bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RhCE protein variants in Southwestern Germany detected by serologic routine testing
Authors: Bugert Peter , Scharberg Erwin A. , Geisen Christof , Zabern Inge von , Flegel Willy A. 
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND: Variant RHCE alleles with diminished expression of C, c, E, and e antigens have been described and indicate the genetic diversity of this gene locus in several populations. In this study the molecular background of variant RhCE antigens identified by standard serologic routine testing in German blood donors and patients was determined.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Samples from blood donors and patients were routinely analyzed for RhCE phenotype using the PK7200 analyzer with two sets of monoclonal anti‐C, ‐c, ‐E, and ‐e reagents. Samples with confirmed variant RhCE antigens were analyzed by nucleotide sequencing of the 10 RHCE exons. A multiplex polymerase chain reaction with sequence‐specific priming (PCR‐SSP) method was established for rapid typing of the rare RHCE alleles.RESULTS: We identified 43 samples with serologic RhCE variants. Molecular analysis revealed variant RHCE alleles in 34 samples. Altogether 22 RHCE alleles were detected; 10 have not been published before. Twenty alleles harbored distinct single‐nucleotide substitutions, 18 of which encoded amino acid changes and 2 of which occurred in noncoding regions. Two samples represented RHCE‐D‐CE hybrid alleles involving different segments of the RHCE Exon 5. A multiplex PCR‐SSP screening for 17 RHCE alleles was negative in 1344 samples of the DNA bank GerBS. The cumulative phenotype frequency was estimated between 1 in 488 (0.20%) and 1 in 8449 (0.012%).CONCLUSION: Single‐amino‐acid substitutions were the molecular basis for variant RhCE antigen expression in most samples. Nucleotide substitutions in RHCE exons were excluded as possible mechanism of diminished RhCE antigen expression in one‐fifth of the serologically identified samples.
Differential Effects of EGFR Ligands on Endocytic Sorting of the Receptor
Authors: Roepstorff Kirstine , Grandal Michael Vibo , Henriksen Lasse , Knudsen Stine Louise Jeppe , Lerdrup Mads , Grøvdal Lene , Willumsen Berthe Marie , Van Deurs Bo 
Published: May 2009

Endocytic downregulation is a pivotal mechanism turning off signalling from the EGF receptor (EGFR). It is well established that whereas EGF binding leads to lysosomal degradation of EGFR, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐α causes receptor recycling. TGF‐α therefore leads to continuous signalling and is a more potent mitogen than EGF. In addition to EGF and TGF‐α, five EGFR ligands have been identified. Although many of these ligands are upregulated in cancers, very little is known about their effect on EGFR trafficking. We have compared the effect of six different ligands on endocytic trafficking of EGFR. We find that, whereas they all stimulate receptor internalization, they have very diverse effects on endocytic sorting. Heparin‐binding EGF‐like growth factor and Betacellulin target all EGFRs for lysosomal degradation. In contrast, TGF‐α and epiregulin lead to complete receptor recycling. EGF leads to lysosomal degradation of the majority but not all EGFRs. Amphiregulin does not target EGFR for lysosomal degradation but causes fast as well as slow EGFR recycling. The Cbl ubiquitin ligases, especially c‐Cbl, are responsible for EGFR ubiquitination after stimulation with all ligands, and persistent EGFR phosphorylation and ubiquitination largely correlate with receptor degradation.
Rapid Recovery of Biomass, Species Richness, and Species Composition in a Forest Chronosequence in Northeastern Costa Rica
Authors: Letcher Susan G. , Chazdon Robin L. 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTSecondary forests are a vital part of the tropical landscape, and their worldwide extent and importance continues to increase. Here, we present the largest chronosequence data set on forest succession in the wet tropics that includes both secondary and old‐growth sites. We performed 0.1 ha vegetation inventories in 30 sites in northeastern Costa Rica, including seven old‐growth forests and 23 secondary forests on former pastures, ranging from 10 to 42 yr. The secondary forest sites were formerly pasture for intervals of <1–25 yr. Aboveground biomass in secondary forests recovered rapidly, with sites already exhibiting values comparable to old growth after 21–30 yr, and biomass accumulation was not impacted by the length of time that a site was in pasture. Species richness reached old‐growth levels in as little as 30 yr, although sites that were in pasture for > 10 yr had significantly lower species richness. Forest cover near the sites at the time of forest establishment did not significantly impact biomass or species richness, and the species composition of older secondary forest sites (>30 yr) converged with that of old growth. These results emphasize the resilience of tropical ecosystems in this region and the high conservation value of secondary forests.
Impact of Flooding on the Species Richness, Density and Composition of Amazonian Litter‐Nesting Ants
Authors: Mertl Amy L. , Ryder Wilkie Kari T. , Traniello James F. A. 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTLitter‐nesting ants are diverse and abundant in tropical forests, but the factors structuring their communities are poorly known. Here we present results of the first study to examine the impact of natural variation in flooding on a highly diverse (21 genera, 77 species) litter‐nesting ant community in a primary Amazonian forest. Fifty‐six 3 × 3 m plots experiencing strong variation in flooding and twenty‐eight 3 × 3 m terra firme plots were exhaustively searched for litter‐nesting ants to determine patterns of density, species richness and species composition. In each plot, flooding, litter depth, twig availability, canopy cover, plant density, percent soil nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorus were measured. Degree of flooding, measured as flood frequency and flood interval, had the strongest impact on ant density in flooded forest. Flooding caused a linear decrease in ant abundance, potentially due to a reduction of suitable nesting sites. However, its influence on species richness varied: low‐disturbance habitat had species richness equal to terra firme forest after adjusting for differences in density. The composition of ant genera and species varied among flood categories; some groups known to contain specialist predators were particularly intolerant to flooding. Hypoponera STD10 appeared to be well‐adapted to highly flooded habitat. Although flooding did not appear to increase species richness or abundance at the habitat scale, low‐flooding habitat contained a mixture of species found in the significantly distinct ant communities of terra firme and highly flooded habitat.
The Effect of Rain Forest Canopy Architecture on the Distribution of Epiphytic Ferns (Asplenium spp.) in Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: Fayle Tom M. , Chung Arthur Y. C. , Dumbrell Alex J. , Eggleton Paul , Foster William A. 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTEpiphytic plants are a dominant component of the rain forest canopy biota. They represent a significant proportion of canopy plant biomass and diversity, play a key role in nutrient cycling, and support highly abundant and diverse animal communities. Understanding the factors affecting their distribution in this three‐dimensional habitat is consequently of great importance, not least because they may be particularly vulnerable to climate change and habitat conversion. Here we investigate how canopy architecture affects the distribution of two species of bird's nest fern (Asplenium spp.) in pristine rain forest. Both species were found at high abundances (Asplenium phyllitidis: 136/ha, SE ± 31.6, Asplenium nidus: 44/ha, SE ± 9.2) and their distributions were differentially affected by canopy architecture. Asplenium phyllitidis was found only at heights < 30 m in areas with a thicker lower canopy layer. Asplenium nidus was found at all heights in the canopy and was associated with emergent trees and areas with an open understory. Larger A. phyllitidis were found higher in the canopy while larger A. nidus were found on trunks and branches with a wider diameter. Asplenium nidus seems adapted to withstand the hot dry conditions in the upper canopy and in gaps, and its size is consequently limited only by the size of its support. Asplenium phyllitidis is dominant in areas that are cooler and damper, and so the growth rate of individuals may be limited by light levels. We discuss possible implications of this partitioning for epiphyte communities in the face of climate change and habitat conversion.
DISCRIMINATION OF SOME TUNISIAN OLIVE OIL VARIETIES ACCORDING TO THEIR OXIDATIVE STABILITY, VOLATILES COMPOUNDS AND CHEMOMETRIC ANALYSIS
Authors: ISSAOUI MANEL , HASSINE KAOUTHER BEN , FLAMINI GUIDO , BRAHMI FATEN , CHEHAB HECHMI , AOUNI YOUSSEF , MECHRI BELIGH , ZARROUK MOKHTAR , HAMMAMI MOHAMED 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Oxidation stability is a key property of olive oil quality and is affected by different antioxidant compounds whose levels may be influenced by several factors such as cultivar and place of production. Polyphenols, carotenoids, chlorophylls, fatty acids levels and some volatiles were correlated to oxidative stability in olive oils in five samples studied. Total polyphenols and saturated to polyunsaturated fatty acids (and/or oleic to linoleic acid ratio) ratio were shown to be the major parameters in oil antioxidant stability, according to analysis of variance and principal component analysis. The hexanal/E‐2‐hexenal ratio is a very important indicator of the freshness of the oils and can estimate their oxidation degree. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe present study gives information about the importance and the variability of some Tunisian olive oil varieties in both their quality (high oxidative stability) and good organoleptic properties which could be appreciated by consumers.
EFFECTS OF DIETARY PLANT CEREBROSIDE ON GENE EXPRESSION IN THE LARGE INTESTINE OF 1,2‐DIMETHYLHYDRAZINE (DMH)‐TREATED MICE DETERMINED BY DNA MICROARRAY ANALYSIS
Authors: KINOSHITA MIKIO , AIDA KAZUHIKO , TOKUJI YOSHIHIKO , SUGAWARA TATSUYA , OHNISHI MASAO 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT The effects of dietary plant cerebroside on colon gene expression by DNA microarray analysis in 1,2‐dimethylhydrazine (DMH)‐treated mice were investigated. After 9 weeks of feeding with DMH, decreases and increases in the levels of expression of 110 and 145 genes were detected, respectively. Especially, the expression of Soggy‐1, which suppresses the Wnt signaling pathway, was increased, while that of Ras‐associated protein, which induces the mitogen‐activated protein (MAP)‐kinase pathway and is responsible for the development of aberrant crypt foci (ACF), was decreased. The results of the present study indicated that dietary cerebroside in DMH‐treated mice regulates the Wnt signaling and MAP‐kinase pathways, and prevents the development of ACF in the large intestine. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSDietary plant cerebroside increased expression of Soggy‐1 mRNA, which suppresses the Wnt signaling pathway, and decreased expression ofRas‐associated protein, which induces the MAP‐kinase pathway in 1,2‐dimethylhydrazine (DMH)‐treated mice. The results of the present study indicated that dietary cerebroside in DMH‐treated mice regulates the Wnt signaling and MAP‐kinase pathways, and prevents the development of aberrant crypt foci in the large intestine, thus being of potential use for nutraceutical applications.
Real‐time, once‐daily monitoring of symptoms and FEV1 in cystic fibrosis patients – A feasibility study using a novel device
Authors: Sarfaraz Sunny , Sund Zoe , Jarad Nabil 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackground and Aims:  We investigated feasibility and value of a real‐time electronic monitoring system adapted for early detection of cystic fibrosis (CF) pulmonary exacerbations (P Exs).Methods:  This was a 6‐month prospective study. Patients recorded once daily their symptom score and spirometry using an electronic diary. The data were sent daily to the research team in real time. P Ex was considered to be present when change in symptoms and lung function values met a preset criteria. Number of P Exs during the study was compared with a parallel period of the previous and of the following years.Results:  Only 19 patients (37.2%) completed recording that could be evaluated. A total of 53 P Exs were identified, 26 (49.0%) of which needed intravenous (IV) antibiotics. The number of total P Exs in the study year did not differ from the previous or the following year, but the number of courses of oral antibiotics was greater than those given during the previous year.Conclusion:  Remote daily monitoring of symptoms and spirometry had a poor uptake among CF patients. For those who completed the study, this method early detected P Exs that were treated with oral antibiotics that might otherwise required IV antibiotics.Please cite this paper as: Sarfaraz S, Sund Z and Jarad N. Real‐time, once‐daily monitoring of symptoms and FEV1 in cystic fibrosis patients – A feasibility study using a novel device. The Clinical Respiratory Journal 2010; 4: 74–82.
Isolation and characterization of 23 polymorphic microsatellite loci for a West Indian iguana (Cyclura pinguis) from the British Virgin Islands
Authors: LAU JENNIE , ALBERTS ALLISON C. , CHEMNICK LEONA G. , GERBER GLENN P. , JONES KENNETH C. , MITCHELL ADELE A. , RYDER OLIVER A. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractTwenty‐three polymorphic microsatellite markers were identified and characterized for Cyclura pinguis, a critically endangered species of lizard (Sauria: Iguanidae) native to Anegada Island in the British Virgin Islands. We examined variation at these loci for 39 C. pinguis, finding up to five alleles per locus and an average expected heterozygosity of 0.55. Allele frequency estimates for these microsatellite loci will be used to characterize genetic diversity of captive and wild C. pinguis populations and to estimate relatedness among adult iguanas at the San Diego Zoo that form the nucleus of a captive breeding programme for this critically endangered species.
p53 gene mutation and COX‐2 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Park Moon‐Il , Choi Song‐Yi , Na Sun‐Young , Kang Dae Young 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Backgroud and aim: We investigated the incidence of codon 249 mutation of p53 in hepatocelluar carcinoma (HCC) and the relation between cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) expression in HCC and survival of the patients. Methods: Forty‐one cases of HCC from 1988 to 2007 were retrieved from the files of department of pathology, Chungnam National University Hospital. We performed single strand confirmation polymorphism (SSCP) and direct DNA sequencing for detection of p53 mutation and immunohistochemical staining using monoclonal antibody to COX‐2. Results: SSCP and direct DNA sequencing revealed a p53 mutation at exon 7 in one of 41 cases (2.4%). The mutation was observed at codon 249 and consisted of a G–T transversion in the third position of this codon, resulting in an amino acid change from arginine to serine (missense mutation). Positive COX‐2 staining (score ≥ 100) was observed in thirty‐three of 41 cases (80.5%) and high score (score ≥ 200) in 15 of 41 (36.6%). The high‐score group showed a worse survival than the low‐score group (score < 200) in Fisher's exact test with confidence level at 90%. Conclusion: This is the first report on the existence of p53 codon 249 mutation of HCC in Korea.
Clinicopathological significance of cyclin A, p27 and Skp2 in ovarian epithelial tumors
Authors: Heo Jin Hyung , Kim Kwang Il , Lee Sun Young , Kim Tae Heon , Kang Haeyoun , An Hee Jung 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Background and aims: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the difference of immunophenotypes of cyclin A, skp2 and p27 in ovarian epithelial tumors and to determine the potential role of these molecules in ovarian cancer development and progression. Methods: Immunohistochemical staining for cyclin A, skp2 and p27 was performed using tissue microarray blocks that contained 211 ovarian epithelial tumors including 78 carcinomas (43 serous, 10 mucinous, 17 endometrioid, 8 clear cell), 73 borderline tumors (26 serous, 47 mucinous) and 60 benign tumors. Results: Cyclin A and skp2 overexpression were more frequently detected in malignant tumors of all histological subtype than in borderline and benign tumors except clear cell type (cyclin A: serous 77%; P < 0.0001, mucinous 40%; P < 0.0001, and endometrioid 59%; P < 0.0001, Skp2: serous 42%; P= 0.0004, mucinous 50%; P= 0.003, and endometrioid 59%; P= 0.0003). In addition, cyclin A expression was significantly associated with higher tumor grade (P= 0.034) and advanced clinical stages (P= 0.011). Loss of p27 expression was observed more frequently in the benign and borderline mucinous tuomors, but there is no statistically significant differences. Conclusions: Cyclin A and skp2 expression is related to the development of ovarian carcinomas. However, we could not find a significant alteration of p27 expression in ovarian adenocarcinomas.
Trypanocidal Activity of 8-Methyl-5′-{[(
Z
)-4-Aminobut-2-enyl]-(Methylamino)}Adenosine (Genz-644131), an Adenosylmethionine Decarboxylase Inhibitor
Authors: Bacchi Cyrus J. , Barker Robert H. , Rodriguez Aixa , Hirth Bradford , Rattendi Donna , Yarlett Nigel , Hendrick Clifford L. , Sybertz Edmund 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT

Genzyme 644131, 8-methyl-5′-{[(
Z
)-4-aminobut-2-enyl](methylamino)}adenosine, is an analog of the enzyme activated
S
-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (AdoMetDC) inhibitor and the trypanocidal agent MDL-7381, 5-{[(
Z
)-4-aminobut-2-enyl](methylamino)}adenosine. The analog differs from the parent in having an 8-methyl group on the purine ring that bestows favorable pharmacokinetic, biochemical, and trypanocidal activities. The compound was curative in acute
Trypanosoma brucei brucei
and drug-resistant
Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense
model infections, with single-dose activity in the 1- to 5-mg/kg/day daily dose range for 4 days against
T. brucei brucei
and 25- to 50-mg/kg twice-daily dosing against
T. brucei rhodesiense
infections. The compound was not curative in the TREU 667 central nervous system model infection but cleared blood parasitemia and extended time to recrudescence in several groups. This study shows that AdoMetDC remains an attractive chemotherapeutic target in African trypanosomes and that chemical changes in AdoMetDC inhibitors can produce more favorable drug characteristics than the lead compound.
Identifying Exposure Targets for Treatment of Staphylococcal Pneumonia with Ceftobiprole
Authors: Rodvold Keith A. , Nicolau David P. , Lodise Thomas P. , Khashab Mohammed , Noel Gary J. , Kahn James B. , Gotfried Mark , Murray Sara A. , Nicholson Susan , Laohavaleeson Somvadee , Tessier Pamela R. , Drusano G. L. 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT

Ceftobiprole is a cephalosporin with potent activity against methicillin (meticillin)-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA). In order to treat patients with severe staphylococcal pneumonia, it is important to understand the drug exposure required to mediate the killing of multiple log
10
cells in a preclinical-infection model. We measured drug exposure in terms of the percentage of penetration of the drug into epithelial lining fluid (ELF) and in terms of the time for which the drug concentration was above the MIC (time>MIC) in plasma and ELF. In a murine model of staphylococcal pneumonia, we demonstrated that ceftobiprole penetrated into ELF from the plasma at a median level of nearly 69% (25th to 75th percentile range, 25 to 187%), as indexed to the ratio of values for the area under the concentration-time curve in ELF and plasma. The total-drug times>MIC in ELF that were required to kill 1 log
10
and 2 log
10
CFU/g of lung tissue were 15% and 25% of the dosing interval. We also examined the penetration of ELF by ceftobiprole in volunteers, demonstrating mean and median penetration percentages of 25.5% and 15.3%, respectively (25th to 75th percentile range, 8 to 30%). Attainment rates were calculated for kill targets of 1 log
10
and 2 log
10
CFU/g, taken from the murine model, but using the volunteer ceftobiprole ELF penetration data. The standard dose for ceftobiprole is 0.5 g every 8 h as a 2-h infusion. The attainment rates remained above 90% for 1-log
10
and 2-log
10
CFU/g kill targets at MICs of 1 and 0.5 mg/liter, respectively. Taking the expectation over the distribution of ceftobiprole MICs for 4,958 MRSA isolates showed an overall target attainment of 85.6% for a 1-log
10
CFU/g kill and 79.7% for a 2-log
10
CFU/g kill. It is important to derive exposure targets in preclinical-infection models of the infection site so that these targets can be explored in clinical trials in order to optimize the probability of a good clinical outcome.
In Vitro Interactions between Antifungals and Immunosuppressive Drugs against Zygomycetes
Authors: Dannaoui Eric , Schwarz Patrick , Lortholary Olivier 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT
The in vitro interaction of antifungals with immunosuppressive drugs was evaluated against zygomycetes. The combination of amphotericin B with cyclosporine, rapamycin, or tacrolimus was synergistic for 90%, 70%, and 30% of the isolates, respectively. For posaconazole, itraconazole, and ravuconazole, synergy was more frequently observed with cyclosporine than with rapamycin or tacrolimus and antagonistic interactions were rarely noted. In summary, calcineurin inhibitors and rapamycin can be synergistic in vitro with amphotericin B and azoles against zygomycetes.
In Vitro and Murine Efficacy and Toxicity Studies of Nebulized SCC1, a Methylated Caffeine-Silver(I) Complex, for Treatment of Pulmonary Infections
Authors: Cannon Carolyn L. , Hogue Lisa A. , Vajravelu Ravy K. , Capps George H. , Ibricevic Aida , Hindi Khadijah M. , Kascatan-Nebioglu Aysegul , Walter Michael J. , Brody Steven L. , Youngs Wiley J. 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT

The expanding clinical challenge of respiratory tract infections due to resistant bacteria necessitates the development of new forms of therapy. The development of a compound composed of silver coupled to a methylated caffeine carrier (silver carbene complex 1 [SCC1]) that demonstrated in vitro efficacy against bacteria, including drug-resistant organisms, isolated from patients with respiratory tract infections was described previously. The findings of current in vitro studies now suggest that bactericidal concentrations of SCC1 are not toxic to airway epithelial cells in primary culture. Thus, it was hypothesized that SCC1 could be administered by the aerosolized route to concentrate delivery to the lung while minimizing systemic toxicity. In vivo, aerosolized SCC1 delivered to mice resulted in mild aversion behavior, but it was otherwise well tolerated and did not cause lung inflammation following administration over a 5-day period. The therapeutic efficacy of SCC1 compared to that of water was shown in a 3-day prophylaxis protocol, in which mice infected with a clinical strain of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
had increased survival, decreased amounts of bacteria in the lung, and a lower prevalence of bacteremia. Similarly, by using an airway infection model in which bacteria were impacted in the airways by agarose beads, the administration of SCC1 was significantly superior to water in decreasing the lung bacterial burden and the levels of bacteremia and markers of airway inflammation. These observations indicate that aerosolized SCC1, a novel antimicrobial agent, warrants further study as a potential therapy for bacterial respiratory tract infections.