cucurbits were molecularly characterized by internal transcribed spacer (ITS), intergenic spacer (IGS) and β‐tubulin gene analyses. Phylogenetic trees constructed by distance and parsimony methods indicated that isolates from Phalaenopsis were grouped into one type based on ITS, IGS and β‐tubulin sequences with high bootstrap value (> 84%) support, compared to ‘formae speciales’ of F. solani from the other hosts. These analyses show that isolates of F. solani from Phalaenopsis are distinct from F. solani isolates from other hosts in Taiwan. Therefore, it is proposed that F. solani isolates that incite Phalaenopsis leaf yellowing be designated F. solani f. sp. phalaenopsis.
The pharmacogenetics of antidepressant‐induced mania: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Daray Federico M , Thommi Sairah B , Ghaemi S Nassir 
Published: October 2010

Daray FM, Thommi SB, Ghaemi SN. The pharmacogenetics of antidepressant‐induced mania: a systematic review and meta‐analysis. Bipolar Disord 2010: 12: 702–706. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Objective:  Antidepressant‐induced mania (AIM) has been associated with the serotonin‐transporter‐linked promoter region (5‐HTTLPR) polymorphism in some studies but not in others. We conducted a meta‐analysis of those studies and other studies of genetic predictors of AIM.Methods:  MEDLINE‐based searches of genetic studies of AIM were conducted, and a meta‐analysis of six studies of 5‐HTTLPR was performed. Other polymorphisms were insufficiently studied to allow for meta‐analysis.Results:  There was an association of the short (s) variant of 5‐HTTLPR and AIM [risk ratio (RR) = 1.35, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04–1.76, p = 0.02]. There was a higher frequency of s carriers (sl and ss genotypes) in those who developed AIM [RR = 1.38, 95% CI: 0.98–1.93), p = 0.06].Conclusion:  The 5‐HTTLPR polymorphism appears to have a moderate effect size association with AIM in patients with bipolar disorder.
Regulation of glycogen synthase kinase‐3 during bipolar mania treatment
Authors: Li Xiaohong , Liu Min , Cai Zhuoji , Wang Gang , Li Xiaohua 
Published: October 2010

Li X, Liu M, Cai Z, Wang G, Li X. Regulation of glycogen synthase kinase‐3 during bipolar mania treatment. Bipolar Disord 2010: 12: 741–752. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Objectives:  Bipolar disorder is a debilitating psychiatric illness presenting with recurrent mania and depression. The pathophysiology of bipolar disorder is poorly understood, and molecular targets in the treatment of bipolar disorder remain to be identified. Preclinical studies have suggested that glycogen synthase kinase‐3 (GSK3) is a potential therapeutic target in bipolar disorder, but evidence of abnormal GSK3 in human bipolar disorder and its response to treatment is still lacking.Methods:  This study was conducted in acutely ill type I bipolar disorder subjects who were hospitalized for a manic episode. The protein level and the inhibitory serine phosphorylation of GSK3 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of bipolar manic and healthy control subjects were compared, and the response of GSK3 to antimanic treatment was evaluated.Results:  The levels of GSK3α and GSK3β in this group of bipolar manic subjects were higher than healthy controls. Symptom improvement during an eight‐week antimanic treatment with lithium, valproate, and atypical antipsychotics was accompanied by a significant increase in the inhibitory serine phosphorylation of GSK3, but not the total level of GSK3, whereas concomitant electroconvulsive therapy treatment during a manic episode appeared to dampen the response of GSK3 to pharmacological treatment.Conclusions:  Results of this study suggest that GSK3 can be modified during the treatment of bipolar mania. This finding in human bipolar disorder is in agreement with preclinical data suggesting that inhibition of GSK3 by increasing serine phosphorylation is a response of GSK3 to psychotropics used in bipolar disorder, supporting the notion that GSK3 is a promising molecular target in the pharmacological treatment of bipolar disorder.
Monitoring bacterial contamination of blood components in Germany: effect of contamination reduction measures
Authors: Walther‐Wenke G. , Wirsing von König C. H. , Däubener W. , Heiden M. , Hoch J. , Hornei B. , Volkers P. ,   Working party on Bacteria Safety in Transfusion Medicine of the Advisory Board of the German Ministry of Health (Arbeitskreis Blut), Berlin, Germany
Published: October 2010

Background and Objectives  National guidelines for monitoring bacterial contamination of blood components were introduced in Germany in 1997. Between 1998 and 2002, numerous measures were implemented to prevent bacterial contamination. This study investigates their impact on contamination rates.Materials and Methods  Culture‐based testing for bacterial detection on a random sample of blood components is part of routine quality control in German blood establishments. Using standardized questionnaires, data from the production periods 1998, 2001 and 2005/2006 were collected and analysed.Results  The bacterial contamination rate of RBCs was reduced from 0·157% in 1998 to 0·029% in 2005/2006 (P < 0·001). While the contamination rate of apheresis PCs remained nearly unchanged over the years, it dramatically decreased for pooled PCs by 70% to a contamination rate of 0·158% (P = 0·001) within the last observation period, similar to that of apheresis PCs. The contamination rate of plasma decreased from 0·100% in 1998 to 0·019% in 2005/2006 (P = 0·002).Conclusions  Precautionary measures significantly reduced bacterial contamination rates of blood components. Long‐term monitoring with standardized methods is appropriate to evaluate the cumulative effect of contamination‐preventing measures.
Miltenberger blood group antigen subtype III (Mi.III) supports Wrb expression
Authors: Hsu K. , Lin Yen‐Chun , Lee Ting‐Ying , Lin Marie 
Published: October 2010

Background and Objectives  Miltenberger blood group antigens belong to the complex MNS system. Miltenberger antigen subtype III (Mi.III) was previously found to promote the expression of band 3. Here, we investigated whether the direct interaction between band 3 and Mi.III‐specific Gp.Mur (a glycophorin B‐A‐B hybrid) might affect the expression of related blood group antigens such as the Wright b (Wrb) antigen.Materials and Methods  (1) Band 3 genes of Mi.III+ and non‐Mi.III (control) donors were sequenced to determine the genotypes of the Wright antigens. (2) The expression levels of Wrb, glycophorin A (GPA) and band 3 in Mi.III and the control erythrocytes were quantitatively assessed by flow cytometry.Results  Mi.III erythrocytes expressed 22·5 ± 6·6% more Wrb antigen than the control cells. The increase in Wrb in Mi.III cells was independent of their GPA levels.Conclusion  The elevated Wrb levels in Mi.III RBCs were likely linked to their higher band 3 levels. Higher band 3 densities on the Mi.III+ cell surface conceivably could drive complex formation between band 3 and GPA/Gp.Mur, thereby increasing the expression of Wrb.
Expression patterns of three α‐expansin isoforms in Coffea arabica during fruit development
Authors: Budzinski I. G. F. , Santos T. B. , Sera T. , Pot D. , Vieira L. G. E. , Pereira L. F. P. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractAs a first step towards understanding the physiological role and regulation of the expansin gene (EXP) family in Coffea arabica fruits during growth and maturation, we identified 11 expansin genes, nine belonging to the α‐expansin family (EXPA), one EXLA and one EXLB, through in silico analysis of expressed sequence tags (ESTs). Within the α‐expansin family, three isoforms were selected for detailed examination based on their high expression in coffee fruits or because they were specifically induced during different fruit developmental stages, according to the EST information. The expression patterns were analysed in different fruit tissues (perisperm, endosperm and pericarp) of C. arabica cv. IAPAR‐59 and C. arabica cv. IAPAR‐59 Graúdo, the latter being a closely related cultivar with a larger fruit size. Accumulation of CaEXPA1 and CaEXPA3 transcripts was high in the perisperm (tissue responsible for coffee bean size) and in the early stages of pericarp development. Transcripts of CaEXPA2 were detected only in the pericarp during the later stages of fruit maturation and ripening. There was no detectable transcription of the three EXPs analysed in the endosperm. The observed differences in mRNA expression levels of CaEXPA1 and CaEXP3 in the perisperm of IAPAR‐59 and IAPAR‐59 Graúdo suggest the participation of these two isoforms in the regulation of grain size.
Behavioural and endocrinological changes in Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) under domestication
Authors: Krause S. , Schüler L. 
Published: October 2010

SummaryThis study aimed to quantify differences in response to stress between two strains of Syrian hamsters to evaluate the consequences of domestication in this species by measuring behavioural traits in the open‐field, adrenal gland masses (ADR), and faecal and blood corticosterone concentrations (CC). We studied a laboratory (lab)‐ and a wild‐derived population (wild). The lab hamsters were significant heavier than the wild hamsters. The lab males had the highest ADR, and it was independent of their high body mass (BM). The ADR of lab females and wild hamsters was linearly dependent of BM. The lab males had the highest faecal and blood CC, whereas the lab females had the lowest CC. In the open field, the lab hamsters began later to groom, groomed shorter, groomed less frequently, began later to rear, reared longer and reared less frequently. In the lab population, females reared more often and groomed longer than males. The sex differences in the behaviours of the lab population and the differences between the populations mirror the differences neither in the ADR nor in the CC. The founder effect and the breeding history of lab Syrian hamsters are discussed as causes of the differences between the studied populations.
Relationships between Podolic cattle breeds assessed by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) genotyping
Authors: Pariset L. , Mariotti M. , Nardone A. , Soysal M.I. , Ozkan E. , Williams J.L. , Dunner S. , Leveziel H. , Maróti‐Agóts A. , Bodò I. , Valentini A. 
Published: October 2010

SummaryItalian Maremmana, Turkish Grey and Hungarian Grey breeds belong to the same Podolic group of cattle, have a similar conformation and recently experienced a similar demographic reduction. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship among the analysed Podolic breeds and to verify whether their genetic state reflects their history. To do so, approximately 100 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped on individuals belonging to these breeds and compared to genotypes of individuals of two Italian beef breeds, Marchigiana and Piemontese, which underwent different selection and migration histories. Population genetic parameters such as allelic frequencies and heterozygosity values were assessed, genetic distances calculated and assignment test performed to evaluate the possibility of recent admixture between the populations. The data show that the physical similarity among the Podolic breeds examined, and particularly between Hungarian Grey and Maremmana cattle that experienced admixture in the recent past, is mainly morphological. The assignment of individuals from genotype data was achieved using Bayesian inference, confirming that the set of chosen SNPs is able to distinguish among the breeds and that the breeds are genetically distinct. Individuals of Turkish Grey breed were clearly assigned to their breed of origin for all clustering alternatives, showing that this breed can be differentiated from the others on the basis of the allelic frequencies. Remarkably, in the Turkish Grey there were differences observed between the population of Enez district, where in situ conservation studies are practised, and that of Bandirma district of Balikesir, where ex situ conservation studies are practised out of the original raising area. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that molecular data could be used to reveal an unbiased view of past events and provide the basis for a rational exploitation of livestock, suggesting appropriate cross‐breeding plans based on genetic distance or breeding strategies that include the population structure.
Genetic variation in litter size and kit survival of mink (Neovison vison)
Authors: Hansen B.K. , Su G. , Berg P. 
Published: October 2010

SummaryThe aims of this study are to estimate variance components of litter size and kit survival rate and estimate genetic correlations of litter size and kit survival rate with dam’s juvenile body weight and pregnancy length. Variance components for litter size and kit survival were analysed using an AI‐REML approach, based on data from 1940 litters of the black colour type mink from 1996 to 2001. The models included (i) additive genetic effect of dam; (ii) dam and sire genetic effects; (iii) additive genetic effect of dam in relation to litter size and dam and sire genetic effects in relation to survival rate; (iv) additive genetic effect of dam to estimate the correlations of litter size or kit survival with dam juvenile body weight and pregnancy length on yearling dams (1357 litters). The dam heritabilities were of litter size (0.02–0.08) and survival rate (0.05–0.10). The permanent effects of dam were important for litter size (0.15–0.19) but not for survival rate. A positive dam genetic correlation between litter size and survival rate was found at 1 week postpartum (0.42), and a positive sire genetic correlation between number of weaned kits and survival rate at the age of 6 month (0.72). Litter size and survival rate were genetically antagonistically related to dam’s juvenile body weight (−0.34 to −0.53). These results indicate the following: (i) it is possible to improve litter size and kit survival by selection, (ii) effective improvement of kit survival rate in the suckling period requires selection for maternal effect on kit survival and kit’s own capacity to survive and later in the growth period for kit’s own ability to survive and (iii) antagonistic genetic correlation of dam juvenile body weight with litter size and survival rate should be taken into consideration in mink breeding programs.
Fluorometric determination of acid proteinase activity in Candida albicans strains from diabetic patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis
Authors: Yildirim Zuhal , Kilic Nedret , Kalkanci Ayse 
Published: October 2010

SummaryVulvovaginal candidiasis is one of the most frequent disorders in obstetrics and gynaecology. Approximately three‐quarters of all adult women experience at least one episode of vulvovaginal candidiasis during their life span. Diabetes mellitus (DM) increases the rate of vaginal colonisation and infection with Candida species. The secreted acid proteinase might be especially relevant in the pathogenesis of vulvovaginal candidiasis. The aim of this study was to determine the acid proteinase activity in the samples of Candida albicans from diabetic patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis by a fluorometric method. Vaginal swabs were taken from 33 women (aged between 22 and 57 years) having symptoms of vaginitis. Patients were divided into three groups: control group, controlled diabetic group and uncontrolled diabetic group. The proteinase activity in the culture supernatants was determined by a modified fluorometric method. Acid proteinase activities were significantly increased in the uncontrolled diabetic group in comparison with both the control group and the controlled diabetic group (P < 0.05). Acid proteinase may play an important role in C. albicans pathogenesis in diabetic patients. Improving glucose control may reduce the risk of Candida colonisation and potentially symptomatic infection, among women with diabetes and hence may be useful even for weaker enzyme activity measurements.
Antifungal activity of posaconazole and granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor in the treatment of disseminated zygomycosis (mucormycosis) in a neutropaenic murine model
Authors: Saoulidis Stamatis , Simitsopoulou Maria , Dalakiouridou Maria , Walsh Thomas J. , Wheat L. Joseph , Papaioannidou Paraskevi , Roilides Emmanuel 
Published: October 2010

SummaryThe aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of posaconazole (PSC) in combination with granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) in a neutropaenic murine model of disseminated zygomycosis (mucormycosis) due toRhizopus microsporus. Male BALB/c mice were rendered neutropaenic with cyclophosphamide (200 mg kg−1, intraperitoneally) administered on days −1 and +5 postinfection. Mice were infected withR. microsporus(5 × 104spores ml−1) intravenously. Mice were treated with PSC (40 mg kg−1 day−1by gavage) or G‐CSF (300 μg kg−1 day−1subcutaneously) or with the combination of PSC and G‐CSF. The fungal burden was assessed by culturing the brain, liver, kidneys and lungs. Blood levels of PSC were measured by high performance liquid chromatography. The survival rates were 33%, 27% and 31% for PSC‐treated‐, G‐CSF‐treated‐ and PSC + G‐CSF‐treated mice, respectively, as compared to 18% for the controls (P = NS). PSC monotherapy and combination therapy significantly reduced the fungal burden in the kidneys, but not in the rest of the organs. Combination therapy was not superior to PSC monotherapy in terms of either survival or reduction in fungal burden. Serum concentrations of PSC were well‐above the MIC of PSC for the particular isolate. PSC monotherapy has a modest efficacy againstR. microsporusin reducing fungal burden in neutropaenic mice. Combining G‐CSF with PSC does not substantially affect the antifungal activity of PSC.
What do we know about Candida guilliermondii? A voyage throughout past and current literature about this emerging yeast
Authors: Savini Vincenzo , Catavitello Chiara , Onofrillo Daniela , Masciarelli Gioviana , Astolfi Daniela , Balbinot Andrea , Febbo Fabio , D’Amario Claudio , D’Antonio Domenico 
Published: October 2010

SummaryCandida guilliermondii is an uncommon isolate throughout most of the world, the behaviour of which as an environmental fungus, a human saprophyte and an agent of serious infections has been emphasised over the years. Notably, illnesses caused by this pathogen mostly involve compromised cancer hosts and commonly lead patients to unfavourable outcomes. It is of concern that the yeast may acquire or inherently express reduced in vitro sensitivity to all antifungal classes, although widespread resistance has not yet been described, and poor correlation exists between MICs and clinical outcome. However, the organism appears as constitutively less susceptible to polyenes and echinocandins than other yeast‐like fungi, so that the emergence of such pathogen in the clinical settings is of concern and may appear as a new challenge in the context of mycoses and antifungal therapy.