bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cannabinoid receptor expression in HIV encephalitis and HIV‐associated neuropathologic comorbidities
Authors: Cosenza‐Nashat M. A. , Bauman A. , Zhao M.‐L. , Morgello S. , Suh H.‐S. , Lee S. C. 
Published: March 2011

M. A. Cosenza‐Nashat, A. Bauman, M.‐L. Zhao, S. Morgello, H.‐S. Suh and S. C. Lee (2011) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology37, 464–483 Cannabinoid receptor expression in HIV encephalitis and HIV‐associated neuropathologic comorbidities Aims: Cannabinoids have been proposed for treating various neurodegenerative disorders and as adjunct therapy for HIV+ patients with neurologic sequelae. The expression of cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) has been reported in neurodegenerative diseases and in simian immunodeficiency virus encephalitis, yet the receptor expression in the central nervous system of HIV+ individuals is not known. Methods: An anti‐CB1 antibody and two anti‐CB2 antibodies were employed for immunohistochemistry in the cerebral cortex and white matter of HIV encephalitis (HIVE) and HIV‐associated comorbidities, as well as control brains (HIV− and HIV+). Results: By quantitative image analysis, we observed that CB1 was increased in HIVE brains and those with comorbidities, while CB2 was significantly increased in the white matter of HIVE. Morphologically, CB1 was present in neurones, and both CB1 and CB2 were present in meningeal macrophages and subpial glia in all brains. In HIVE, CB1 was found in white matter microglia and perivascular cells, while CB2 was increased in microglia, astrocytes and perivascular macrophages. Double immunofluorescence with cell‐specific markers and immunoblots on primary cultured microglia and astrocytes substantiated the glial localization of the cannabinoid receptors and specificity of the antibodies. Conclusions: Our study indicates that cannabinoid receptor expression occurs in glia in HIVE brains, and this may have ramifications for the potential use of cannabinoid ligands in HIV‐infected patients.
The microRNA miR393 re‐directs secondary metabolite biosynthesis away from camalexin and towards glucosinolates
Authors: Robert‐Seilaniantz Alexandre , MacLean Dan , Jikumaru Yusuke , Hill Lionel , Yamaguchi Shinjiro , Kamiya Yuji , Jones Jonathan D. G. 
Published: April 2011

Summaryflg22 treatment increases levels of miR393, a microRNA that targets auxin receptors. Over‐expression of miR393 renders plants more resistant to biotroph pathogens and more susceptible to necrotroph pathogens. In contrast, over‐expression of AFB1, an auxin receptor whose mRNA is partially resistant to miR393 degradation, renders the plant more susceptible to biotroph pathogens. Here we investigate the mechanism by which auxin signalling and miR393 influence plant defence. We show that auxin signalling represses SA levels and signalling. We also show that miR393 represses auxin signalling, preventing it from antagonizing SA signalling. In addition, over‐expression of miR393 increases glucosinolate levels and decreases the levels of camalexin. Further studies on pathogen interactions in auxin signalling mutants revealed that ARF1 and ARF9 negatively regulate glucosinolate accumulation, and that ARF9 positively regulates camalexin accumulation. We propose that the action of miR393 on auxin signalling triggers two complementary responses. First, it prevents suppression of SA levels by auxin. Second, it stabilizes ARF1 and ARF9 in inactive complexes. As a result, the plant is able to mount a full SA response and to re‐direct metabolic flow toward the most effective anti‐microbial compounds for biotroph resistance. We propose that miR393 levels can fine‐tune plant defences and prioritize resources.
Members of the RKD transcription factor family induce an egg cell‐like gene expression program
Authors: Kőszegi Dávid , Johnston Amal J. , Rutten Twan , Czihal Andreas , Altschmied Lothar , Kumlehn Jochen , Wüst Samuel E. J. , Kirioukhova Olga , Gheyselinck Jacqueline , Grossniklaus Ueli , Bäumlein Helmut 
Published: April 2011

SummaryIn contrast to animals, the life cycle of higher plants alternates between a gamete‐producing (gametophyte) and a spore‐producing (sporophyte) generation. The female gametophyte of angiosperms consists of four distinct cell types, including two gametes, the egg and the central cell, which give rise to embryo and endosperm, respectively. Based on a combined subtractive hybridization and virtual subtraction approach in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), we have isolated a class of transcription factors not found in animal genomes, the RKD (RWP‐RK domain‐containing) factors, which share a highly conserved RWP‐RK domain. Single‐cell RT‐PCR revealed that the genes TaRKD1 and TaRKD2 are preferentially expressed in the egg cell of wheat. The Arabidopsis genome contains five RKD genes, at least two of them, AtRKD1 and AtRKD2, are preferentially expressed in the egg cell of Arabidopsis. Ectopic expression of the AtRKD1 and AtRKD2 genes induces cell proliferation and the expression of an egg cell marker. Analyses of RKD‐induced proliferating cells exhibit a shift of gene expression towards an egg cell‐like transcriptome. Promoters of selected RKD‐induced genes were shown to be predominantly active in the egg cell and can be activated by RKD in a transient protoplast expression assay. The data show that egg cell‐specific RKD factors control a transcriptional program, which is characteristic for plant egg cells.
Severe α‐1 antitrypsin deficiency caused by Q0Ourém allele: clinical features, haplotype characterization and history
Authors: Vaz Rodrigues L , Costa F , Marques P , Mendonça C , Rocha J , Seixas S 
Published: April 2011

Vaz Rodrigues L, Costa F, Marques P, Mendonça C, Rocha J, Seixas S. Severe α‐1 antitrypsin deficiency caused by Q0Ourém allele: clinical features, haplotype characterization and history.α‐1 Antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) caused by null alleles is associated with the total lack of protein and generally it translates into more severe clinical features of pulmonary disease. This is the case of Q0Ourém, a rare variant found in several families of Central Portugal caused by the L353fsX376 mutation. A total of 41 patients carrying at least one copy of Q0Ourém were evaluated for SERPINA1 levels, respiratory function values and lung parenchyma status (chest X‐ray and computerized tomography scan). Q0Ourém haplotype background was characterized using seven microsatellites flanking SERPINA1 and Q0Ourém age was estimated by a statistical method relying on the decay of haplotype sharing at linked markers (DHSMAP).Homozygous patients showed a compromised lung function and extensive emphysema. SQ0Ourém, although having serum levels below the 11 µM threshold, did not necessarily result in signs of disease. MQ0Ourém were found to be a heterogeneous group, mainly composed of normal individuals. Eight Q0Ourém haplotypes were identified and the allele was estimated to have arisen 650 years ago. Q0Ourém was associated with mild to severe AATD and has a single origin, probably linked to the major Ourém settlements where the occurrence of severe AATD may not be explained by recent consanguinity.
60Co‐γ radiation induces differential acetylation and phosphorylation of histones H3 and H4 in wheat
Authors: Raut V. V. , Sainis J. K. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractHistone modifications occur during DNA damage and repair in eukaryotes. These modifications were analysed in wheat seedlings exposed to 60Co‐γ radiation. Seedling height was not significantly affected in the first 2 days after irradiation up to 150 Gy. Subsequently, in the next 2 weeks, there was 30–40% reduction in seedling height, indicating that there were late effects of irradiation. The histones isolated from irradiated seedlings were analysed in the initial stages for modifications of H3 and H4 using antibodies. Global acetylation of H3 decreased and H4 increased in a dose‐dependent manner till 100 Gy. The time course of individual modifications showed that for H3K4 and H3K9, acetylation decreased, whereas for H3S10 phosphorylation increased. There were fluctuations in acetylation of H4K5, H4K12 and H4K16, whereas H4K8 showed hyper‐acetylation. The results indicate that γ radiation induced DNA damage and repair in wheat seedlings and initiated differential acetylation of H3 and H4. This is the first report in plants on site‐specific H3 and H4 modifications in response to exposure to ionizing radiation.
Initial Lung Lesions in Two Calves Experimentally Infected with Haemophilus somnus
Authors: Tegtmeier C. , Bloch B. , Jensen N. E. , Jensen H. E. 
Published: March 2011

SummaryThe initial lung lesions in two calves intrabronchially inoculated with Haemophilus somnus are described. The animals were euthanized within 7 h after challenge. The in situ location of H. somnus and accompanying lesions were examined by light microscopy, immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).Inoculation with H. somnus resulted in the development of acute pulmonary lesions within 3.5 h. H. somnus antigen was demonstrated only within the luminal spaces of the airways and in one area of bronchio‐associated lymphoid tissue (BALT). As observed by TEM, the bacteria were phagocytized by both neutrophils and alveolar macrophages. Antigen was never demonstrated in the pulmonary intravascular macrophages.
Patterns of Seroconversion to Aujeszky's Disease Virus in Unvaccinated Chronically Infected Swedish Weaner Pig‐Producing Herds
Authors: Engel M. , Wierup M. , Novén B. 
Published: March 2011

SummaryThis study was carried out in nine unvaccinated Swedish weaner pig‐producing herds, ranging in size from 20 to 134 breeding animals, which had experienced a previous outbreak of Aujeszky's disease (AD) and in which seropositive sows were still present. The objective was to quantify the seroconversion rate to Aujeszky's disease virus (ADV) in breeding animals and to find out whether unvaccinated herds could become free from ADV by using only seronegative animals for replacement. Serum samples were initially obtained from all adult pigs in the herds. Animals testing negative, as well as replacement animals, were subsequently tested every second or third month and the herds were followed for 10–28 months. The herd owners were advised to keep seropositive and seronegative animals separate whenever possible and to implement sanitary measures against the reintroduction of the virus into the herds.All herds experienced long consecutive periods (≥ 4 months, median 9 months) without seroconversion. Three herds became free from ADV during the serological study; in two of these herds no seroconversion was observed. In those seven herds where seroconversion occurred, between 9 and 86% of the susceptible pigs became infected. The reinfection was indicative of the reactivation of latent virus in all herds but two, where the reintroduction of the virus was most likely. The pattern of seroconversion was either sporadic, involving not more than three animals at a time, or epidemic, involving a large proportion of the susceptible animals in the herd. Severe clinical outbreaks hit the two largest herds and these only became ADV‐free after the conclusion of the study when vaccine was used, which reduced the incidence of seroconversion to zero. The results from the present study show that it is possible for smaller herds to achieve freedom from ADV without any radical control methods, provided that only ADV‐free replacement animals are used and the virus is not reintroduced. Moreover, the finding that long periods can elapse without transmission suggests that when infection is discovered in a herd, the risk of massive spread is not necessarily imminent.
Comparison of Agar Gel Immunodiffusion Test, Enzyme‐linked Immunosorbent Assay and Western Blotting for the Detection of BLV Antibodies
Authors: Dolz G. , Moreno E. 
Published: March 2011

SummaryAn indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the diagnosis of bovine leukaemia virus (BLV) infection was developed and compared with the agar gel immunodiffusion test (AGIDT). Western blotting (WB) was used as confirmatory test. ELISA and AGIDT had specificities that were comparable with that of WB, however, ELISA showed a higher sensitivity than AGIDT. The ELISA was useful for screening a large number of samples, whereas WB was important for detecting the antibody response against the individual BLV‐proteins. Different types of positive serological reactions were discerned in WB, that correlated with reactions of sera in AGIDT and ELISA. The most important antigen in WB and ELISA was the BLV protein p24, whereas the BLV glycoproteins gp51 and gp30 were of special importance in AGIDT. The relevance of repeatedly testing the antibody response in BLV‐infected herds for control and eradication programmes using assays with higher sensitivity than AGIDT was demonstrated.
Longitudinal Study on the Susceptibility to Bacteriophages of Staphylococcus aureus Strains Isolated from Dairy Farms in Trinidad
Authors: Adesiyun A. A. , Romain H. T. 
Published: March 2011

SummaryA 6‐month longitudinal study was conducted on 30 dairy cows in early lactation and their human handlers on six farms across Trinidad. Weekly samples of bulk milk, composite milk and anterior nares and hand swabs from human handlers were collected and cultured for Staphylococcus aureus on Baird‐Parker agar (BPA). The susceptibility of S. aureus strains to bacteriophages and the relatedness of strains isolated over the study period were determined. Sixty‐three (51.2%) of 123 strains of S. aureus from bulk milk were typable compared with 111 (57.3%) of 194 and 82 (61.7%) of 133 strains isolated from composite milk and human handlers, respectively. The differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05; χ2). Bovine phage 42D lysed 3.3% (4 of 123), 16.5% (32 of 194) and 12.0% (16 of 133) of S. aureus strains isolated from bulk milk, composite milk and human handlers, respectively. The differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001; χ2). Amongst bulk milk isolates of S. aureus, 35 (31.8%) of 110 exhibited relatedness in 11 groups based on their phage patterns and groups. The mean maximum interval between the first and last detection of related S. aureus strains in a group was 11.5 ± 7.3 weeks. Amongst composite milk strains of S. aureus, 23 (46.0%) of 50, 25 (62.5%) of 40 and 22 (53.7%) of 41 exhibited relatedness on farms IB 2, IB 27 and IC 23, respectively, but the differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05; χ2). On farm IB 2, five groups of related strains of S. aureus were detected with a mean maximum interval of detection of 18.2 ± 8.5 weeks compared to farm IB 27 where five groups of related strains were also observed but with an interval of 13.8 ± 8.2 weeks. On farm IC 23, a total of seven groups of related S. aureus strains were detected with a mean interval of 8.0 ± 5.5 weeks. For human strains of S. aureus from farm IB 2, nine (56.3%) of 16 strains isolated from anterior nares exhibited relatedness in three groups with a mean maximum interval of 13.3 ± 4.7 weeks compared to four (25.0%) of 16 hand swab isolates which exhibited relatedness in two groups with mean interval of detection of 11.0 ± 1.4 weeks. The differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05; χ2). On farm IB 27, for anterior nares isolates, eight (72.7%) of 11 exhibited relatedness in two groups with a mean maximum interval of detection of 20.5 ± 2.1 weeks compared to hand swab isolates, with six (50.0%) of 12 showing relatedness in two groups and a mean interval of 10.5 ± 2.1 weeks.It was concluded that dairy cows and their human handlers carried particular strains of S. aureus at various sites for extended periods, which served as continuous sources of contamination of milk and may play a significant role in the occurrence of subclinical mastitis, with an obvious economic impact.
Effects of recombinant human endostatin on peritoneal angiogenesis in peritoneal dialysis rats
Authors: ZHAO ZHAN‐ZHENG , CAO YING , LIU ZHANG‐SUO , XIAO JING , TANG LIN , WANG PEI , LIANG XIAN‐HUI 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT:Aim:  To investigate the effects of recombinant human endostatin (Endostar) on peritoneum angiogenesis in a model of dialysate exposure in rats.Methods:  Forty male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomized to five groups: normal (group 1); uraemia (group 2); 4.25% peritoneal dialysate (PD) uraemic (group 3); uraemia + PD + recombinant human endostatin 10 mg/kg PD (group 4); and uraemia + PD + recombinant human endostatin 40 mg/kg PD (group 5). The uraemic rats model was established by 5/6 nephrectomy. Endostatin was administrated by s.c. injection every other day, over 28 days. After 28 days of PD fluid exposure, immunohistochemistry and reverse transcript polymerase chain reaction were used to detect protein and mRNA expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in each group. Microvessel density (MVD) was measured by immunohistochemistry.Results:  Compared with group 1, the mRNA and protein expressions of VEGF and bFGF were significantly upregulated in groups 2 and 3 (P < 0.05). Compared with group 3, the mRNA and protein expressions of VEGF and bFGF were significantly downregulated in groups 4 and 5 (P < 0.05). Compared with group 4, the mRNA and protein expressions of VEGF and bFGF were significantly downregulated in group 5 (P < 0.05). Compared with group 1, MVD was significantly upregulated in groups 2 and 3 (P < 0.05). Compared with group 3, MVD was significantly downregulated in groups 4 and 5 (P < 0.05).Conclusion:  Endostar can effectively inhibit rat peritoneum neoangiogenesis and the effect was dose‐dependent.
Current and emerging antiglycaemic pharmacological therapies: The renal perspective
Authors: SHARIF ADNAN 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTDiabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease are two major global epidemics, with a significant overlap of patients with concomitant problems. Therapeutic guidelines for the treatment of diabetes mellitus are continuously updated to reflect the growing armamentarium of antiglycaemic agents at the disposal of clinicians. However, they rarely focus on the significant caveats and limitations associated with pharmacological delivery of glucose‐lowering treatment in the context of advancing kidney disease or in the presence of a renal allograft. Proposed consensus algorithms for the treatment of hyperglycaemia may not be appropriate for individuals with coexisting renal disease and it is imperative to ensure nephrologists maintain a thorough understanding of the limitations of antiglycaemic treatments in the presence of renal insufficiency or a renal allograft. The purpose of this review is to highlight the range of glucose‐lowering therapies at the disposal of the clinician, both currently available and in development, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these pharmacological agents from a renal perspective. A tailored and individualized approach to treatment of diabetes mellitus in the context of renal disease is essential to maintain optimum care and this article should act as a supplement to existing guidelines and treatment algorithms.
Inactivation of O6‐methyguanine‐DNA methyltransferase by promoter hypermethylation: Association of epithelial ovarian carcinogenesis in specific histological types
Authors: Roh Hyun‐Jin , Suh Dong‐Soo , Choi Kyung‐Un , Yoo Hang‐Jo , Joo Won‐Deok , Yoon Man‐Soo 
Published: March 2011

AbstractAim:  The aim of this study was to evaluate O6‐methyguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter hypermethylation, MGMT expression and microsatellite instability (MSI), as well as to elucidate their correlation with clinical and pathological parameters in epithelial ovarian cancer.Methods:  Ovarian cancer tissue specimens (n = 86) were obtained after a staging operation. The MGMT gene was investigated by methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) and MGMT expression status was analyzed using immunohistochemistry. MSI status was examined by the fluorescence‐based PCR using five National Cancer Institute markers.Results:  Negative MGMT expression was detected in 12 of 86 (14.0%) epithelial ovarian cancers. In 34 cases where MSP results were available, MGMT promoter hypermethylation was detected in five cases (14.7%) with mucinous or clear cell carcinomas, but not in any of other histological types (P = 0.031). Five out of six cases with negative MGMT expression showed MGMT promoter hypermethylation, whereas all of the 28 cases that retained expression of MGMT were unmethylated at the MGMT CpG island (P < 0.001). In 41 cases of MSI results available, seven (17.1%) cases showed MSI‐H‐phenotyped. Both MGMT promoter hypermethylation and negative MGMT expression were noted only in cases of mucinous or clear cell carcinoma in which MSI status were mostly MSS‐phenotyped; however, no significant correlation was found between MSI status and clinicopathological parameters.Conclusions:  Negative MGMT expression was significantly correlated with MGMT promoter hypermethylation in MSS‐phenotyped tumors of mucinous or clear cell carcinoma. The results suggest that MGMT promoter hypermethylation might be associated with epithelial ovarian carcinogenesis in specific histological types.
Fetal therapy of severe symptomatic toxoplasmosis using azithromycin
Authors: Tamaru Shunsuke , Kikuchi Akihiko , Takagi Kimiyo , Wakamatsu Masao , Horikoshi Tsuguhiro , Ogiso Yoshifumi 
Published: March 2011

AbstractSevere symptomatic fetal toxoplasmosis rarely occurs after the maternal primary infection of Toxoplasma gondii. We herein report our experience of fetal therapy of symptomatic toxoplasmosis using azithromycin. Ultrasound assessment at 23 weeks' gestation revealed fetal ascites, cardiac effusion, cardiomegaly, enlarged lateral ventricles and thickened placenta. Serum Toxoplasma gondii antibody titer was ×81 920. Toxoplasma immunoglobulin M was 2.4 index (normal, <0.8 index), and immunoglobulin G was ≥240 IU/mL (normal, <6 IU/mL). Maternal oral administration of azithromycin in addition to sulfadoxine, pyrimethamine and acetylspiramycin was conducted. Spontaneous vaginal delivery occurred at 32 weeks and a male infant weighing 2036 g was born. Hepatosplenomegaly, chorioretinitis, hydrocephalus, intracranial calcifications, ascites, and meningitis were confirmed after birth. The infant underwent therapy with pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine. It seems imperative to establish a new drug choice for fetal therapy of severe symptomatic toxoplasmosis in order to reduce the maternal and fetal risks of drug side‐effects.
Two cases of angular pregnancy complicated by preterm labor and placental abruption at mid‐pregnancy
Authors: Kwon Ji Young , Hwang Seong Jin , Shin Jae Eun , Yoon Won Sik , Shin Jong Chul , Park In Yang 
Published: March 2011

AbstractAngular pregnancy is the rare condition in which the gestational sac is implanted in the lateral angle of the uterine cavity. There have been several reports on angular pregnancies; however, due to a lack of clinical understanding, angular pregnancy does not appear to be recognized as a clinical entity and many cases are likely to go undiagnosed. This report involves two women with angular pregnancies: one had placenta abruption and the other had preterm delivery at mid‐trimester and postpartum endometritis. The former was diagnosed early with Three‐dimensional sonography, but the other was not diagnosed until the time of cesarean section. This is the first report on the sonographic diagnosis of angular pregnancy. Through these cases, we emphasize the benefit of an accurate early diagnosis of angular pregnancy and careful prenatal care because of the possible risk of adverse perinatal outcome.